Vastly different from PC versions of The Sims, but entertaining nonetheless.
Review 199
Released: December 2, 2003
Publisher: EA Games
Developer: Griptonite Games
Game Genre: Virtual Life
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
ESRB Descriptors: Comic Mischief, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
Story: 30%
Gameplay: 40%
Graphics: 20%
Durability: 10%
Story (8/10)
The sim that you create is moving in with his Uncle Hayseed. The storyline develops as you complete goals, move in out and out places, make friends, and earn promotions. The storyline isn't necessarily rich, or even that enveloping, but is enough to keep the game from being bland.
Gameplay (7/10)
The only similarity this game has with the PC games is the sim meters on the bottom of the screen. When your sim's meters get low, you have to refill them in a certain way. For example, when the bladder meter is low, you have to walk up to a toilet and use it. Unlike the PC games, you actually control your sim (not just tell him/her where to go).
The goal of the game is to complete the goals that the game gives you. Sounds simple, right? It is. Very rarely will the game describe a goal in a roundabout way. Goals range from earning promotions, to making friends, to locating your uncle's chickens, to joining a rock band. The goals are fun and engaging and make the game worthwhile.
In order to make friends, you have to talk to people. In the PC games, you click on the sim you want to talk to, and simply click talk. Then you wait. Bustin' Out is much more interactive. Walk up to a sim and press A to engage in conversation. The game gives you selections of what to say. Certain things may make them hate you (like asking for a kiss from an old lady that doesn't know you), and others will help them like you (like telling a poet that you enjoy art).
Graphics (6/10)
The graphics feel like they could have been designed better. While they are by no means terrible, the sims in the game are by no means recognizable. By the end of the game, I still could not differentiate between Daschell Swank, Mel Odious and Vernon Peeve, and likewise between Lottie Cash and Nora Zeal-Ott.
Durability (8/10)
Overall Score (7.2/10)
Rounded Score (7/10)