The Sims

"A good game, an OK Sims game"

Introduction

The game The Sims for Xbox is not, just as a warning, the best game to introduce you to the Sims series. The Sims and The Sims 2 for PC are both much better introductions to the series. I was not overly impressed with this game, but it was not a terrible disappointment. I'll highlight each section individually.

Graphics

I have seen much better graphics for both the PC and the Xbox, and I feel the graphics in this game are a bit of a step down from the original PC game. However, they are still acceptable and are not horribly ugly or anything to that effect.

Sound/Music

Once again, nothing really special here, though they do still use the same music from the PC Sims for Buy and Build Modes. Nothing was really added though, so I am thoroughly unimpressed.

Gameplay

Here's where the game starts to get back on track. The Xbox version still uses the classic method of dictating to your sims daily duties by clicking on things, though it is slightly more clumsy with the Xbox control, but it still handles reasonably well. Also, the game offers a fair amount of variety in interior decoration, which is quite nice. However, the selection pales to that of a fully expanded The Sims for PC. Their is also a new innovation to the game which I have mixed feelings about: objectives. This gives the game a plot, and thus a purpose, but this also results in an ending. Also, it can be very irritating when you have to fulfill some bizarre objective that has seemingly no purpose, or when you have to get promoted in your job time after time. However, one of the most important contributions this game made to The Sims series is that of multiplayer. Yes, it is finally possible to play The Sims with a friend or two. This is perhaps the main reason that I did not give the game a slightly lower score, for the challenge mode and "Sandbox" (multiplayer) mode are both quite entertaining.

Overall

I would suggest buying this game if you are a fan of the Sims series, but if you are not I suppose you could rent it, but I personally think the PC version is better.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 02/23/06