Pre-E3 2005: Tycoon City: New York

[NikolaX]

At the beginning of things, lots of property will be available for purchase, so setting down a few beginner businesses is pretty easy. But before too long, other buildings will begin springing up, some competing, some helping. For instance, if a player were to focus on building up bars and shops, the computer AI might begin focusing on the development of residential buildings. This can help by inviting more customers to live in the area. If a more balanced approach was taken, the AI would have to take a more competitive approach to stay afloat.

Buildings begin as pretty cheap businesses. Over time, they can be upgraded to attract more individuals. For instance, during the demo, a dance club was placed on the outskirts of the developed area of Greenwich. Each building has an area of influence associated with it that regulates how many people are aware of it and will take advantage of it. A starting club doesn't have a gigantic area of influence so not too many residences knew about the club at all. But each building has upgrades that can directly affect that area. The club can be upgraded with neon signs to start things off and eventually spotlights on the top of the building. As you might imagine, spotlights can attract quite a bit of attention.

http://www.atari.com/us/games/tycoon_city/pc
pre-E3 preview

In related news, Atari also has released the E3 movie trailer (28.3MB).

 

[Burn]

Sounds..odd, but kinda interesting.

 

[Garfield_]

:O looks good to be a "sim city" game

 

[Pressure]

:O looks good to be a "sim city" game

From what I hear it's more of a sim business game.

 

[Kangy]

Grief...

This will consume me and my girlfriend's souls. We're both addicts of The Apprentice, so this is the perfect filler between series 1 and 2 here in the UK.

 

[Fishlore]

*gasp* a game that doesn't involve killing or violence?!? Sounds interesting. I'll be keeping an eye on this one.

 

[CyberPitz]

Wouldn't this follow the lines of Railroad Tycoon and Rollercoaster Tycoon? I'm just assuming off the Tycoon title. Video was nice, and looks great.