Cities: Skylines
Cities: Skylines
Above the clouds
Construction and management strategy games are a dime a dozen these days. In contrast, construction games are as common as women in a club. And construction simulations are the singles among them. In other words: Cities: Skylines caters to a very (gag warning) sparsely populated genre in which, like SimCity , it doesn't give us any guidelines but lets us build a flourishing city out of nothing. There is no story or tasks here, our goals are our challenges. And in the spirit of capitalism, these are mostly: growth, growth, growth.
Even non-experts should realize that it is not that simple to build a functioning city with sufficient water and energy supplies, in which garbage and the dead do not pile up on every corner, which offers a functioning healthcare system and comprehensive education, attracts tourists and is also designed in such a way that residents, service providers and industry do not get in each other's commute.
Consequently, it is within the infrastructure that players of Cities: Skylines will find their biggest challenge. While in many real cities, transportation bottlenecks for cars can be shifted to bicycles and eScooters, we are denied this luxury. Instead, we have to think of ways to keep traffic flowing, anticipate traffic jams and choke points and avoid them with clever route planning and relief roads.
What sounds not only mundane but incredibly dull is actually the game's greatest strength, which doesn't bore you even after hours. It's simply fun to watch your little metropolis grow and solve problems that weren't there before. A one-way street logic that previously made sense suddenly no longer works due to the new industrial area? Instead of long avenues with lots of junctions, suddenly space has to be made for a roundabout? I guess we'll have to get back to work!
Cities: Skylines makes this micromanagement incredibly rewarding when we watch our residents as their cars scurry through our city planning and chug from A to B like ants. With its numerous expansions, the game became even more complex, for example by adding entertainment districts, seasons and environmental disasters. And thanks to extensive mod support, you can find just about anything to make you happy, from detail optimizations to overhalls. So if you enjoy setting your own challenges or simply want to plant a city in the empty landscape, you won't go wrong here.
The composers Jani Laaksonen and Jonne Valtonen (they even rhyme) do nothing wrong with the soundtrack either. Anyone who knows a little about the genre will probably ask the question: "SimCity or Anno?" This of course refers to the direction of the score, which is always a little more restrained and experimental in the SimCity-games, while genre representatives such as Anno rely on beautiful background epics. The answer here: "SimCity ... in stripped down."
The music that accompanies us as we build our dream metropolis is nice for long stretches. With their spherical synth sounds, the tracks, which average 10 minutes in length, are reminiscent of the god mode from SimCity 4, in which we can shape the flora and fauna of the world to our will. We hear this style throughout Cities: Skylines , in which we can shape the flora and fauna of the world to our will. We hear this style throughout EpiCentre or ElectriCITY, which illustrate the fast pace of a city with their nimble beats and techno references, are missing.
Vice versa, the Cities: Skylines-composition never pushes itself into focus and shouts "Hey, this is all about me right now!" Instead, the sounds sprinkle us unobtrusively and only make us sit up and take notice every now and then when a melody emerges for a brief moment from the hustle and bustle of the strings and wind instruments. The best example of this is Pernu Apparel, which glides around dreamily for a long time, lets the violins play briefly towards the end and then withdraws again.
Obviously, this is not particularly exciting, and even if it fits very well with the unagitated nature of the game, it cannot be completely concealed that a little more variety would not have gone amiss. This is clearly demonstrated by the main theme Cities Skylines , which at two and a half minutes is extremely short and whose piano melody in combination with the strings and wind instruments is more reminiscent of games such as Sid Meier’s Civilization VI or movie intros from the 90s.
Nevertheless, the score conveys this feeling of meditative relaxation and intoxicating joie de vivre wonderfully and, with somewhat 'darker' tracks such as Greed & Grief and Lehto Electronics , at least offers a minimum of variation so as not to be annoying. Furthermore, with the beginning of Go Nuts Doughnuts, which reminds me strongly of the intro from the Simpsons , a little Easter egg has crept in - or at least I would like to interpret it as such. So if you're looking for some music for learning or burying corpses, you can't go wrong here.
Radio DLCs
Cities: Skylines is, like most products from Paradox Studios, a game that gets better with every year thanks to careful maintenance and long-term support. Where the developers create completely new game mechanics, scenarios or even universes in a Stellaris-DLC, there is naturally less to draw on in a city-building simulation.
Sure, natural disasters, alternative local transportation or green building are cool facets that give us more options and variance when building a new city. However, DLCs that only contribute visual content are clearly inferior to the above mentioned. Well, some of them come from the modding community and (like all paid content) are optional. But due to this inflationary expansion policy, you have to work your way in to know what is worthwhile.
Among the 50 official DLCs are also a few that bring new music into the game. 'Cool', you might think, as additional variety is exactly what I criticized in the main game. And it may sound ironic that an advocate of video game music isn't jumping for joy right now. But I think four euros for a bit of meaningless background music (per DLC, mind you) is a bit excessive. My tip: Turn down the game music and let YouTube / Spotify play. Most people probably already do this anyway because they prefer to have something on the second screen or want to listen to their own music, but I still wanted to mention it.
Naturally this review doesn't stop me from checking out these albums and rating them regardless of their prices. The fact that the titles of the albums are quite self-explanatory is a handy bonus for me and the reader. So if the thought of cozy Christmas atmospheres makes your toenails roll up, Carols, Candles und Candy will probably not be a good idea. And in keeping with the nature of the game, you shouldn't expect action bombast, but primarily chilled easy-listening compositions. Find out more now:
Relaxation Station (2016)
Kicking things off is Relaxation Station, which was released in 2016 and is the most comprehensive album with 20 tracks. The graffiti artwork already reveals that this is a hip-hop record. As in all albums, the songs are by fictional artists. In reality, the composer behind them is Tobias Gustavsson, who, as the new Head of Music at Paradox, is also responsible for the other DLCs.
He presents us with his mixture of groovy hip-hop, swing, jazz and lounge music, as we know it from the first The Sims for example. And with A Dawn Away and The Royal Bahamas , a little Caribbean Latin charm has even snuck in. That's something you have to like, unfortunately I can't really get into it. Luckily it's not quite as bad as Wildstyle from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City due to the mix of genres.
Rock City Radio (2017)
Rock City Radio delivers exactly what it promises in 16 tracks and generously outlines the genre of rock. Again, bands like Blazing Pears or Catskills are just made up, which usually doesn't bode well. Fortunately, in terms of quality, it doesn't go in the direction of GEMA-free music, which often drives TV editors to despair - I speak from experience. In fact, you can actually listen to tracks like It Wasn’t Built to Last , which, like Life Is Strange , exudes an alternative indie mood with its calm vibes.
Without You or You and I are more in the vein of classic rock, while The Rose on Sunset or Clusters are a bit heavier. And tracks like Taste of Love can undoubtedly be assigned to the metal genre. Coupled with a balanced relationship between vocals and instrumentals, guitar enthusiasts are offered something here that can entertain, but is unlikely to produce a new favorite song.
Concerts (2017)
This DLC is a bit out of the ordinary, because it's not just additional background noise, but a real content package. In Concerts we can organize our own little festival, which would be a bit strange without the accompanying music. Unfortunately, I can't say anything about the implementation, as I've only played the Night District expansion so far. But I would tend to say: cool stuff.
Musically, the DLC features classic genres such as rock, EDM, pop and folk, and the tracks by fictional bands such as Nestor and Lily La Roux are certainly worth listening to. This makes this album probably the most generally acceptable of the DLC range, even if this is debatable. I actually think it's quite good.
All That Jazz (2017)
I probably don't need to say much about the direction of All That Jazz , do I? Then I'll save myself the trouble and just briefly note that you get exactly what you'd expect from a jazz-centered album.
Synthetic Dawn (2018)
As with the examples before, Synthetic Dawn gives its content away with its name. In 16 tracks, our descent into the pseudo-futuristic is given musical depth. It sounds like a typical song by The Weeknd meets Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon . Recommended for people who like to be basked in neon colors and relaxing synth sounds before saying something deep like: 'Your own life is the greatest unknown.'
Carols, Candles and Candy (2019)
Feel good and hopeful nostalgia? Songs chanting 'Peace on Earth' and 'Winter Tonight'? Who could have expected that from a DLC at Christmas time? Consequently, the five accompanying tracks are Christian kitsch and range from the jazzy Silent Night, the suspiciously If a Song Could Get Me You by Marit Larsen-soundingJolly Old Saint Nicholas, to the poppy I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, which somehow reminds me of the intro to Murder by Numbers .
Country Road Radio (2019)
With Country Rock Radio , my heart is beating faster. Not necessarily because I really like the genre and it reminds me of games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas or, if you take the 'rock' out of the name, Red Dead Redemption 2 . No, much more because it has once again confirmed to me that listening to such inconspicuous albums as DLCs for Cities: Skylines can be worthwhile.
In addition to some tracks that are definitely worth listening to, I think A Better Man is simply a great song. Even without a well-known name or despite the fake interpret, the lyrics about a lonely wanderer who wants to change his life for the better get me. Cheesy, yes. Sentimental, for sure. But also moving. So give it a listen! And for those who can't stand the rambling, there are six instrumental pieces.
Deep Focus (2019)
Deep Focus does what is promised by numerous YouTube study playlists: It helps you focus. At least apparently. Unlike Downtown Radio - more on that later - the selection of ambient and lo-fi tracks provides the necessary degree of softness to really clear your head. Ironic, when it's supposed to make you more productive? But maybe it's just me - after all, these classic compositions are suspiciously close to the genre of video game soundtracks ... and as you know, I like that. So have a listen
Campus Radio (2019)
The info page for Campus Radio advertises that you can use this DLC to take yourself "back to your days as a freshman". Well, the developers couldn't have anticipated that I would get stuck on this music genre at some point and almost exclusively listen to guys who are now far too old complaining about the vices of youth and love. But what else can you do when a collaboration between Udo Lindenberg and Apache 207 is currently dominating the charts?
Anyway. With songs that only just scrape past the copyright strike of big idols like Avril Lavigne (Anywhere (Where You’re Not), Losing You) or Green Day / Bad Religion (Star of the Show, Desperation), the young at heart - or those who think they are - get punky ear fodder. Of course, due to the lack of big names, it lacks the final touch of 'wow', but it's still cool. Just like a noname concert, where you keep pounding beers until you think you know the lyrics and storm the dance floor.
Downtown Radio (2019)
I hear there are people for whom the state of relaxation only sets in as soon as the blissful peace and quiet is torn apart by repetitive beats and a cacophony of different instruments that incoherently drone along to something that can only be called 'music' thanks to the constant rhythm.
And I confess to sharing this fascination with Deep Focus to a certain extent. But unless you have an undemanding visitor, I would always give preference to an indie rock playlist if in doubt. Therefore, the 16 tracks from Downtown Radio will probably appeal to those who like to flop down on their couch with a drink, lean their head back and call the whole thing quality me time.
Coast to Coast Radio (2020)
If the thought of running marathons, DYI projects or doing the washing up doesn't immediately make your limbs ache, but instead inspires a thirst for action, then Coast to Coast Radio is the perfect place to indulge in this spirit of optimism. The 16 tracks here are an extension of the standard entertainment media montage in which the hero and/or a group evolves from an uncoordinated bunch to world saviors in an unrealistically short period of time.
With Particles , we can literally see the freshly launched ship leaving the harbor. All in all, this is more of an album for fans of classic instrumentation and optimism, such as that found in many Nintendo titles or pen & paper albums. But it sums up well what Cities: Skylines is all about: building higher, planning better and making our city dreams come true.
Rail Hawk Radio (2021)
If you're from North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany like me, you're probably familiar with the musical degeneracy that is played on the 1Live radio station's night program. "What's the difference to what's on during the day?" some people might ask - but that's not the point here. What I've never understood is the decision to play steady electro sounds to night-time drivers on their tiring journey. If anything, it stimulates my microsleep rather than keeping me awake.
There are probably much more apt comparisons to the music from Rail Hawk Radio than the one above. And perhaps 1Live's night program is also primarily aimed at people who are pre-drinking and don't want to be disturbed by intrusive background music during their in-depth conversations about climate, crypto and Billie Eilish. The 16 tracks capture this spirit very well with their oscillation between calm and energizing electro beats. Or as the publisher puts it on the product page itself:
The vibrant city may be slowing down to go to sleep, but you’re just getting started, jamming along to 16 electronic tracks as you prowl past flickering neon lights in windows while the late train keeps a perfect beat as it speeds past. Rail Hawk Radio is your underground station of choice when you are getting ready to start a night of making vivid memories.
Stream product page of Rail Hawk Radio
Sunny Breeze Radio (2021)
Palm trees sway on the city’s waterfront as you soak up the sun while the music plays. The waves call to you as you kick off your shoes to the sounds of summery electronic beats. Sunny Breeze Radio matches that mood perfectly with 16 modern synth tracks. Kick back and let everything align to create the perfect summer day chill.
Stream product page of Sunny Breeze Radio
What the publisher describes here as a summer idyll would be the very reason for me to cancel my booking despite the sangria bucket. I'm about as attracted to 'summery electronic beats' as a car lobbyist is to the Bahncard 100: nice to have, but we'll stick to what we enjoy. However, anyone who feels totally drawn to the introductory quote should find everything here to make them happy - except perhaps the beach.
Calm the Mind (2022)
The fact that Calm the Mind will not be an adrenaline-charged demolition orgy, shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. However, it would be more difficult to say how it differs from the previous albums. After all, the basic tenor of the radio DLCs is more chill than thrill.
And so what is already known comes together here once more. In the form of chill-out, easy listening and a little jazz, sometimes with an Asian flair (Olives and Martinis, Suits in Summertime), sometimes with lo-fi noise (Blue Feelings, Top Grades Anxiety, My Yacht Is Bigger Than Yours). And Living in a Backpack could also be from a Moby album. Well, no?
On Air (2022)
I'm having déjà vu. And no, not because my ability to come up with exciting introductory sentences is slowly reaching its limits - it has been for some time. No, somehow publisher Paradox Interactive has simply released another jazz album. Admittedly, All That Jazz , like the Sims-addon Hot Date , is dominated by a rather cuddly romantic jazz, while On Air is much more pop. But it still makes me think that there are so many more genres that have not yet been covered. What about metal? Or electro-swing? Or K-pop? How am I supposed to raise my city without K-pop? Maybe there will be something in the future, but that's it for now.
Nostalgia warning
The rating of the individual tracks is purely subjective and clearly colored by my own experience with the game. You can find out more in the article About Nostalgia.
