s in last year’s console debut of The Sims, the classic freeform gameplay is given some structure in the form of specific level goals, which always pay off big dividends through either Simoleans or cool unlockables when completed.
The Sims’ trademark humor is well in place, as Bustin’ Out features a host of new career paths that succeed in gently tweaking our present-day society. Options include Movie Star, Gangster, Fashion Victim (one of the jobs in your path is "Body Waxer"), and Mad Scientist. I chose "Counter Culture," starting off as perhaps the world’s first panhandler with a hot tub in the backyard. In essence, this is the same great game as before, only with more to do, more items, more Create-a-Sim options, more places to visit, more, more, more, MORE! You get the idea. Some might gripe that it doesn’t take too long to complete a career path, but for me the joy of the Sims has always been in the exploration of your relationships with other characters and just plain screwing around. Also, if you have a GBA, be sure to check out the connectivity features, which unlock some minigames, items, and even allow you to bring your Sim onto the GBA. One bad feature: The saves take 161 blocks, so you can only save one Sim per 251 Memory Card.