Little challenge: I've never come close to losing a game, even on the so-called hard mode. The only real challenge is a self-imposed "how fast can I do it" deal. It's very sandboxy. Not my style. Bugs: Some games get real messed up when a slab of limestone gets stuck on a barge pier corner, for example. Expansion and patches haven't fixed this completely. Poor laborer coordination: Good luck making use of two mines across the map at once. Vague mechanics: The developers tried to avoid Spreadsheet Game Syndrome by not saying things like "a priest can support X temples", etc. I don't disagree with this design philosophy in theory, but in practice it usually just makes planning a hassle. Estimates would've been nice. Little scenario variation: Most maps don't present really unique challenges. Though this is pretty inherent to city builders, it feels worse in this one. Useless beautification: No more desirability like in the other games. I guess this is an extension of the low-challenge sandbox problem, since the emphasis is on aesthetic for its own sake. But this conflicts with the relatively dull Empire Earth graphics that others pointed out. Snowballing needs effect: If someone goes to the store on the other end of the city, they won't be taking care of something else they need. Then they'll go protest at your palace because needs aren't met, which means they're not taking care of their needs again, and so on. I don't get this problem much since I'm so good, but it may annoy casual scrubs. That said, this remains my favorite city builder because reasons. Especially going for an organic style and getting rid of those &*$@!# stupid walkers.
