The Sims Xbox, GC impressions

Maxis stopped by today to show off the GameCube and Xbox versions of its enormously popular PC game The Sims. The game was recently released on the PlayStation 2, and the upcoming GameCube and Xbox versions will be based on that port. The console games were codeveloped by Maxis and Edge of Reality, who set out to ensure that the concessions made for the needs of console gamers would not detract from the PC game's appeal. The builds of the GameCube and Xbox versions we saw compared favorably with the PlayStation 2 game.

The GameCube and Xbox versions will feature all the content from the PlayStation 2 game and a few technical upgrades. The GameCube game will feature improved textures, enhanced lighting, high-res loading and neighborhood screens, controls that have been intuitively mapped to the GameCube controller, and a tweaked user interface. The one notable element of the game is that it will require a Memory Card 251 to hold its 60-block save, which you'll be able to use to take your sim on the road and import it into another game. The Xbox version will feature an improved save system thanks to the game's use of the hard drive, which will be the primary save location. However, you'll still be able to transport your little avatar using the Xbox memory unit. The game's graphics will boast texture detail that is even greater than the GameCube version's, and it will feature the same hi-res loading and neighborhood screens and unique controller map. The Xbox version will also boast progressive-scan and 480p support.

From what we've seen, the GameCube and Xbox versions are shaping up to be on par with the PlayStation 2 game, only with better visuals. The Sims is currently slated to ship in late March for the GameCube and Xbox. Check out new screenshots from the Xbox version here.