big flat rectangles isnt less detail. ive seen plenty of lots that look exactly like that with the surface being sort of a grippy stucko. adding detail would be texturing it to show the grit better

breakdown and maintenance is a part of life, and if you want a city to look like it spends a million a month per block on maintenance, thats fine to have as a fantasy for a game. Youre playing a game, entropy doesnt have to apply.

the post is right though, city games always put a layer of fantasy over one of the major costs that a city has - maintenance.

i havent played one since sim city 3k, but i expect theres still no setting up snow clearance routes and how changing the order or amount of plows affects traffic, along with the associated costs to the city.

Decay could be interesting as a gameplay mechanic. Spend money on upkeep or your city turns into that.

Neglect leading to decay is supposed to be a punishment though. Turning it into "soul" makes it desirable.