opinions on theme idea for casual game

[Bmc]

So, I really want to move forward with this idea I have. However, it's very tied to a theme, which I'm not sure will resonate well with the casual audience. In fact, I have a strong feeling in my gut that says it won't.

The basic concept of the game is "Sim City in 5 minute slices"

Gameplay would be very similar (if not identical) to games like Insaniquarium, Plantasia and Garden Dreams.

Does anyone see a reason why a city-building theme wouldn't work? Keep in mind it would be more cartoony(think Pizza Frenzy) than any of the actual SimCity games.

[Ronkes]

No, I don't see a problem with that theme. City building is something familiar to people, so they can relate to it.

I'd worry more about the gameplay and less about the theme. Make sure that the game is fun and doesn't feel like management. Your game should be instantly comprehensible, without the need for a tutorial.

In saying this, I'm assuming you are designing the game with a portal audience in mind. If you're not, then you have a bit more room to define what type of audience you want to go for.

[gamefiesta]

When we are thinking about a game we think the same way retailers think about upcoming seasons and holidays.
Garden Dreams from www.Toybox-games.com hits the Spring element and hoping that it last right thru until summer! :)

[Bmc]

When we are thinking about a game we think the same way retailers think about upcoming seasons and holidays.
Garden Dreams from www.Toybox-games.com hits the Spring element and hoping that it last right thru until summer! :)

thats a very nice game btw

[minman]

I think the success of SimCity (first and 2000) shows that it appeals to a casual market. You may make a second more tenuous connection that the SimCity franchise has gotten MORE complicated and feature heavy and driven away their market (as seen by the disappointing sales for the last two).

I think going more casual and "5 minute slices" are the way to go and I think you'll find a huge market that's waiting for "more" SimCity but not really "more stuff" SimCity.

- Art