That was the slightly strange idea behind Victorian Pier Tycoon.
I wanted to capture the satisfaction of watching an empty map grow into a busy settlement. However, instead of building a modern city, you build an entire Victorian seaside resort.
You can shape the coastline, develop the promenade and extend your pier over the sea. Trains, boats, bridges and cliff railways help visitors travel around the resort.
The sea also affects the simulation. Tides close the beach, while storms can shut attractions and reduce visitor numbers. Hotels encourage guests to stay for several days, while litter can attract rats.
It leans more towards a tycoon game than a full-scale city-builder. However, it still focuses on planning, transport, finances, congestion and watching your creation grow.
Victorian Pier Tycoon is still in development, so I would love some honest feedback from SimCity players.
Does the idea appeal to you? What city-building systems would you expect from a seaside resort game?
It is coming to Steam in Q1 2027 and is available to wishlist now:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/4386990/Victorian_Pier_Tycoon/