> Maxis had plans to do a successor to 2k that was fully 3D but they kept hitting frustrations and setbacks.

Graphics hardware at the time wouldn't be able to handle a city builder with the depth and scale of SimCity 2000.

Heck, it wouldn't have been able to handle a 3D version of the original SimCity unless the draw distance was limited to like 300 feet.

For proof, check out SimCopter. I can't imagine trying to play a city builder with those graphics.