SimCity heads to DS

EA has announced today that SimCity will be making an apperance on the DS. One interesting feature is the ability to blow out fires via the blowing into the microphone.



PRESS RELEASE

Electronic Arts (Nasdaq: ERTS) announced today that the SimCity™ franchise is returning with SimCity™ DS, developed especially for the Nintendo DS™ platform. In addition to creating and growing their very own pocket sized city while being on-the-go, players will be able to leverage the unique action features of the Nintendo DS system, discovering an entirely new way to play this internationally acclaimed franchise. The product will make its debut to consumers worldwide in summer of this year.

True to the SimCity series, players will be able to create and control their city in the palm of their hands…and much more. Maximizing the stylus and built-in microphone controls of the Nintendo DS, SimCity DS brings to the franchise like never before the feeling of personal involvement with your city—from blowing into the microphone to put out fires in the city to signing off on mayoral proclamations with your stylus. By enabling the players to communicate with each other, the “wireless data exchange” feature brings additional interactivity into the game. As an added bonus to SimCity fans around the world, the game also offers a wide array of recognizable international landmarks to spice up your city.

“We are very excited to bring the SimCity experience to the Nintendo DS platform,” said Takahiro Murakami, Producer of SimCity DS. “The unique Nintendo DS functionalities inspired us to incorporate many new features to delight the most dedicated SimCity fans. The game is filled with fun surprises that will appeal to new and existing fans of the franchise.”

The game is already out. ( In Japan that is. )

They really need to stop with this "blowing into the mic" business.

Obviously, whoever develops these titles has never played a wind instrument. You don't spit into a flute, either...yet....it gets nice and moist...

"Interesting feature" of blowing into the mic to put out fire? I love my DS, but I'm getting tired of these gimmicky features. Sure, blowing on the mic was cool for blowing bubbles in Nintendogs. It was cool starting a fire in Lost in Blue, for maybe the first ten times. Give it a rest! It isn't innovative anymore, and it isn't fun. I hate to sound so negative, but porting games to the DS, adding a blowing feature, and calling them new and improved is just lame.

*edit* sigma8 beat me to it, and I completely agree

I don't mind most gimmicks, but they should provide an alternate way to do it. I don't want to blow into the darn mic. Maybe if I could go "whooooooooooooooo" or something.. Maybe if I make blowing sound effects, it will work. I'll have to try.

I don't think it's fair to come down on an individual play mechanic, though. I think using the mic as part of the gameplay could be ingeniously implemented. It just hasn't been done yet. Possible exception: Nintendogs.

I mean, calling your dog.. that at least makes perfect sense.

it worked quite well in warioware too but has no place in sim city