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[Khalid-S]

8.5 Presentation
It strays from the Sims design in places, but keeps with it in others, and overall it still feels like it's a part of the franchise while offering some new stuff to play with.
7.5 Graphics
Solid 3D engine is smooth but lacks some detail in texture work and lighting. The DS isn't a 3D powerhouse so our expectation levels are right there with The Sims.
8.0 Sound
The music's well composed, and the recorded Simlish language is crisp and funny...but just a little repetitive in places. Adding your own music and voice is a huge plus.
8.0 Gameplay
The change in time structure definitely pulls The Sims 2 away from the original theme. It has its pros and cons, but overall it still works. Just don't get carried away with changing your system clock
8.5 Lasting Appeal
The adventure mode is a little more rigid than what the Sims is known for, but it's extensive and allows for additional gameplay even when the story's over.
8.2 OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average

http://ds.ign.com/articles/661/661897p1.html

good score.

 

[Speevy]

That's about what the console versions are getting. Wha?

 

[Deku]

I'll give impressions later, but the following points on the IGN review convinced me to give the DS ver a try.

the Nintendo DS Sims team exploit nearly every aspect of the hardware this time around, and while some elements may clutter up the control, at the very least DS owners can enjoy a game both worthy of the Sims name and one that takes advantage of the system's strengths.

The Nintendo DS version of The Sims 2 is a great original title that revolves around running a decrepit hotel in the middle of creepy Strangeville. At the start, you'll have barely enough money to scrape by, but by checking in clients, doing odd jobs, gambling, and saving Strangeville from the frequent alien attacks, the Simoleans will start raking in and enable you to build your hotel up and outwards.

The Nintendo DS version is even more significant this time around, for many reasons than simply being an adventure that's completely original to the Nintendo DS system.

So it uses the DS's capabilities, is not a port and using a real-time clock, which would be a first for the Sims franchise if my memory serves me correctly. Worth a shot I think. I may end up hating it, but that's what trade ins are for.

 

[demi]

I'll give you $20 for it Deku

 

[TurtleSnatcher]

gamefly it if u have it... buy games for cheap most the time then get a new game too , well nearly new

 

[Deku]

I was thinking more a long the lines of ritual burning. But there's no gamestop here. So I might have to EB it, well EB is gamestop now, but well you know what i mean.

Edit: manual in glossy black and white print.
-1

 

[TurtleSnatcher]

So you have it deku?

Impressions?

 

[VOOK]

I picked up Zoo Tycoon and Pheonix Wright over this I might still get it though

 

[TurtleSnatcher]

oh man hows zoo tycoon? I dont even think anyone has any impressions on that?

 

[VOOK]

Just booting it up now... lol It has the MS Game Studios logo.

Music seems to be ok... Going through the Tutorial now.. It seems you dont active touch the things on the touch screen the action is on the top screen but still is manipulated on like a grid down the bottom. but you can still use the D-Pad and Buttons. It seems you use the Touch screen inconjuction with the dpad, the touch screen to select options and then the Dpad and A button to place or delete.

Post about Tutorial two in a Second.

 

[TurtleSnatcher]

Thanks vook, good to hear a first impression for once on zoo tycoon (though this topics about sims )

 

[Deku]

So you have it deku?

Impressions?

Very rough impressions.

Gameplay is straightforward. D-pad for directional movement. X/Y for zoom. L/R rotate.
Tap B to set the Sims in 'run' mode. No need to hold it down. A to talk to people and activate functions.

The game uses the lower touch screen in conjunction with A. It works pretty well.

Music is pretty good quality, it sounds great w/ headphones on. Graphics are good. The stills make it look worse. The models ARE boxy, but overall, in terms of texturing, framerate, field of view, effects, it's solid graphically. No fog, and very little pop up and the game engine renders pretty much everything on the fly no slowdown. Textures are very clean and bright, and the buildings all look ok. If you want to imagine how this game looks, think of the GoldenEye DS texturing and frame rate and that's how it looks.

Haven't had chance to play much since im torubleshooting Civ4, but I walked into a western style tavern (very cool atmosphere) and there's a Space Invaders-style arcade cabinet. When I go and play it, i play right there. The game doesn't cut away to a bad Space-Invaders emu, you can pan and zoom the camera as you play. Kinda neat in how it integrates a prop into the game and makes it playable. And if you're into tilting cows, you can do it in this game too...


the biggests plusses for me right now is that this game is tailored for the DS and its a new story, and doesn't have the fast clock mode that's in every other Sims game. I kind of like how the game is tied to the DS internal clock. But some people may not like it.


Looks like i'll be keeping this for a few more days.

 

[Infernal Monkey]

Just booting it up now... lol It has the MS Game Studios logo.

Music seems to be ok... Going through the Tutorial now.. It seems you dont active touch the things on the touch screen the action is on the top screen but still is manipulated on like a grid down the bottom. but you can still use the D-Pad and Buttons. It seems you use the Touch screen inconjuction with the dpad, the touch screen to select options and then the Dpad and A button to place or delete.

Post about Tutorial two in a Second.

Awesome, thanks!

 

[Rlan]

You mention that you use the A button in conjunction with A, can you use the D-Pad "down" as well?

I just tend to use my right hand to hold the stylus.

 

[Deku]

You mention that you use the A button in conjunction with A, can you use the D-Pad "down" as well?

I just tend to use my right hand to hold the stylus.

If you're a righty, you can use the touchscreen to navigate everything, including talking to people, shifting through text and selecting 'action' options when you walk up to ojbects your can pick up, use or talk to. Of course you can also hold the DS with both hands and use the A button too and occasionally switch the stylus. It's really up to you how much or little of each you want to use.