The Sims | DJcube

Get A Life!

NA release: 25th March 2003
EU release: 4th April 2003
JP release: 22nd January 2004
Developer: Edge of Reality
Publisher: EA Games
NGC Magazine Score: 81%
Mods Used: Widescreen Code

The Sims is a hugely popular series of PC games where you manage the life of a family of people (or lots of families) as they go about their daily lives. However, one overlooked part of the franchise these days are the console versions of the first two games, especially as The Sims 3 and 4 were ported directly to console. This Sims game is barely mentioned on Wikipedia, just being a footnote of the completely different PC game. This isn’t a port of the original version of The Sims, but a brand new experience built specifically for consoles.

The most noticeable visual difference from the original Sims is that this is entirely in 3D, while the first had completely 2D houses and items. This meant much greater camera control, as moving and selecting items works extremely well, with the series being adapted to a controller in an intuitive manner. There are some big downgrades, though: the maximum family size is seven, you can only build on the ground floor and there’s a lot less options to pick in terms of objects and careers.

Instead of being completely free-form (although you do unlock that ability), the Get A Life mode is where the main action is. Here, you create your Sim and take them through six levels, completing tasks along the way. These include things like improving your house, throwing parties, having children and advancing your career. The game introduces elements as you progress, and it’s overall a really great introduction into the game, and a really enjoyable way to experience The Sims.

Unfortunately, I did encounter one big issue where I completed a goal for improving my house, a burglar stole some stuff which brought me back under the threshold, which broke that objective and I was unable to progress. It also takes a very long time to fulfil your sims needs, so you’ll often have to skip work to do so. Still, this is a really nice and simple way to enjoy The Sims gameplay, and there’s even some 2-player challenges to add a bit more to it. A lovely way to adapt the franchise to console.

Fun

Getting anywhere in The Sims is going to take a great deal of patience. Not necessarily a bad thing if you’re after something of a slow-burner to while away the hours, but anyone looking for a quick fix probably won’t find it here. Still, there’s a great deal to like. It’s humorous, addictive and there’s enough depth and variation to ensure you’ll be hooked for months.
Geraint Evans, NGC Magazine #79

Remake or remaster?

With the PC versions getting a re-release, it would be nice for the distinct console games to get a re-release. Not just these, but also the handheld games, which are a very different take on The Sims

Official Ways to get the game

There is no official way to get The Sims (console version).