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The Plot:  (PS2 image above; aspects of the review are the same as the PS2 review; differences or similarities between the PS2 and XBOX versions are noted) A game that has fascinated many and will likely add more to its fanbase with its arrival on the PS2, "The Sims" is one of the fastest-selling PC games of all time (XBOX and Gamecube versions are coming soon). The game allows players to micromanage the lives of a "Sim" person, or even entire Sim families. Players can either watch their Sims interact with their environment (or other Sim neighbors who drop by) or take part and direct them to do what they've got to do. Indicators let the user know if your Sim isn't having any fun, is hungry, uncomfortable, needs a nap or even has to use the bathroom. The PS2 version offers two modes of gameplay: "Get A Life" and the more open-ended "Neighborhood" mode. The "Get A Life" version serves as more of a tutorial for the user, as it has your Sim trying to move up in the world, starting from trying to get enough money to get out of their parent's place. Getting further within this version of the game will unlock some items that can be used in the other version of the game, as well as additional play modes. The traditional "Neighborhood" version of the game is particularly enjoyable at the outset. The player has the option of either jumping into a pre-built house/family situation or building a home of their own and moving a Sim they design in. Players can edit the appearance of their Sim fairly extensively, with additional accessories and different facial features. Building the house is tons of fun, as the plot of land provides plenty of space to put together a smaller place or larger pad. The game also offers a remarkable amount of different items that can be bought and placed within the home, including tons of kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and electronic features. Of course, different items will help different needs of your Sim and the more expensive items will help and satisfy your Sim more. Bookcases provide your Sim an opportunity to pick up a book and learn cooking and mechanical skills (your Sim earns different points, depending on how long you read, for example). Creative talents (points) can be earned by playing the piano or painting a picture (and the paintings can be sold for cash). Cooking points are particularly important, because then you can have your Sim actually cook a good meal and not have to rely on the microwave or simply having them eat food out of the box. The game is frustrating at first, as progress is often interrupted by your Sim's bathroom (and if you don't get to the bathroom quick enough, your Sim does go all over the floor -- and has to clean it up), sleep or hunger needs. It's also terribly annoying when your Sim doesn't want to paint, work out or do something because they're too depressed, as well. Your Sim also can choose between working at home or heading off to one of several jobs. Personally, I only found a few noticable problems with "The Sims". Your "Sim" will occasionally have a little "thought bubble" that shows something they need or want. Although they'll occasionally point to their mouth if they want to eat, sometimes you'll have to read the bubble for something else they need and the little image is often too small to see clearly. "The Sims" isn't going to be for everyone and its quiet entertainment isn't probably going to be what its fans are always in the mood for. Still, it's a very complex, very enjoyable title that offers a different experience almost each time out, along with a lot of surprises along the way. The game is definitely a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Rating: 9.0/10 The DVD Graphics: "The Sims" certainly isn't a very graphically striking game, but its simple images are clearly and crisply rendered. Your Sim's little animations (they eat, they hop into bed, walk around, etc) are well-rendered and fun, while all of the little Sim items are also crisply seen. You can see your Sim watch TV (there are different shows, even) or watch their paintings be completed. There's certainly nothing wrong with the graphics of the game (I was impressed by some of the smaller details), but those looking for spectacular visuals won't find them here. However, the XBOX version did improve a good deal upon the game's appearance on the PS2 version. Textures appeared sharper and finer details of the Sim household seemed to be somewhat more apparent. While nothing enormous, the XBOX version does smooth out the game's appearance and makes for a more visually pleasing experience. Rating: 8.8/10 Sound: "The Sims" also has a very simple soundtrack, which consists of a beautiful, subtle and very relaxing score along with your Sim's occasional dialogue (which isn't in English, but the character's own language.) Nice sound effects work, too. Rating: 8.7/10 Gameplay: While controls for PC games don't always translate well to consoles, "The Sims" actually controls beautifully, with aspects such as zooming in or out smoothly and easily done. All of the different menus can be brought up with a click of a button, while moving your Sim around its world to interact with different objects is simple. The XBOX controller also offered a smooth and easy control experience. Rating: 9.5/10 Rating Issues: "The Sims" is rated "T" (Teen) for some suggestive situations that your Sims get into, as well as "comic mischief" and "mild violence". There's really nothing here that's graphic or troubling. It's an intelligent, entertaining game that teens and older children will enjoy. Final Thoughts: "The Sims" is frustrating at times, but the game is funny, rewarding, insired and almost never the same. It's a fun, enjoyable and relaxing game for those seeking a break from the battles of other games. The XBOX version does offer better graphics and the XBOX's hard drive makes it easier to save the somewhat memory-intensive (at least they seemed to be on the PS2 version version) saved games. |