Play SimCity online

SimCity (AKA SimCity Classic) is the game that turned urban planning into one of the most addictive forms of procrastination ever invented. Released in 1989, it lets players design and manage an entire city, deciding where to place residential, commercial, and industrial zones while dealing with roads, utilities, taxes, disasters, traffic, and the increasingly demanding population. There is no fixed victory condition, which means the game is less about winning than creating a city that somehow continues functioning. You can carefully build a beautiful metropolis, only to watch a fire, earthquake, or traffic jam ruin your afternoon. The simple interface hides a surprisingly deep simulation in which different parts of the city influence one another. SimCity remains fascinating because it gives players freedom to experiment. It is also a useful reminder that being mayor mostly means receiving complaints from thousands of people who are convinced everything is your fault.