Cities: Skylines II

load it up.
change the standard ear deafening sound to a reasonable level.
select a location.
ensure that it is on the correct traffic settings. (left)
proclaim the new city to be as new-Brexit.
game crashes about an hour in.
7/10
better than the new cod i guess

A good game but still needs time for multiple balance/bug fixes.
if you are a die hard cities skylines fan go ahead and buy it, if not stay away for a couple more months.

i am fully convinced that the game will reach the greatness of cities 1 but maybe in a year or so.

They should have waited 6 more months at least before they released it.

While this game does have its flaws. Most of them in my opinion are quality of life related. But, I would say this game is a massive step up from the first game and shows a lot of potential going down the road. There is far more attention to detail than the first game had ever given us.

Another paradox game with the paradox community getting their panties in a twist.

1.Is this game AAA polished? No. But it is 60% of the price (as much as that hurts to say that AAA games are hitting at £70).

2.Does the game have as much content at Cities Skyline? No. But it hasn't been supported for the best part of a decade and all the foundational systems are there for this game to be far better.

3. is the performance bad. Yes. But if you just turn the depth of field off (now hot-fixed) you get plenty of frames for it to be playable and this is priority no.1 for the developer.

In almost every sense this game is a reasonable step forward from the first instalment and I look forward to seeing where this one goes. Certainly there will be people who could play CS1 that will not be able to run CS2, but again, its been a decade.

Certainly worth the price at the moment, and only likely to get dividends on that as the game develops.

Simple things like achievements are still bugged a month after release. The map terrains are completely unrealistic and difficult to build on. The map starts are also very unrealistic and quickly lead to problems. Also, the amount of natural resources is not great. This game still needs lots of improvements.

At this very moment it is more a promise as a complete game... and this is usually a very bad sign. Usually I would say, oh no, the game has been released in a very bad, untested and unfinished state... but it is Cities... sorry guy, can't say anything else than: You need to give them more time to finish the game. But it is fun, it is well made (and will be much better in about a year or so... if you read that at all, and you read it in June/July 2024 or later) ... it is a huge thumbs up from me. I do really hope they will not go complete nuts with DLCs like before... but hey... It is Paradox what we are talking here. A good game!

On an SSD it runs fine. Not great, but fine. A lot better than on an HDD for sure. Otherwise it's good, not great. It clearly needed a few more months in the oven, and is basically an early access game. But it's enjoyable all the same.

After spending over 2000 hours in Cities Skylines (the first one) I couldn't wait to play the new iteration. And I don't regret buying it. Sure, there is still a lot of room for improvement but what is implemented now can provide hours of entertainment.
When it comes to the performance I really can't complain with mostly 60 FPS,
The game looks beautiful.
Some animations should be added (eg. fireman really fighting fire, police policing, this kind of stuff).
Can't wait for official mod support. And more maps/editors.

However, if you don't have money to spend it is worth waiting for sale and for more fixes and improvements.

A lot that could be said and written here, but others have summed it up nicely. Performance, bugs, lack of content etc, but that will be sorted out eventually. My biggest complaint is that I don't find this a fun game to play, which is a much more serious problem in my mind. Not sure how to put this, but the game feels sterile, clinical, beige. Booted it up again today again, but realized after a few minutes that I really don't want to play this game again for now. As it's too late for a refund for me, I'll have to put my faith in the mod community to save this game.

It's a 6.5/10 game.

It's very bare bones but still manages to be a very decent game. You can achieve really cool stuff in this game even with the very lacking features that the inevitable mods will bring for us. There is bunch of new features and tools but not very many that we really asked for and if what we asked for is in the game its very bare bones and could just be that much better.

Performance of this game is good. I've had no issues with it. No crashes, no stutter, and very manageable FPS with cranked up settings when population gets to 100k+ . Fairly bug free experience.

It's not bad, it's not great and it's definitely not average either but it just was released too early.
So again, 6.5/10.

I don't have performance issues after all when I changed the settings, but I agree that it needs improvements for mid-tier PCs.

Good visuals, it has many good new functionalities. I miss bikes and mods alot from CS:1 and I'm waiting when these two things will be implemented.

For now, who hadn't bought yet, I'd suggest to wait.

It's fun in the beginning, but starts getting really tedious and boring once the city gets larger.

Even my friends who loved CS1 are not liking the game atm.

idk, maybe it'll get better with some patches like every game now a days.

I have had a few bugs here and there nothing game breaking or anything. This is going to be a great successor to CS1. Just road building mechanics alone make this a way smoother way to play over CS1. Look forward to the DLCs and updates in the future!

I really enjoyed the first game and I'm having fun with Cities 2. I miss a few features from the first game (like building large park areas) but I'm sure they'll get added again in time. I like that there are seasons and weather on all maps in this one and that water and power cables are automatically run beneath roads. It's little things like that that make city building in this game a lot nicer over the previous one and everything looks nice in the new engine. Also all the buildings are bigger and you just feel the scale of your city a lot more now. Overall I'm enjoying my time with the game.

Ok, so the game started out with a rocky launch with serious performance issues. HOWEVER, thanks to quick patches, the game is now more than playable. It's not 500fps, but it's a city builder, not a shooter. So many of the changes from Cities: Skylines I are great. Starting to miss mods a little, mostly nit-picky, quality-of-life stuff. Looking forward to the mod support getting added back in.
Overall, if you loved the first one, you will like this game.

i'm sorry but ive refrained from negative comments until this press release. In my honest opinion this game should've been released when you were confident it was stable. Instead you released a complete and utter ♥♥♥♥ show. now you are delaying the inevitable release ( Expansion Pack) of something i paid for not out of just money that i bust my ass for but you've taken my time, and here you are delaying that on top of trying to fix a game that should've never been released until you fixed it. you remind me of EA games.. nothing they ever released was done, the only difference between you and them.. their broken games we playable..

P.S. I even spent the money to upgrade my chip,ram and graphics card beyond your max specs

"If You Can Dream It, You Can Build It" - paradox/colossal advertising quote

How about "I you paid for it you should get it"

I think it's time to put my two cents in.

I REALLY wanted to love this game and after putting in this many hours, I can honestly say that I'm disappointed but not surprised.

The game market as a whole is flooded with low-quality "AAA" titles as they like to call themselves, and small indie companies with publishers are being pushed to launch incomplete products as 'Early Access' which in reality should be 'Nowhere near done, but give me money'.

My Experience:

At first, I was somewhat on the fence about the game, minus the performance issues everyone had/has been experiencing, I personally didn't experience anything that was obviously busted, or incomplete (Poor ignorant soul). Over time, as the patch notes were released more consistently, it became apparent that some of the things I considered 'features' or 'mechanics' were, in reality, incomplete or bugged parts of the game that were never resolved before release.

I no longer get the same excitement as I did when it was first released. I think to myself about how the only good thing about the game is that it opens and closes right, which likely isn't the case for everyone.

Pros:

Very little has significantly changed since CS1, but here are some things that are improved, although they may be incomplete or in need of fixes:

-Some of the modded content from CS1 found its way into standard CS2(bare minimum IMO)
-Budget panel and finances have been expanded upon a bit more, but could still use some work
-Ploppable upgrades to certain buildings similar to SimCity (appreciated but once again, somewhat lacking for some buildings or not there for ones you think would have them)
-More uses for resources and services
-Federal-level services that expand on city services

Cons:

I'm sure everyone has read through other reviews and has seen the extensive list of missing items or things that are just not it in this game, so I'll keep it to my own personal feelings and what I found annoying or lacking:

-Sims will ignore road/pedestrian regulations and walking paths, causing traffic and other issues. (Although 'realistic,' it really isn't necessary and honestly may even be a bug for what we know)
-Bugs, bugs, bugs, and more bugs.
-Half the structures you build don't even accomplish the task they are assigned effectively, even at over 100% efficiency
The economy is incredibly unstable. One moment you're positive, and the next you're negative with no clear indication of why
-Some DLC items from CS1 didn't even make an appearance in CS2, no industrial districts, universities are back to pre-DLC like CS1, basic pedestrian paths that still get driven on by cars, and the list goes on. For those of us who spent so much money on the first game, this is pretty much a slap in the face since we likely won't see these as free DLC in future updates

But here's $10 USD off the top for you being such a valued patron. *eye roll*

All in all, I can't recommend the game in its current state to anyone unless you like playing a game in weekly amounts like watching a TV show.

I don't even know if I would recommend it in the future as the lack of confidence and trust in the development of this game is exponential.

I wish they had delayed it further if needed or figured something out with their development. This game doesn't really scream years of work to me. It feels like a tacky knockoff of CS1 that capitalized on a few features and sold as a 'new game.'

It's really good, and it will only get better over time with the coming updates, mods, and DLCs. I have had almost zero issues with optimization on a 4k screen with mid-to-high tier hardware. You def need a good graphics card though if you want highest graphics settings

While the game has had a rough start from performance issues and no modding to start out. I still enjoy it because at it's core it is still the same city builder I loved playing and it has so many new features and it feels fresh and looks great. To those who can barely run the game I would say hang around until mods come out because I am sure there will be FPS mods for the game just like there was for the first game.

Coming from someone with over 500 hours in CSI I cannot say enough how different they feel. Key systems work entirely different yet achieve similar and innovative outcomes, it's barely a game at the moment in all fairness but what's there is quite the support structure. I see the game climbing hundreds of stories taller than where it sits now, yet even in it's current state I get sucked in for hours on end. Still it's not exactly all I would of hoped 85 dollars gets you.

Cities Skylines 2: The Next Chapter in City Simulation

Introduction

As an aficionado of the original Cities Skylines, the launch of its sequel was a momentous occasion. The promise of an evolved, more detailed city-building simulation was tantalizing, offering a new frontier in a genre I deeply admire.

Graphics and Presentation

Cities Skylines 2 is a visual marvel. The developers have infused an incredible level of detail into every aspect, from towering skyscrapers to bustling streets. The graphical enhancements contribute significantly to the immersive experience, though they come with hefty technical demands, requiring a robust system to fully appreciate their splendor.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Building upon its predecessor's foundations, Cities Skylines 2 offers enhanced simulations of urban dynamics. The economic and traffic systems are intricate, demanding a more thoughtful and strategic approach to city management. This depth adds layers of complexity and realism, offering a satisfying challenge to veterans and newcomers alike.

Soundtrack

The game's soundtrack remains a standout feature, echoing the engaging and atmospheric tunes of the first installment. It's a delightful auditory backdrop that complements the city-building experience, maintaining the series' legacy of captivating sound design.

Stability and Performance

However, the journey through Cities Skylines 2 is not without its turbulence. The game, in its current state, feels underdeveloped. The absence of mod support, a vital feature that extended the original's lifespan, is a noticeable omission. Regular bug fixes indicate a commitment to improvement, but the prevalence of glitches and technical issues can be a source of frustration.

Content and Longevity

In comparison to its richly packed predecessor, Cities Skylines 2 feels sparse. While it lays down a promising framework, it currently lacks the breadth of content that made the first game a genre-defining experience. The potential for growth is evident, but patience is required as the game evolves through updates and patches.

Conclusion

Cities Skylines 2 is a game brimming with potential, poised to redefine the standards of city-building simulations. However, it is a journey that's currently in progress, blending groundbreaking advancements with the growing pains of early development. For enthusiasts of the genre, it offers a glimpse into a promising future, but one must tread with an understanding of its current limitations and the commitment to evolve.

If you cherished the first game and are excited about what the future holds for city-building simulations, Cities Skylines 2 is worth your attention. Just be prepared for a journey that’s as much about witnessing evolution and improvement as it is about city-building.

Update:
Mod support is in the works and is expected to release in a future update.

After playing for a little while I can see where some gripes are deserved and where it isnt. Before that though, I thoroughly have enjoyed playing the vanilla version of this game. Simply jumping in and loading up one of the many maps and slowly learning about all the deep rich simulated city is great. Building and improving the city is smooth and the menus smoother.

You can see that there is room left for new assets to be added and features to be implemented in dlc most likely, but I enjoy this more at just a base game level than City Skylines first run at it.

Obviously the elephant in the room is releasing in poor optimizations and high computer requirements. Is it excusable no, but is there some understanding yes. It a similar story thanks to the consoles and companies pushing for release dates and cramming last second. I have experienced stutters, though not world ending, that do prove annoying. But as a lover of the game, I will gladly ignore all other reviews online and in store and gladly say if you meet the recommended requirements and love the first one, enjoy away. Otherwise I sadly say please wait for some patches and jump on in later.

It's been alright for the most part, there are some funky things here and there and the lag spikes a few times but for a game as revolutionary as this in terms of city builders I'd consider it a good purchase.

I am veteran City Builder and holding thousands hours under sleeves specifically on CS1, I was super duper happy, when heard about CS2 is coming out and advertised trails kind of over promising.
Nevertheless, I bought the game even after reading all negative comments.
Here my thoughts after playing about 7 hours.
Game graphics are really great, placing of the roads, has improved alot now I can built more realistic junctions witout any mods.
However my bigest complaint is lack of contents and assets. No quay, fence or shoreline assets or etc etc and etc . Plants are limited, stations or transport assets very, very weak that makes the game kind of SimCity 2 rather than new version of CS1.Yes thre is building upgrades but it does not looks like realistic either, again looks similar SC2.
About the Performance, I don't have issues so far may be because having very powerful gaming laptop but dont know yet how the performance could degrade when the city population that I am currently building reaches over 100K.
Mods are the most missing features and city building games without mods, like cooking a cake without sugar or chocolate.

So far I like the game. The Roads mechanics are really good, I have been able to make so cool on ramps and bridges. I do have the problem with not enough customers. not sure if that is me or the game since it is a known problem or was anyways.

I love the first CS but number two left me disappointed.
The graphics are nice and there are a bunch of new systems which could be a nice addition but there are too many things which don't work right and are noticeably buggy.
For a game in early access this would be fine but not for a "finished" game.

I like it... It definitely needs a lot of work as far as optimization goes (though they have improved performance since launch), and there are some stock mechanics that could use some tweaking / overhaul.

Reluctant recommend.

Will update review accordingly.

This game has great improvements however the fact that you don't have mods from day 1 is just ignorant of the developers and very insulting to those who have payed a fair amount for this. I am certain in time these issue will be resolved and we will striking up different tones regarding the state of this game however this is a beta game and although I believe this could've been less damaging if they had held off on the release I think allowing mods in to fill in the gaps just like with CS1 would have been a better course of action. If you are looking at this game and thinking of if you should buy it I would highly suggest waiting for a bit until at least they allow mods. I am somewhat worried they are going to ruin this like EA/Maxis ruined simcity however we will need to wait for that outcome.

If you like the first game, you'll enjoy this one too. It has the same feel as the original, but they improved on almost every part of the game play. The main downside right now is performance, so do be aware of that. Otherwise, it's a great game.

It's got a few interesting mechanics added to 2:

New zones, resource-based industrial areas w/o DLC, trams, etc.

The Graphics are beautiful, but only once you turn on the best antialiasing, which is off by default. Even then, unless I look directly overhead at my city, the roads flicker annoyingly. However, it's still stunning. And the low-level detail is there, you can follow people in your city, watch the cars. Very cool.

BUT the performance is less than stellar. I have a 4090 with a 13k i7 and 4 2TB NVMe M2 NAND SSDs. I was able to get to Megalopolis sized city (largest size, but I could have built a lot more in the space given me) and only then did it slow to a total crawl, so your mileage may vary. I also used full graphical quality. Now I understand that games should require hardware for the best visuals, but I have the best hardware imaginable. I don't think it's the graphics but rather the CPU processing of a large city, but perhaps not playing in 4k would be a great help

This game is flawed but great. I believe in time it will fully surpass the CS1+DLCS (disregarding the performance issues, I do think it is a better purchase then base game CS1)

The graphics (if your computer can get the higher settings) can look decent to stunning. I love the new realistic approach for the scale and design.
The new road system is fantastic, something I would spend 20 30+ minutes with mods in CS1 takes milliseconds now.
My biggest complaint is the lack of the systems from the Parks DLC for CS1 the ploppable parks just don't do it for me

Well, this is good! i know there is a performance issue but yeah like another paradox game there will be an update;
This game not perfect yet to become they ancestor but if yeah this game absolutely amazing! so far all the basic feature from cities skyline 1 you can get more in this basic cities skyline 2 :D
so far the best city build today!

So yes, the performance at launch isn't great. But the city building IS great. And I'm willing to turn down settings to have a great time building cities while the devs hammer out the performance issues.

Cities Skylines II lets you build bigger cities with better tools to build them. It's a really great foundation for the pile of mods and expansions we got in the first game. Connections to outside cities are more important and more useful, water and electricity are managed in a slightly more complex yet somehow easier to work with way, and you're much less likely to have a massive economic collapse or citizen die-off because one little thing went wrong with city services. It's somehow both more hardcore and more forgiving and I'm having a blast with it.

If your PC is underpowered, you may want to wait until the performance issues are hammered out. But if you have a decent rig and you're willing to put up with settings that don't all say "ultra" you'll find the fundamentals of a really great city building experience that's only going to get better with time.