Introducing Cities: Skylines - All That Jazz
For urban planners and municipal architects who crave a sophisticated atmosphere for their digital metropolises, Cities: Skylines - All That Jazz offers a refined auditory experience that transforms the city-building genre. Released on December 5, 2017, this expansion pack for the PC platform by Paradox Interactive does not introduce new gameplay mechanics, buildings, or vehicles. Instead, it focuses entirely on enhancing the immersion of the existing simulation through a dedicated radio station. This DLC allows players to curate the vibe of their cities, ensuring that whether they are managing high-density downtown cores or sprawling suburban districts, the background soundtrack complements the rhythm of urban life.
A New Kind of Traffic Jam: The Jazz Boatman
The most distinctive feature of Cities: Skylines - All That Jazz is the inclusion of the internet-famous "Jazz Boatman" as the station's DJ. Originally known for his viral videos floating down a river in a boat while playing saxophone, his appearance here is a humorous nod to the game’s community culture. The expansion description playfully notes that players can now "dig harder than a jackhammer at a road repair" while listening to his smooth tunes. This character serves as the host for the new radio station, providing a unique personality to the audio landscape that sets this pack apart from other music-focused DLCs.
Curating the Urban Soundscape
The core content of this expansion is a curated collection of 16 new songs spanning several smooth jazz sub-genres, including Classic, Latin, Funky, and Chill-Out Jazz. This variety ensures that the music remains engaging over long periods of city management. The tracklist features collaborations and performances from artists such as the Houston River Jazz Collective, Jazz In-Clave, Phrase It Differently, and The Sierra Lewis Project.
Key tracks include "36th Street" and "Hallet's Cove" by the Houston River Jazz Collective, which set a mellow, river-inspired tone. Jazz In-Clave contributes rhythmic pieces like "Bauza Chico" and "Habanera Big Four," adding a Latin flair to the station. Meanwhile, The Sierra Lewis Project offers atmospheric tracks such as "Fiesta Siesta" and "A Walk In The Park," which are particularly well-suited for residential zoning areas. This collection allows players to tailor the aesthetic of their city, moving away from generic urban noise to a more polished, jazz-infused environment.
Platform Availability and Content Scope
Cities: Skylines - All That Jazz is available exclusively for PC. As with most content packs for Cities: Skylines, this DLC requires the base game to play. It is important for potential buyers to understand that this is a cosmetic and atmospheric expansion rather than a functional one. It does not add new government policies, disaster scenarios, or map sizes. Its sole purpose is to replace or augment the default radio stations with this specialized jazz channel.
Who Is This Expansion For?
This content pack is ideal for long-time fans of Cities: Skylines who have exhausted the base game’s content and are looking for ways to personalize their experience. It appeals particularly to players who enjoy role-playing their cities as sophisticated, culturally rich urban centers. The inclusion of the Jazz Boatman also makes it a fun choice for those familiar with the game’s meme culture. However, new players or those seeking significant gameplay changes, such as new traffic systems or construction tools, may find more value in other major expansions. For those who simply want to enjoy their city-building sessions with a cooler, smoother soundtrack, Cities: Skylines - All That Jazz provides a stylish and relaxing addition to the municipal manager’s toolkit.