The Sims Bustin' Out (PS2)

The Sims was okay but clearly not great so will The Sims Bustin Out be any better?

The Sims Bustin Out is different from its preddecessor in a few ways. Firstly now you can visit places in the game. There are 16 locations in all including:- Pixel Acres a nudist colony, Club Rubb a dance club, The Octagon military base, Casa Caliente a romance house, Studio 8 culture museum, Shiny Things lab a scientists labatory and Dudley's Trailer which is always in a mess. There are many more besides these locations which are all very different.

As within the last game you have the main "Bustin Out" mode which has the same principle as the "Get A Life Mode" in The Sims. You start off at mum's house having to do basic jobs like clean the rubbish up and look for a job. To get a job though as you progress you will need certain skills. Depending on the career track you take the skills you require will differ. There are 12 new careers to choose from including Movie Star, Counter Culture, Mad Scientist and many more. Your skill bars are set up into different bars like your mood meter. If your mood meter for example is on 4 red bars this means your sim is extremely depressed. But if your sim is on 4 green bars you are extremely happy. You need to be on the green side to complete skill building tasks. The skills you can get are:- Cooking- read the cook books. Mechanical- again read the books to up this skill.
Creative- Paint or play a piano.
Body- Go to the Gym or use your own workout machine treadmill etc.
Logic- Play chess.
Chrisma- Practice in front of a mirror this is the only way you can achieve charisma skills.

Once you build up the skills and you need and have enough friends which you can meet by going to meet them, inviting them over or just phone them. You will be promoted which means a pay rise and you go up in the career ladder.

What I also like about this game is the vehicles on offer unlike the previous Sims title you can now trade in for different cars say a Super Buggy to look hippieish and retro. Or you could drive around in a Silver Convertable. You need to complete goals though to unlock cars like the Silver Convertable. Here is some items that are essential to your household.

Jaccuzi- Great for inviting friends and having great parties.
Phone- If an emergency arises say if you set the house on fire for instance.
Bed- Without a bed you can't sleep comfortably.
TV- For fun and parties.
Sofa- To sit and read or watch TV.
Fridge- A decent one is best if you can afford it.
Cooker- The best one you can afford is best.
Toilet- When a sims gotta go its gotta go.
Shower/Bath- To be clean.

Then there's the much more open-ended Freeplay mode which allows you to be your Sim. You don't have any goals in this mode and the best thing about this is you can visit places unlike the mode in The Sims. There is also Network Play in this one which will cost £39.99 for the PS2 broaband kit plus monthly Broadband Provider charges.

Is it worth it? Well if you are already connected to Broadband I suppose there is no harm in getting it as it's not bad. With the online mode you only get the Weekend House Visit which is very limited. As only 2 players can play at one time which is dissapointing. So if you're not connected to the Broadband service I wouldn't recommend it. It could be a lot better.

The sound is great with usual Sim talk and the gameplay is simple and easy to use with the left analog stick controling the portal. And the X button giving you various options on how to interact with the objects.

Verdict:

Graphics: 8 Not bad although they could be better.

Sound: 9 Great Similish talk you can't understand a word of it but still.

Gameplay: 9 The gamplay is very simple innovative and easy to use.

Lifespan: 9 The Bustin Out mode should keep you going for weeks along with the Freeplay mode. Online mode extends lifespan a bit too.

This is quite simply a massive improvement on the original and you shoudn't be dissapointed. Great challenging game with new items new areas and an ultimately rewarding experience. Not every one will like this game and those people know who they are as it is after all an aquired taste. As for value for at a top price of £39.99 this is good value. Recently The Sims The Urbz has been announced set on the streets and due for release in November. It uses Eyetoy capabilities so you can put your face in the game! Will this be better than Bustin Out, just watch this space. 8/10.Thanks for reading. John Mitchell.

PEGI Rating: 7+
Best Price I know of: £29.97 at ASDA superstores