"A great game for person who has never played a Sims game"

The Urbz was one of the earliest games for the DS. It's also one of my favorite games because of its interactive gameplay, and its humerous storyline. This game is somewhat hard to find nowadays but definately underrated.

Gameplay-
When you start out the game, you create sort of a limited avatar called an Urb. You can chose whether to be male or female and the color of your clothes, but thats pretty much it. You run around with your Urb doing different deeds from playing basketball, to participating in a fiddle contest. You can live in a variety of homes where you can place furniture and at the beggining of the game you are placed into a Rep group where you will work for. It may be addictive for some.

Graphics-
I was impressed when I first played this game, but when I look back at it, I realize how simple they really are. They aren't bad but they could be better. The neighborhoods have lots of detail in the by far, but they don't seem to match up with sprites you play with. Most areas of the world are prett much equal in color and definition but some lack the attractive detail in other places. Luckily the game doesn't lag at all so the game is smooth with its type of graphics.

Story-
Like I said before you start out in Rep group with whom you do certain tasks for. But the real story involves your Urb, against a tycoon who wants to turn the island you live on into a giant themepark. You have to gain respect from the people of the island and work together to take him down. Blended into this, is a quirky but funny side story involving your Rep group.

Sound-
Sound is.......decent at best. It's not like the whole game is silent, but there is any ear catching dounds made by anything, and there really isnt a song that will get stuck in your head for a long time. It doesn't destroy the game but it could be better.

Overall-
The Urbz is game that will only be found in bargain bin nowadays, but it will be well worth the 3$ price tag. It does have addictive gameplay (unless you no what a REAL sims game is like) and does have a good amount of playing time in it. If you see this game, buy it, but don't hunt for it.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 09/02/08

Game Release: The Urbz: Sims in the City (US, 11/17/04)