The Sims

The best-selling game in PC history makes its debut on the Nintendo GameCube in The Sims.  The GameCube version offers some subtle improvements over its recently released PlayStation 2 counterpart, but it still offers the same breed of fun and addictive gameplay.  Plus, the console offerings serve up several new gameplay features, like the fun Get a Life mode and two-player play, that deviate from the PC game’s formula.  Although it may be a little dated, The Sims is a highly fun and addictive experience that all gamers should try.

In The Sims, you take control of the life of a simulated person.  You begin by naming them and giving them various physical attributes and personality quirks.  Your goal is to keep your Sim happy and healthy and you do this by making sure they eat, buy necessities, work, bathe, go to the bathroom, and anything else you can think of that you personally would need to do in your everyday life.  Along the way, you can form relationships, get married, and even have children, turning your control from one sole Sim to a functioning atomic family.

This version of the game introduces a new gameplay mode, Get a Life.  In this mode, you create your Sim, but instead of a free-flowing “do whatever you feel like” formula, you must complete various missions with your Sim in order to get him or her out of your mom’s house and into the world.  By completing tasks in this mode, you can unlock various items for purchase and even other game modes.

The controls have been adapted very nicely for the GameCube.  The game now uses a controllable 3D camera, which is moved with the C-stick.  The 3D camera allows you to easily zoom in and out and rotate around the action.  This is a welcome addition, much better than the stationary camera in the PC version.  Overall, the controls are very easy to learn.

The graphics are a lot smoother and crisper than the PS2 version, but they don’t really flex the GameCube’s graphical muscle.  Although the animations have been cleaned up quite a bit, the characters still have the strange robotic movements and patterns that they had previously, and the textures look pretty muddy up close.  On the whole, the GameCube version has better graphics, but they still aren’t anything to get excited about.

The sound effects are pretty good.  The music is very subtle and pleasant, the kind of thing you’d find in a 1950’s TV show.  Floorboards squeak, water runs, and radios play in very clear audio.  Your Sims will also converse with each other in “Simlish” which is a weird kind of gibberish.  Although you can’t understand “Simlish”, you can figure out what your Sim is saying judging by the tone of his voice and his body language.  Another great subtle touch involving this is the voices on the radio and television will speak in “Simlish”.

The Sims is a fun and addicting title that make a nice transition to consoles.  While it is a little dated, and in many ways it’s the same game that PC gamers have been playing for years, those unfamiliar owe it to themselves to give The Sims a shot.  Even those who have played the PC version to death should try the console version simply for the two-player modes and the great Get a Life mode.

Gameplay: 8.5
While in many ways it’s the same game PC gamers have been playing for years; the gameplay is still loads of fun and terribly addictive.  The 3D camera gives you a better view of what’s going on with your Sims, and the controls feel simple and natural on the GameCube.

Graphics: 7.5
The graphics are much improved from the PS2 version, but still aren’t quite up to snuff when compared to other GameCube titles.  Your Sims move a lot more naturally, but are mired by the occasional robotic movement patterns and blurry textures.

Sound: 8.9
The sound effects are great.  While the “Simlish” can get a little grating, the audio is crystal clear, and the music sets the right mood for the game.

Difficulty: Easy                                                                                                                              

The interface is tremendously easy to pick up and play.

Concept: 8.0
While The Sims doesn’t deviate too much from the formula of the original, the new game modes are enough reason for even seasoned Sim gamers to try this version.

Multiplayer: 8.5
The game now offers competition modes as well as the two-player Play the Sims mode, which are really fun to play with a friend.  Online play would’ve been greatly appreciated.

Overall: 8.5
The Sims is a fun and addictive game that GameCube owners (especially anyone who enjoyed Animal Crossing) owe it to themselves to try.  While the gameplay has aged, the new play modes are reason enough for Sim fans to pick this version up.  While some may not have the patience to play the game for an extended amount of time, those who do will find an excellent title with great replay value.