"The Classic game goes out-of-the-house"

I am not new with The Sims. I bought it for the PC not long after it first came out. I was very satisfied. Expansion packs came and went. I was literally extactic when I heard the classic game was coming out for the Gameboy Advance. I then purchased it and play it still. My Sims sense was right.

Graphics 9/10
The graphics are surprisingly good for the Gameboy Advance. Although in the direct light of the sun, you can see the pixels, in the Gameboy Advance SPs built in light, it looks beautifully smooth. The graphics are beautifully detailed especially when talking to another sim. Good job, EA.

Sound 10/10
The sound is very good. If you are a diehard sims fan, you will notice some familiar tunes, but all jazzed up. Piano is guitar, and guitar is piano. Some new tracks are also added to ''intensify'' the mood, such including the Disco, Oldies, and Rock. Some other songs like Techno will satisfy somebody's needs. Let me repeat that the sound is very good.

Gameplay 9/10
Although The Sims for PC was more ''free'' in a way, The Sims Bustin Out for GBA is mission based. If you played The Sims for GCN/PS2/Xbox, you will know what I mean. Your ultimate goal in the game is to eventually own the Mansion on the hill, become mayor, etc. You start out in your Uncle Hayseed's barn in the small town of SimValley. You meet new people essential to your missions, and then you beat the mission. Simple. The social interactions are also improved. When you talk to a sim, you will enter a new screen. There is a picture of the sim, the relationship bar, and a list of things. Some of these thing are jokes, while others are kisses. The picture of the sim you are talking to will show their reaction. You can also connect your Gameboy to your Gamecube, you can play mini games, or even transfer your Gamecube sim onto the Gameboy Advance and play through the adventure. The diverse cast of characters and their respected locations make this game one for the record books of Sims History. There are a few classic objects that make a blaze of glory, and some entirely new objects that have some weird interactions.

Overall Score 8/10
I love this game. Although it may not be a real thirst quencher for some die-hard simmers, it will still be a nice addition to any Sims collection. And the GCN-GBA connectivity is a nice bonus.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/24/04