Metropolis 1998 lets you design every building in an isometric, pixel-art city

Metropolis 1998 is an upcoming city-building game that allows players to design buildings in an isometric, pixel-art style. Inspired by titles like Rollercoaster Tycoon, Dwarf Fortress, and SimCity, the game features a detailed building designer where players can create unique structures, manage city zones, and address urban challenges. Players start with a blank field and can either plot colored zones for residents to develop or manually construct buildings, customizing every aspect from room layouts to interior objects. The game is currently in pre-alpha, with a demo available on Steam and Itch.io, and is expected to enter early access between late 2024 and mid-2025.

The development team, YesBox, has made significant progress since its inception in December 2021, including creating an algorithm capable of managing large populations. Future updates promise features like visible crime scenarios and a "zombie mode," enhancing gameplay with a more interactive and dynamic environment. Unlike other city-builders that focus on complex mechanics, Metropolis 1998 aims for a more approachable experience, emphasizing creativity and personal expression in city design. The game also includes a top-down mode for data analysis, catering to players who enjoy both design and management aspects. Overall, Metropolis 1998 seeks to provide a nostalgic yet innovative city-building experience.