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A new report on SimCity 4 has been posted at PC.IGN, based on their findings from a recent showing of the game at the Electronic Computer Trade Show (ECTS) by Maxis and publisher Electronic Arts. The article details a number of features which have been updated or improved in the game over previous titles like SimCity 3000. It discusses the methods of controlling unhappy citizens, providing defense for cities, and major improvements in the way superhighways are implemented. Here's a clip:

One of the biggest highlights of the recent demonstration was the superhighways. Unlike SimCity 3000, you won't have to deal with the irritation of connecting city streets to highways. To save time and frustration, once you lay down a superhighway, you're automatically prompted as to where you want the on and off ramps at any intersections, and will also ask you whether you want to add ramps to both sides for easy highway access. And the superhighways won't just be able to carry more traffic, but the traffic will also go faster, so you'll see commuters using these superhighways heavily in the mornings and evenings as people make their way to and from work.

SimCity 4 is currently in alpha for PC. While there is yet no official announcement about a Mac version, the history of Maxis games on the Mac make it a strong candidate for porting.

SimCity 4 ECTS Videos

SimCity 4 Progress Report

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