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Despite the name, the third Sims title hits console. The Sims 2 follows the original The Sims and The Sims: Bustin’ Out (not including the offshoot Urbz). This version is based on last year’s PC game. The Sims 2 for PC revitalized the franchise after some felt it was getting too stagnant. It included a number of gameplay changes. The console version of the game includes some of these changes and additions and adds a few of its own.
The Sims 2’s story mode for consoles ditches the story mode of previous Sims games for consoles. Instead, it is essentially the same it was in the PC version – a free roaming, open-ended game with a small twist. The regular open-ended game is also included under free play mode. In the game, you’ll have the change the change the genetics of your character, and then you’ll live with two roommates in a pre-built neighbood. That isn’t to say that the game has no goals. Like the PC version, each sim has aspirations, which they’ll want to accomplish, and fears. You can choose to make your sim have a romantic aspiration, or a more financial-oriented one or perhaps just to be popular. Along the way, you’ll to accomplish a couple of defined goals which fill your aspiration meter. The sims also have fears which drain the aspiration meter and can even force your sim into a state of hysteria.
It is a bit unfortunate the goals of the previous console versions were eliminated in this version of the game. Although, you’re character will still interact with other characters, talk to them, engage in romantic activities, and the sort, the conversations and interactions aren’t as lively as they were on the PC. Instead of having truly wacky scenarios, you’ll spent most of your time unlocking goals to unlock additional lots and activities to complete. The core gameplay is still amusing since you’ll have to take care for your sim. You’ll still have to manage their interactivity, hygiene and hunger, among others. You’ll still have to find your sim a job and make sure they go everyday so that you can get money and better decorate your house.
The game also includes a freeplay mode. Because the story mode is so open ended in nature, the freeplay mode is essentially the story mode with a few less things to do. For instance, instead of living with two roommates right off the bat, you’ll have to build your house and relationships from scratch. Otherwise, both modes are pretty identical.
The game does include some new core gameplay changes. For example, the game lets you take direct control of your character, although the typical control scheme is also present. In addition, the game lets you collect rare food around town to make unique recipes. You’ll be able to unlock a number of recipes and work on the sim’s cooking skill at the same time.
The game includes support for two-player offline multiplayer. It works very well although I didn’t find myself too engaged in it, largely because I’m used to The Sims being a single player experience.
The Sims 2 looks pretty great all in all. The engine is completely different from the first game, and allows for many characters on-screen, much more detailed environments and a very controllable camera system. The sims’ models are much improved and allow for all the customizing I mentioned above, and as always, the animation is spot-on and very impressive.
The Xbox version of the game looks the best since it most closely resembles the PC version of the game in terms of sharpness. The Gamecube version is very similar to the Xbox version although it is occasionally a bit blurrier in open lots. The PlayStation 2 version is notably blurrier than the other two versions. The PS2 version also has longer load times than the other versions, though this isn’t as big of a deal in a game like The Sims 2. However, the PS2 version of the game lets you use the EyeToy camera to take pictures and import them into the game as posters.
The game’s background music is solid and certainty fitting with the zany world of the Sims. The numerous sound effects are equally suitable. The audio’s highlight, though, is definitely The Sims 2’s spoken language – Simlish – which while not real is able to showcase a variety of emotions and carry on many conversations.
The Sims 2 is a fun little game. It does a great job of keeping everything that made The Sims so interesting on the PC. However, the game isn’t as well suited for consoles as previous Sims games were. The removal of a real story mode is certainly a detriment. The actual gameplay is top-notch as always, though. If you want to experience The Sims 2, you’d be best served by playing the PC version. Nonetheless, the console versions are good and gripping just not as much.
-- Adam Nunez & -- Jose Liz, PGNx Media
---- Nov 2, 2005
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