Why Metropolis 1998 Will Be The Perfect Game For SimCity Fans

Build a custom city from the ground up in an upcoming simulation game titled Metropolis 1998. The game combines modern game systems with Y2K pixel art aesthetics to bring the best of both worlds to fans of titles like Cities: Skylines, Dwarf Fortress, and SimCity. Created by Yesbox Studios, Metropolis 1998 is slated to release in the latter part of 2025 for early access and has been in development by a single developer since 2021. A demo version of the game is already available via Steam ahead of the early access release date.

Metropolis 1998 will allow for in-depth customization in building a city, as players will be able to design their own buildings from the inside out, which will combine the benefits of designing homes in The Sims and running a city in SimCity. Alongside the minute levels of details for buildings and zoning laws, citizen NPCs will be motivated by their own needs instead of being based on zones, as they go from work to home and sleep, eat, and more.

Metropolis 1998 Brings Turn-Of-The-Century Style With Modern Systems

Pixel Art To Bring You Back To The Late 90s

The stand-out feature for Metropolis 1998 is its throwback pixel art style. The game is clearly wearing its influences on its sleeve, similarly to how Stardew Valley took most of its inspiration from Harvest Moon titles. Everything from the color palette to the models of cars driving down the streets lends to the feeling of being transported to the late 1990s.

Visually, Metropolis 1998 bears a striking resemblance to SimCity 2000, especially since players can switch their camera from a classic isometric view to a top-down view. Unlike SimCity 2000, players won’t have to worry about their city growing out of control, since the game can handle a huge number of citizens and vehicles running throughout, over a thousand people and vehicles.

Players Can Craft Every Single Detail Of Their City

The Custom City Of Your Dreams

While most city builders have robust systems for handling different zones and citizen needs, Metropolis 1998 is narrowing in its focus. Players will be able to bring an unprecedented level of detail to their city, as they’ll be able to design every building themselves, from homes to businesses. While players can choose from pre-made buildings, being able to design every part of the city can allow for boundless creativity. Alongside this design feature is the ability to share designs, which will surely foster a robust community of city designers.

Since Metropolis 1998 will be needs based rather than zone based, being able to pay so much attention to citizens and their homes will make for a more immersive experience. However, the game will be released in early access later this year, as more features like multiple building floors, curved roads, economic classes, and terrain height will be added in a full version of the game. Nevertheless, this ambitious city simulation game will excite any players who love indie pixel art titles.