It's a real pitty that CDV didn't drop the StarForce protection earlier, so that we might have enjoyed last month's City Life demo without worries. And what's even worse, the final version of the game also seems to include the troublesome copy-protection system, as indicated here. Nevertheless, Monte Cristo did a fine job with this urban building simulator, so if you can overlook that *cough* tiny little detail, you might want to check a retail store near you. Because it's out now!

CDV released City Life yesterday in North America, giving players the opportunity to build and manage a modern day metropolis in a fully 3D world. In the game, players will make decisions that will affect the lives of millions of citizens, for better or worse.

"City Life takes the city building genre into the 21st century with a powerful 3D engine and an exciting variety of gameplay features. In the game, players will take on the role of urban planner and real estate developer, creating a metropolitan paradise from dozens of beautifully rendered structures - including elaborately crafted villas and ultra-modern skyscrapers. City Life comprises the full city building experience, requiring players to take into account the need for municipal services, education, entertainment and a complete infrastructure system while maintaining harmony between the game's six distinct social classes. The graphics engine features a level of detail unmatched in the genre, allowing players to walk the streets of their cities, or zoom out to multiple levels for a better view of the overall action. A custom map editor allows players to expand upon the 22 maps included with the game, creating near limitless replay value."

(N.B. Archive text, links removed)