Get Ready to Party Like It’s 1998
There’s a certain magic to the city-building games of the 1990s. The isometric pixel art, the charmingly repetitive music, the simple joy of watching a tiny, bustling metropolis grow from nothing. Games like ‘SimCity 2000’ defined a genre and captured the imaginations of a generation. If you’ve been chasing that feeling ever since, get ready to get excited. A new game called ‘Metropolis 1998’ is here to deliver that perfect dose of nostalgia, but with a surprisingly modern engine under the hood.
Developed by the one-person indie studio Yesbox Studios, this game is a love letter to the golden age of simulation games. It has the look and feel of a long-lost ’90s classic, but it’s packed with features that even the most advanced modern city-builders would envy. It’s the retro revival we didn’t know we needed.
The Best of Both Worlds: Retro Looks, Modern Smarts
At first glance, ‘Metropolis 1998’ looks like it could run on a Windows 98 PC. But don’t let the charming pixel art fool you. Solo developer Chase has built a deeply complex simulation inspired by modern titans like ‘Cities: Skylines’ and even the hyper-detailed ‘Dwarf Fortress’.
The biggest innovation is how the game handles demand. Gone are the days of just needing ‘more commercial zones.’ In ‘Metropolis 1998’, your citizens have specific needs. They’ll demand a new grocery store, a coffee shop, or a law office. This means you’re not just zoning- you’re reacting to the organic needs of a living population. Every single citizen is simulated with their own schedule. You can follow them as they go to work, shop for groceries, visit friends, and go home to their families. It’s a level of detail that makes your city feel truly alive.
Your City, Your Design- Right Down to the Furniture
Here’s where ‘Metropolis 1998’ really sets itself apart. It’s not just a city-builder; it’s a city-designer. The game gives you the power to create every single building from scratch. Think of it as a blend of ‘The Sims’ and ‘SimCity’. You can design the layout of an apartment building, a factory, or a corner store, placing every wall, window, and door. Then, you can zoom in and furnish the interiors, placing beds, desks, and TVs. Once you’re happy with your design, you can save it as a blueprint and use it throughout your city, or even share it with other players.
This feature transforms the game from a macro-management sim into a creative sandbox. You’re not just a mayor; you’re an architect, an interior designer, and an urban planner all rolled into one. You can build a city of unique, handcrafted buildings that truly reflects your vision.
Conclusion
‘Metropolis 1998’ is shaping up to be a dream come true for anyone who grew up with the classic city-builders. It perfectly marries the nostalgic aesthetic we love with the deep, engaging simulation mechanics that modern gaming has to offer. It’s a testament to the passion of its solo developer and a shining example of indie innovation. If you’ve ever wanted to build a city with the soul of a ’90s classic and the brain of a modern masterpiece, this is the game you’ve been waiting for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ‘Metropolis 1998’?
‘Metropolis 1998’ is a city-building simulation game that combines a retro, ’90s-inspired pixel-art style with modern, in-depth simulation mechanics.
Who is developing the game?
It is being created by a single person, a solo developer who goes by Chase of Yesbox Studios.
What makes it different from ‘SimCity’?
While visually similar to classics like ‘SimCity 2000’, ‘Metropolis 1998’ features much deeper simulation. Citizen demand is based on specific needs, not generic zones, and players can design and furnish every building in their city from the inside out.
Can I design my own buildings?
Yes, one of the key features is the ability to design buildings from scratch, including their interior layouts and furniture. You can then save these designs as blueprints to use again or share.
Is there a demo for ‘Metropolis 1998’?
Yes, a pre-alpha demo is available to download and play for free on both Steam and itch.io.
When will the full game be released?
The developer is planning to release the game into Early Access in 2026, with a full release to follow at a later date.