Big K


City
By Terminal
Spectrum 48K

 
Published in Big K #3

City

Interesting attempt to style a board game for the Spectrum. In City, you get to chomp on a stogie and play property developer with land hungry for urban decay.

Starting with a bank balance of some £200,000, you must develop a city (What else?) and try and make a million. This isn't too easy as the computer quickly assumes the guise of a rival company and callously attempts to sabotage your constructions.

It's a deceptively complex game. You can erect a variety of buildings such as banks, shops and factories, all of which affect the relative values of each other. This necessitates much strategic planning. For instance, the property value of your spanking new apartment block can be severely shaken should your cunning opponent build a smelly old pub directly opposite. Decidedly snobby, don't you think?

Each month's rents are calculated, overdrafts totalled and profits assessed. There's provision for up to four players and a jail routine for the more shady developers. I've always found the desire for micro board games somewhat curious but this attempt works surprisingly well. The game is both original and demanding. I wonder if they'll do a board version...?