SIMcity 3000

[Darky]

I've been loaned this game for my PC, and it's very challenging... too challenging one might say!

I've figured out some good ways of planning cities and utilities, but one thing which always proves very difficult is balancing the budget... I can't seem to make a city last longer than 20 years.

Any tips?

 

[rfctigerarmy]

Too hard for me mate. I always run out of money.

A tip though - Put in the MCG for good looks

 

[mighty mick]

for the **** of it when you get near death turn on disaster mode and watch the hurricanes aliens tidal waves fires etc just rip the place apart

 

[Lethal]

After you get to a certain stage the city will start to get easier to keep growing I found. Keep changing the tax rates, especially for industrial as it brings in a lot of money to help with the budget.


Sim City 4's better though.

 

[Darky]

Most important I reckon is to avoid taking out loans at the start, and if you run into the red you take out small loans of $5,000 to $15,000. It makes the debt burden a bit easier, and makes it essential you plan your city carefully. Been finding it easier to start with a VERY small city of maybe 6-8 streets, and then growing around it.

I also avoid building connections to neighbours because the cost of connections outweighs the financial benefit down the track.

Still run out of money after 25-30 years, and even allowing the toxic waste facility, casino and prison doesn't balance the books! Makes it feel like home though.

 

[Stucey]

1 tip, it aint really cheating.....but if you put all your tax rates up to the maximum at around December 25th, then change it back again at Jan 1st, you should make some money each year.

Otherwise, just keep at it, it is a great game and like Lethal said....you get to a stage where it starts getting easier.

(Now....if I can just find a computer that will run my SimCity4!!)

 

[Darky]

Played it last night and was well on top... didn't want to go to bed but it was 3am and I had a job interview this morning.

Got to the stage where I was actually turning a $10,000 annual profit, and had the city up and running for 75 years before having to retire.

Figured out it's essentially loan repayments that cripple the bottom line most, and putting too much infrastructure in before zoning the land and getting a return on it.