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MONSTER

Cities: Skylines II

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Cities: Skylines II
Item: Cities: Skylines II
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresSimulation, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableOct 24, 2023

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperColossal Order

Overview

Create and manage your own city without restrictions. Offering a deep simulation and a living economy, Cities: Skylines II will challenge your decision-making skills and allow you to build the cities of your dreams. Get ready for a new epic scale in the most realistic city builder - ever.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Cities: Skylines II is receiving strong praise for its depth, complexity, and new features like power line burial and strategic zoning, making city management engaging for both new and veteran players. Critics highlight its intuitive gameplay but note issues like empty maps, bugs, and repetitive notifications that can hinder creativity. Overall, it’s a solid sequel that enhances the city-building experience despite some technical flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

90%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

10%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Cities: Skylines II has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, with many praising its depth and complexity. Reviewers from But Why Tho? and Checkpoint Gaming highlighted the introduction of new features such as burying power lines and meticulously planning zone development, which enhance the strategic elements of city management. Critics like Cubed3 and DualShockers noted the game's expanded systems, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful resource management and the ability to upgrade public services. The game also received accolades for its intuitive gameplay and user-friendly interface, as mentioned by TechRadar Gaming and TRG, making it accessible for both new and seasoned players. Overall, the gameplay experience is enriched by a variety of mechanics that allow for a more engaging and immersive city-building experience. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics pointed out notable shortcomings. Gameblog.fr raised concerns about empty maps and generic terrain tiles, which detract from the overall visual experience. Additionally, issues such as persistent bugs and cumbersome landscape manipulation were mentioned by GameMAG, indicating that technical problems could impact gameplay. Critics like GameCritics expressed that while the core gameplay loop has been streamlined, repetitive social media notifications could detract from personal expression and creativity in city management. Furthermore, GameSkinny highlighted some challenges with road management and zoning grids, suggesting that while the game has many improvements, it is not without its frustrations. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that Cities: Skylines II offers a robust and engaging gameplay experience, with many praising its depth, complexity, and new features. Reviewers like IGN and PC Gamer emphasized the improvements over its predecessor, showcasing a mix of gratifying gameplay mechanics and a wealth of customization options. While there are some criticisms regarding technical issues and certain gameplay elements, the majority of reviewers agree that the game successfully builds on its foundation, providing players with an enjoyable and immersive city-building experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Cities: Skylines II impresses with polished visuals, improved lighting, and detailed environments, earning praise for its immersive landscapes. However, it struggles with severe performance issues, including frame rate drops and texture problems, leading critics to label graphics as sometimes dull and outdated. Overall, while the game shows visual potential, technical shortcomings prevent it from fully meeting expectations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

74%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of Cities: Skylines II highlight several positive aspects that reviewers have noted. Many critics, such as Cubed3 and TheGamer, commend the game for its polished visuals, improved lighting, and detailed environments, which contribute to a more immersive experience. Reviewers like GameWatcher and Multiplayer.it also point out enhancements in geometry and reflections, suggesting a significant visual upgrade from its predecessor. The game’s ability to create impressive landscapes and skylines is frequently mentioned, with Checkpoint Gaming noting that the visuals are detailed and immersive, especially when viewed up close. Additionally, some critics like Screen Rant emphasize the sheer beauty of the game, particularly when cities are lit up at night, showcasing the potential for stunning visual moments. However, the reviews also reveal a range of negative sentiments regarding the game's graphics and overall performance. A common criticism is the game's struggle with optimization, with many reviewers, including God is a Geek and IGN, reporting performance issues such as frame rate drops, texture problems, and even freezing. Critics like Eurogamer Germany and Game Rant express disappointment over the lack of vibrancy and character in the graphics, describing them as dull or outdated compared to the previous installment. Furthermore, GameSkinny and PC Games highlight technical flaws that detract from the overall experience, such as jagged edges and blurry textures, which can undermine the visual appeal of the game. In summary, while Cities: Skylines II showcases impressive advancements in graphics and visual design, the overall consensus among critics indicates that performance issues and a lack of optimization significantly mar the experience. Reviewers like GGRecon and PCGamesN emphasize that despite the game’s visual improvements, the technical shortcomings prevent it from fully realizing its potential. The mixed feedback suggests that while there are moments of beauty and intricate design, the game may not meet the high expectations set by its predecessor due to its performance challenges and some design choices that lack vibrancy and character.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Cities: Skylines II boasts an immersive sound design and music, praised for its calming soundtrack and engaging radio features, enhancing the city-building experience. Critics celebrate elements like the Chirper and live reports, creating a vibrant atmosphere. However, some find the music and commentary repetitive and annoying, leading to mixed reviews. Overall, while the audio design shines for many, its divisive nature suggests room for improvement in future versions.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Cities: Skylines II have received a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's immersive audio landscape. Reviewers such as But Why Tho? and Checkpoint Gaming commend the return of signature elements like the Chirper and soothing music radio stations, which contribute to an authentic city atmosphere. Cubed3 notes the expansive soundscape that includes dynamic radio broadcasts and alerts, enhancing the player's experience as they build their cities. Game Informer appreciates the calming soundtrack reminiscent of Brian Eno's work, while Gamereactor UK praises the excellent voice acting and engaging live reports from the radio. These elements collectively create a vibrant and lively backdrop that many critics find enjoyable and fitting for the game's theme. However, not all feedback is positive, as several critics express dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the audio experience. Games.cz and God is a Geek specifically criticize the music and radio commentary for being repetitive and irritating, with the latter reviewer opting to turn off the in-game music entirely. This sentiment suggests that while the intention behind the sound design may have been to create an engaging atmosphere, the execution has led to frustration for some players. The mixed opinions on the radio content, which some found amusing while others deemed annoying, indicate a divide in how the audio elements resonate with different audiences. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that Cities: Skylines II boasts a well-crafted sound design that enhances the gameplay experience, despite some notable criticisms regarding repetitiveness. While many reviewers, including PC Invasion and Multiplayer.it, celebrate the quality of the music and radio stations, others like Games.cz and God is a Geek highlight significant drawbacks that detract from their enjoyment. This divergence in opinion suggests that while the audio design is a strong point for many, it may not appeal universally, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Cities: Skylines II has potential, but it's drowning in serious performance issues—especially on PC. Critics report long loading times, inconsistent frame rates, and frequent crashes, overshadowing any improvements. While developers are working on fixes, the game's launch state has left players frustrated and doubtful about its stability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

42%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In analyzing the technical performance of Cities: Skylines II across various reviews, it is evident that there are some positives noted by critics, particularly regarding the game's potential and the improvements seen in later builds. For instance, Cubed3 mentions that while there are bugs, the game can perform well if the settings are optimized for the hardware. Similarly, Screen Rant highlights that developers are actively working on updates to address performance issues, indicating a commitment to improving the game. Additionally, some reviewers like Gamer.nl found that the game ran as expected without significant performance issues, suggesting that there may be configurations where the game performs adequately. However, the negatives overwhelmingly dominate the reviews, particularly on PC, where the majority of critics have reported serious performance issues. Many reviewers, including DualShockers and Game Informer, criticized the game for long loading times, inconsistent frame rates, and frequent crashes. GameMAG and GameStar echoed these sentiments, pointing out persistent crashes and low FPS even on high-end systems. The consensus among critics is that the game struggles significantly with performance, especially as cities grow larger, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences. Critics like God is a Geek and PC Gamer specifically noted chugging, freezing, and other technical issues that detracted from the overall enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Cities: Skylines II is currently plagued by substantial technical performance issues across all platforms, particularly on PC. While some reviewers noted that the game has potential and improvements are underway, the overwhelming sentiment is one of disappointment regarding its launch state. Critics like Eurogamer Germany and GameWatcher emphasized that the game's performance problems, including frame rate drops and bugs, significantly impact the gameplay experience. Despite the developers' acknowledgment of these issues and their efforts to rectify them, the launch performance has left many players and critics feeling frustrated and concerned about the game's future stability.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Cities: Skylines II offers strong potential for replay value with engaging city management and extensive customization, but criticisms of incomplete content, technical issues, and performance problems temper enthusiasm. While many see room for growth and future DLCs, its current state suggests players should manage expectations and hope for improvements.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

58%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Cities: Skylines II is mixed but leans towards the positive side, particularly highlighting the game's potential for extensive gameplay. Critics such as Cubed3 and TechRadar Gaming emphasize the game's engaging city management systems and the multitude of customization options that allow players to create unique cities. The presence of new mechanics, quality-of-life improvements, and an expansive map design has been praised by several reviewers, including Game Rant and GGRecon, who note that these features contribute to a high replay value. Additionally, the anticipation of future DLCs and community-created content, as mentioned by Gamer.no and Multiplayer.it, suggests that the game is built to evolve, offering players a platform for continued engagement. However, there are significant criticisms that temper the enthusiasm for the game's replay value. Eurogamer Germany and GameCritics express concerns that the game feels incomplete and lacks compelling reasons for players to continue beyond initial playthroughs. Gameblog.fr points out that technical issues and performance problems limit the game's viability as populations grow, which detracts from the overall experience. Furthermore, Wccftech notes that the game may feel lacking in content compared to its predecessor, which could lead to a diminished replay incentive for some players. In summary, while many critics like GamesRadar+ and TechRadar Gaming highlight the potential for high replay value through various gameplay systems and customization options, the concerns raised by others regarding technical shortcomings and perceived content deficiencies cannot be overlooked. The consensus among critics suggests that Cities: Skylines II offers a promising foundation for replayability, but its current state may require further updates and expansions to fully realize this potential. As such, players may want to approach the game with an understanding of its limitations while remaining hopeful for future improvements.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

54%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding Cities: Skylines II is notably positive, with many critics praising its ambitious design and the depth it brings to the city-building genre. Reviewers from But Why Tho? and Cubed3 highlighted the game as a worthy successor to the original, noting its engaging gameplay, detailed visuals, and the new features that enhance the city-building experience. Critics like Gamepressure and TechRadar Gaming commended the game for its quality-of-life improvements and accessibility, suggesting that it caters well to both new players and veterans of the genre. The game is described as a fantastic foundation with potential for future expansions, with many reviewers expressing optimism about ongoing support and updates that could further enhance the gameplay experience. However, the game is not without its flaws, as several critics pointed out significant technical issues that mar the overall experience. Eurogamer Germany and Gameblog.fr specifically mentioned performance problems and bugs that detract from the enjoyment, with Game Rant noting that the game launched with less content than its predecessor. Critics like GameMAG and PC Gamer echoed these sentiments, indicating that while the game has a solid foundation, it suffers from a lack of polish and some questionable design decisions. The absence of certain beloved features from the original game was also a common point of critique, with many reviewers expressing disappointment in this regard. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Cities: Skylines II is a promising sequel that successfully builds on its predecessor's legacy but is hindered by technical shortcomings and a lack of content at launch. While reviewers like GGRecon and GamesRadar+ acknowledged the game's potential to become a standout title in the genre, they also stressed the importance of addressing the performance issues and expanding the content to meet player expectations. Overall, the game is seen as a solid entry that offers an engaging city-building experience, but it requires further development and refinement to fully realize its potential.

TL;DR

Cities: Skylines II is a promising sequel that impresses with its ambitious design, engaging gameplay, and quality-of-life improvements, earning positive reviews for enhancing the city-building genre. However, it struggles with significant technical issues, performance problems, and a lack of content at launch, leaving critics calling for further polish and expansion. While it lays a strong foundation, the game needs to address these shortcomings to truly shine and meet player expectations.

MONSTER

Reviews

67 reviews found

100

TRG

Oct 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cities: Skylines 2 raises the bar for city-building sims, with intuitive gameplay, detailed features, and a high level of replayability. It is recommended for fans of the genre.

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100

TechRadar Gaming

Oct 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cities: Skylines 2 raises the bar for city-building sims with its engaging gameplay, detailed visuals, and high replay value. It is recommended for fans of city-building sims or those new to the genre.

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But Why Tho?

Oct 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Cities Skylines 2 is a worthy successor to the original city builder, with valuable substance added and up-to-date features. The reviewer gives it a score of 9/10.

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Multiplayer.it

Oct 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cities Skylines 2 offers a highly realistic and enjoyable city-building experience.

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Screen Rant

Oct 24, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cities: Skylines 2 is a solid foundation for the series with many improvements and exciting potential, despite some performance issues and lack of DLC and mods at launch

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Checkpoint Gaming

Oct 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cities: Skylines II is praised for its complexity, creativity, and ambition in city design, despite its technical issues and bugs.

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DualShockers

Oct 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite technical issues, the game is considered a masterfully crafted jewel in the city-building genre and the best way to build the city of your dreams.

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Noisy Pixel

Oct 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the game for upholding the legacy of its predecessor and raising the bar for the city-building genre, despite a few peculiarities and performance issues.

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Gamepressure

Oct 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review recommends Cities Skylines 2, praising its quality-of-life improvements, accessibility, engaging gameplay, and new features. It acknowledges the similarity to the prequel but considers it a good sequel.

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Everyeye.it

Oct 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cities Skylines 2 offers players a great deal of freedom and is a perfect example of a sequel with complex systems and many improvements.

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