Bustin’ Out lets players create custom characters with a lot more detail than the PC versions. Sims can be customized with different eye colors, shirts, pants, shoes, hair styles, with more options unlocked as more goals are completed. There are some pretty crazy outfits in the mix to suit any player and add more visual fun in the process.

The main draw in Bustin Out is the ability to travel to various locations. Sims are able to bust out of their current homes and move to other locations. Each house has its own flavor and set of goals that the Sim has to accomplish to be able move to another location. Like the previous title, things start out at mom’s house. But this time mom isn’t an overbearing pushover and the stage acts as a level to build skills and move onto the first real test.

Many stage goals involve different career paths that a Sim can take. At the start, a Sim can take the road to be a movie star, cook, or fashion expert by checking the newspaper and accepting or rejecting the job. The career path affects which locations a Sim can travel to. Each stage has a different set of careers so players can experience a variety of unique locations in each play. The more outrageous careers involve becoming a mad scientist or gangster. Sims head from locale to locale via a scooter, but the vehicle can be upgraded to a primo sports car after a few goal completions.

The Sims wouldn’t be ‘The Sims” without constant caretaking. Fortunately in the console version a Sims needs aren’t as quick to complain. Sleep, food, fun, social talk, and more are still needed, but the meters don’t move that quickly and give players time to have fun with the game. But if players want to start everything from scratch ala the original PC version, a free play mode is included.

Although the Sims have busted out of their homes and into other locations, the goal aspect is much the same as the previous title. Players who bought the first will find themselves in different situations but the basic gameplay doesn’t stray far and will disappoint players looking for a whole lot of new.

The interface is much improved over the previous title and it’s a breeze to control a Sim to perform different actions. Clicking in a general area will list several items and a sequence of ‘A’ button presses start actions quickly. The graphics are a mix of nice textures and somewhat choppy camera movements and animation. The GC version adds GBA connectivity that lets players download mini games to earn simoleons and build skills on the go. The PS2 version adds online connectivity to help each other build skills, trade objects, and socialize in each other’s houses.

The Sims Bustin Out is another sim experience that could be the first expansion pack for consoles. 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.