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Cities XL 2011 vs Cities XL 2012

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Cities XL 2011
Cities XL 2011Build and design sprawling metropolises and diverse cities on a realistic planetary scale.
Cities XL 2012
Cities XL 2012Build any city you imagine, from tiny towns to massive megacities.
Overview
Description

Cities XL 2011 offers city-builders unprecedented freedom to imagine, construct, and manage cities of all types and sizes. From bustling megalopolises of millions of citizens to specialized industrial hubs and scenic seaside resorts, players have complete control over their urban creations. Take advantage of a massive collection of over 700 distinct buildings and structures spread across 47 visually diverse maps. With enhanced gameplay mechanics, improved optimization, and deep economic simulation, Cities XL 2011 delivers an immersive and expansive sandbox experience for strategy and management enthusiasts.

Cities XL 2012 lets you design and manage cities of any size, from bustling megacities to tranquil seaside resorts. With over 1,000 buildings and 62 map types, you have the tools to craft detailed, realistic environments. Balance economics, transportation, pollution, and social services while trading resources between specialized cities to create a thriving regional network. The game offers deep simulation mechanics for both casual planners and hardcore city builders.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
City Builders & Management
City Builders & Management
Best for
Simulation and city-builder fans
City-building enthusiasts and simulation fans
Specifications
General
msrp
$19.99−50%
$39.99
release date
2010-10-14
2011-10-20
Specifications
developer
Focus Entertainment
Focus Entertainment
publisher
Focus Entertainment
Focus Entertainment
age rating
ESRB E
ESRB E
multiplayer
Single player
Single player
critic score
71/100+1%
70/100
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Massive variety of over 700 detailed buildings and structures
  • 47 diverse and visually impressive maps with realistic terrain
  • High level of creative freedom for designing unique urban layouts
  • Engaging economic management and specialized city types
  • Extensive building catalog for diverse city designs
  • Robust trade system between multiple cities
  • Detailed transportation and traffic management
  • Varied map selection with realistic environments
Cons
  • Single-player experience lacks cooperative multiplayer modes
  • Performance can drop when cities reach massive populations
  • Traffic management mechanics can become challenging to optimize
  • Steep learning curve for new players
  • Limited multiplayer options (single-player only)
  • Graphics are dated compared to newer city builders
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Cities XL 2012 adds far more buildings, maps, and trade features but costs twice as much and is harder for newcomers; Cities XL 2011 is cheaper with solid core gameplay.

Key differences

  • •Building catalog: 2012 has over 1,000 structures vs 2011's 700+.
  • •Map variety: 62 map types in 2012 versus 47 in 2011.
  • •Trade system: 2012 supports multi‑city trade routes; 2011 lacks this.
  • •Price: 2012 is $39.99, double the $19.99 price of 2011.
  • •Learning curve: 2012 is noted as having a steep learning curve, while 2011 is not described as such.
DimensionWinner

Pricing & value

2011 costs $19.99, half the $39.99 price of 2012, offering better value for budget‑focused buyers.

Cities XL 2011

Gameplay & fun factor

2012 adds multi‑city trade, more transport options, and 62 maps, expanding gameplay depth.

Cities XL 2012

Multiplayer / co‑op

Both are single‑player only; no cooperative multiplayer in either.

Tie

Content & replayability

2012 provides over 1,000 buildings and 62 maps versus 700 buildings and 47 maps in 2011.

Cities XL 2012

Difficulty & accessibility

2011 has no noted steep learning curve, while 2012 is described as having a steep learning curve for new players.

Cities XL 2011

Graphics & performance

Both use similar graphics era; 2012 is noted as dated, but no specific performance data for either.

Cities XL 2011

Platform availability

Platform details not specified for either; assume equal availability.

Tie

Choose Cities XL 2011 if…

Buyers who want a cheaper, less complex city builder and are new to the genre.

Choose Cities XL 2012 if…

Buyers who want the most content, multi‑city trade, and deeper simulation despite higher cost.

Common questions

Is the extra cost of 2012 worth the additional buildings and maps?

2012 adds ~300 more buildings and 15 extra maps plus trade features, but costs $20 more than 2011.

Can I play these games with friends?

Both titles are single‑player only; no multiplayer or co‑op modes are offered.

Which version is easier for a beginner?

2011 is easier; 2012 is described as having a steep learning curve, while 2011 has no such warning.