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Coolskin · 02-24-2007, 04:34 PM

Review:

THE SIMS 2

Genre: Role Playing
Publisher: EA Games
Players: 1-2 (AD Hoc)
Online play: No
Firmware: 2.50

Video:
Windows Media Player: The Sims 2 - Trailer 6
QuickTime Player: The Sims 2 - Trailer 6

First off, I ought to point out that this isn’t the usual Sims game we’ve been playing for many years now. Of course we’re still in full control of our characters, and have to repeatedly do all of those tedious but fun things to keep them happy, but the PSP version has been given a very refreshing bunch of murder mysteries and cult conspiracies to unravel and add to your gameplay. This will urge you to speak more with your fellow neighbours, not only to socialise as we’ve had to do in the past, but also to inform yourself more about the secret stories going on in Strangetown.

Other well known features are missing in this PSP title as well. There’s no child rearing, designing and building your own house, aging or death of characters and you no longer use a cursor to control the game either. Instead, the D-pad is used to move your character in a relatively hassle-free manner. However, there are plenty of new entertaining bits and pieces. There are eight new wacky mini games to complete, including Whack-A-Rat, where you must strike a load of zombies with a shovel, and an arcade dance mat game which are all great fun.

Conversation has also been given a new challenge. While your character is talking to somebody, you will need to play a kind of symbol-matching mini game to grow your relationship with that character. The occasional loading during this mini game can be quite a pain, especially as it requires accurate timing to succeed. Convincing people to tell you their secrets isn’t that easy either. For instance, if you want to be told a personal secret, then you will need to try flirting or intimidating that character to make them tell their secrets.

Perks are another enjoyable addition to the game. Essentially, these are accessories for your character, such as a cell phone. These items can help you to intimidate or flirt with people in a more effective way, or even just to look cool. Trading perks and secrets with another gamer via AD Hoc can also help accelerate the game and unlock new collectables at any stage during the game.

The game’s biggest flaw is certainly its continuous loading. Almost everything you operate will require a moment’s loading time before your input is carried out. The visual is like any other Sims game we’ve played before, and each environment is smartly designed with bright and simple textures. The sound has been given a familiar weird theme to the rest of the game which probably works well for most, but a sporadic grunt can be a little disturbing and unexpected!

The Sims 2 on the PSP will surprise a few gamers with its new and original ideas, and although the game has changed quite considerably from the console versions, you’ll still need to look after your character in the same ways as before to keep them happy. The addition of the mini games allow a quick gaming session for any gamer on the move. If you are someone who has considered buying one of The Sims titles, then this PSP version of The Sims 2 won’t disappoint you.

The verdict:

Uppers:
- The Sims on PSP
- Fun new mini games and other features
- Humorous stories and jokes as always

Downers:
- Continuous loading
- Not much to do once you’ve finished the game
- We can’t design and build our own houses

Overall score: 70%

Henry

24/02/2007

02-24-2007, 04:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
Coolskin PSP Home Reviewer Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Boston / London Posts: 409	The Sims 2 Review: THE SIMS 2 Genre: Role Playing Publisher: EA Games Players: 1-2 (AD Hoc) Online play: No Firmware: 2.50 Video: Windows Media Player: The Sims 2 - Trailer 6 QuickTime Player: The Sims 2 - Trailer 6 First off, I ought to point out that this isn’t the usual Sims game we’ve been playing for many years now. Of course we’re still in full control of our characters, and have to repeatedly do all of those tedious but fun things to keep them happy, but the PSP version has been given a very refreshing bunch of murder mysteries and cult conspiracies to unravel and add to your gameplay. This will urge you to speak more with your fellow neighbours, not only to socialise as we’ve had to do in the past, but also to inform yourself more about the secret stories going on in Strangetown. Other well known features are missing in this PSP title as well. There’s no child rearing, designing and building your own house, aging or death of characters and you no longer use a cursor to control the game either. Instead, the D-pad is used to move your character in a relatively hassle-free manner. However, there are plenty of new entertaining bits and pieces. There are eight new wacky mini games to complete, including Whack-A-Rat, where you must strike a load of zombies with a shovel, and an arcade dance mat game which are all great fun. Conversation has also been given a new challenge. While your character is talking to somebody, you will need to play a kind of symbol-matching mini game to grow your relationship with that character. The occasional loading during this mini game can be quite a pain, especially as it requires accurate timing to succeed. Convincing people to tell you their secrets isn’t that easy either. For instance, if you want to be told a personal secret, then you will need to try flirting or intimidating that character to make them tell their secrets. Perks are another enjoyable addition to the game. Essentially, these are accessories for your character, such as a cell phone. These items can help you to intimidate or flirt with people in a more effective way, or even just to look cool. Trading perks and secrets with another gamer via AD Hoc can also help accelerate the game and unlock new collectables at any stage during the game. The game’s biggest flaw is certainly its continuous loading. Almost everything you operate will require a moment’s loading time before your input is carried out. The visual is like any other Sims game we’ve played before, and each environment is smartly designed with bright and simple textures. The sound has been given a familiar weird theme to the rest of the game which probably works well for most, but a sporadic grunt can be a little disturbing and unexpected! The Sims 2 on the PSP will surprise a few gamers with its new and original ideas, and although the game has changed quite considerably from the console versions, you’ll still need to look after your character in the same ways as before to keep them happy. The addition of the mini games allow a quick gaming session for any gamer on the move. If you are someone who has considered buying one of The Sims titles, then this PSP version of The Sims 2 won’t disappoint you. The verdict: Uppers: - The Sims on PSP - Fun new mini games and other features - Humorous stories and jokes as always Downers: - Continuous loading - Not much to do once you’ve finished the game - We can’t design and build our own houses Overall score: 70% Henry 24/02/2007 __________________ Coolskin Last edited by Coolskin : 03-04-2007 at 04:48 PM.