Cities: Skylines II

The main pros of the game

• Improved Visuals: s appreciate the realistic-looking buildings and overall better graphics compared to the original game (CS1).
• Deeper Simulation Mechanics: The game features enhanced city simulation, improved traffic AI, and more realistic behavior of citizens and vehicles.
• Creative Freedom: Players enjoy the ability to create larger cities with more intricate designs and layouts.
• Better Performance Over Time: Some s noted improvements in performance since the initial release, allowing for larger populations without significant slowdowns.
• Engaging Gameplay: Many players find the core gameplay enjoyable and satisfying, with a strong creative outlet in city building.

The main cons of the game

• Frequent Crashes: A significant number of reviews mention random crashes, especially when cities grow larger or when using mods.
• Poor Optimization: s report that performance issues persist, even on high-end PCs, leading to stuttering and lag.
• Buggy Experience: Many players have encountered various bugs, including save file corruption and issues with game mechanics that disrupt gameplay.
• Content and Features: s feel that the game lacks many features that were present in CS1, such as Steam Workshop and certain gameplay mechanics.
• High Cost of DLCs: There are complaints about the monetization strategy, with many players feeling that essential features are locked behind expensive DLCs.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to s

• Steam Workshop : s miss the community-driven modding platform that allowed easy access to a variety of mods and assets in the original game.
• Basic Gameplay Features: Many players note the absence of features like advanced traffic management tools, asset editors, and customization options for parks and industries.
• Content Variety: There is a desire for more diverse buildings and assets to enhance the uniqueness of cities, as many feel the current offerings are repetitive and lack character.
• Auto-Save Functionality: Some players expressed frustration over the lack of an auto-save feature, which led to lost progress due to crashes.
• Communication from Developers: s noted a lack of timely updates and communication from the developers regarding bug fixes and future content.

Summary

• In summary, while Cities: Skylines II has made strides in visual and simulation improvements, it struggles with stability, optimization, and missing features that many fans expected based on the success of the original game. The community's disappointment is largely focused on the game's performance issues and the perceived neglect of modding .

Summary generated on: June 2, 2025