The Sims 2: Pets

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: EA Games
  • Release Date: Oct 17, 2006
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
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  1. Gamer 2.0
    86
    Ultimately, there’s something completely satisfying and entertaining in creating a real-life house in a Sims world and finding out what truly does happen when pets stop being polite and start getting real.
  2. Gaming Age
    83
    For an expansion pack, there is plenty to do and see and it adds a completely new level of variety to your Sims' already busy life.
  3. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    As for the rest of the game, the structure is still the same as before, but for Sims fans, the pet aspect will add plenty of new entertainment to make this worth picking up. [Nov. 2006, p.114]
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  5. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    80
    Whatever EA says, this feels like an expansion pack. It's a welcome one though, and it'll make your little Sim home all the more complete. [Nov 2006, p.82]
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  6. Yahoo!
    80
    Rarely does an expansion (or companion, in the case of the PS2 and GameCube) see content integrated so well into an existing game. After a few minutes playing Pets, you'll feel as if the animals have always been a part of your gaming life.
  7. PGNx Media
    80
    The addition of pets is a logical transition in The Sims franchise that ends up working very well with the core game. Aside from this, the game manages to improve the AI to be more spontaneous and more closely resemble the PC version of the game.
  8. IGN
    77
    Improves upon its console predecessors in every way imaginable. The formula is definitely getting old, though, so long time fans will have limited interest. As far as newcomers go, there's plenty to see and do.
  9. GameZone
    75
    It’s cool, entertaining, and strangely addictive.
  10. eToychest
    75
    The expansion only changes the game on a strictly superficial level, although it does this extremely well.
  11. Game Chronicles
    72
    If you’re a console gamer intrigued by the Sims games but don’t own a PC, Sims 2 Pets for PS2 may be fun for you to try, especially if you also enjoy virtual pets. Otherwise, the PC version is definitely your better bet.
  12. GameSpot
    71
    The Sims 2: Pets adds some moderately interesting animal companions but offers a surprisingly strong Sims 2 experience.
  13. VideoGamer
    70
    The Sims 2 Pets isn't anything more than The Sims 2 on consoles with pets. It feels like an expansion pack, and if that's what you want, you won't be disappointed.
  14. AceGamez
    70
    I'm disappointed at the lack of defining complexities that grace every Sim game that appears on the PC platform. It's almost insulting - console users aren't dumb, we can handle some dimension!
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  15. PSM Magazine
    70
    Pets comes across as a very well-bred animal--desirable traits are sharp. but there are some inbreeding issues. [Holiday 2006, p.85]
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  16. DarkStation
    70
    Maxis milks the Sims franchise even further with the debut of pets, but misses the chance to add anything significant to the successful formula.
  17. 1UP
    70
    Maxis hasn't changed the game drastically and shouldn't have to for an expansion pack that is adding a new (and cute!) perspective to an already solid game.
  18. GamingTrend
    65
    If you can play the PC version, it is a much smarter investment to purchase The Sims 2: Pets as an expansion pack rather than this stand alone PS2 version.
  19. Digital Entertainment News
    64
    If you’ve never played The Sims 2 before, this is the latest console version and the one you should use. For anyone else, it’s simply not enough new content to merit a full-priced purchase.
  20. Play UK
    63
    It's boring enough feeding real pets. [Issue#146, p.83]
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  21. Game Informer
    60
    Apart from the animal stuff, the core game has also undergone some tweaks, like a greater sense of ownership of your surroundings. It doesn’t make Pets more fun, though; the lack of sufficient rewards and direction neuters the whole experience and makes it a chore to play.
  22. PSW Magazine UK
    60
    What we have here is a variation on Tamagotchi that's been roughly crowbarred into The Sims 2. So it's a good job that the animals themselves are so well animated and likeable.
  23. GameSpy
    60
    The Sims 2 Pets expansion pack could be a good purchase for PC gamers, but buying it for $39.99 on consoles is the kind of choice that will only satisfy the kind of people who keep a place for their cat at the dinner table.
  24. Eurogamer
    60
    If you already have the Sims 2 on PS2, it depends on how much you want to buy the same game again, but with dogs and cats.
  25. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    57
    While the PC expansion version is a decent way to expand the life of the game, on console it’s nothing more than an awkward, ugly and pointless update to the original Sims 2 on consoles, which itself wasn’t that great.
  26. PSM3 Magazine UK
    53
    Like the last Sims game, but with pets pooing on your sofa. It really feels too much like hard work. [Dec 2006, p.94]
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  27. Games Master UK
    52
    A Sims game too far; it offers very little that's new in terms of gameplay. [Dec 2006, p.74]
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  28. GamesRadar+
    50
    If you can play this on a computer, do so. If you already own The Sims 2 for PS2 and are considering paying full price again to get the Pets feature, don't.

Awards & Rankings

85
#85 Best PS2 Game of 2006
86
#86 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2006
57
#57 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 29
  3. Negative: 2 out of 29
  1. ItsRaininMen
    Jun 20, 2013
    6
    Sims 2 Pets is a good game, with lots of fun stuff to do, however, most of the fun stuff doesn't feel like it revolves around pets. You cannotSims 2 Pets is a good game, with lots of fun stuff to do, however, most of the fun stuff doesn't feel like it revolves around pets. You cannot control the pets, do much in the way of shaping their personality, and, they just don't feel like a big part of the game. It would also have been nice if they could have included a few more types of pets besides cats and dogs, like birds, rodents, or perhaps horses. It could also use more locations, since there is pretty much only 1. your house, and 2. the park.… Full Review »
  2. consumer
    Dec 25, 2010
    6
    This game gets old easily unless you're a pet lover in reality. As a non-pet-lover, it's difficult to know what to do with your pets, evenThis game gets old easily unless you're a pet lover in reality. As a non-pet-lover, it's difficult to know what to do with your pets, even more difficult when it is you and your pets combined. Pet lovers will love this game though.… Full Review »
  3. AlK.
    Jan 19, 2007
    9
    I have all the Sims like Sims Bustin' Out, Sims Urbz,Sims 2 and Sims 2 Pets I think Bustin' out was the best because you get a canr I have all the Sims like Sims Bustin' Out, Sims Urbz,Sims 2 and Sims 2 Pets I think Bustin' out was the best because you get a canr and you get to go disc dancing! But Sims 2 pets is so cool I think 10/10… Full Review »
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