SimCity DS is a building simulator video game developed and published by Electronic Arts for Nintendo's extremely successful DS handheld console. Launched in Japan on February 22, it reached North American and European shores on June 19 and June 22, respectively, in 2007.
Set to offer a complete simulation of what it's like to rule your own city and take care of its residents, SimCity DS became quite popular and a lot of players were hooked on its open-end gameplay, as well as its many, many customization options, which could change even the slightest things in the city made by the player.
“The game offers everything that consumer's love about the SimCity franchise in the most light-hearted and easy to pick-up-and-play manner,” Takahiro Murakami, producer at Electronic Arts, said. “Our goal is to create a SimCity game on the Nintendo DS platform that offers quick gameplay, satisfies players on-the-go and is engaging enough to keep playing in bed all night. SimCity DS offers just that!”
Here are some of its features:
• It's Your City – Take charge of one of eight fictional cities or build your own, exactly the way you want. Varied townscapes, beautiful international landmarks and entertaining characters create a truly individual flavor for each location.
• Stay in Control – Enjoy city management made simple, with user-friendly designs and intuitive control. View your city in the top screen as it grows and develops, then get to work with the Nintendo DS stylus and Touch Screen.
• Help is at Hand – Even the most gifted Mayor needs a little guidance sometimes. Luckily, your trusty Advisors are on hand to instruct and advise, as you learn the basics. No matter what events or problems unfold, you can count on them for tips and training throughout, all mixed with a little humor.
• Do it Your Way – Choose from two gameplay styles to customize your SimCity™ DS experience. Select objective-based gameplay to tackle tricky challenges, or opt for more open-end fun, enjoying the everyday ups and downs of being a city boss.
• Save Our City! – Jump to the rescue to protect your town from disaster. From blowing out fires with the microphone to fighting off monster attacks with the Nintendo DS stylus, it's up to you to defend your citizens when calamity strikes. Can you be the hero of the hour?
• Only in SimCity DS – Exclusive features take the fun even further with ingenious gameplay innovations. Use DS wireless communications to swap letters with fellow Mayors and unlock international landmarks, and sign your latest decree with a flourish using the Nintendo DS stylus.
CHEATSLandmark codesSelect the "Museum" option at the main menu. Then, select the "Landmark Collection" option and enter one of the following case-sensitive codes to activate the corresponding cheat function:
Himeji Castle (Japan) – hokusai;
Holstentor (Germany) – durer;
Independence Hall (U.S.) – mlkingjr;
Jefferson Memorial (U.S.) – thompson.
Here's a video of this game: