Search for games

Type three or more characters to start searching

Links

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

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

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.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Cities: Skylines II redefines city-building with intricate systems, seamless mechanics, and boundless creativity—though minor glitches and design issues can't overshadow its triumph as the genre's crown jewel.

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 is widely praised for its depth, complexity, and innovative features, with most critics highlighting its evolution from the original. Reviewers like But Why Tho? and Cubed3 emphasized the game’s expanded systems, such as decoupled water and sewage management, improved road design, and nuanced resource distribution, which allow for meticulous city planning. DualShockers and Eurogamer Germany lauded its intuitive mechanics and enhanced depth, noting how elements like traffic simulation, zoning flexibility, and service upgrades create a rewarding experience. GameMAG and IGN highlighted the game’s improved tools for terraforming, industry specialization, and seasonal changes, while GameCritics and GameWatcher praised streamlined workflows and quality-of-life fixes that make the core loop more satisfying. The progression system, with features like XP tracking and development points (GGRecon), further enriches the sense of growth and customization. Overall, the game’s ability to balance complexity with accessibility has been a standout strength, offering players both creative freedom and strategic challenges. Despite these positives, several critics pointed out notable flaws that detract from the experience. Gameblog.fr criticized empty maps, generic terrain tiles, and persistent bugs, which can disrupt immersion and planning. GameMAG noted that manipulating landscapes and underground networks feels cumbersome, while Games.cz lamented a lack of visual variety in city decorations and industrial areas. GameSkinny and PCGamesN mentioned specific issues with road management and zoning grids, suggesting some systems still require refinement. Additionally, GameCritics highlighted repetitive social media notifications that shift focus away from creative expression. While these critiques are relatively minor compared to the game’s strengths, they indicate areas where polish and optimization could improve the overall experience. The majority of critics overwhelmingly favor Cities: Skylines II for its ambitious gameplay improvements and engaging simulation. Cubed3, DualShockers, and Gamepressure all emphasized how the game builds on its predecessor’s foundation with more accessible yet intricate mechanics, while IGN and VG247 praised its macro-level simulation and granular control over city systems. Even critics like Gameblog.fr and Games.cz, who noted flaws, acknowledged the game’s broader appeal and innovation. The consensus is that Cities: Skylines II successfully elevates the city-building genre with a rich tapestry of features, making it a must-play for fans of simulation games despite its occasional imperfections.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Cities: Skylines II dazzles with hyper-realistic visuals, immersive detail, and atmospheric scale—yet stumbles on performance hiccups, optimization flaws, and technical instability. A bold visual leap marred by rough edges.

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 graphics and visual design of Cities: Skylines II received widespread praise for their enhanced detail, realism, and immersive qualities. Critics like Cubed3 highlighted polished features such as improved lighting, density, and scale, which contribute to a more realistic urban atmosphere. DualShockers and Gameblog.fr noted the game’s “big and beautiful” visuals, with GameMAG praising enhanced object detailing, charming cartoonish aesthetics, and standout optimization despite performance hiccups. Multiplayer.it and VG247 emphasized impressive reflections, lighting effects, and larger, more proportionate buildings, while TheGamer and VideoGamer celebrated the “massive visual upgrades” and “accurate colors,” underscoring a sense of scale that elevates the city-building experience. These positives collectively paint a picture of a game that prioritizes visual fidelity and environmental storytelling, even if it leans into a more grounded, realistic tone compared to its predecessor. However, several critics pointed out significant drawbacks, particularly around performance and technical execution. Eurogamer Germany and Games.cz criticized the game for “outdated graphics” and a lack of vibrancy, with Game Rant describing the visuals as “dull and lacking character,” dominated by gray buildings. Gameblog.fr and PC Games highlighted issues like empty maps, generic terrain tiles, and blurry textures, while GGRecon and God is a Geek noted instability, stutters, and optimization problems that detract from the experience. GameSkinny and TechRadar Gaming pointed to technical flaws such as road gaps, clipping issues, and frame rate drops, which undermine the game’s potential. Even IGN Italia acknowledged “not optimized” graphics, suggesting that while the visuals are impressive, they come with trade-offs in stability and polish. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for the game’s visual ambition despite its technical shortcomings. While many praise the enhanced detail, realism, and atmospheric improvements—such as Cubed3’s “global illumination” or GameWatcher’s “finer geometry”—the recurring complaints about performance, optimization, and lack of polish (as noted by Games.cz, PC Games, and IGN) create a divide. The game’s visuals are seen as a step forward in terms of scale and design but often overshadowed by the challenges of running it smoothly on lower-end hardware. Ultimately, Cities: Skylines II is viewed as a visually impressive title with room for improvement in technical execution, reflecting both the creative vision and the practical limitations of its development.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics laud Cities: Skylines II's immersive sound design—dynamic radio, whimsical Chirper dialogue, and Brian Eno-inspired music create a vibrant, atmospheric city-building experience, though minor complaints about repetition or intrusiveness linger.

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 in Cities: Skylines II received widespread praise for their immersive and dynamic qualities, with many reviewers highlighting their ability to enhance the gameplay experience. Critics like Cubed3 and Checkpoint Gaming commended the game’s expansive soundscape, noting how reactionary radio broadcasts, news programs, and podcasts added authenticity and variety to the city-building environment. The return of the iconic Chirper system, as mentioned by But Why Tho?, was celebrated for its whimsical integration of citizen conversations, while Game Informer praised the calming, Brian Eno-esque soundtrack that complemented the game’s relaxed pace. Additionally, Gamereactor UK and Multiplayer.it highlighted the high-quality radio content, including live reports and diverse music selections, which enriched the game’s atmosphere and made it feel more alive. These elements collectively created a cohesive auditory experience that many felt elevated the game’s charm and immersion. However, some critics found aspects of the sound design and music to be repetitive or grating. Games.cz and God is a Geek were particularly critical, with the former criticizing the music and radio commentary for being “repetitive and annoying,” and the latter describing the soundtrack as “incredibly irritating” to the point of disabling it entirely. VideoGamer noted that while the in-game radio and lo-fi beats were present, they lacked detailed exploration, suggesting a missed opportunity for deeper engagement. These negative takes often centered on the music’s predictability or the intrusive nature of ads and broadcasts, which some felt disrupted the otherwise enjoyable auditory experience. While these critiques were less common, they underscored that not all players found the sound design to be universally appealing. Overall, the consensus among critics leaned heavily toward appreciation for Cities: Skylines II’s sound design and music, with most highlighting its creativity, variety, and atmospheric contributions. Reviewers like PC Invasion and IGN Italia called it one of the game’s standout features, emphasizing how the audio elements enhanced immersion and storytelling. While a minority expressed frustration with repetition or intrusiveness, these concerns were overshadowed by the general enthusiasm for the game’s auditory world-building. The balance between nostalgic callbacks (like Chirper) and innovative additions—such as dynamic radio content and mood-setting music—seemed to resonate strongly with players, making the sound design a key strength of the title.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Cities: Skylines II launched with severe PC performance issues—frame drops, crashes, and poor optimization—but critics acknowledge gradual improvements via updates, hinting at potential if developers refine its tech.

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.

The technical performance of Cities: Skylines II on PC has seen mixed but generally improving feedback from critics. Several reviewers noted that, with proper optimization and settings adjustments, the game can run smoothly. For instance, Cubed3 highlighted that the game offers "good performance if the settings are appropriate for the PC it's running on," while Everyeye.it pointed to improvements through updates, suggesting that older machines might still struggle but not outright crash. TheGamer noted that the final version runs smoothly, indicating progress in addressing early issues. Additionally, some critics acknowledged that high-end systems could handle the game with minor tweaks, and GameCritics mentioned that performance issues were "poor at launch" but likely to improve over time. These positives suggest a foundation for stability if developers continue refining optimization. However, the technical challenges at launch were widespread and significant. Multiple critics, including DualShockers, Eurogamer Germany, and Gameblog.fr, highlighted persistent problems like frame rate drops, freezes, stuttering, and crashes, even on high-end hardware. GameStar and GGRecon emphasized that the game’s performance was "severely impacted" by its demanding nature, with low FPS and instability worsening as cities expanded. Games.cz and Vandal criticized poor optimization and graphical issues, while PC Gamer and PC GamesN listed a laundry list of technical flaws, including inconsistent loading times and detail level drops. Even Gamer.nl, which reported no performance issues, acknowledged that others faced challenges, underscoring the game’s uneven technical state across different systems. The overall consensus among critics is that Cities: Skylines II had notable technical shortcomings at launch, particularly on PC, but there is optimism for improvement. While many reviewers, such as IGN and GameInformers, criticized the game’s lack of optimization and stability, others like Screen Rant and Noisy Pixel noted that developers are actively addressing issues through updates. The game’s complexity and scale likely contributed to these challenges, with GameWatcher and God is a Geek acknowledging that performance problems were expected but still impactful. Despite the criticism, most critics agreed that the core mechanics and content justify the technical hurdles, with many expressing hope that future patches will refine the experience. This mixed reception reflects a game in flux—promising but in need of further polish to meet expectations.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Cities: Skylines II dazzles with boundless creativity and modding potential, but its technical hiccups and incomplete feel risk dampening long-term appeal—though most agree it’s a bold, evolving leap forward worth the wait.

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 majority of reviewers highlight strong positives for Cities: Skylines II’s replay value, emphasizing its expansive systems, creative freedom, and depth. Cubed3 praises the game’s “detailed city management” and “engaging gameplay,” while Game Rant notes its “content-rich” nature and “ever-changing world driven by player choice.” Gamereactor UK and Noisy Pixel commend the endless possibilities for customization and modding, with the latter calling it a “foundation for future expansions.” TechRadar Gaming highlights features like multiple maps, smart AI, and resource management systems, suggesting players can “expand and perfect their cities even after achieving the highest level.” GGRecon and TheGamer also stress the game’s longevity through quality-of-life improvements and diverse mechanics, making it appealing to both newcomers and veterans. These critiques collectively underscore a robust foundation for repeated playthroughs, driven by creativity and evolving content. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that temper the game’s replay value. Eurogamer Germany argues the title feels “incomplete” and lacks compelling reasons to return, while Gameblog.fr criticizes technical issues that render it “virtually unplayable beyond a certain population size.” Games.cz warns of “technical shortcomings” that prevent a strong recommendation, urging players to wait for updates. Wccftech also notes a perceived lack of content compared to the original, with some micro-level simulation elements removed. Additionally, God is a Geek mentions that creative mode lacks structure, and GameCritics suggests the game may not justify an upgrade for all players without future DLCs. These concerns highlight gaps in polish, performance, and content depth that could hinder long-term engagement. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus leans toward optimism, with most reviewers acknowledging the game’s potential for high replay value despite its flaws. While technical issues and content gaps are noted, many critics—such as VG247, who uninstalled the original in favor of Skylines II, and TechRadar Gaming, who emphasizes “multiple maps” and “smart AI”—see it as a significant improvement over its predecessor. The promise of DLCs, mods, and community-driven content (as highlighted by Multiplayer.it and Noisy Pixel) suggests that the game’s replayability could grow over time. While some critics remain cautious, the majority agree that Cities: Skylines II offers a rich, evolving experience worth revisiting, even if its current state requires patience for full realization.

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 reception of Cities: Skylines II is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its ambitious scope, depth, and evolution of the city-building genre. Reviewers like But Why Tho? (9/10) and Cubed3 highlight it as a "masterpiece" that builds on the original with new features, layers of detail, and a refined experience. GameCritics acknowledges its quality-of-life improvements and iterative approach to building on the predecessor’s foundation, while IGN Italia calls it "the best city-builder on the market." The game’s complexity, creativity, and freedom—such as Everyeye.it’s mention of "great deal of freedom" and GameRant’s praise for its depth—underscore its appeal to fans of the genre. TechRadar Gaming and TRG also commend its engaging gameplay, detailed visuals, and replayability, positioning it as a strong contender in the city-building space. However, several critics point to significant technical and content-related issues that detract from the experience. Eurogamer Germany and Gameblog.fr criticize performance problems, with the latter calling the game "unplayable" at launch due to bugs and instability. GGRecon and GameWatcher note major performance hiccups as a "major drawback," while Games.cz highlights poor graphics optimization and repetitive music. Others, like PC Games and Vandal, mention questionable design decisions and a lack of content compared to the original. GameCritics (6/10) and IGN express frustration with missing features and unpolished systems, suggesting that while the game has potential, its current state feels incomplete or frustrating for some players. Despite these criticisms, there is a broad consensus that Cities: Skylines II is a strong sequel with significant promise. While But Why Tho? and Cubed3 offer high scores, many reviewers—such as GameCritics, PC Gamer, and VG247—acknowledge its flaws but remain optimistic about future updates and mod support. The game’s core mechanics, creativity, and ambition are widely celebrated, with TheGamer and TRG emphasizing its potential for growth through ongoing development. Though technical issues and content gaps persist, the majority of critics agree that Cities: Skylines II is a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre, even if it falls short of perfection at launch. Its ability to balance complexity with accessibility ensures it remains a standout title in the city-building landscape.

TL;DR

Epic sequel praised for ambition, depth, and evolution of city-building genre—yet plagued by unplayable bugs, poor optimization, and incomplete features, leaving a flawed but promising foundation for growth.

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review