
Unlike in some other city-building games, the player has no control over the positioning of streets. Landmarks can be constructed by earning landmark bonds. This can include flowers, extra seating, signs, air conditioners, or water towers. The player must attract customers to raise funds by upgrading their buildings. To add to the realism, several brand names (including Staples and Loews Theatres) can be built. Players choose from different types of buildings, including residential, commercial, and recreational. Regardless of which mode the game is played in, the game starts with an empty district which must be developed. In "Sandbox" mode players have full control over the entire island and are able to control the amount of competition, their rate of building, and starting amount of cash. The player must complete certain tasks and compete with business rivals in order to unlock other districts for development. In "Build New York" the player is given specific tasks and must build New York district by district, starting with Greenwich Village. Gameplay can be accomplished through two different modes.
