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{{GameInfobox |image = Cities XL cover.jpg |developer = Monte Cristo, Focus Home Interactive |publisher = Monte Cristo, Focus Home Interactive |au_rel = {{Release|2009|October|8|AU|Microsoft Windows}} |eu_rel = {{Release|2009|October|8|EU|Microsoft Windows}} |na_rel = {{Release|2009|October|9|NA|Microsoft Windows}} |genre = City-building |features = Single-player, MMO |ratings = |platforms = Microsoft Windows |media = |input = Keyboard, Mouse }} '''''Cities XL''''' (formerly '''''Cities Unlimited''''') is a [[city-building game|city-building]] computer game developed by [[Monte Cristo (company)|Monte Cristo]], which has prior development experience in ''[[City Life (video game)|City Life]]''. It was originally scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2009, but was eventually released on October 8, 2009.<ref name="ReleaseDates1"/><ref name="ReleaseDates2"/><!-- Editors which change the release date without providing a reliable source are likely to have their edits reverted. --> The game allowed players to play online and interact with others on massive persistent ''planets'', and to work together by trading resources or building blueprints in order to satisfy the needs of city inhabitants. However, on March 8, 2010 the online service was closed and the game became single-player only. A new version of the game titled ''Cities XL 2011'' is being developed by [[Focus Home Interactive]] and is scheduled for release in October 2010.<ref name="CitiesXL2011"/> == Gameplay == === Single-player === The game is set to feature 25 maps in single-player mode and 50 maps with the online subscription, with varying landscapes, hundreds of buildings, and the ability to create an in-game [[Avatar (computing)|avatar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citiesxl.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=860&Itemid=128|title=Cities XL Demo available!|date=2009-09-07|author=Gregory|publisher=[[Monte Cristo]]|accessdate=2009-09-24}}</ref> Two different versions of the game were released, a standard edition and a limited edition. The limited edition will contain extra content including additional landmarks, additional maps, and a poster.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citiesxl.com/content/view/819/128/?lang=en|title=Limited edition content revealed|date=2009-08-06|author=Gregory|publisher=[[Monte Cristo]]|accessdate=2009-09-08}}</ref> === Massively multiplayer online === ''Cities XL'' allowed players an option to play on a [[Persistent world|persistent online virtual community]] known as a ''planet'' which requires a monthly subscription fee. As a member of a planet, players were able to build their cities in a virtual world populated by other subscribers, trade resources such as electricity with other players, work together to create structures such as the [[Eiffel Tower]], and visit other cities as an avatar and host events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citiesxl.com/component/option,com_community/Itemid,136/task,planet_offer/?lang=en|title=Planet Offer|publisher=[[Monte Cristo]]|accessdate=2009-09-08}}</ref> On January 27, 2010 Monte Cristo announced due to a low subscription rate they would be closing the multiplayer online service, and they did so on March 8, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citiesxl.com/content/view/3493/134/?lang=en&utm_source=streamsend&utm_medium=email&utm_content=8528871&utm_campaign=Cities%20XL%20-%20End%20of%20Planet%20Offer|title=Cities XL - Support - End of Planet offer|publisher=Monte Cristo|date=2010-01-27|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> A patch was released on the same day allowing players to use [[bus]]es in single-player mode, as they had previously only been available in multiplayer mode.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.citiesxl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=346%3Aend-of-the-planet-offer&catid=3%3Anewsflash&lang=en|title=Back to the Solo game!|date=2010-03-08|publisher=[[Monte Cristo]]|accessdate=2010-03-08}}</ref> === Zoning === [[File:Cities Unlimited.jpg|thumb|right|Concept image of ''Cities XL''.]] The game offers the designation of three types of [[building]] lots: [[residential]], [[Commerce|commercial]] and [[Industry|industrial]], each of which can have a different density. Residential [[Lot (real estate)|lots]] are furthermore distinguished by four [[social class]]es: [[unskilled worker]]s, [[skilled worker]]s, [[Senior management|executives]], and [[elite]]s. Before designating building lots, players are required to select which class of residents may live there. The social class chosen for a lot will not be modified by the simulation. To create building lots, players can [[Zoning|zone]] an area of the map in which, upon confirmation, individual building lots will be created by the game. Players can also plop building lots individually. A Mass Placement Tool allowing players to select tags that define what categories of buildings they want to see created when outlining an area of lots has been announced in previews.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamingshogun.com/Article/1557/GamingShogun_Talks_Cities_XL_with_Patrick_Marchal_of_Monte_Cristo.html|title=GamingShogun Talks Cities XL with Patrick Marchal of Monte Cristo|date=2008-08-05|publisher=GamingShogun|accessdate=2009-09-08}}</ref> === Transport === ''Cities XL'' allows players to create a road network of a variety of road types, with it possible to draw roads at many different angles and curvatures. [[Bridge]]s and [[tunnel]]s are also part of the simulator. Other transport options announced to be included in the game in the future are [[train]]s, [[ferry|ferries]] and [[rapid transit|subways]].<ref name="SimtropolisBlogInterview">{{cite web|url=http://blog.simtropolis.com/post.cfm/interview-with-monte-cristo|title=Interview with Monte Cristo|date=2009-09-23|author=Dirk|publisher=Simtropolis|accessdate=2009-09-24}}</ref> An add-on introducing [[bus]]es to the game was released in December 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bigdownload.com/2009/12/08/take-the-bus-in-cities-xls-new-free-content-pack/|title=Take the bus in Cities XL's new free content pack|last=Callaham|first=John|date=2009-12-08|publisher=Big Download|accessdate=2010-02-17}}</ref> === Gameplay Extension Modules === A feature known as Gameplay Extension Modules (GEMs),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmohub.org/news/cities-xl-interview-with-monte-cristos-ceo/1189/|title='Cities XL' Interview with Monte Cristo's CEO |last=Lindsey|first=Brendon|date=2009-08-21|publisher=MMOHUB|accessdate=2009-09-08}}</ref> also referred to as Game Enhancement Modules,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/903/903012p1.html|title=Cities XL First Look|last=Campos|first=Jason|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=2008-08-26|accessdate=2009-07-09}}</ref> are features, such as a [[ski resort]] or a [[beach]], that can be implemented into a city and managed in extra detail by the player. For example, in a ski resort GEM, it will be possible to add ski lifts, restaurants, shelters, and ski-trails. When a player is managing a GEM the main city simulation is stopped, but successful management of GEMs can help enhance a city.<ref name="Impressions">{{cite web|url=http://www.simtropolis.com/omnibus/index.cfm/Main.Cities_XL.Playtest_and_First_Impressions|title=CitiesXL First Impressions|date=2009-04-24|author=Dirk|publisher=Simtropolis|accessdate=2009-10-02}}</ref> == Development == === Terrain === [[File:Cities XL world screenshot.jpg|thumb|right|World view in ''Cities XL''.]] The terrain is composed of height maps, textures and a normal map. Instead of creating new tools, Monte Cristo relies on existing third-party tools like [[EarthSculptor]], [[World Machine (software)|World Machine]] and [[GeoControl]] to generate unique realistic terrain before importing it into their terrain-editing software. In addition, middleware like [[SpeedTree]] has also been used for in-game afforestation. In an interview on September 11, 2007 Philippe Da Silva announced that ''Cities XL'' would include a large variety of maps and landscapes, which would allow players a greater depth with the types of cities they wanted to create.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.simphoni.net/2007/09/cities-unlimited-even-more-revealed/|title=SIMphoni Exclusive! Veil Slowly Lifts on Cities Unlimited|date=2007-09-11|author=Jirnsum|publisher=SIMphoni|accessdate=2009-04-18}}</ref> A pre-released screen shot of an Aspen map confirmed that ''Cities XL'' would include [[snow]]y landscapes. === 3D engine === Monte Cristo has made a 3D engine that allows lower-range PCs to run the game. The player may not have all the graphic options fully turned on but still get better quality visuals than ''City Life''. === Release === In June 2007, a screenshot of a new city building game from Monte Cristo was posted in [[Philippe Da Silva]]'s personal [[blog]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070929105257/www.will2real.com/?p=25|title=City Builder games, where should the genre go?|date=2007-06-11|author=[[Philippe Da Silva]]|publisher=[[Philippe Da Silva]]|accessdate=2009-04-18}}</ref> However, it was later revealed in a community website interview that it would not be called ''City Life 2'', and was initially named ''Cities Unlimited'' to avoid confusion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.simtropolis.com/omnibus/index.cfm/Main.Cities_XL.Cities_XL_Q|title=Cities XL Q&A|date=2009-04-23|publisher=Simtropolis|accessdate=2009-09-25}}</ref> On April 15, 2008 it was announced that ''Cities Unlimited'' official game title would be ''Cities XL''.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/cities-xl-construction-game-promising-cities-bigger-than-the-largest-pair-of-pants |title=''CITIES XL''|publisher=[[Gamesindustry.biz]]|date=2007-04-17|accessdate=2007-04-18}}</ref> The game was released on October 8, 2009 in Oceania and in Europe, and on October 9, 2009 in North America.<!-- Editors which change the release date without providing a reliable source are likely to have their edits reverted. --><ref name="ReleaseDates1">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/cities-xl-available-in-cities-across-europe-today--and-in-smaller-settlements-too|title=CITIES XL|date=2009-10-08|publisher=[[Gamesindustry.biz]]|accessdate=2009-10-11}}</ref><ref name="ReleaseDates2">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamingexcellence.com/pc/news/2896.shtml|title=Cities XL PC release date confirmation|publisher=GamingExcellence|author=News Staff|date=2009-07-17|accessdate=2009-10-08}}</ref> A [[Game demo|demo]] was released on September 7, 2009, but has expired and is no longer playable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citiesxl.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=860&Itemid=128|title=Cities XL Demo available!|publisher=[[Monte Cristo]]|date=2009-09-07|accessdate=2009-09-08}}</ref> During the development of ''Cities XL'', Monte Cristo maintained a developer blog and [[internet forum]]s on their main [[website]]. Prior to the game's release, both the blog and user forum were closed and removed from public view. The company has stated that the community is not to worry, as they have "saved all of the good posts", and would continue to maintain a presence on websites such as Simtropolis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=370&threadid=109430&highlight_key=y#1598116|publisher=[[Monte Cristo]]|author=Mathew|title=Simtropolis - Cities XL website - first impressions|date=2009-09-03|accessdate=2009-10-10}}</ref> == Reception == {{Expand section|date=October 2009}} <!-- This section should contain a fair representation of reviews, both positive and negative, from reliable sources e.g. IGN and Gamespot. Non-reliable sources e.g. blogs and fansites are not entitled to direct representation here. Vague claims such as "some people say..." and "some players think..." will be removed, please see Wikipedia:Avoid weasel words. Please see the talk page for details. --> {{VG reviews <!-- Aggregators --> | GR = 68.72 | MC = 68 <!-- Reviewers --> | GSpot = 60<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/citiesxl/review.html|title=Cities XL Review for PC - GameSpot|date=2009-10-16|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=2009-10-20}}</ref> | IGN = 81<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/103/1035096p1.html|title=IGN: Cities XL Review|date=2009-10-14|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2009-10-20}}</ref> }} The single-player mode has been criticized as bland, and reviewers have complained that "even the tutorial missions hit you with sales pitches" for the multiplayer subscription.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reviews.cnet.com/pc-games/cities-xl-pc/4505-9696_7-32955033.html|title=Cities XL (PC) Game review|author=Bret Todd|publisher=CNet|date=2009-10-16|accessdate=2009-10-18}}</ref> [[IGN]] gave the game an 8.1 saying that "Cities XL has indeed pushed the genre in the right direction, streamlining some of the more annoying parts of [[Maxis]]'s juggernaut <nowiki>[</nowiki>''[[SimCity]]''<nowiki>]</nowiki> while adding features that were long overdue."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/103/1035096p1.html|title=Cities Xl review by IGN}}</ref> [[GameSpot]] gave it a 6.0 stating that "the solo game is generic, and the online features aren't ready for a ground-breaking ceremony."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/citiesxl/review.html?tag=tabs;reviews|title=Cities Xl review by Gamespot}}</ref> The Australian video game talk show ''[[Good Game]]'''s two reviewers gave the game a 6/10 and 7/10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s2731185.htm |title=Good Game stories - Cities XL| publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation| date=2009-11-02}}</ref> <!-- This section should contain a fair representation of reviews, both positive and negative, from reliable sources e.g. IGN and Gamespot. Non-reliable sources e.g. blogs and fansites are not entitled to direct representation here. Vague claims such as "some people say..." and "some players think..." will be removed, please see Wikipedia:Avoid weasel words. Please see the talk page for details. --> == ''Cities XL 2011'' == On June 25, 2010 it was announced that [[Focus Home Interactive]] had acquired the ''Cities XL'' franchise, and that a new version of ''Cities XL'' titled ''Cities XL 2011'' will be released in October 2010. New features include more buildings and maps, improved [[public transport]], an enhanced [[tax]] system, and better [[Trade|trading]] options.<ref name="CitiesXL2011">{{cite web|title=Focus Home Interactive announces Cities XL 2011|url=http://www2.citiesxl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=352%3Afocus-home-interactive-announces-cities-xl-2011&catid=3%3Anewsflash&lang=en|publisher=[[Focus Home Interactive]]|date=2010-06-25|accessdate=2010-06-30}}</ref> == See also == * [[SimCity (series)|''SimCity'' (series)]] * [[City Life (video game)|''City Life'' (video game)]] == References == {{Reflist|2}} == External links == <!--========================({{No More Links}})============================ | PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS IN ADDING MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. WIKIPEDIA | | IS NOT A COLLECTION OF LINKS NOR SHOULD IT BE USED FOR ADVERTISING. | | | | Excessive or inappropriate links WILL BE DELETED. | | See [[Wikipedia:External links]] & [[Wikipedia:Spam]] for details. | | | | If there are already plentiful links, please propose additions or | | replacements on this article's discussion page, or submit your link | | to the relevant category at the Open Directory Project (dmoz.org) | | and link back to that category using the {{dmoz}} template. | =======================({{No More Links}})=============================--> * [http://www.citiesxl.com ''Cities XL'' official website] [[es:Cities XL]] [[fr:Cities XL]] [[ru:Cities XL]] [[Category:Video games developed in France]]
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