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Sims Bustin' Out, The ps2 Game Reviews
Sims Bustin' Out, The
Critic Score
Metascore: 81 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
7.9 out of 10
based on 26 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 23 votes
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Rate this game

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]

PUBLISHER: Electronic Arts
DEVELOPER: Maxis
GENRE(S): Simulation
PLAYERS: 2
ESRB RATING: T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE: December 16, 2003

What The Critics Said

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.
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100
AceGamez
One of the best graphical aspects is the biggest new game feature - that of being able to move out of your current house at any time or visit a number of different locations.
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93
Game Informer
The reason that I liked this edition of The Sims, in particular, is that the missions move along quicker than the real world or past versions of the game have offered. [Jan 2004, p.130]
90
Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
Whether embracing one's inner interior designer or one's inner "Porky's," players of all types have something to enjoy in Bustin' Out. [Jan 2004, p.126]
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90
GMR Magazine
It's somehow mind-numbingly mundane and brilliantly addictive at the same time. [Jan 2004, p.92]
90
Village Voice
The devil's in the details. Take a disco nap, shower, shit, and scooter to Club Rubb, grab ass, go home—mundane or fun, everything recedes into a heartbeat of flushing, snoring, and Simlish.
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88
Electronic Gaming Monthly
It's monotonous, mundane, and frightfully addictive - just the way I like 'em. [Jan 2004, p.132]
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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.
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86
Gamers' Temple
For those that have yet to experience a Sims game on a console and want to then Bustin’ Out is the way to go.
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85
Worth Playing
The thing that I see as a big plus is the fact that this game is playable with a friend or even online.
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85
GameSpy
This game remains thoroughly addictive and is worth picking up if you're interested in a fun diversion with a reasonable shelf life.
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83
GameSpot
Makes good, solid improvements over its predecessor and stands on its own as a great version of The Sims for consoles.
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82
Armchair Empire
While TSBO isn’t a major overhaul to the original Sims (more of a "console expansion" if you will), it does however provide enjoyable game play coupled with never ending fun.
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82
GameZone
Wilder and more addictive than the original. There are plenty of modes here to satisfy everyone and the fact that you can go out to different locations is just the icing on an already sweet cake.
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80
IGN
There isn't really anything new to Bustin' Out.
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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.
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80
Gamenikki
It's not the "best" version, but it's the most complete. If that makes any sense.
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80
Weekly Famitsu
7 / 9 / 8 / 8 - 32 gold [Vol 788; 23 Jan 2004]
80
GamePro
Of the three, only the PS2 version seems prone to annoying split-second jitters and pauses that break up the animation.
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80
PSM Magazine
We would have loved some additional competitive online options. [Jan 2004, p.29]
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.
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70
Eurogamer
A fairly unremarkable Sims expansion pack on the same disc as a new cut of the original game.
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70
Computer and Video Games
The Xbox has clearly the best graphics, the PS2 has an exclusive online option where you can trade items with other players. The GameCube and GBA versions have possibly the most exciting exclusive option.
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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.
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58
GamingTrend
I’m going to go have Sara shag a few more sims, then I’m calling it a night.
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What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 7.9 (out of 10) based on 23 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Jenna S. gave it a9:
I loved everything about this game. I have completed every goal and played through every scenerio and spent countless hours playing and having a blast. The only reason for rating it a 9 instead of a 10 is because they discontinued online play. :( I wanted to try that so badly and the game box still says it's available but then when you try to connect it won't so we searched online and found out it was discontinued years ago. Major Bummer. But other than that, it's my favorite edition of SIMS of all time! Instead of just trying to keep them alive and happy which gets old, fast, I LOVED having actual goals to work towards in order to unlock the next level. Kept the game interesting!! :)

Kut D. gave it a10:
It is a brilliant game it is one of the best ive played although it would be even better if you could make the blurry bits go away.

Ty B. gave it a1:
This game is awful and should be taken off the shelves, it is so boring after like 3 minutes of playing.

Tonya J. gave it a10:
I love the Sims, and I started this game cheerful and intent on unlocking everything (which I have). I finished after starting over a second time (I was eaten by a mutant plant and killed in a fire in my bedroom.) I finished after with a husband and three of my four kids sent to prep school, and I came to understand the "Sim Speak." If you like Sim games, you'll love this game, and if is the first Sim game you've played, pick up a strategy guide.

Samantha L. gave it a 10:
The origanal game was crap!Im adicted to the game.the graphics are better and theres more to every thing like social or clothes and decorations.

Ardelia R. gave it a 10:
This is a really kool game and they are much better than the first originally one I LOVE IT!!!

Angela J. gave it a 6:
Its average.

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