The SimCity 5 preview in Games for Windows has finally been released, but it’s not anything like we expected two weeks ago, when we first heard rumours it was coming. This SimCity is so completely different from anything we have ever seen before; it barely even looks like a SimCity. The game features cartoonish graphics along with the gutting of a lot of familiar SimCity gameplay. Some observers claim the new gameplay is geared toward an under 10 audience, not the typical 14+ age group past SimCities have attracted. In the place of city building, SimCity Societies will now focus on “culture building”, the article says.

The Monkey’s Uncle’s Review: OK, we can see what they mean about the water pipes and advisors, they did get annoying. However, we actually liked a lot about SimCity 4, even if there were a few vices. Why then, did they have to gut the entire game and start over from scratch? Thanks to Greyleaf for the tip.