Sims Bustin' Out, The

Next Level Gaming

It puts a whole new spin on the series and it is as good as it is going to get in terms of being a portable version of the game we all know and like.

GameSpy

Though some may be disappointed by the linear gameplay, most will take comfort in the fact that the scripting is well done and helps make for a well-crafted experience.

Cincinnati Enquirer

There are more than 20 different locations in the game to unlock and visit.

Gamenikki

Amazing graphics present the isometric 3D view better than any GBA game I've previously seen. Wondrous.

Game Informer

This version veers even farther from its PC roots, with linear level progression and even (gasp!) RPG-style conversation that gives you options of what to say to people you meet. [Jan 2004, p.160]

GameZone

As easy as The Sims Bustin’ Out on the GBA is, it’s surprising that the game offers so much lasting appeal, clocking in at nearly 20 hours.

Nintendo Power

The first Sims title that gives you direct control over your character. [Feb 2004, p.151]

GameSpot

While Bustin' Out for the GBA is clearly a different game than The Sims, it certainly has enough variety to appeal to anyone who enjoys this sort of open-ended game.

Gamers' Temple

Its simple qualities make it easy to pick up and play, but also hurt its long term charm. It won't appeal to all gamers, especially those who prefer action games., but many will find it a fun diversion when gaming on the go.

Yahoo! Games

The gameplay is still addictive and people who enjoy their virtual people will find themselves compulsively playing this GBA version.

G4 TV

In short, this is "The Sims" game for people who don't necessarily like "The Sims," but it's also one that will appeal to fans of the series.

Armchair Empire

Perfect for people that enjoy a low-impact game. It’ll score many points for being easy to get into and a leisurely way to pass the time, but people that like things to happen should steer clear.

Cheat Code Central

The series has never been popular for its graphics but everything looks good here on the GBA. The rooms are colorful, the sprites are large and the menus are easy to read.

GamePro

Isn’t really The Sims as you know it - it’s more like "Animal Crossing" with human beings instead of sapient anteaters.

GMR Magazine

It's a fun game, especially for younger players, but it feels slightly more hokey than Hollywood. [Mar 2004, p.93]

Pocket Games

This is a love-it-or-hate-it game, but fans of the original or anyone looking for a leisurely paced game where death is impossible can't go wrong. [Spring 2004, p.36]

1UP

Griptonite has struck a delicate balance between utter linearity and the brain-numbing redundancy of "Harvest Moon," and the end result works pretty well.

IGN

It's not quite as versatile as what's been done in past games in the series on the PC and console, but the more limited structure is still an enjoyable romp that offers a new experience to an established theme.

Nintendophiles

As much as I just ripped it apart, Bustin’ Out is a very solid little game. It lacks the infinite replay value of the other Sims games, but it still outlasts most Game Boy games.

Gaming Age

The visuals in Bustin’ Out are surprisingly detailed and fluid. The characters animation with clay-mation smoothness and have the traditional fun animations that Sim fans are used to.

GameNow

About as challenging as a wordsearch, but still fun for on-the-go gaming. [Jan 2003, p.48]

Worth Playing

I must point out that it is not meant to be played for long periods of time; it's obviously been crafted from the ground up with the handheld format in mind. If you frequently find yourself with just a little bit of extra time on your hands, this is the game to play.

Gamezilla!

But the game just isn’t The Sims. You can’t just do whatever you want and the mission driven game is just a little too simplistic to be overly fun.

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.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

It's sometimes difficult to track down the Sim you need in order to advance a quest, and the dialogue is maddeningly repetitive, but otherwise, Bustin' Out is engaging, original, and just plain fun. [Jan 2004, p.164]

Weekly Famitsu

7 / 6 / 7 / 7 - 27 [Vol 788; 23 Jan 2004]

Nintendojo

Not a bad game, for The Sims' first handheld outing. Despite its many little flaws, Bustin' Out is still a hard game to put down.

GBA Central

Be it from talking to characters to fulfilling the needs, however without the ability to make money and build larger houses, and the distinctive lack of a variety of furniture this open-ended gameplay quickly wears thin, even making the whole thing less open-ended in practice than in theory.