The Sims 3 DS
Metascore
73 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Worth Playing
    Jan 13, 2011
    85
    Ultimately, The Sims 3 gives DS owners the Sims game they've always wanted, and it does a pretty fine job of condensing the console and PC experience into a handheld. In spite of the design and technical problems that crop up along the way, the game is just as entertaining and engrossing as ever, and the constant need to complete one more task, earn the next rank or achieve one last goal is a strong enough pull to keep you playing for hours on end.
  2. GameZone
    Dec 21, 2010
    80
    Despite its limitations, Sims 3 manages to be the closest to the true Sims experience for people who want to play God on the go.
  3. Game Chronicles
    Jan 13, 2011
    75
    All in all, The Sims 3 for the DS is probably the most worthwhile handheld port of the series yet, and gamers who want to play the Sims but don't have a game-worthy computer or stationary console system can finally enjoy some of the proper Sims experience. If you've already got the heftier PC or console versions, though, I wouldn't bother unless you're really dying to Sim on the go.
  4. IGN
    Dec 21, 2010
    75
    The Sims 3 on the DS finally delivers an open-world god-sim experience, but it's not without some minor frustrations.
  5. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    Dec 31, 2010
    71
    A decent game. [Christmas 2010, p.83]
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  6. Nintendo Life
    Mar 9, 2011
    70
    The Sims 3 provides the first open-world experience in the series for a Nintendo handheld, and does quite a good job of it, with enough options, subtlety, neighbours and mini-objectives that there's always something interesting to do. However, the content is limited to a somewhat narrow framework, and overall it's not immersive enough to provide anything much more complex than the original PC game.
  7. Wii Brasil
    Dec 21, 2010
    70
    If you're a fan of The Sims and have a Nintendo DS, the game is worth the play. Otherwise, won't be this title that will attract you to the franchise.
  8. Nintendo Gamer
    Feb 6, 2011
    69
    A decent portable version. [Christmas 2010, p.74]
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  9. GameShark
    Jan 13, 2011
    58
    It is still The Sims though, and it's remarkable how durable the core experience remains even on a small screen.

User Reviews

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User Score
5.9 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. DeepDolphin
    3
    I bought Sims 3 thinking it would be somewhat similar to the PC version, I was terribly wrong. The graphics are way off and the way housing works, it is very limiting to what you can build/buy. Not only that but a couple of times it crashed for me, and the only good thing about this is how fishing works which is kind of addicting if you are into it. The creativity is very limited, as there are not as many things that you can buy than some other versions.… Full Review »
  2. shel0000
    7
    I was very surprised with the game, this ds game was very entertaining, and I enjoyed it. Although the outfit selection is slim, I enjoyed riding in the passenger seat of my car playing my favorite game. This game, to me, is worth spending the money on!… Full Review »
  3. NineteenNinetyF
    5
    Didn't like the graphic in the game too much, especially in the face of the character when you're creating them, not a lot of clothes or different styles. Difficult to control, too many things to press, (ex: when you're making your character talk, or eat, you have to confirm or deny by pressing the check or X in the bottom of the touch screen, and when you're using the stylus, you don't always see it there. Can be slow when your Sim is driving to another place on the map. There's no fast forward button.
    Just an OK game. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone.    … Full Review »
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