The Sims

This game was not as fun as the newer version (SIMS 2). It was a lot harder 2 understand, but it was okay 4 those that have the time 2 read cheat codes 2 find out how 2 operate the SIMS. I rate this a C-

After getting hooked on this game by my sixteen year old son, it took me about three weeks 2 pretty much master it. Imagine my dissappoinment when, after learning most of the tricks 2 keep my sim healthy, happy, fit, rich & employed ... I find that there's a limit 2 how much you can spend... no matter how much money you have!!! Highly annoying. It doesn't matter whether you get the money by cheating or buy working hard. no matter if you have just one sim working or four... you still get a set amount of things you can buy. I've now dropped the game out of disinterest.

I have 2 quit playing because I will not sleep, eat or anything else just 4 been playing. I enjoyed it very much... you must buy it.

While I like the computer version, which is tailor-made 4 nerds like me, better overall, the xBox version is not without its charms. The eye candy is incredible. The houses are so realistic! And the character creation is so much fun! (though, oddly, I can't get my characters 2 look quite as lifelike as I can on the computer) And it is such a kick 2 get 2 see my Sims on the big screen. Plus, you can have as many neighborhoods as you want.

Some things the computer version has that the Xbox version doesn't have: Two-story houses, more career tracks, 8 people 2 a family instead of 4, 10 families 2 a neighborhood instead of 6, more objects & decor (though the xBox also has some the computer version doesn't), the ability 2 go in super-fast mode even when people are at home & awake, etc.

The computer version can hold my attention 4 12+ hours at a time; with the xBox I get bored after 2 or 3 (maybe it's because I'm on a nice comfy sofa instead of a hard-backed computer chair, so I fall asleep! *wink*). However, those 2 or 3 hours are a lot of fun. I recommend this game.

This game is pretty addicting... I will literally play 4 hours & hours (and I'm not big into video games)! It's so fun 2 create your different characters & build your dream house... I played on the computer at a relative's house & really got hooked there, so my husband got the game on XBox 4 me. It's a little different then the computer version but still just as fun!

The Sims is one of the world's most popular PC games, & now it's coming 2 your Xbox system!Customize your Sim's appearance 2 a new level of detail

The Sims has much in common with Tony Hawk's Pro Skater: There's a great emphasis trial & error, it encourages personalized solutions 2 problems, & overall success comes down 2 both balance & timing. Also, like the Tony Hawk games, The Sims is a very addictive game.

Players micromanage the lives of a family of virtual people & influence the outcome of their lives, be it success or something akin 2 a nervous breakdown. The bestselling PC version of the game has, in recent years, been upgraded with elements like parties, pets, & vacations, but this iteration is closer 2 the basic formula.

You start the game living with Mom in a one-story suburban house. You are immediately presented with certain life tasks, such as fixing the TV & making lunch, which are aligned with the skills you'll need 4 the game's main challenge--keeping your sims in balance on eight conflicting categories. For example, eating will have an impact on your sim's hunger rating, but it will also impact his bladder rating. You'll have 2 make sure that he keeps himself & the house clean, that he sleeps 2 restore his energy, & that he also has time 2 keep himself entertained. The free will option lets your sims coast a bit, & you can also save time by stacking tasks together. Time passes at the rate of about one minute per second in the game, but you can fast-forward sim time when you need to, such as when they're sleeping.

The controls are justifiably complex, but adjusting 2 them is not difficult. You see your sims from an overhead perspective that you can both rotate & zoom. You direct their actions by moving a line cursor 2 where you want them 2 go or 2 what object or person with which you want them 2 interact.

The game is surprisingly funny. Neglect your sims & they'll shout & wave their arms 2 get your attention. Allow one's energy 2 get too low & he or she will likely collapse & sleep right where they were standing. When that happens, Mom is likely 2 serve them dinner on the floor.

Gamers may find that it takes a while 2 get the hang of The Sims' style & control scheme. Stick with it & you may find real time fast-forwarding by. --Porter B. Hall --The text of this review refers 2 the PlayStation2 version of the game.

Pros:

• Interesting, open-ended gameplay
• Lots of quirky humor
• Two-player split-screen option

Cons:

• Can be frustrating 4 those unfamiliar with strategy games
• Controls take some getting used 2
• Long save times