"This game has mixed feelings of mine on it..."

---Intro
I've been playing The Sims for about a year now, and it is truly one of the best games I have ever seen. However, the game being on the computer bothered me, since I couldn't take it with me when I went to my family's private camp or a hotel room. Well, Bustin' Out changes all that... sorta.
*Note that I will pretty much be comparing this game to the ORIGINAL Sims for the PC, and not Bustin' Out for a console.

---Concept
The Sims on the go!

---Graphics
Graphics for this game on a GBA are about as good as they come. It's hard to rate GBA graphics because you need to know the limits of the GBA itself. So, within its limits, I say that the graphics are quite good for a GBA game.
Graphics: 9/10

---Sound
Sound for The Sims: Bustin' Out is also pretty good. GBA games tend to have no talking, but that's OK for our Sims because they have their own unique 'language'. That's right, most of the Sim's phrases from the normal games on PC and now on console are in this game, along with music. The music is a bit different from the original Sims, but if you dislike it, you're allowed to turn it off.
Sound: 8/10

---Story/Playability
The story in this game begins by placing you on Uncle Hayseed's farm. (No, you cannot build a house, at least as I know of). You stay here while you do various simple tasks around town to advance to the next area, much like in Tony Hawk's Underground. This changes the flow of the game. Instead of playing 'life', you're playing 'errand boy'.
The good news however, is that the Needs section is within this game, and they deplete just like normal. They seem to deplete less quickly than in the normal Sims. The Mood Meter is there as well.
Sim play is much like it is in the original, with Skill Points and such. The biggest differences are the fact that you can no longer design your own house and that you become an errand boy. I'd prefer the real Sims.
Story/Playability: 8/10

---Control
On a GBA, control is quite easy. You have six buttons and the arrows, so therefore controls are simple. In this game, hold B to run, and hit A to interact. Select is to Pause and Start is to see your stats and tasks. L hides/opens the Needs bar. Simple, huh?
Control 10/10

---Replay Value
The Sims always has replay value. Bustin' Out may depend on your attitude toward the game. I really can't say much here, because I have to base this on my feelings mostly, as every player will have a different attitude towards this game.
Replay Value: 8/10

---Buy or Rent?
If you like The Sims, then buy this. Even if you're not to fond of it, at least you'll have Sims for the road.

---OVERALL
I have to say that this is a great game for the GBA. Overall, I'd say it can't compare to most console games. However, it does shine brightly in GBA titles. In my opinion, the only games better than it on GBA are Advance Wars 2 and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance.
---OVERALL: 8.75 (Rounded to 9)

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 05/17/04