If we had a nickel for every Sims game we’ve reviewed in the last 24 months we’d be rich.  Well, maybe not rich, but we’d have enough cash to buy something nice for ourselves, like a cup of coffee or a roll of toilet paper.  Moreover, as luck may have it, those are both things that I desperately need, after pulling consecutive all-nighters playing the new virtual dollhouse simulator from Maxis. 

Last year was the first time players found themselves sleepless and bathroom break deprived as they sat for countless hours in front of their TVs playing The Sims on their console systems of choice.  The multiplatform The Sims was an undeniable hit, and to say that the game took this reviewer by surprise would be a huge understatement.  The Sims introduced true 3D characters and environments, freeform gameplay, a streamlined control system, and an objective based “Get a Life” mode that infused the traditional elements of the franchise with an entirely new experience that actually had a logical conclusion.

So it goes without saying that we had high expectations for Maxis’ next console installment of The Sims.  Bustin’ Out, the second game in the series for the GameCube, PS2, and Xbox, does not disappoint.  It doesn’t stray too far from the original formula, but it does manage to expand on the time-tested foundation considerably by giving players more customization options, and allowing them to “bust out” of their homes and visit their neighbors at will, not to mention a slew of other, less noticeable refinements.  Nearly everything you do in Bustin’ Out results in a reward; such as new clothing for your sim to wear, new items to purchase and play with, and new social interactions to utilize during conversations.  Bustin’ Out is improved in almost every way over the original, not the least of which are its enhanced visuals and sound.

Last year’s objective centric “Get a Life” mode is revisited here as the newly christened “Bust Out” mode, and like the former style of play Bust Out throws you into a situation where you start out living with your mom, then challenges you to complete a host of goals until you are a rich and famous (or infamous) sim with more gadgets, friends, and romantic interests than you’ll know what to do with.  There is also a “free play” mode that is structured identically to the PC version of the game and allows you to create a family and then perpetually tend to their needs.  Once you unlock multiplayer options you’ll be able to play either of the aforementioned modes with a friend.  Regardless of which mode you play, the primary gameplay dynamics remain the same; constantly satisfy the needs of your virtual people.  Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past five years you know that making sure your sims stay well fed, well slept, comfortable, and generally happy is the name of the game.

As you progress through the game you’ll develop relationships with your roommates and neighbors, make friends, and eventually even marry and have a child.  The Bust Out mode starts you off gradually, challenging you to do simple things like fix a broken espresso machine or make friends with your roommate, but as you get further into the game it becomes more and more challenging.  Once you’ve fulfilled a certain number of objectives you have the option of moving into a better dwelling where a host of new challenges await you.  You can go back to previous areas if you find you aren’t quite prepared enough to tackle these challenges.  Building up your sims’ personal attributes, like body, charisma, and creativity is far easier to do in living quarters that don’t demand so much focus on extra curricular activity.

While the objectives change from house to house in the Bust Out mode, some of them remain the same, such as managing your sims’ career.  You can choose from a variety of careers in the main mode, but regardless of your chosen profession there are always a couple goals revolving around getting promoted.  Choosing the celebrity profession, for example, will start you off as a mall clown, then you’ll be promoted to kiddie show sidekick, then stunt double, horror movie extra, game show host, sitcom star, sex symbol, director, and finally, movie mogul.  As you work your way up the ladder of success you’ll be rewarded with all sorts of benefits, the most important of which is a higher influx of the game’s form of currency, simoleons.  If being a movie star isn’t your bag then feel free to change your profession whenever you want to something that suits your tastes a bit better, such as paramilitary, mad scientist, gangster, fashion victim, or counter culture activist.  Unfortunately, the “Bustin’ Out” part of the game’s title does not refer to your sims’ work life, you are still unable to follow your virtual person to his or her respective job.

Each console port of Bustin’ Out features its own unique incentive.  The Xbox version sports the cleanest visuals of the three.  The PS2 version comes with an online weekend mode where players can visit other players and trade rare items without worrying about working.  But the GameCube version is hands down the most original in terms of extras.  By connecting the GBA version of Bustin’ Out to the GC version you can transfer your customized sim between the two platforms.  This means that you can play the GBA mini-games to earn simoleans, quickly increase skill levels, and top off your mood meters, then transfer your sim back to the GameCube game and retain everything you’ve earned in the GBA version.  So even when you’re out and about in real life, you can still tend to your sims’ virtual life.

The visuals in Bustin’ Out are noticeably improved over last year’s version and sport a more colorful, polygon intensive graphical presentation.  The environments, items, and objects in the game are more complex and detailed, too.  Also, the wealth of new customization options for your user created sim make it possible to more closely replicate yourself in the game.  All this goodness does come at a price however, Bustin’ Out requires a hefty 161 blocks of memory to play the game. 

But it’s the sound in Bustin’ Out that will really leave a lasting impression.  Tons of new “simlish” has been added for social interaction sequences, some of which are actually quite hysterical.  There are also a lot of new musical additions to the game that do a great job of retaining the fictitious ambiance of the game world while busting out with some truly memorable orchestrations that range from hip-hop, to pop, to rock.  While the GameCube version of the game doesn’t support 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound like its PS2 brethren, it is still quite evident that the developers went the extra mile with Bustin’ Out’s aural presentation.

Overall, The Sims Bustin’ Out is a marked improvement over the previous console outing and offers up enough interesting incentives to stay entertained for nearly 20 hours.  The GameCube to GBA connectivity feature is a perfect addition for those who own the handheld version of the game, and the new co-op multiplayer option substantially enhances the experience of playing both the free-for-all and Bust Out modes.  While some may complain that Bustin’ Out is more of an expansion pack than a true follow-up, it’s hard to deny the addictiveness and consistent satisfaction that the title brings to the table.  If you’re a fan of the series then you simply cannot go wrong with Bustin’ Out. 

Gameplay: 8.2

Perhaps not as precise as using a mouse and keyboard, but the streamlined control system does do a great job of keeping the action consistent with a dual shock.

Graphics: 8.6
Being able to rotate your surroundings at will is great, and the 3D characters and environments look good.  Not the most graphically intensive game on the ‘cube, but certainly one of the most functional and fluid.

Sound: 9.2

Lots of new simlish has been recorded for Bustin’ Out for both dialogue sequences and music.  If you liked the soundtrack in The Sims you’ll instantly fall in love with the aural goodness here.

Difficulty: Medium

Most players will have no trouble getting to the third or fourth level, but beyond that the difficulty gets ramped up substantially.

Concept: 8.7
It’s an impressive feat for a game to have as many incarnations as The Sims and still remain fresh and entertaining.  Bustin’ Out continues this tradition admirably.

Multiplayer: 8.2

The co-op multiplayer mode is great fun.  Unlocking the wealth of additions with another player is the best way to enjoy this game.

Overall: 8.6

An impressive follow-up to an already excellent game.  Bustin’ Out will keep you entertained for hours.