The Sims

"Oops, wet my pants again!"

I was very excited when I heard this game would be coming to GameCube. That is the reason I bought one as I had no desire to own a PS2, PC or X-Box. I have wanted to play this game since I saw it for PC's. The long wait was worth it.

The game: If you have played any of the sim games such as Sim City, Sim Ant, etc. and enjoyed them you will love this one. You essentially live out the life of an ordinary Joe like you would live your own life. ''Get a Life'' is the only option when you start, which is a mission based game where you meet certain goals and progress your life and career till you win the game, which is a first for The Sims. ''Play the Sims'' is based on the traditional game where you control everything forever essentially. The game lasts as long as you choose as you play out your life and the lives of others in your neighborhood. This game mode is unlocked soon after you play the other and get past the first level.

Graphics: 8 The game is in 3D and for the most part you can make out everything in the game that you can interact with. Its a 3/4 top down perspective. I wish you could zoom in more and really have the sense of moving about in real life but the game works quite well as is. I give the graphics a higher score because Maxis did a good job with what they had. The graphics can be a little fuzzy at times though but I wonder if this is the GameCube itself? I use S-video and all of the GameCube games I have are fuzzy to some extent, although overall not bad.

Sound: 10 The Sim jibberish is pretty funny if not repetitive. Soon you will know what your Sim needs and you better pay attention unless you want to pass out from exaustion or wet your pants from not making it to the bathroom. Yes, you heard me right. Your Sim counts on you to tell it to do everything. More on that later. The ambient sounds like the appliances, TV, hot tub, alarm clock, doorbell, phone etc. etc. are all very well done.

Gameplay: 9 The controls are very intuitive and laid out well. My only complaint is that giving multiple commands and cancelling same can be a chore at times but not bad by any means. You control everything as I mentioned. You can turn on ''Free Will'' which gives your Sim some power to control his/her life and it usually does the right thing but you can't count on it. If two things the Sim needs are close it may do somthing like eat instead of going to the bathroom and you can guess the result. You have to keep an eye on them at all times. In the modes when you are alone in your home you may wish to turn ''Free Will'' off but when you start having roomies its better to leave it on because it can be tough to control all the characters all the time, although swapping between them is as easy as pressing ''Z.'' Fixing up your place and buying things takes getting used to but you will pick it up in no time. The only problem I've had is when I want a non-player computer controlled Sim to join or follow me, such as wanting them to join you in the hot tub or play strip poker (yes, thats right) as an example. Another first for The Sims is a two player game which is loads of fun as you and your opponent compete against each other to beat the other guy/gal to certain goals. It can be quite funny in the process.

Rent or buy: Renting is always a good idea if you're not sure you will like this type of game but my guess is that you will soon be running out to buy the game. Gotta go, my Sim needs to go to the can again!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/31/03, Updated 03/31/03