Urbz: Sims in the City, The

Armchair Empire

Ironically, the loading screen is a subway tunnel; you probably could get to the next level by a real subway quicker than the time it takes to load.

TotalGames.net

Serious Sims fans might be a little disappointed. It's entertaining but doesn't have the depth of the earlier games in the series.

AceGamez

If you fancy living a similar life to Jonny then you can't really go wrong. With quirky graphics, familiar sounds, a nice variation in missions and tasks, a high level of interaction where jobs are concerned and some great new power socials, The Urbz is a worthy addition to most peoples' collection.

GameSpy

It might not be as deep as its PC counterpart, but it's perfect for console gamers, who are generally looking for a more casual experience. By the end, my buddy was living the high life, and I was actually proud that my Urb was finally one of the popular kids.

GamePro

Urbz offers a nice, fresh twist on the Sims experience, for both veterans and newbies alike. Yet, despite seeing the goofy characters in a new fish tank, there isn't enough freshness throughout to keep you down wid it. It's not bad, it's just not baaad…you feel me?

Computer and Video Games

The Urbs may have style and attitude, but it's still essentially the same Sims flavour. It requires patience, it's high maintenance and has little action (it's a girls game).

Game Informer

I feel that the game opens up too quickly and that, while there a respectable nine districts, each has very similar goals and features. [Dec 2004, p.164]

IGN

It’s fun if you really enjoyed the Sims and want to play a glitzy, more streamlined version of the game. But some players will probably miss the non-linearity.

Gamenikki

Throw in a GBA-Gamecube linkup that allows you to load your portable Urbz into the bigger version, and you have a game large enough to keep your interest so long as you’re willing. But once the gameplay starts to feel repetitive—and after a few hours, cracks in the façade will begin to show—then you’re in trouble.

RealGamer

At the end of the day, The Urbz is not "The Sims" and although similar in some respects, Sims fans may not like everything they find in this game, especially some of the major changes such as far less emphasis on home building and practically all emphasis on popularity.

GameSpot

Maxis' bold changes to the original formula set forth by The Sims aren't all for the better, but they make The Urbz a very distinctive and surprisingly solid game.

Nintendo Power

It can be taxing, however, to maintain your Urbz's hygiene or the character's need for entertainment when a toilet, sink or TV are nowhere to be found. [Jan 2005, p.139]

Yahoo! Games

Fun for a while, and the customization is quite compelling at first, but before long the innate repetition, linearity, and ultimate emptiness really begin to grate.

Game Over Online

It’s fun, but a shallow fun, based on shallow characters – maybe the perfect game for the kids from "Clueless" or "The OC."

Electronic Gaming Monthly

The streamlined motives are a tremendous improvement in alleviating tedium - so why the heck is the skill advancement so painful? [Holiday 2004, p.108]

games(TM)

The Urbz feels like a step back for the franchise; despite EA’s efforts to bring gamers a ‘console exclusive’ there’s not a lot on offer here. Fans won’t find anything new, but newcomers may well discover the pleasure of the series and seek out EA’s back catalogue of simulated lifestyles. [Christmas 2004, p.114]

Gamer.tv

A very sweet game and, thankfully, very easy to play from the outset. While nowhere near as comprehensive as "The Sims," this is as endearing and sylish as keeping people as pets gets.

G4 TV

A pleasant change from "The Sims" that is tailored to those who would find the constant reinventing of personal style an appealing diversion.

Boomtown

It provides the classical Simmer gameplay, with minor changes to accommodate the hand held format, but do not hold your breath while searching for any major innovations with regards to the DS side of things.