.co.uk Review
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The Sims 2: Pets has already appeared on the Wii, but it was
just a simple port of the PlayStation 2 version with little real
use made of the Wii remote. This though is a complete reimagining
of the whole The Sims concept made exclusively for Nintendos
consoles. The concept is largely the same as always as you take
control of the lives of your own fictional family in whats a
cross between a video game and an interactive version of Big
Brother. The graphics have been completely revamped, moving away
from the pseudo realism of the older games and using a much
cuter, cartoon style thats somewhere between Playmobil and
Animal Crossing (theyre actually modelled after a Japanese toy
line called Pinky Street).
Naturally the game makes full use of the Wiis controls with the
remote used to pick up, rotate and drop objects and buildings
with refreshing ease, while the nunchuck is used simply to move
around. This is all in the aid of making the game as customisable
as possible, from the characters themselves to their homes and
furniture. Previously The Sims games let you build your own house
or swimming pool but here you can design your own fridge if you
want or bed, sofa or any other item of furniture. This feeds into
the concept of having to do up your house and turn your virtual
ghost town into a thriving village full of oddball characters.
With Animal Crossing still some way off this could be the next
big casual game on the Wii.
Harrison Dent
Manufacturer's Description
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MySims introduces a charming cast of whimsical characters while
delivering the creativity, customization and classic open-ended
gameplay that has enchanted Sims players worldwide. Players begin
by creating their own toy-like Sim that reflects their personal
style and attitudes. From pig-tails and baseball caps to
dreadlocks and Mohawks, the options are endless and the style is
unlike any Sims game to date. By unlocking cool new clothing,
hairstyles and accessories, players explore the gameâs
incredible depth of customization and expression, and the
characters are just the beginning.
Transforming the traditional Sims gameplay for the Wii and
Nintendo DS platforms, MySims moves the player to a delightful
but disorganized town where â" thanks to the easy and unique
controls â" they can re-shape everything and make it their own.
The town is rundown, but the player can make it much more
dynamic. Using a selection of building blocks, unique patterns
and engaging creativity tools, players can design furniture and
appliances, architect new homes and businesses, and re-define the
entire MySims landscape.
As players explore and build up the town, they will get to know
dedicated, long-time residents like the always-busy Mayor Rosalyn
P. Marshall and Buddy â" the mostly-lazy hotel Bellhop. Once
things start to look up, theyâll meet and choose from a variety
of colorful, would-be residents. Will they build a restaurant for
Gino Delicioso the Italian Chef, or will they help Ocean Breeze
set up his Yoga studio instead?
Design is everyoneâs domain in MySims. From building a new
Pizza Oven for Gino to putting the finishing touches on a new
roof for Buddyâs busy hotel, each complete task will help the
town grow. As it expands to new areas, players will receive
special building blocks, decorations and patterns which help
customize their unique creations. From furniture and buildings to
the town as a whole, every choice informs how residents and
visitors feel and behave.