Motor City, you can expect, is in the tradition of a strategy game (build an empire) based on the automotive industry at the turn of the century…That would be the 1900s turn of the century. Anyway, you can expect to be setting up shop to build Model-Ts and cars that still resembled horse carriages for the most part.
Later on you get to see cars a little more familiar although don’t expect to be building Hemi Cudas or Firebirds (which I originally thought would be available - cars from the late sixties and seventies) but you will get a good illustration of how cars of a previous era began, as well as some other lessons about the early 1900s.
It borders on edutainment with its discussion of Henry Ford's revolutionary factory built cars and the rise of Detroit as the Motor City.
As in game play like SimCity, you have a certain amount of start-up capital and plot of land near a railroad to build your automotive assembly plant. A timer representing days/months/years clicks away and affects things like loan repayment (interest) and defines how long you have until the games ends.
You are the owner of your own brand of automobile, having to deal with banks for loans as well as managing employees and other general routines of a major corporation. The details and graphics are very good as you make decisions like; should you have you car designed with a
3 cylinder engine or 4? Of course, cost of materials will matter so the game requires a good business sense. The game also includes a history lesson on the automotive industry itself by choosing the book in your office. Yes, you have a desk in your office where you can conduct some affairs by opening the drawers…In one you’ll find a gun - A way to signify you want to ‘Start A New Game’ which I thought was interesting. In another drawer you’ll actually find some wonderful turn-of-the-century nude photos of women that are tasteful and appropriate, seeing as how in that time you would most likely be male.
The music and sounds are exceptional, offering a constant soundtrack that is very pleasant. The overall atmosphere is well planned and presents a solid production for its type of game. I would recommend this title for your hard earned credit if you’d like a real lesson on the automotive business (as it were in the time period) and like simulation games in which you learn something...Especially about cars and manufacturers. This would be the best game I know to follow in the footsteps of Henry Ford.
