MySims

"This is The Sims?"

This game does NOT live up to the price sticker. At $50, I would expect a game that would revolutionize the Sims franchise. Unfortunately, this is more like de-evolution for the wallet busting series. The game itself has potential, but many factors of the game, not only limited to those below, contribute to this game having the score I gave it.

Graphics- 6/10
The graphics in this game are unique to the franchise, introducing a more cartoon-like theme to the game. However, even with these simple models, the game play is dotted with lag. Often the game, on even a new Wii system, will freeze unexpectedly for several moments.

Game play- 5/10
The game play in this game is unique when you start playing, but as you progress, the game play gets stale and repetitive. Finding essences, which are not magic, but indeed fruits or other inanimate objects that have no "essence" to them. However, in the game's compulsiveness to over emphasize how special these objects are, it often becomes annoying to build objects. The object building itself is fun, but leaves little room for true creativity, when people want 10 apples to come with their chairs. The constant lag and freezing of the game tremendously reduces the urge to play for long. This game vaguely mirrors its computer based cousins. The only obvious factors that do remind me of The Sims is the odd green diamond, which doesn't have any real purpose, on account of your inability to satisfy your "Sim".

Sound- 7/10
The sound in this game is one of the few good components, (mainly because they didn't put in enough sound to actually screw it up) but it is all very unremarkable. The only really interesting thing about the sound is your character's voice, which is relatively customizable. Other than that, music that comes on when you pass a building is the only thing that sticks out in the sound category.

Story- 3/10
The storyline in this game is extremely generic. A town has fallen into despair and you are the only one who can save the town, apparently because you can put apples on furniture. The mayor is useless, in fact, you do more work in this game than she does. As the story, or lack of it, progresses, you seldom get to actually build houses- the only part of the game I really enjoy.

All in all, this game does not deserve the $50 price tag, and the quality of the game is surpassed by many Game Cube games.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 01/22/08

Game Release: MySims (US, 09/18/07)