In addition, middleware like SpeedTree has also been used for in-game afforestation. Instead of creating new tools, Monte Cristo relies on existing third-party tools like EarthSculptor, World Machine and GeoControl to generate unique realistic terrain before importing it into their terrain-editing software. The terrain is composed of height maps, textures and a normal map. It was planned that when a player was managing a GEM the main city simulation was stopped, but successful management of GEMs could help enhance a city. For example, in a ski resort GEM, it would have been possible to add ski lifts, restaurants, shelters, and ski-trails.

Gameplay Extension Modules Īn unimplemented feature known as Gameplay Extension Modules (GEMs), also referred to as Game Enhancement Modules, were features, such as a ski resort or a beach, that would have been implemented into a city and managed in extra detail by the player. An add-on introducing buses to the game was released in December 2009.

Other transport options that were planned to be included in the game were airports, trains, ferries and subways.

Bridges and tunnels are also part of the simulator. Transport Ĭities XL allows players to create a road network of a variety of road types at many different angles and curvatures. A Mass Placement Tool has been announced in previews allowing players to select tags that define what categories of buildings they want to see created when outlining an area of lots. Players can also plop building lots individually. To create building lots, players can zone an area of the map in which, upon confirmation, individual building lots will be created by the game. The social class chosen for a lot will not be modified by the simulation. Before designating building lots, players are required to select which class of residents may live there.

Residential lots are furthermore distinguished by four social classes: unskilled workers, skilled workers, executives, and elites. The game offers the designation of three types of building lots: residential, commercial and industrial, each of which can have a different density. A patch was released on the same day allowing players to use buses in single-player mode, as they had previously only been available in multiplayer mode. On JanuMonte Cristo announced due to a low subscription rate they would be closing the multiplayer online service, and they did so on March 8, 2010. 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. Gameplay Beginnings as MMO Ĭities XL allowed players an option to play on a persistent online virtual community known as a planet which required a monthly subscription fee.

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