Metascore
85 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Everything the PC version was and more. With pleasing graphics and all new modes of play, you’ll find that there’s a whole new meaning to the adage, "get a life."
  2. The GC version gets a better graphics boost than the Xbox counterpart, but both versions pack the same great gameplay.
  3. 90
    The PC version is still preferable if you have the choice, but The Sims is an insanely addictive game no matter what platform it’s on.
  4. A word to the wise - saving your game takes 60 blocks, which means that you're going to need a big motha' memory card. [May 2003, p.87]
  5. If you’ve got a PC lying around then you’re better off with the PC version, but The Sims on GameCube is still a mind-blisteringly good game if judged on its own merits.
  6. The virtual soap operas I inevitably create keep me totally hooked. [May 2003, p.128]
  7. Maxis still did a great job of mapping all the PC commands to the GameCube controller.
  8. A dangerously addictive game that you have to carefully monitor yourself with or you may find many, many hours of your own life missing while your Sim is living the good life.
  9. 85
    Some gamers might feel that forcing their character to drain his or her bladder is just too tedious, but I say that those gamers are missing out on a chance to allow their Sim to soil their pants and make a nice little wet spot on the kitchen floor, whereby a second player can join the fun and kindly mop it up.
  10. While the gameplay has aged, the new play modes are reason enough for Sim fans to pick this version up.
  11. I believe that this is the best life simulator (if you don't consider "Animal Crossing" a life simulator) for the Gamecube.
  12. The new Get a Life mode adds structure to the experience, and the two-player modes are an absolute blast. [Apr 2003, p.133]
  13. 80
    This console version makes enough changes to the original game that even hard-core "Sims" purists will want to give it a spin.
  14. Virtually identical to the PlayStation 2 version, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, considering that the PS2 game actually made some interesting additions to the popular PC game.
  15. 79
    While the gameplay is based on the same principles, The Sims is much more accessible as an overall product than Nintendo's pastel-hued "Animal Crossing."
  16. Most home computer gamers will find this version of The Sims to be a novel diversion, but they will eventually return to their monitors and keyboards for the easy, open-ended play that is only available there.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Negative: 3 out of 15
  1. JoeyS.
    6
    This game is OK. The only thing is that in real life you don't have 2 controll your wife, kids ,or roomate. Also it's way 2 hard.
  2. Ang-eM.
    9
    I personaly liked it and I have only rented it and I am waiting for the price to go down on it. It is really a great game. But it also is very annoying. SFor people who don't have a lot of paticence this game is not for you. You need to have paticence to be the the best sims ever. If you don't got paticence then you don't got what it takes for the game. I liked it a lot! But I am not that paticence so some times it got kinda boring and once you beat it its like okay what di I di know but there is a lot more on the disc! Happy trails! Full Review »
  3. Devin
    3
    This game is OK, but honestly, this game is very fast paced, and I really don't see a point to it, I mean, there is no real goal. Too much stuff goes wrong and things just seem to get out of hand. This is a love it / hate it, kind of game. I just personally found it annoying. I have really gotten to not liking EA's games lately. They have consistantly poor graphics, and they have serious flaws. I'd keep looking, don't waste your money if you haven't rented it!!!! You'll kick yourself! Full Review »