Which Sim City is the best one to Start with? Steam has been trying to get me to buy Cities Skyline since it was released, but I want to actually play some of the Sim Cities games I have first.

I have Sim City 2000, 3000, 4, and the Sim City exclusive to Origin.

Which is the best to start with? I have the DLC for the Origin Sim City as well.

I would recommend Simcity 3000 its not as complex as Simcity 4 and its not as simple as the first Simcity.

Its easier to pick it and learn the basics. Soon you will be making big sucessful cities on it.

After you become a pro on simcity 3000 I recommend you to go Simcity 4 which is way more complex. However just because its more complex it doesnt mean its better than Simcity 3000. I still prefer Simcity 3000 over Simcity 4 or Cities Skylines. For me Simcity 3000 will always be the best city-building game ever made.

Thanks for the heads up.

If you don't mind the time spent working through them, and you don't mind the retro look, then I'd start with 2000 and work up to 4. If not then I also think 3000 is a great place to start since even though I find 4 to be the best in the series, it's also the hardest to get into. 3000 is more accessible (or a bit easier at least) and it's got a delightfully cheerful vibe with its bright colours and smooth music. And you even have a choice of different building and landscape styles : https://imgur.com/a/M5j8O

Thanks, Would I be able to play the games in 30 minute sessions?

I have 2000,3000, and 4 installed.

Yes you will. However it will take a few days and dedication for your city to develop in Simcity 3000 and especially Simcity 4 which is way more complex. But if you play atleast 30 min everyday everything will work out in the end.

Thanks for the heads up. I'm hoping I'll enjoy them.

SimCity 3000 has a tutorial, start with that. There are also guides on YouTube that may help you.

If you are new to 2000, it is worth reading the manual at first. The control is little bit complex, you have to keep holding an icon to get more option. Interface is similar to modern application (a bunch of icons and short description), but not completely the same.

I'm just going to link to a previous post I made for someone on the topic of getting started in SC2k. It's just as useful today as it was back then, and should give you an idea of how to get started.

Thanks, I'll check it out.