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The Sims are making a big return to the console and this time they are bustin' out of the house and exploring all-new locations around town. In The Sims Bustin' Out, players can choose from a variety of new career paths. Along the way, players can unlock and collect over a hundred of new objects and social moves exclusive to the console. Play, work, and socialize with a cast of over 25 new outrageous characters and climb through a dozen new careers. The Sims Bustin' Out also features new integrated two-player gameplay and memory card support, for those players who like to take their Sims over to a friend's house and show them off. [Electronic Arts]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
GameNow
Even the addition of crazy new Social moves like Break Dance and Booty Tease make interactions with other Sims much more fun than they were in previous titles. [Jan 2003, p.48]
 100
AceGamez
Fans of the series will lap it up whilst those that find The Sims to be boring and pointless will not be in any way swayed.
93
Game Informer
I never thought I'd find myself saying that I enjoy connectivity more than online play, but this just happens to be the case with Bustin' Out. [Jan 2004, p.140]
92
Gamezilla!
A vast improvement to an aging franchise, breathing a little more life into a concept that's days may be numbered.
90
GMR Magazine
It's somehow mind-numbingly mundane and brilliantly addictive at the same time. [Jan 2004, p.92]
90
GameSpy
This was my favorite version of Bustin' Out. Although the graphics are sharper on the Xbox version and the PS2 version boasts online multiplay, the GCN-to-GBA connectivity feature gives this one a notable edge.
88
Electronic Gaming Monthly
It's monotonous, mundane, and frightfully addictive - just the way I like 'em. [Jan 2004, p.132]
86
Next Level Gaming
This is a game without winners and losers. It's all about the personal satisfaction, and engrossing yourself in a wonderful game. Yes, I said a wonderful game.
86
GameZone
Perhaps not as precise as using a mouse and keyboard, but the streamlined control system does do a great job of keeping the action consistent with a dual shock.
86
Nintendo Power
Refines control, adds personality to character appearance and interaction, fills up on customization details and goes hog-wild with connectivity. [Feb 2004, p.146]
85
Nintendojo
Sims fans will find the game very inviting, but will also find that other than going to various locations, seeing new items to buy, and experiencing the wild animations, this game is definitely not an overhaul of the series. Yet with the new unlockables, it is hard to resist this delicious title.
85
Gamers' Temple
Sims fans should bust out of their homes and bust on down to their favorite store to pick up The Sims Bustin’ Out.
83
GameSpot
Makes good, solid improvements over its predecessor and stands on its own as a great version of The Sims for consoles.
82
Armchair Empire
If you liked the Sims, Bustin’ Out is a great addition. Much of the series’ originality has lost its shine, but the mechanics and playability remain extremely good even though there’s not much in the way of plot.
82
IGN
Without any gameplay advancements, I can't say this is really an improvement over the original. However, the GCN/GBA link up is a really nice feature, especially if you have a troublesome Sim.
82
Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)
Slow, often frustrating, but frighteningly engrossing at the same time. If you're after a leisurely, open-ended experience then it's highly recommended. [NGC]
82
TotalGames.net
Tweaked sounds and graphics make it look slightly better and sound slightly nicer, but it’s not really a sequel in the true sense of the word. The Sims Bustin’ Out adds logical improvements to an already winning formula without blowing us away with any stunning revelations.
80
Gamenikki
Worth a look-see, but memory card requirements effectively banish this one to the realm of "Either buy it, or don't bother."
80
Weekly Famitsu
7 / 9 / 8 / 8 - 32 gold [Vol 788; 23 Jan 2004]
80
GamePro
It’s really no more than yet another extension of a five-year-old gameplay device. Concept, meet the breaking point.
80
Yahoo! Games
It adds just enough to keep fans interested, but doesn't fix all the flaws or reinvent the game. With that said, the game has more focus, a bit more style, a lot more to do, and a definite ending if you choose to pursue it.
75
Game Revolution
The addition of goals and plenty of different unlockable locations and items does breathe new life into this old game, and slower meters and a more responsive interface lead to a good version of The Sims. However, this game is very similar to the original PS2 version and might not feel filling enough for those who already made that purchase.
75
GameCube Europe
Despite some flaws and relatively few improvements (on the PC this would be just another expansion pack), it still may be worth a purchase.
74
RealGamer
Despite being a massive fan of the franchise I couldn’t help but feel that the whole thing is starting to get old, despite the new features the games structure is basically the same.
70
EuroGamer
A fairly unremarkable Sims expansion pack on the same disc as a new cut of the original game.
70
Computer and Video Games
The GameCube and GBA versions have possibly the most exciting exclusive option, with players able to download special mini-games to their GBA which will earn them Simoleons and other goodies to use in the Cube game.
65
Worth Playing
While they did add various goals to keep console gamers occupied, they end up turning the game into more of a stressful mess than the passive pace of the original.
60
G4 TV
And if the thought of cleaning up virtual garbage and keeping your sim familiar with the toilet isn't your idea of fun, steer clear. Love it or hate it, this is still "The Sims."
60
games(TM)
Despite a veritable host of respectable changes and additions, this still can't live up to the standards of the original game. An improvement over the last console effort, but with so much more potential than is actually realised, Bustin' Out still disappoints a little. [Christmas 2003, p.126]
58
Gaming Age
There is more freedom in career choices, less intense caretaking, plus a few console specific features. But the gameplay is old hat for previous console players.
Penny E. gave it a10: S. J. Donovan gave it a9: Alexander R. gave it a 10: The Nightwolf gave it a 10: Sieglinde H. gave it a 10: Rusty P. gave it a 10: |
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