"A little world in the palms of you hands!"

Introduction The Sims: Bustin' Out is a truly remarkable concept for GBA, but for any other system, this game would be a @#$%& bad idea, even if the graphics had been improved. I have given The Sims: Bustin' Out a 7/10
rating, not because it's good/fun, but instead because they tried.

Gameplay - 6 The game runs off of an RPG format, and basically ruins the whole ''im going to do this before I do this'' format of the original Sims. If your going to do something, it is very ''square''.

So the big question lies ahead, is it fun to play? The answer is yes, but in very small doses, like waiting for your relative at the airport for example. Things to avoid to make the game much more fun are not to wait around to finish goals, because all you will be doing is basic hygienic duties. However, if a mini-game comes up, wait there for every single hour until the fun has worn off on you. Another tip to people who have not bought the game to enhance the experience, don't buy it if you're a Sims fan. The reason so is because it's far too different than the other Sims games.

Game controls were my favorite part about gameplay for The Sims: Bustin' Out, because the were so much like a console. If you have ever played Starcraft for N-64 before, this should be a breeze. On the other hand, if you have ever played Starcraft on the computer, well, it's much harder, because it has no mouse.

Story - 8 The storyline in The Sims: Bustin' Out is very different from its PC/Console counter-part, for many reasons. Story-Wise, the game is based on running errands, getting in relationships, and some addicting mini-games while your at it. The way I see it, the game runs on a ''City Mouse to Country Mouse'' basis. You live in the high-tech city, but decide to help your old uncle on the farm, learning a new way to live life. I thought that the storyline was okay, though it could have some minor improvements.

Graphics/Sound - 9 The graphics for The Sims: Bustin' Out were surprisingly good, but unfortunately weren't 2D/3D (a mix that is shown in Golden Sun). If I had to rate the graphics on its own, I would rate it an 8. The sound on the other hand is much much better, and for some reason, awesome. The only problem is that, although the music switches from place to place, you spend lots of time in that one ''annoying music'' place. But putting all that aside, I would rate the sound an even 10.

Playtime/Replayability - 4 This I found was the worst part of the game, completing it. I was thoroughly disappointed, because it only took me 4 trips to the airport (I have a big family) to finish. I would estimate the time to be only a couple of hours. As for the replayability, it would have to take months to touch that game after you beat it, because that's when you would forget about it.

Final Comments
If you simply adore all Sim items, I would be wary of buying this one. If you don't know what the Sims are, jump right into this game. If you get it for Christmas, or for you Birthday, keep it, finish it quickly, then wrap it back up in its original packaging and return it for it's cash value (a hefty one at that).

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 12/24/03