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Developer: Maxis
Publisher: EA Games
Genre: Strategy
Region: NTSC
Format:
Release Date: 22 Oct 07
User Rating
9.5 (4 votes) -
- Who says you can't have fun when stranded on a deserted island? Although the options aren't as varies as it's PC versions, the game managed to capture the essence of the franchise perfectly.
Overview
I am not one that has been very happy with The Sims franchise. While it had been huge on the PC, the same cannot be said for its console counterparts. However today we are checking out today a very original installment of The Sims 2 franchise, which takes the series in a very different direction from what we have seen in the past. The game is The Sims 2 Castaway for the Nintendo Wii and it puts you on a deserted island where you're going to have to make your way through the island and survive. Does The Sims 2 Castaway successfully take the franchise into a strong direction? Read our full review to find out!
Gameplay
There have been a slew of different Sims titles over the years for the consoles, but I don't believe there has been one that has truly stood out over the rest of the pack. All of the console games, in one way or another, struggled to be truly engaging on the console like it is on the PC. A lot of it has to do with the way you play a PC game in comparison to the console, as well as the console control schemes, which definitely holds things back as well. But enough of the past, let's look at what is in front of us, and that is The Sims 2 Castaway. This a game that finally feels creative, new, fresh, and possibly could be the first great Sims game to hit the consoles, but does it achieve this?
So you start off the game like any other Sims title by creating a Sim. The create function in this game is rather simplistic, and the amount of options might be a bit disappointing for anyone who has spent a good deal of time with the franchise. The create function is going to feel a bit stripped down. I am not sure why the developers would make this decision to hold back the create function, but whatever the case it's pretty basic. You can create anywhere from one to six people in your party, but just understand you're not going to be with all of them from the start.
The game begins with your initial character waking up on a deserted beach with no one is around, and you're left to fend for yourself. As you can imagine the developers really had to make sure to keep things on the simple side, and not to get the average Sims fan frustrated with what is going on in the game. So you will find some pretty basic things to do, gather wood, food, other items, and learn to build shelters, fires, and all the like. Where is Wilson? If you have seen the movie Cast Away you know what I am talking about.
So as the game develops, so does your character and his/her needs. Basically like a human once you get something let's say a nice shelter, they then want something even better. So your skills are continually developing, and so are your needs. This keeps the game both entertaining and goal oriented, something that will drive the player to continue to play the game. And once you get a good way in, you will then meet up with your crew mates and begin to develop your relationship with them again. Social interaction in the game is a bit different, but anyone who has played the game before will find a lot to enjoy here as well.
I have to say, the gameplay mechanics all worked out pretty well. The premise in the game is actually a very good one, it's engaging, entertaining, and something new. The game isn't perfect, there are some dry spots, and a lot of repetition, but all in all this is an experience that the developers truly got right.
Graphics
The Nintendo Wii is not a graphical powerhouse, and we all know that. At the same time we also know that it is still a capable console. The Sims 2 Castaway's biggest flaw in my book is its presentation. The island where you are now calling home is not as gorgeous as you imagine a deserted island to be. A lot of the elements on the island feel pretty choppy and don't carry the detail that would truly make the experience of being on an island. Overall the visuals still carry a very Sims 2 "esque" feel, but I just feel more could have been done to bring the island to life.
Fun Factor
I have to say that I haven't looked forward to a console version of The Sims in a long time. The Sims 2 series has had a lot of attempts, both on the Wii, and just other consoles in general, none of which really being a lot of fun. Well I am here to say that Castaway is a lot of fun, it brings a lot of new elements to the forefront, and is really creative in the way it uses the franchise. This is a title that will surprise a lot of people, and I think can really just be a lot of fun to sit down and play.
Overall
Although The Sims 2 Castaway is not the most visually appealing game on the market, it is very solid in the gameplay element. This is a title that finally brings new life to the console versions of The Sims, and if you're a fan of either The Sims, or just being deserted on a island, this is a game you need to check out.
- Gameplay
8.0 - Graphics
6.0 - Fun Factor
8.0 - Overall
8.0
