The Sims

The Good
I like the game, heck, I love the game. It's a lot of fun if you want to kill four hours and then look back sadly, wondering where they went. On the other hand, the gameplay is fun and often funny. Good graphics, good music. I never considered myself much of an interior decorator, but I have to admit, building houses is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the entire game.

The Bad
There was, however, a lack of substance within the game. I didn't really see much of a reason to have a personality modifier when you were creating new Sims. The only way they really factored into the character is how much your Sims clean up after themselves, and how often they took showers. I would have definitely loved to see more diverse personality options. I always tried to make "tough guy" Sims, like a Mafia Family, but I could never get my Sims to cooperate with that idea. I don't think John Gotti would wave to people he didn't know and answer the door for every Joe Schmoe who comes a'knockin'. In any case, the only other complaint that I have is in all of the expansions coming out now. For a newbie Simmer, the choices at the store can be quite intimidating. You have the original Sims, House Party, Livin' Large, Hot Date, Unleashed, Vacation, Superstar, Makin' Magic, and the soon-to-be-released Bustin' Out...I mean, come on! I love the Sims as much as any gamer, but I have to say, someone is going to be putting a pretty penny into trying to collect all of these and try to stay on top of Sims releases.

The Bottom Line
A good game for those of you who have way too much free time (like myself). It's fun, it will give you a chuckle at times, and all and all will add up to a relatively entertaining gaming experience. A word of advice though; Don't blow all of your money buying every Sim expansion out there right now. If you're like me and most others, you have bills to pay and something more worthwhile to spend your paychecks on. If you've got about three-thousand dollars to spare, however, I'd say GO FOR IT!