Summary

Release Year: 2015
Genres: Simulator, Strategy
Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Colossal Order
Publishers: Paradox Interactive

Cities: Skylines – After Dark: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Cities: Skylines – After Dark is the first major expansion for the critically acclaimed city-building simulation game, Cities: Skylines. Released in 2015, After Dark introduces a host of new features and enhancements, including a day and night cycle, new buildings and services, and a variety of new gameplay mechanics.

Day and Night Cycle

The most significant new feature in After Dark is the introduction of a day and night cycle. This cycle not only affects the visual appearance of your city, but it also has a number of gameplay implications. For example, businesses generate less revenue at night, and crime rates can increase. As a result, players must carefully plan their cities to ensure that they are functional and safe at all hours of the day.

New Buildings and Services

After Dark also adds a number of new buildings and services to Cities: Skylines. These include new residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as new services such as nightclubs, bars, and casinos. These new buildings and services give players more options to customize their cities and create unique and vibrant urban environments.

New Gameplay Mechanics

In addition to the new buildings and services, After Dark also introduces a number of new gameplay mechanics. These include:

Tourism: Players can now attract tourists to their cities by building attractions such as parks, museums, and landmarks. Tourists generate revenue and can help to boost the economy of your city.
Crime: Crime is a new threat that players must contend with in After Dark. Criminals can rob businesses, vandalize property, and even commit violent crimes. Players can reduce crime rates by building police stations, jails, and other law enforcement facilities.
Education: Education is another new feature in After Dark. Players can now build schools and universities to educate their citizens. Educated citizens are more likely to get good jobs and contribute to the economy of your city.

Overall Impression

Cities: Skylines – After Dark is an excellent expansion that adds a wealth of new content and features to the base game. The day and night cycle is a major new addition that changes the way the game is played, and the new buildings and services give players more options to customize their cities. The new gameplay mechanics, such as tourism, crime, and education, add depth and complexity to the game. Overall, After Dark is a must-have expansion for fans of Cities: Skylines.

Detailed Analysis

Gameplay

Cities: Skylines – After Dark is a city-building simulation game in which players take on the role of mayor and must manage all aspects of their city’s development. Players must build residential, commercial, and industrial zones, as well as provide essential services such as water, electricity, and sewage. The game also features a realistic economy and transportation system, and players must carefully balance their budget and manage traffic flow to ensure the success of their city.

The day and night cycle adds a new layer of complexity to the gameplay. During the day, businesses generate revenue and citizens go about their daily lives. At night, businesses close and crime rates can increase. Players must carefully plan their cities to ensure that they are functional and safe at all hours of the day.

Graphics

Cities: Skylines – After Dark features beautiful and detailed graphics. The game’s engine is capable of rendering large and complex cities with ease, and the day and night cycle adds a stunning new level of realism. The game also features a variety of graphical options that players can adjust to improve performance or visual quality.

Sound

The sound design in Cities: Skylines – After Dark is excellent. The game features a variety of ambient sounds that bring the city to life, and the music is both catchy and appropriate. The game also features voice acting for the various advisors and characters that players will encounter.

Replayability

Cities: Skylines – After Dark is a highly replayable game. The game’s randomly generated maps ensure that each playthrough is unique, and the variety of buildings and services gives players endless options for customization. The game also features a number of different difficulty levels, so players can challenge themselves or relax and build the city of their dreams.

Conclusion

Review Score

8.5/10

Cities: Skylines – After Dark (2015)