Electronic Arts releases SimCity BuildIt on App Stores worldwide

SimCity BuildIt 1.2.19 for iOS iPhone screenshot 001

Following a soft-launch in select App Stores weeks ago, Electronic Arts’ SimCity BuildIt is now available worldwide.

The freemium iPhone and iPad game, the latest installment in the popular city-building franchise, lets you build a city of your dreams, with the choices you make evolving your city in a variety of ways. Graphics look great, especially with simulated night and day, and the game includes the usual assortment of challenges to solve such as traffic, fires and pollution.

As a mayor on a mission to keep his or her citizens happy, you’ll need to keep basic city services running. Jump past the fold for the full reveal.

You can specialize your city with iconic landmarks, casinos and other items, create and trade resources with friends and other cities, unleash the franchise’s trademark disasters, natural and otherworldly, and so forth.

Though light on social elements, the game combines a mix of open ended play and no specific scenarios to complete. The concept lets mid-stage players focus on more direct activities like Boat Missions and City Specializations while late-stage players will enjoy disasters and other advanced challenges.

Check out some more screenshots below.

SimCity BuildIt 1.2.19 for iOS iPhone screenshot 002

SimCity BuildIt 1.2.19 for iOS iPhone screenshot 003

SimCity BuildIt 1.2.19 for iOS iPhone screenshot 004

SimCity BuildIt 1.2.19 for iOS iPhone screenshot 005

For those wondering, yes you can explore the city in 3D from all angles with 360-degree controls. The game engine takes full advantage of iOS 8 and the latest iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and iPad Air 2 devices, though the game runs fine on lower-end hardware and provides a decent experience.

Again, it’s a free-to-play release: in-game currency can be purchased with real cash through Apple’s In-App Purchase mechanism.

Highlights:

  • Build your city — With countless buildings and vivid, 3D-quality graphics, this is the most realistic city builder on mobile. Strategically place buildings to keep the taxes flowing and your city growing. Pinch, zoom, and rotate 360 degrees as you manage your city on the go – both online and offline.
  • Flex your power — Create and trade resources with friends and other cities. Unlock exclusive buildings like Big Ben and The Arc de Triomphe, or unleash natural (and not so natural) disasters!
  • Keep your citizens happy — Solve real city challenges like traffic, fires, and pollution. Balance services like power and entertainment to give your citizens what they need. Complete fun challenges to specialize your city and shape society.

The 97.6-megabyte universal app requires an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad with iOS 7.0 or later.

The release marks the second SimCity game on the App Store following the release of SimCity Deluxe for iPad and its $19.99 counterpart on the Mac App Store.

Download SimCity BuildIt free in the App Store.