The Tower

The Tower is a “tower” simulation game similar in design to Maxis’ SimCity (a game which inspired Saito). Players essentially construct a tower, managing its content and transport systems in a bid to keep residents happy and make money.

It was originally designed by Yutaka “Yoot” Saito – his first venture at his company OPeNBooK and published for a variety of platforms in 1994. The majority of ports remained exclusive to Japan, however was seen in the west as SimTower, published by Maxis.

Sega would later publish a PC/Mac sequel, Yoot Tower, and a second sequel on the Game Boy Advance, The Tower SP.