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So far so good....

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 149 / 169
Date: January 16, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Just got this game yesterday and so far I am impressed. Wasn't sure how controlling it would be after having played it on the computer. I have all the previous expansion packs, etc for the PC and I love the game. So far, I'm impressed, you really get to personalize the characters far more than you could on the PC. The "Get a Life" section of the game is great. You have certain goals you must complete in each house, starting out in Mom's house, then renovating a fixer upper, having a roomie, having your own, all the way up to havine two children and then retiring and buying a yacht. For those that bored easy with the PC version, having specific goals to complete might make this more attractive for you. However I could play the Open ended play forever and be happy and with this, I can do that and more. Having just gotten this I haven't delved to far into the 2 player mode but found it great fun also. An example is working against your opponent in a museum to make friends so that you can eventually ask them for money. Who ever collects the most money obviously wins. This is almost everything great about the PC sims but with extras and no delay in playing or getting kicked out. I can't wait to play some more. I suggest everyone to check this out, it's completely different from anything else out there.

Can't tear my girlfriend away

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 45 / 52
Date: January 23, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Okay, please realize that there will be a transition period from the computer game. Those of you who have every single expansion pack and play The Sims 16 hours a day, this isn't THE SAME game.

I'll address some of the earlier reviews first.

1. There is fast foward/pause in the form of L1 / R1 on the Dual Shock controller.

2. There aren't as many options - no pets, no downtown, no 2nd floor, no vacation. (another reviewer referred to this as "the best of" the original)

3. It's not slower than the PC version. Depending on your computer, it could be considerably faster.

4. The controls do take some getting used to, but become intuitive once you get them. Took me a half hour to an hour, and my girlfriend about the same.

5. It's Just As Addictive As The Original.

6. Characters are more customizable than ever - everything down to the face shape & eye color. On the down side, you can't download outfits from the Internet.

We brought it home last night and I was able to play a bit. At first I thought "gawd these controls are awkward... building this house is sooo tedious," but I played for a long time after that.

Then this morning I woke up and my girlfriend was playing. She's been playing for 8 hours. I wanted to turn on the TV and I paused the game and turned on the TV... followed by her screams. Luckily I was able to hook up the PS2 to the PS1 LCD screen (use an 1/8" stereo male to dual RCA female jack (tell them that at radio shack). Plug the yellow out from the PS2 into the white plug, and the white out from the PS2 into the red plug).

We did some of the two player challenge games that get unlocked in "Get a Life" mode. I'm going to have to learn fast about the other two player modes or I might lose my girlfriend to this game forever.

In short, this game as just as addictive as the original, plus it has two player & goal oriented play. Maxis did it again!

Best version yet

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 24 / 29
Date: January 20, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I've never been a large fan of The Sims on PC, but it's hard not to respect what Maxis acomplished with the original game, both in terms of a life simulation and in terms of universal appeal. But I always had some issues, that and the game had a chain of very slick, very logical expansions.

However, for me, the game moved way too quickly and often because an act of tedium rather than a fun experience.I purchased the PS2 game for a number of reasons, the tweaked progression scales, a mixture of items from all of the expansions (I never got any of the expansions myself), a host of neat original PS2 items, a fun mission mode, competitive mini-games, and open ended co-op. Plus I had bought way too many PC games as of late, and needed something for the ol' consoles to play into the wee hours if I became entranced...again.

I had some worries and doubts, and while I disagree with some things Maxis and EoR did with the conversion, I have to say this is a HECK of a good game, is faithful to the PC version, adds a ton of ..., the game isn't nearly as tedious to play, oddly enough controls like a dream and most importantly:

The co-op is INCREDIBLY well pulled off. Simply great co-op, since I grabbed the game, I've sunk about 10-12 hours with a pal into it in crazy night long plays. Establishing house by house a dual-neighborhood full of neat characters is too much fun and offers so much play time it's scary, and I've just scratched the surface.

The co-op neghborhood set-up takes from the insanely miniscule ammountof things that Animal Crossing did right (I'm not comparing the two titles, however, it can't be done) it allowing the importing and exporting of characters and even houses.

But really, the co-op in The Sims is just hard to explain why it's so darn fun,you'd sit there and figure it would really suck, I assumed it would at least, but no, it's like miniscule Sims online without the massive lameness OF the Sims Online, or even the original PC game faults. It just clicks, working together to accomplish goals, dividing out tasks, establishing relationships and throwing parties, great fun.

The Get a Life mode is pretty darn slick as well, hosting 8 missions (the later ones being QUITE long and offering good challenge) and offers a nice levy of unlockable features (mini-games, items, the neighborhood mode itself) it's been pulled off a lot better than I expected.

The classic free play is just as good. Building houses with the PS2 controller also works really well (I cannot stress how sweet the controls are on this compared to the PC, they just work so damn well)

The 3D visuals are pretty good too, it's fun to see all the old 2D PC game objects in 3D. The game is decently detailed, can fit a lot of characters on screen and has a good sense of charm to it. It runs smooth and the camera panning is SUCH a nice feature comparied to the ... fixed rotations of the PC title. The music...well, The Sims never really relied on music, The Sims probably has by far the greatest sound effects and voice acting ever, but if you snag a stereo there is some entertaining stuff, all sung in Simish of course. Nothing beats Sim rap, hilarious stuff.

In the end, a lot may like it more than the PC edition, others may not, I love it myself, and to say the least it's a fun value packed version of The Sims that erases a lot of the tedium and flaws presented in the original.

I love my co-op.

Most addictive PS2 game ever

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 22 / 23
Date: May 13, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I've never played the Sims on PC, so I only had a vague clue about what I was in for. I had no idea the game would be this much fun and so addictive! This is the only game I've ever played where I don't have to kill anything, and it still provides hours of entertainment! I'm a big RPG and action-adventure fan. Being able to create my own unique characters and neighborhoods appealed to the rpg fan in me. The only real "action" in the game is trying to get your Sims in and out of trouble!

The game starts off in "Get A Life" mode. You are stuck at home with mom, and your goal is to borrow money from mom, get a job, and move out. From there you go from level to level, meeting various goals such as keeping your job, redecorating your home, making friends, and getting promoted. You must always complete certain goals to advance to another level. Once you've advanced as high as you can in "Get A Life", this unlocks another game-play mode. You can start creating your own neighborhoods and little Sim families. I really get a kick taking care of my little Sims....making sure they eat properly, get enough sleep, and go to the bathroom! You also have to make sure they learn various skills to get up in the world! Such as making them read books to learn cooking or mechanical skills! Making them excercise to get body points. Having them practice instruments or art to improve creative abilities. This is a very unique game for the PS2 and I hope the Sims continue on the PS2. I would like to see it keep getting better and better.

My favorite part of the game was creating my Sims....everything from their facial features, eye color, hair style, clothing, and personality traits! So it's kind of a let-down you can't really see them close-up in the game. What's the point of picking their eye-color if you can't even see it in the game? I loved designing the Sim homes and furnishing them. The houses can't be two story though. If the makers started releasing new skins, furniture, hair styles, clothing, etc. for the PS2, that would be great! It's fun and challenging trying to get the Sims to advance, but the poor things have to work every single day! If they miss two days in a row of work, they get fired. Give 'em a weekend off already! I had some pretty haggard Sims at times.

The only really lame thing about the game was the two-player mode. I didn't find any of those game particularly interesting. One game consists of eating as much food as possible in the park. Still, this is one of the best games out there on PS2, even if you don't have to kill anything (your Sims can die if you don't teach them cooking skills and the house sets on fire, so watch out!).

Much better than the PC verison

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 11 / 14
Date: January 18, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I've never been a large fan of The Sims on PC, though it's hard not to respect what Maxis acomplished with the original game, both in terms of a life simulation and in terms of universal appeal. But I always had some issues, that and the game had a chain of very slick, very logical expansions.

However, for me, the game moved way too quickly and often because an act of tedium rather than a fun experience.

I purchased the PS2 game for a number of reasons, the tweaked progression scales, a mixture of items from all of the expansions (I never got any of the expansions myself), a host of neat original PS2 items, a fun mission mode, competitive mini-games, and open ended co-op.

Plus I had bought way too many PC games as of late, and needed something for the ol' consoles to play into the wee hours if I became entranced...again.

I had some worries and doubts, and while I disagree with some things Maxis and EoR did with the conversion, I have to say this is a heck of a good game, is faithful to the PC version, adds a ton of goodies, and the game isn't nearly as tedious to play, oddly enough controls like a dream and most importantly:

The co-op is INCREDIBLY well pulled off. Simply great co-op, since I grabbed the game, I've sunk about 10-12 hours with a pal into it in crazy night long plays. Establishing house by house a dual-neighborhood full of neat characters is too much fun and offers so much play time it's scary, and I've just scratched the surface.

The co-op neghborhood set-up takes from the insanely miniscule ammount of things that Animal Crossing did right (I'm not comparing the two titles, however, it can't be done) it allowing the importing and exporting of characters and even houses.

But really, the co-op in The Sims is just hard to explain why it's so darn fun, ..., it's like miniscule Sims online without the massive lameness OF the Sims Online, or even the original PC game faults.

It just clicks, working together to accomplish goals, dividing out tasks, establishing relationships and throwing parties, great fun.

The Get a Life mode is pretty darn slick as well, hosting 8 missions (the later ones being QUITE long and offering good challenge) and offers a nice levy of unlockable features (mini-games, items, the neighborhood mode itself) it's been pulled off a lot better than I expected.

The classic free play is just as good. Building houses with the PS2 controller also works really well (I cannot stress how sweet the controls are on this compared to the PC, they just work so well)

The 3D visuals are pretty good, it's fun to see all the old 2D PC game objects in 3D. The game is decently detailed, can fit a lot of characters on screen and has a good sense of charm to it. It runs smooth and the camera panning is SUCH a nice feature comparied to the...fixed rotations of the PC title.

The music...well, The Sims never really relied on music, The Sims probably has by far the greatest sound effects and voice acting ever, but if you snag a stereo there is some entertaining stuff, all sung in Simish of course. Nothing beats Sim rap, hilarious stuff.

In the end, a lot may like it more than the PC edition, others may not, I love it myself, and to say the least it's a fun value packed version of The Sims that erases a lot of the tedium and flaws presented in the original.

I love my co-op.

I Can't Wait!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 28
Date: September 17, 2002
Author: Amazon User

If there was a "6" as a rating, that's what I would give this game! It's awesome! The new graphics are soooo cool. I'm a fan of The Sims, but this looks even better! Everything is in 3D so you can go in any view you want! Secondly, they made the game level based! I always thought they should do that, and finally, they have! The options you have to make a sim is incredable! Plus, you could customize and win so many objects! How can you not want this game?! There are endless new features and great graphics! I'm getting the game right when it comes out!

Very fun and entertaining!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 10
Date: January 24, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I have never played the PC game, so I cannot quote on what the differences are, but all I know is that this is a very very cool game. It's like a Create It Yourself reality show or Big Brother: The Video Game. Its cool! That's all I can say. Check it out!!

REALLY REALLY.......FUN

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 7
Date: January 28, 2003
Author: Amazon User

If you like Sims for the Computer whay harm would it do to try this out iti s a great game with lots to do. It has its ups and downs thoguh....no 2nd floor no downtown but hey all games have something bad about them. I myslef love the game u start off wondering how in the world am i goinf ot figure out these controls. Once u pla yit and do a couple of "Get a Life" missions you will have it down and be a pro! IT seems confusing when you start but in the end once you get good you will be glad you gave it a chance. To some people they dont like this game but everyone has different tastes....but we all do.....like eatin ur vegetables and what foods you like we all have different opinions and mine for this game is great i absouloutly love it. Me and my friend have a sweet house and very fun since we arent adults and cant know what it is really like havin to go to work and all the "adult" chores i am 14 so i am almost there :) I hope u found this review usefull and u should get it. Maxis has somethnig goin for them and i hope the ycome out with another Sims game :) GOOD LUCK!!!

An interactive reality video game?

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 7
Date: February 11, 2003
Author: Amazon User

The Sims seems to borrow some elements of "reality TV" and created a sort of "interactive reality video game". If you are even just a little interested or intrigued by any of the "reality TV" shows (and apparently most of America is since there are a countless number of popular shows, from The Osbournes to Survivor, etc.), then you'll probably be interested in this game. It's a refreshing and enjoyable game that can be played for hours and hours or for just a quick little session, with a friend or solo. Even if you never played a video game in your life, you can pick it up easily enough, and yet it's entertaining enough for the veteran game pro as well. The game is well presented, explained, and simple, yet still very deep and complex. It's a completely original game, like nothing else on the PS2. Even if simulator-type games are not what you are normally into, you may still enjoy it, since you can make your Sim do pretty much anything you want him/her to do.

It's a simple enough idea... just make your Sim character the best person he/she can be, and enjoy the interactions with other Sim characters and their environments. Your Sim is happiest when all of his/her needs are being met. He/she needs to eat when hungry, needs to sleep when tired, needs to play when in a bad mood, needs to interact to keep relationships strong, and yes, even needs to use the restroom when the bladder is full... you get the idea. You lead your Sim through all the daily activities in an effort to make him/her as happy as possible, get a job, be successful, and perhaps even find love (or maybe just a one-night stand?).

Beyond the simplicity of the basic structure of the game, the real fun is in it's humor, unlocking all the hidden items and features, and building/upgrading your house with all the purchasable home improvement items. When you first create your Sim, there are numerous clothing options and body styles and looks to have fun with. Make your Sim look like you, or make your Sim look completely stupid and silly. It's up to you. You can choose the career path that your Sim will take, and when you have the money, spruce up your Sim's abode. Put a couple of hottubs in the house, throw a raging party and see if you can score with a party guest!

There are also a number of ways to play The Sims. You can play a level based game in the "Get a Life" mode, where you'll need to achieve a set of goals (such as getting promoted at your job, etc.) before you can move out of your current living situation and move on to an increasingly better lifestyle. It's also in the "Get a Life" mode that you can unlock many of the hidden items, which makes the game even more fun... and addictive! You can also play an open-ended style of The Sims, where you can create and play each character in an entire neighborhood full of Sims. Two players can also play together in this mode. Then when you want a little competition with your friend, try one of the many mini-games (you'll also be unlocking these in the "Get a Life" mode) such as the Frat House or the Museum.

However, as with most games, there are some short-comings. The game can be a little slow at times, but if you find yourself waiting for your Sim to complete a task, you can always speed up the time by pressing the top shoulder button. So no big deal there. Also, some people might find the Sim language a little annoying, but it can actually be fun to hear the unusual, non-sensical words... well, maybe for the first few hours anyway. And lastly, the graphics may not be awe-inspiring especially for a PS2 game, but I think they are done well enough that it doesn't detract from the gameplay... and I think the gameplay is the most important aspect afterall.

Overall, I recommend this game highly simply for it's easy-to-use stylistic presentation, unending replay value, and refreshingly fun gameplay.

Better than the PC game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: June 25, 2003
Author: Amazon User

After many hours of playing the PC version of the Sims, it started getting slower and slower, especially as I added more expansion packs. I don't know about everyone else, but I was getting really frustrated having to wait so long every time my sim did something. It also got fairly boring after there was no more challenge. (By now, everyone knows all the cheats)In the PS2 version, not only is it much faster, but with the Get A Life feature, you have specific goals to complete, and it's a lot more fun with the challenges. (plus, I don't know the cheats!) In conclusion: if you liked the PC game, you'll love this. The only frustrating thing is that it is pretty much the original sims. no downtown, vacation island, pets, superstar things, etc. that's the only problem tho. and you can't zoom very much. XD!

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