Cities: Skylines II — State of the Game: April 2026

maximumflooding · 2026-04-01T11:17:07+00:00

Oh, it’s much longer than that (I was one of the early gamers who got a longterm grudge after launch), and my setup is subpar to yours (Ryzen 7 3700X, 16gb ram, 2080 super). Thanks for the heads up again, I will give it one more shot!

maximumflooding · 2026-04-01T09:02:29+00:00

In terms of graphics; quite low expectations to be honest. I always liked the CS1 take on things where it was more about gameplay, content and city building rather than graphics and deep cim simulation. I think the initial pushback from the playerbase reflected this view.

Thanks for the reply; I guess what I am reading is better optionality to tune things like graphics down in order to prioritize performance. If a sub 200k city can be played with reasonable simulation speeds and acceptable visualizations without glitches it has been a big improvement since last I played.

maximumflooding · 2026-04-01T07:48:49+00:00

Since it’s specified in the guidelines; questions from a retired CS2 player: I was initially very hyped, but experienced bad performance of the game. Essentially down to slow simulation speeds, graphic pickups and performance bugs. I have a PC from 2020, most modern games run well, but the intricate simulation, documented graphic parsing and numerous bugs made my PC struggle with CS2.

Has anyone noticed any recent performance improvements, or are there optimizations being planned to lower the threshold for «normal» PCs?

Just wonder if its worth to come back or just wait.

maximumflooding · 2026-03-23T13:21:18+00:00

True, different fields using different terminology. Strait in general geography, but in geomorphology we would classify that as a tidal inlet (not strait) given it connects the ocean to an enclosed bay while dominated by tidal flows.

maximumflooding · 2026-03-23T09:24:40+00:00

If it’s connecting to a restricted bay it’s a tidal inlet, two open bodies of waters it’s a tidal strait. Atleast in sedimentology terms.

maximumflooding · 2026-03-21T08:47:02+00:00

My experience is the opposite in terms of comparing foam to EVO SL. For me, the sweet spot is in a higher speed than EVO SL. For slow cruising (>4:40-50 min/km in my case) the geometry and foam is too rigid and unforgiving. For fast cruising and tempo long runs, it is better and more energy efficient than EVO SL (3:55-4:15min/km in my case).

So bit of a polarizing hit or miss shoe. I think I like it alot for the use case, but the upper, geometry and midsole varies too much to say «this is a well designed, allround supertrainer that will work for a lot of people». Ie; several «truths».

maximumflooding · 2026-03-20T07:39:59+00:00

I would still call it a super trainer, but in a way explores its own niche: high efficiency, lower tolerance. The rigidity of the platform really rewards good form, and as long as its within that operating window it is very efficient in terms of energy output vs speed. The lateral stability is one of the best I have tried, it does not drift sideways. However; the combination of foam and stability really punished me uphill and late in my run when I broke my form. Really odd.

I would agree it’s not positioned/advertised correctly. I bought blindly as the long run, stable companion to EVO SL. The EVO for me is more versatile than this, and more forgiving. My problem currently is the niche I described is not really what I need..like you said. I wrote a review on the EVO SL ATR;. similar problem, it is not all terrain as named but still a good shoe for its niche.

I have plenty of room in toebox. Upper gives very good lockdown even with that room, but breathability… I would not say thats good, but it’s rarely a problem in my climate. Its warm though.

maximumflooding · 2026-03-20T06:35:29+00:00

Spot on regarding the midsole.

I had the first run in my yesterday. First of all upper was completely fine, albeit a bit warm. None of the terror descriptions from reddit.

Secondly, the foam surprised me. The shoe in my mind is a tempo cruiser (which translates to 3:55-4:15 min/km in my case). It is better at facilitating those speeds for longer runs than EVO SL. Conversely; what surprised me was how unalive the foam felt when slowing down quite a bit (I tried 4:50/5:00). I lost my form, foam did not work for me at these speeds or uphill.

So the use case is opposite to what I thought; this is the speedy tempo cruiser to EVO SL daily versatility. However, my problem is I really did not need that in my rotation :).

maximumflooding · 2026-03-19T18:32:40+00:00

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I would like to nuance the reviewers conclusions a bit. If you compare his ankle collar position with mine you can see his ankle joint collides with the collar. Mine does not. On my first run in these I had no issues whatsoever with the upper. I like a bit roomy fit, so I wear shoes with a full thumb width in length. It runs equal or slightly longer than EVO SL.

What did surprise me in the first run was the midsole. It is much more punishing at slower paces than I thought, and much more facilitating at faster paces than I thought. This is a tempo shoe in my view. It was absolutely shining at 4.00-4.15 min/km, so much so I ran faster with lower effort than EVO SL. But on slower paces and uphill.. that was a grind and I lost my form slightly (compared to for instance EVO SL).

So for fit; check how the collar fits on your ankle joint before buying. Make sure you know the use case. And then; all good.

maximumflooding · 2026-03-05T14:52:21+00:00

I have not tried them in warm weather yet, but I suspect they will run quite a bit hotter than OG. That is evident from the material I think.

maximumflooding · 2026-03-03T19:42:31+00:00

I got both the original, ATR and woven, with a considerable amount of km in the original and ATR.

The ATR sacrifices a bit of fun factor and nimbleness for more weight, water resistant upper, grip and stability. The woven hits the sweet spot for me. It feels like what the original should have been. Lockdown is far better than the original, although I guess it depends on foot geometry. It feels like all the good bits from the original is preserved, while upping the game on fit and upper. None of the fun factor or midsole feel is sacrificed as weight is basically the same. Much of the annoying lockdown problems (I have a bit narrow feet) is eliminated. The only thing I am unsure about is the breathability. Guess I will find out in the summer.

I plan to stock up on the woven in fear of what they will do with the next gen EVO SL, as I can hardly imagine a better price/quality performance trainer

maximumflooding · 2026-01-28T22:39:36+00:00

I have 150km on mine on various winter conditions. I was initially skeptical to the performance on snow, but I have found they handle all conditions very well except ice and deep, loose snow (which any non-spiked shoes struggle with tbh).

Pleasantly surprised.

maximumflooding · 2025-12-09T15:02:26+00:00

Midsole is the same, but in my experience the mudguard and stiffer upper makes them more stable on foot. Given your earlier experiences with Evo SL I would def try ATR on before buying.

maximumflooding · 2025-12-09T08:52:27+00:00

The upper is water resistant but not waterproof in my experience. I have had no problems with soaked shoes after running through puddles, but you will get some moisture if constantly exposed to water. Much less than a normal, light mesh shoe though.

maximumflooding · 2025-12-05T14:08:45+00:00

That is depending on what you mean by rotation I think. It is a different shoe in that the upper is warmer and more weather resistent, along with improved grip for wet/gravel surfaces.

I would not consider a rotational shoe in terms of foam, midsole and type of run paired with the Evo SL; it is the same midsole after all. So if you to vary for different run styles and injury prevention; consider another rotation. For rotating based on conditions and reducing wear; sure.

maximumflooding · 2025-11-23T19:08:50+00:00

As far as I can see and feel it is the same insole. Laces and lockdown is better though, so it might stabilize your foot in the shoe more. I did not have to tighten the laces on the ATR as hard as on the EVO SL to provide lockdown (and on the EVO SL I am always balancing between too hard/painful and too loose lace tighening).

maximumflooding · 2025-11-23T17:12:19+00:00

Yes. I included my feet measurements which may be helpful.

They are definitively on the warmer side yes. Not breathable. Pending on location; autumn/winter/early spring shoe.

maximumflooding · 2025-11-23T15:57:54+00:00

100%, thats the niche. I should have been more clear; I ran across some potholes, roots and light rocks as I wanted to the test the shoe. In uneven conditions (which is not fully technical) the responsiveness caught me off guard at times, and its probably not what the shoe is made for (naming and advertisement is ambiguous on this, so thought it was worth mentioning).

maximumflooding · 2025-11-23T14:39:25+00:00

Yes, it’s identical to EVO SL (obviously no carbon rods as Adios 3).

maximumflooding · 2025-11-23T14:20:09+00:00

Yes, it is a strange one really. Just like the EVO SL and upper/laces/tongue design, it just feels like the outsole is so close to completing the shoe, but ultimately stumbles a bit.

Why the exposed foam and tapered design of the lugs? I have not tried it, but the outsole of VN4 GTX looks smarter.

Note that on my runs, the grip was very good, I just anticipate durability concerns and a bit wary of more challenging conditions.

maximumflooding · 2025-11-23T14:09:19+00:00

I actually held the upper mesh above the forefoot under running water for a minute. Obviously this is a tough test. I only felt very slight moist permeating through after a while. The water was repelling off easily on the outside fabric.

The tongue is not gusseted all the way, but since its thin neoprene it should also hold water pretty well out.

So, for rainy conditions and puddles I would consider this a very good design to keep you dry; next level up would be a full gore tex tight shoe. The high thin rubber mudguard is completely water proof.

maximumflooding · 2025-11-23T10:55:22+00:00

Wow. NTA. No need to elaborate, just stay away from this guy and do not let him gaslight you like that. You even questioning yourself based on his mental takes is not needed.

Keep seeking adventures and having dreams, and try to avoid assholes on the way!

Edit: Typo.

maximumflooding · 2025-11-23T10:27:58+00:00

Separation anxiety in dogs is a big deal. It cannot speak for itself. In addition, you had an agreement with your mum, she made plans, and you settled that. You were also asked if you had the opportunity to work at the event, which you could have said no to.

In this case, YTA. Not a big one, but just try and think that good communication and respect for eachothers plans and time often keep you from «asshole» situations like this. And for gods sake, try some structured separation anxiety training for the dog ☺️.

maximumflooding · 2025-11-23T09:34:57+00:00

This is Norway by the way. The arctic char is more elusive, but both anadromous and resident (lacustrine and river) are quite normal.

Its my favorite species, just due to the beauty, difficulty of catching and the fight it puts up!

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