Sims, The

PSX Nation

Probably more fun than any other game released in the last half of 2002.

GamePro

More structure proves more comfortable for the console environment, and the addition of two-player really opens up the game as something more than just a spectator event.

Gaming Age

Seamlessly translates the PC experience straight to console players with simple controls, a clean interface, better graphics, and the same babble-talk that PC owners fell in love with.

GameNow

A stellar translation. [Feb 2003, p.40]

GMR Magazine

It's an all-engrossing interactive soap-opera that grabs hold of you and never lets go. Consider yourself warned. [Feb 2003, p.64]

Game Informer

I actually enjoyed this take on The Sims more than the original. [Feb 2003, p.94]

TotalGames.net

This game is brilliant, but it scares us.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

The more you play, the more you realize just how much freedom you have... [yet t]here's something kind of sick about tending to a virtual character's toilet and hygiene needs while neglecting my own. [Feb 2003, p.140]

Game Over Online

The sound effects in the game - from brewing up a fresh cup of cappuccino, filling a bathtub with water, or typing away at a computer - sound extremely, extremely convincing.

GameSpy

The two-player mode doesn't deliver the goods. At times, the competition feels more like a festival of yawns than edge-of-your-seat action.

Electric Playground

The frustrations are enough to make me wroth enough to wall a Sim up in an exitless building and watch them slowly expire.

Armchair Empire

One of the biggest surprises the game has is the user-friendly interface. It’s very easy to give commands to your character. One problem does arise though, which is the reaction time of your character.

GameCritics

The PS2 port certainly lacks the metamorphic quality of original PC version, but its reach and scope are far greater than many of the current titles available to the console crowd.

Gamers' Temple

If you're a more patient gamer and enjoy a more passive experience, you'll probably find The Sims fascinating. It certainly is a unique game.

Absolute Playstation

It’s all great fun for the first few days and highly addictive but then you gradually slip away from the game and get on with real life. Just remember this… a dolls house is for playing with, but a Sim is for life!

GamingWorld X

Definitely a gem that will suck away hours upon hours of gaming time, but that is also The Sims' Achilles Heel; in order to successfully have fun with The Sims, you have to invest lots of time into the game, and playing takes a lot out of you.

Entertainment Weekly

Love it or hate it - we just hope your real lives are more interesting. [7 Mar 2003, p.79]

Gaming Maxx

Truly a game of patience.

Game Revolution

I was expecting a reiteration and that’s what I got, but deep down, I was hoping for more of a rejuvination.

GameZone

The control elements of this game were wonderfully ported from the PC to the PS2.

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

You may start off thinking it's a bit odd, but as soon as you begin identifying with your Sim, you're hooked. [Feb 2003, p.106]

Cincinnati Enquirer

Kudos to the developers for including a new game mode, multiplayer options and more suitable visuals to the console.

G4 TV

Die-hard console gamers may or may not appreciate the offbeat gameplay style, but there's no denying it'll grow the franchise's reputation as one of the most unusual series currently available for any platform.

PSM Magazine

By challenging the player with various tasks, instead of just letting them do whatever, the game actually provides a reason to continue playing. [Jan 2003, p.27]

Eurogamer

This wealth of variety and reward structure is carefully considered, but ultimately it won't help the final outcome - you're either going to love The Sims, or you're going to hate it.

IGN

It's simple yet complex, well explained, and entirely unusual for the PS2. There is nothing like it on this system, and for that very reason it's worth picking up.

GameSpot

The PS2 version's new additions and enhancements, along with its faithful reproduction of The Sims' gameplay, make for a game that is as solid as The Sims has ever been.

XenGamers

With the recent release of the online Sims for the PC, the PS2 port seems to fall short of greatness. Especially when you add in the slowdown issues and repetitive gameplay.

Gamezilla!

PC users may be disappointed, however, as the core of the game is still essentially the same.

All Game Guide

The game is ideal only for those who are interested in the PC phenomenon but can't (or won't) play it on a PC. The rest of us will be duly impressed, but may ultimately decide to get a life elsewhere.

Yahoo! Games

Because of the excellent job EA has done in its implementation, this new graphics engine feels comfortable and natural.

Cheat Code Central

Although the Dual Shock is mapped to function as all of the buttons you could ever need to contol your Sims, I found the interface to be clunky and unintuative. A keyboard and mouse would have made the experience a thousand times more enjoyable.

Gamer.tv

Anyone thinking of "getting a life" would be well advised to do so in the real world rather than this one. There's nothing wrong with the execution - it's the concept that's so dispiriting.