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Comment by bjelkeman-again | Hacker News Reader

It is sad not having the original SimCity on something like the iPad. The version they offer is some abomination trying to be FarmVille begging for cash at every turn.

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It would be theoretically and easily possible, but legally impossible to port the original C version of SimCity released under GPLv3 (called "Micropolis") to the iPad, because of the anti-Tivoization clause, it's a violation of the GPLv3 to put it on the Apple app store.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tivoization

https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/6109/is-it-possibl...

https://github.com/SimHacker/micropolis

However there's nothing stopping you from running one of the versions of Micropolis that's been rewritten in JavaScript to run in the web browser (because it's distributed via the web instead of on the App store), or contributing to those projects to make it run well on the iPad.

http://micropolis.mostka.com/

https://www.graememcc.co.uk/micropolisJS/

"something like the iPad" - since an Android tablet is not subject to the same draconian and silly restrictions on installing software, so it would be possible there. It looks like there are a few versions already.

Side note: I went to college with one of the people that ported the original version to the Amiga in the late 80s. He told me the cheat codes, which was handy.

> because of the anti-Tivoization clause, it's a violation of the GPLv3 to put it on the Apple app store

Ah, I always knew there was some anti-Tivoization in there, but didn't really dig into what it truly covered. So in other words, you could have a highly successful iOS app you sell, that you release under the GPLv3, and nobody should be legally allowed to publish it under the official App Store. They could only potentially contribute bug fixes, and licensing their commits back to you sounds a bit like it would need another license from their code.

That kind of sucks that the App Store is not technically compatible, I would of thought due to JailBreaking it would of been technically allowed.

The App Store's incompatibility is by Apple Policy, enforced via digital restrictions management. See the license says that after Apple distributes it to you, they have to permit you to change out libraries and code and still have it be runnable. As this would permit you to run custom code on the iDevice without Apple strictly controlling what computing you are permitted to perform on an iDevice, Apple cannot allow this.

So Apple bans GPLv3, because they do not permit you to do what you want with your device, the device does what Apple wants and permits you to do with it.

”They could only potentially contribute bug fixes, and licensing their commits back to you sounds a bit like it would need another license from their code.”

They could also port it to Android and release it there for free, or even sell it there (while offering all buyers the source code, to comply with the GPL)

This is true although might be somewhat tedious. I forget that translating code is also covered by the license.

It isn’t SimCity, but I’ve found Pocket City to be a well done city building game on iOS. Similar feel to SimCity 2000.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pocket-city/id1330451888?mt=...

I agree, and it has microtransactions or ads or other free-to-play annoying mechanisms. You pay once up front and that's all.

Just to clarify:

It has NO microtransactions or ads or other annoying mechanisms.

Yes, that was what I meant. Thank you!

Thanks. Trying that.

If there's any downside, it might be a little too easy. Of course, going back as an adult I've found SC2K to be much easier than I remembered, probably because I know how to balance a budget.

I know it’s not quite the original, but SimCity 3000 (what I grew up on) was available a couple years back on iOS but now sadly gone.

> I know it’s not quite the original, but SimCity 3000 (what I grew up on)

Oh god... I'm old... =)

I feel the same way. I played SimCity, but SimCity 2000 is the version that feels like "home" to me; I like the grid constraint, and I love the art.

I bought the edition that came with the Sim City Urban Renewal Kit, which was a way to create your own buildings using the graphic editor. It even had support for animations using palettes! I had a grand ol' time creating gawdy, neon-brutalist monstrocities to shove into my cities.

Same for Tetris, I just want a simple version for my kids to play.

Agreed. The best substitute I’ve been able to find for iOS is ”1010!”. It’s quite nice IMO.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/1010/id911793120

For a good experience may I suggest one of these adapters [1], a genuine NES controller [2], a good NES emulator for your platform, the original Tetris NES ROM, a PC that plugs into a TV, and a TV that has "game mode" to minimise latency (critical for any serious Tetrissing).

[1] http://ebay.co.uk/itm/202526513876

[2] https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=nes+control...

The Game Boy version is the only "true" Tetris. NES version screwed it up by replacing Korobeiniki with Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Excepting the music (which may be authentic, I don't know, I just don't like the choices), Tetris DX on the GameBoy Color is the definitive version, to me. It is basically the GameBoy 4-shades of green version with color, and slightly tweaked control responsiveness.

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