The Sims Bustin' Out

"What will Maxis do next?"

I remember the first time I played the original ''The Sims'' for PC. I was hooked. Then, about 5 weeks later, after almost non-stop playing, I was unhooked. I remember thinking to myself, ''What's the point? I don't have any goals or objectives. Why should I keep playing?'' Then came ''Livin' Large'', which gave me another reason to play. Then came ''House Party'', ''Hot Date'', ''Vacation'' and so on. By the time ''Unleashed'' came out, I was tired out of ''The Sims''. No goals, no objectives, and therefore, no reason to play.
Then came the first console version of ''The Sims'', which opened players up to a goal-based story mode. I was psyched, I was ready... It was dull. The story mode stunk, and it felt a lot like the same old ''The Sims'' game. Now, here we are at the era of ''The Sims: Bustin' Out'', and this is, by far, the best game I've ever played.

Graphics - 10/10
People say that the graphics in this game stink. They're right. That is, if you want extremely realistic graphics. But what would ''The Sims'' look like if it wasn't as animated and cartoon-y as it is? Not too good. I think the graphics are perfect for a game of this nature.

Sound - 10/10
No longer do we have the exact same jazz-style music playing in the background. The music is new, hot and fresh. It makes playing ''The Sims'' on the PS2 so much better. The sound effects are much of the same old stuff though, but the new music more than makes up for them. There are also new ''simlish'' sound effects.

Controls - 9/10
They're just like they were in the original console version of ''The Sims''. It got a 9 because, firstly, I'd like to zoom in and take a closer look at the action just a little bit more. Secondly, sometimes I want to make the game go by in super speed, which can't happen unless all of the Sims you are controlling are asleep or at work. Otherwise, the controls are fine.

Gameplay - 10/10
Here is where ''Bustin' Out'' really shines. Sims can now drive cars to clubs, gyms and their friends homes. The goals are more realistic, and fun. The new career tracks are also a plus.

Replay Value - 10/10
Here's the deal. I've been playing this game literally non-stop since Christmas, stopping only to use the restroom and eat Lunch and Dinner. I've started over at least 15 times, just to check out other career tracks, and other places that you can live in. The game has GREAT replay value. This game should have us all hooked until the release of ''The Sims 2''.

Rent/Buy
Definitely buy. You won't have time to play it all through during the rental period. Plus, you'll be so hooked on it you'll never want to return the game again. This is an absolute buy for any ''The Sims'' fan.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/28/03