One of the most popular games of all time has finally been transferred to the N-Gage and if you haven't been living in a cave for the last five years than you would know that this phenomenon is called The Sims. Although the game is virtually a direct port of the GBA version, the N-Gage version does have a few more tricks up its sleeve that does help with the longevity of this addictive title. Similar to the original game on the PC, gamers control their very own character called a sim. The story also revolves around your character that has left the big world of Sim City to move into his uncles farm for the summer in the peaceful town of Sim Valley.

As with the other Sims game in the series, gamers must also create their own unique character that includes giving them their own personalities, looks and of course a plethora of other attributes such as gender and even things like cleanliness. Once you have created your character, all the attributes that you have included in your character will effect the way how your character interacts with the Sim environment. This means you could be a slob with great social skills or even a bipolar supermodel.

The Sims Bustin' Out is also similar to real-life where you must ensure that your character maintains their personal hygiene, gets enough sleep and of course enough socialisation. Your character also interacts with a variety of different characters in the game that includes your loveable uncle Harry and even some comical characters such as Dusty Hogg, a Harley Davidson driving biker. Not only by being successful in your Sims life but you will also successful in real-life because unfortunately this title can sometimes become a little distracting at the best of times. That is, if your character is happy, you will be happy!

The gameplay of the Sims could be best described as a human simulation game where you must perform a variety of tasks in the game such as cooking dinner, inviting friends over, sleeping, eating and of course going to the toilet. Fortunately some of the more mundane things in the game that were quite annoying on the PC version have been toned down this version so you can concrete on completing your tasks than always worrying if you are eating enough or going to the toilet enough. The game also contains three exclusive mini-games that includes snake, tennis and blocks that also ensures the playability and longevity of this title.

Interestingly enough, the game also supports Bluetooth that allows you to trade equipment with other N-Gage owners which although doesn't really add anything to the playability of the title, is kind of cool. The Sims Bustin' Out also supports the N-Gage arena that allows you to post your scores on the world wide web.

Graphically, the game looks quite impressive on the N-Gage and supports a nice 3D gaming environment that looks quite detailed, especially considering how much is happening on screen at once. The game itself also looks more cartoonish than the original title and actually suits the storyline perfectly. Even the little things in the game have been incorporated into the title such as kitchen items, televisions and even gymnasiums.

The sound effects of the Sims is extremely reminiscent of the PC version with that extremely entertaining Sims talk and of course some nice light instrumental musical scores that helps immerse the player into the world of the Sims.

If you have never played the Sims, than I would highly recommend The Sims Bustin' Out on the N-Gage because not only is this title extremely addictive but it's great for playing every now and then to visit old friends and more specifically, see how your character is doing in the land of Sim Valley.

- Andrew B