Gaming Target - Xbox: The Sims

Written by Alex Fitzgerald on March 11, 2003

First Impressions: WowЕ I can do everything I can do in real life in this game! Starts playing game God, have I played this before? This seems really familiar.

One of the greatest achievements ever in interactive gaming history has to be the game, The Sims. It did everything that a developer and publisher could ask for Ц the game was original, fun to play, and last, but certainly not least, the game soldЕvery, very well. So, it should come off as no surprise that publisher Electronic Arts has totally cashed in on the Sims license, offering tons of licensed updates for PC and Macintosh players, and new PS2 and Xbox versions of the game to broaden the series' popularity to console gamers.

The new Sims game for the Xbox looks as if it will do a good job of taking many of the Sims expansions and throwing it in to the mix with the normal game. As such, The Sims for Xbox will feature the original Sims game for the PC, along with Livin' Large and House Party. As for inclusion of the other expansions (Hot Date, Vacation, and Unleashed), the game will contain elements from them, but not the whole entire things.

But you shouldn't grieve for too long over not getting those extra expansions, as The Sims for the Xbox will contain many modes and options that weren't in the PC games. The biggest addition, a new mode called УGet A LifeФ, adds objectivity into the game, as instead of just doing whatever the hell you want with your life (hippie-style!) this mode encourages you to rise through seven levels of unlocking new objects, which can only be done by following a more lifelike virtual life (i.e.- no living at your parents house until your 30).

Developer Maxis has also added some smaller things to the traditional Sims mix. You can now get new furniture like sonic showers, strip poker tables, and (what the hell?) monkey butlers. You'll also be able to mess around with your Sim person by customizing their skin tone, body type, hair, accessories, and shoes. Also, if you want to fool around with your Sims' appearance when you're partway through the game, you can obtain a vanity mirror.

Maxis has also been kind enough to inject some multiplayer Sim modes for the Xbox version of the game. There will be eight multiplayer levels in all, which will allow you to compete with your buddy over virtual chicks, money, and other stuff.

The Sims

First Impressions: WowЕ I can do everything I can do in real life in this game! *Starts playing game* God, have I played this before? This seems really familiar.

First Impressions: WowЕ I can do everything I can do in real life in this game! Starts playing game God, have I played this before? This seems really familiar.