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PC to console translations tend not to work well. The control is limited, the visuals are low-res, and it’s hacked to pieces to make gameplay easier. Not with The Sims on PS2. The title 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. The Sims on PS2 makes it easy for newbies to hop right in. The first gameplay option is aptly titled – Get a Life. Here you can customize your Sim in a variety of ways, from normal to, say, a guy with bikini briefs and hot pink cowboy boots – not a pretty sight. Instead of customizing everything from the get-go, the Get a Life mode places you in level-like scenarios with goals. Complete the goals and you move on to the next scenario. You’ll start out living with your mom at home and eventually break loose and find your own deluxe pad to live in. The mode is a great way to learn how to play the game and accomplishing all the goals unlocks items that can be used when you eventually build your own house.
If you’re a PC fan and already know the basics, you can jump right into a new neighborhood just like the original game. The easy access buttons are gone from the interface, but the PS2 controller does a fine job of handling everything. The left analog is used to move the cursor around the screen, while the right analog rotates the camera. Players can check the data on their Sims by pressing different directions on the d-pad. The start button brings up a menu that lets you switch from buy to live mode, and customize options. It seems like a lot at first, but after a few plays its completely intuitive. New to the PS2 version are competitive two player modes. They aren’t too deep but bring a little competitive action among friends. The Museum scenario pits two friends against each other to see how much money they can get out of unsuspecting investors. Build relationships to get quick cash, and whoever has the most wins. There’s also a dating mode to compete against who can “get acquainted” with the most guys or girls. The visuals on PS2 are much better than the PC version. The Sims are less bland with better colors and textures. The frame rate fluctuates depending on how and where you’re moving the camera, but it’s not too big of a deal. All the trademark Sims music and sound are here, including all the babble-talk that lets you know how your Sims are feeling. The Sims on PS2 is just as fun as the original. Everything fans like about the original and more is packed into the PS2 version. Just make sure you take care of your own hygiene after a long play.
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