MySims (Wii) Review
When the time came to review MySims, I thought hard about whether or not to discuss the game with comparisons to already released titles. Its a topic of considerable debate in the gaming community. On one hand, there is an argument that comparing two (or more) titles allows for a greater explanation of the titles strengths and weaknesses. By comparing a game to an older, similar game, it allows games to be rated against a standard already set by the older game. On the other hand, there is a fair argument that each game should be judged on its own merits; that each game is unique in its own right and by comparing the game to others, it only takes away from this uniqueness. Ultimately, I decided that I would compare MySims to other games, but also take into account any individual merit or uniqueness it may have possessed. With this preamble out of the way, lets get onto reviewing MySims.
Few gaming aficionados would not have heard of the Sims franchise. It is the quintessential simulation experience, allowing the gamer to take control of a simulated world, often including its people, in a God like manner. MySims is a cutesy take on the classic Sims experience, albeit with a very stripped down array of options. MySims more closely resembles Animal Crossing as more child orientated simulation experience. As you being the game, you create your character using a minimal amount of editing options. After this, you arrive in town and your first task is to talk to the Mayor. Shell explain to you that not many people have been visiting town and its basically up to you to rebuild the town to bring in more inhabitants. Doing so means building houses and shops as well as furniture to furnish the houses and shops. As you play the game, you will receive or fine blueprints which are used to design new furniture. Many of the games missions or tasks revolve around building furniture for other characters.
On top of the building component of the game, you can find essences around town which are used to decorate houses, shops, and furniture. Essences can be anything from apples and flowers to video game cartridges and 8-balls. When you get a blueprint, it will have specifications on the how the furniture should be built, including what essences are required. These two objectives- collecting essences and building objects basically sum up the MySims experience. You can socialize with other characters in the game, but there is very little focus on this aspect of the game. There is an obvious lack of any sort of deep socializing experience where you can develop increasingly more complex and close relationships with other characters.
The building in the game makes good use of the Wiimote, which is used to grab, tilt, and flip pieces of furniture into the right place on the blue print. You can also paint furniture using standard colours or the essences you have collected. Whilst the building aspect of MySims is well executed, after doing so many times you get rather tired of it. Theres just not enough meat to MySims to keep you coming back. Animal Crossing offered far more objectives and tasks to keep you going. I felt compelled to play Animal Crossing at least 15 minutes a day, just to see what was in the shop and check my mail. MySims, on the other hand, too quickly becomes a bore, and convincing yourself to play it for 15 minutes becomes the most difficult task.
MySims is also lackluster on the visual and aural front. Whilst the graphics are cute and colourful, they are just too blocky and out-dated. The cute and childish soundtrack suits the games presentation, though the annoying Sim language spoken in the game is cringe worthy. The game also suffers from ridiculous load times, taking up to 20 seconds to load every time you enter or exit a building or house. This is unforgivable considering a game like Zelda, which is of mammoth proportions, can get away with minimal load times. It is beyond my comprehension as to why MySims requires such long load times. Yes, it may be a simulation game, but it quite small and limited compared to previous Sims games. As for replay value, well, for those who enjoy what limited experience MySims offers, then you will surely get your moneys worth. It is simply a matter of whether or not you enjoy what the game is all about.
Theres no beating around the bush with MySims; it isnt a great game at all. For one reason or another, developers continue to release games on the Wii (as well as previous Nintendo consoles) in a very stripped down, cutesy way. Animal Crossing done the cute simulation game well, and though MySims does have its own ideas and merits, it simply pales in comparison. At the same time, for simulation lovers who adore previous Sims titles, you will surely be disappointed in MySims for its complete lack of socialisation. Perhaps MySims main problem is an identify crisis it got lost somewhere between a traditional Sims title and a game like Animal Crossing. Criticisms aside, the game would suit young children well. The building aspects would not only entertain children, it would also educate them somewhat on the ideas of construction. Further, a lack of deep socialisation mechanics in the game is better suited to children who may grow tired of such a thing. Aside from young children though, it is hard to recommend MySims for purchase. Id suggest giving it a rent because my opinion is but one and your taste could differ from mine. Theres not a great deal of depth in MySims, but its bare bones attempt at simulation might appeal to some.
