Hobbies And Interests
The Sims
Heralded in the February 2001 issue of "Game Star" magazine as "the most innovative game of 2000," the original "Sims" title puts players in real time control of computer-simulated people living, working and playing in a gamer-constructed world. Because of the game's popularity, "The Sims" was ported to all the major video game consoles in 2003, including the PS2. Gamers still play this classic Sims title on the PS3 for hours of simple life-simulating, character developing and environment-creating fun.
The Sims Bustin' Out
"The Sims Bustin' Out" was originally released on the PS3 in late 2003 as a sequel to the original "Sims" title. Expanding upon the original game's design and playability, "The Sims Bustin Out" featured new capabilities such as a more detailed Sim customizer and the ability to take Sims out of their home and allow them to freely visit neighbors.
The Urbz: Sims in the City
Like its predecessor, "The Urbz: Sims in the City" further expanded gameplay by providing gamers with new and enhanced options. The biggest difference between The Urbz and the previous two "Sims" titles is the shift from career-oriented to goal-oriented gameplay. In "The Urbz," Sims work a job but also socialize in order to build reputation and become the most popular Sim in the city.
The Sims 2
The highly anticipated, console-based sequel to the original "Sims" game design was met with mixed reviews. On the one hand, "The Sims 2" further expanded players' customization options and playability was enhanced for controller-based play. But the game's many unlockable and hidden features were criticized for being difficult and mundane.
The Sims 2: Pets
The 2006 PS2 release of "The Sims 2: Pets" was marked by its improved AI and the addition of fish, cats and dogs to the life-simulation experience. Like their Sim owners, Sim pets are fully customizable. While the game has been consistently rated higher than "The Sims 2," "Pets" has been criticized for having a difficult pet management system.
The Sims 2: Castaway
Like "Pets," the 2007 console release of "The Sims 2: Castaway" was met with better reviews than "The Sims 2." Castaway takes Sims out of their hometown and into an Island setting where players can explore the land and etch out a living via various goals, tasks and objects. The game has been criticized for its grainy graphics and menu system, but praised for its ingenuity and atypical concept design.
The Sims 3
"The Sims 3," released for consoles in late 2010, was the first "Sims" title created for the PlayStation 3. The game is similar to the PC version but has been optimized for controller-based play and also features Karma Powers, which Sims can purchase with experience points for special in-game boosts and events. "The Sims 3" is the most advanced, customizable and interactive Sims title and has received good reviews.