MySims
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| MySims | |
|---|---|
 The Wii version of the game. |
|
| Developer(s) | EA Redwood Shores EA UK (Windows Port) |
| Publisher(s) | Electronic Arts |
| Series | The Sims |
| Platform(s) | Wii, Nintendo DS, Windows (MySims Gold) |
| Release date | Wii NA September 18, 2007 AUS September 20, 2007 EU September 21, 2007 JP September 27, 2007 Nintendo DS NA September 18, 2007 AUS September 20, 2007 KOR September 20, 2007 EU September 21, 2007 JP December 6, 2007 Windows NA Q3, 2008 |
| Genre(s) | Life simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: E PEGI: 3+ OFLC: G |
| Input methods | Wii Remote, Nunchuk, D-Pad, buttons, touch screen, Keyboard, Mouse |
MySims, released in Japan as Boku to Sim no Machi (ぼくとシムのまち Boku to Shimu no Machi, lit. "Me and the Sims' Town") is a video game developed by EA Games for the Nintendo DS and Wii consoles and will be re-released for Windows and is based on Maxis' The Sims series.
Contents |
[edit] Gameplay
The Wii version of MySims begins with a character moving into a run-down town with a mayor desperate to bring residents back. The player's job is to attract business and 'townies' back into town. Players build houses as well as furniture, and in return are given special decorations, blueprints and outfits for their Sim. As the town's population increases, new areas of town are unlocked in which even more people can be moved in. Eventually the town is bustling with citizens again.
In contrast, the Nintendo DS version takes place in a vacation resort with the player tasked with the job of luring in tourists. This is accomplished by doing tasks for the locals (shopkeepers). Players collect stars to unlock other parts of the city. As more stars are collected, the town grows and minigames are unlocked.[1]
Unlike previous Sims titles, Sims in this game do not have needs or wants.
[edit] Controls
In the Wii version of MySim, the Nunchuk is used for direct movement, with the Wii Remote used for object moving and building. The Nintendo DS version of MySims supports touch screen and microphone functionality. The touch screen is used for talking and movement as well as placing and moving furniture. Other buttons may control specific tasks such as taking photos or initiating conversation. This version also features a number of mini games, such as fishing, scuba diving, making leis, etc.
[edit] Features
Apart from creating a custom Mii-like character, players may also modify their houses and build furniture and appliances using a selection of building blocks.[2] This gives the player more building options, allowing them to create objects by using blueprints, a change from the usual virtual catalog found in The Sims. There are 80 characters with whom the player may interact in the Wii version (30 characters in the Nintendo DS version), such as a mad scientist, a magician, a librarian, a pizza chef, and a martial arts teacher. Some of these characters may ask the player to build things for them. As with previous Sims games, meeting people and forming relationships is a major gameplay focus. Becoming a Sim's best friend will earn the player either a special blueprint not available anywhere else in the game, or a style of clothing for their wardrobe. Players can also earn blueprints by performing tasks for Commercial Sims (Sims who have their own businesses). Typically this involves building around 5-10 items for Sims, depending on the Star Level (the 1-5 level) of the player's town and the essences they have access to.
A feature new to MySims is Essences. They can be found in various locations in town or by interacting with Sims or objects. Essences are used for a number of things including paint for the walls of houses, construction of items, as well as decoration. The mini-games include racquetball, water-skiing, baking and more.
[edit] Character design
Compared to previous Sims titles, MySims has a more anime-inspired look, with super deformed character designs. This was Emmy Toyonaga's idea; in Official Nintendo Magazine she remarked: "Well, Mario and other Nintendo characters are pretty short and stubby. Also, being Japanese, I'm used to the mindset that fun games should have shorter, stubbier characters. So these characters kind of came naturally".[3] In Nintendo Power, designer Robin Hunicke said that the character designs also imply youthfulness, and that the aesthetic was chosen for world-wide appeal, while referring to the lesser sales of previous Sims games in Japan compared to other territories.[4]
According to Official Nintendo Magazine one of the characters in MySims, Chaz McFreely, is based on their editor, Chandra Nair.[5]
[edit] Interests and Essences
There are six Interests and several Essences for each. Each Sim has 2 Interests, one main and one secondary, and one Disinterest (an Interest they hate).
- Cute (pink)
Cute Sims: Bean, Beebee, Billy, Clara, Dolly Dearheart, Hopper, Jeremy, Ms. Nicole, Penelope, Pinky, Poppy, Renee, Shirley, Taylor
Cute Essences: Happy (smiley face), Yellow Blossom, Rose, Plum Blossom, Sunflower, Puppy, Tina Doll, Kissing Fish, Tim Doll, Purple Crayon, Yellow Crayon, Red Crayon, Garnet, Gold
Sims who hate Cute: Rhonda, Violet, Sir Vincent, Stephen, Master Aran, Travis, Stephen, Vic Vector
- Fun (yellow)
Fun Sims: Annie Radd, Cap'n Ginny, Chaz McFreely, Daryl Handsly, DJ Candy, Master Aran, Odin Revolution, Pablo, Rhonda, Roger, Sandra, Summer, Travis
Fun Essences: Clown Fish, 8-Ball, Musical Note, Magic Carpet, Angry, Soccer Ball, Tiger, Hopi Doll, Topaz, Beachball
Sims who hate Fun: Elmira, Ray, Ian Arneson
- Geeky (blue)
Geeky Sims: Brendan, Buddy the Bellhop, Clayton, Dr. F, Gertrude, Ian Arneson, Jenny, Liberty, Professor Nova, Rob Jarrett, Spencer, Star, Stephen, Vic Vector
Geeky Essences: Mega Lizard, Video Game, Action Figure, Sapphire, Snake, Springs, Tire, Star, Tiny Shark, Rocket, Robot, Alien, Gears
Sims who hate Geeky: Chef Gino, Mayor Rosalyn, Patrick, Cap'n Ginny
- Spooky (purple)
Spooky Sims: Blaine, Brandi, Cassandra, Crystal, Esma, Goth Boy, Madame Zoe, Mel the Mummy, Morcubus, Raven, Ray, Sir Vincent, Violet, Yuki
Spooky Essences: Voodoo Doll, Sad, Scary, Black Rose, Black Apple, Jack-o-lantern, Skeleton, Spider, Thorn, Amethyst
Sims who hate Spooky: Poppy, Clara, Buddy the Bellhop, Dolly Dearheart, Bean
- Studious (green)
Studious Sims: Abigail, Amelia, Eliza, Elmira, Gordon, Linda, Luis, Makoto, Matt, Mayor Rosalyn, Samurai Bob, Trevor, Yvette
Studious Essences: Organic, Terra Cotta, Dark Wood, Light Wood, Pencil, Elephant, Moai Totem, Jade, Dinosaur Fossil, Globe, Stone
Sims who hate Studious: Roger
- Tasty (orange)
Tasty Sims: Chef Gino, Chef Watanabe, Chancellor Ikara, Edwin, Grandma Ruthie, Iggy, Jimmy, Karine, Maria, Noelle, Patrick, Roxie Road, Sasha
Tasty Essences: Rainbow Trout, Cake, Chocolate Cake, Cherry Blossom, Gingerbread Man, Red Apple, Green Apple, Orange, Crab, Octopus, Bacon, Amber
Sims who hate Tasty: DJ Candy
[edit] Sims in the Wii version
- Mayor Rosalyn
Loves Studious, Likes Tasty, Hates Geeky
Mayor Rosalyn P. Marshall lives in the Town Hall and is the first Sim you will meet in the game. She is counting on the player to bring the town back to life.
Sayings: "Aha, deegaba!" (which probably means, "Aha, here it is!"; she says this while looking in a book), "Sool!" (Hi!)
Other Names: Bürgermeisterin Rosi (German), La maire Rosalyne (French), Burgemeester Rosalie (Dutch), Alcaldesa Rosalía Marcial (Spanish), Borgmester Rosalyn (Danish), Burmistrz Rosalyn (Polish), Rosalyn polgármester (Hungarian), Prefeita Rosalyn (Portuguese), Starostka Rosalyn (Czech), Pormestari Rosalyn (Finnish)
- Poppy
Loves Cute, Likes Fun, Hates Spooky
Poppy owns a flower shop and loves flowers a lot more than her older sister, Violet, who is the complete opposite of her.
Other Names: Amapola (Spanish), Églantine (French)
- Violet
Loves Spooky, Likes Fun, Hates Cute
Violet loves dead flowers and although she loves her sister, Poppy, they are total opposites.
Other Names: Violette (French), Виолетта/Violyétta (Russian), Violeta Hierbamora (Spanish), Wiola (Polish), Violetta (Hungarian), Viola (German)
- Patrick
Loves Tasty, Likes Spooky, Hates Geeky
Patrick Rhino was a trucker until he tasted this town's food; now, this is his home.
- DJ Candy
Loves Fun, Likes Geeky, Hates Tasty
DJ Candy Supergroove owns a club and loves to have fun and boogie on the dance floor. She can juggle vinyl records.
Sayings: "Shabuni?!" (DJ phrase), "Graneefa?!" (DJ phrase), "Dibby womp pan doo!" (DJ phrase)
Other Names: DJ Sophie (French), DJ Kimmy (Dutch), DJ Candela (Spanish), DJ Batidaça (Portuguese)
- Chef Gino
Loves Tasty, Likes Fun, Hates Geeky
Chef Gino Delicioso owns an Italian restaurant and loves pizza. He can juggle tomatoes.
Sayings: "Acheepa!" (unknown)
Other Names: Chef Marco (Dutch)
- Buddy the Bellhop
Loves Geeky, Likes Tasty, Hates Spooky
Buddy is the bellhop of the hotel. He doesn't get guests often until the town reaches a Star 2 Level, but he still loves his job, mostly because of the uniform.
Sayings: "Eeboona!" (salute), "Daag da!" (salute)
Other Names: Piet de Piccolo (Dutch), Pierre le groom (French), Buggie der Hotelpage (German), Коридорный Билли/Koridórnyj Bílli (Russian), Ziom hotelowy (Polish), Pajti, a liftesfiú (Hugnarian), Compi el botones (Spanish), Buddy o mensageiro (Portuguese), Buddy Poslícek (Czech)
- Roxie Road
Loves Tasty, Likes Cute
Roxie wears a bee costume and speaks in a high-pitched voice that might remind some of The Chipmunks and The Chipettes. She owns an ice cream shop. Her name is a pun on the ice cream flavor rocky road. She can balance three ice cream cones.
Other Names: Tina (Dutch), Émilie (French), Roksana (Polish), Roxi Rondas (Spanish), Roxie (German)
- Clara
Loves Cute, Likes Studious, Hates Spooky
Clara loves playing with her Tina doll and sneezes very often. Her middle name is Belle, so her first and middle names are a pun on the name Clarabelle.
- Sir Vincent
Loves Spooky, Likes Studious, Hates Cute
Sir Vincent Skullfinder owns a museum that displays Egyptian sculptures such as Sim Tut (a play on King Tut) and dinosaur skeletons such as Tyrannosaurus Rex.
- Bean
Loves Cute, Likes Fun, Hates Spooky
Bean Bradley has a rainbow tattoo on his cheek and, like Clara, sneezes a lot. As a baby, he starred in baby food commercials. Bean also plays with his Tina Doll.
- Dolly Dearheart
Loves Cute, Hates Spooky
Dolly Dearheart owns a costume shop and loves to play dress-up.
Other Names: Püppi Herzblatt (German), Nadia Coutrey (French), Debbie Dorpmans (Dutch), Bella Dulcecorazón (Spanish), Долли Гуччнали/Dólli Gucchnáli (Russian), Słodka laleczka (Polish)
- Elmira
Loves Studious, Likes Spooky, Hates Fun
Elmira Clamp is a librarian who hates noise, mostly because she grew up surrounded by it. Her Auntie Crumplebottom taught her, "The best mouth is a shut mouth!"
- Roger
Loves Fun, Hates Studious
Roger is very athletic, doing push-ups, running in place, and lifting weights. He often needs to stop to catch his breath.
- Stephen
Loves Geeky, Hates Cute
Stephen Albright is a Geeky Sim with an afro and buck teeth. He took Duct Tape 101 and Advanced Tinkering in school. He plans to build bridges in the future.
Other Names: Stéphane (French), Stefan (Dutch/Polish), Esteban Alcántara (Spanish), Stefan Baumann (German)
- Master Aran
Loves Fun, Hates Cute
Master Aran is a martial arts master who teaches Sim Fu (a pun of Kung Fu).
- Chef Watanabe
Loves Tasty
Chef Watanabe has dedicated his life to the art of sushi.
- Maria
Loves Tasty
Maria is a Tasty Sim who has food-related physical characteristics (cinnamon hair, peppermint eyes) and an orange dress.
- Cap'n Ginny
Loves Fun, Likes Cute, Hates Geeky
As she was growing up, little Virginia wasn't like other kids; she was exceedingly rambunctious and mischievous. Ever since her grandma gave her a pirate hat and an eyepatch, Ginny has been seeking adventure all over the high seas. She owns a pirate-themed restaurant, Cap'n Ginny's.
Other Names: Cap'taine Mel (French), Kap'tein Isa (Dutch), Kaptajn Ginny (Danish), Capitan Ginny (Italian), Capitana Gini (Spanish), Kapitan Dziunia (Polish), Ginny kapitány (Hungarian), Kapitänin Ronja (German)
- Yuki
Loves Spooky, Likes Cute
Yuki is a vampire who likes spooky anime and the British sitcom "May I Bite Your Face?" She loves to bite people, obviously.
- Vic Vector
Loves Geeky, Likes Spooky, Hates Cute
Vic is better known by his screen name, AwesomElf42. Vic owns an arcade and loves medieval-themed online games. Due to his love of medieval-themed games, it is supected that he may have some role in MySims: Kingdom, due to the fact that it will be more medieval based.
Other Names: Henk Havermans (Dutch), Wiktor Wektor (Polish), Gustave Atar (French), Viktor Vektor (German)
- Brandi
Loves Spooky, Likes Geeky, Hates Cute
Brandi is famous for her lies and all of her mischief-making. She tells everyone that it is undeserved, but then again, she's also considered a liar. She has a love of the colors purple and black as seen by her clothes and hair color. She can move in at Star Level 5 and her Best Friend Reward is a Bathtub- Spider Blueprint.
- Chaz McFreely
Loves Fun, Likes Spooky, Hates Geeky
An extreme sports legend, Chaz McFreely has done everything an extreme sports legend can do. Now, all he has left is to do everything to the max! He can move in at Star Level 5 and his Best Friend Reward is a Chair- Racecar Blueprint. He is supposedly based on the editor, Chandra Nair.
Other Names: Bob Slègue (French), Max von Sinnen (German), Manu Montana (Spanish)
- Iggy
Loves Tasty, Likes Fun, Hates Geeky
If Iggy isn’t currently enjoying a snack, he’s preparing to do so. Mmm, a sandwich sure would hit the spot!
Other Names: Siggi (German)
[edit] Development
In November 2, 2006, Electronic Arts has annouced their new line up of games and one of them is MySims. They annouced that it's going to be differnet than the other game, they said you can explore around the neighborhood, customize your own Sim, and socialize with your new best friends. The game will use the cast from The Sims 2, but turned into anime style. In E3 2007, they annouced the game will be like Animal Crossing, but in a whole new way. Then couple of months later they released the game.
The Nintendo DS version was annouced on Febuaray 1, 2007. It said it was going to be a port of the Wii version. But on July 11, 2007 during E3 2007 they annouced the Nintendo DS version as a all new game and planned to take place on a rundown tropical island. The game was planned to have eight minigames to earn money and new stuff. Then couple of months later the game was released.
[edit] Reception
| Reviews | |
|---|---|
| Publication | Score |
| 1UP.com | B (Wii)[6] |
| Eurogamer | 8 of 10 (Wii)[7] |
| Game Informer | 8 of 10 (Wii)[8] |
| GameSpot | 6.5/10 (Wii)[9] 6.5/10 (DS)[9] |
| GameSpy | 4.5 of 5 (Wii)[10] 4.5/5 (DS)[11] |
| IGN | 7.0/10 (Wii)[12] 6.9/10 (DS) [13] |
| Compilations of multiple reviews | |
| Compiler | Score |
| Metacritic | 68 of 100 (Wii) [14] 67 of 100 (DS) [15] |
| Game Rankings | 70% (Wii)[16] 65% (DS) [17] |
MySims has received fairly mixed, but generally decent reviews. It is known for having colorful graphics, and cheery and fun gameplay, but criticized for too many construction, and collecting essences. Its Nintendo DS counterpart is regarded as virtually a all new game in design. However, reception of its control scheme varied greatly. IGN said that "The problem is that nearly all of the objectives revolve around the same two tasks: the collection of essences and the construction of houses, buildings and items. All of the Sim management and social interaction elements of the previous games – well, you're not going to find much of that in the streamlined Wii affair". Gamespot praised the Wii game for it's Construction is intuitive and flexible and for Presentation is cheery and clean.
[edit] Follow-Ups
There have been two sequels announced for MySims. They are called MySims: Kingdom set for release in Q4 2008 and MySims: Party set for release in Q1 2009.[1] They will be released on Wii, Nintendo DS, and Windows (as MySims Gold).[2]
In Nintendo Power issue: 229 the first look at MySims: Kingdom was included. It shows that the game will be set in medieval times and have more player interaction.
[edit] References
- ^ "More My Sims details (Wii/DS)", Go Nintendo, 2007-02-26. Retrieved on 2007-02-26.
- ^ "EA officially announces MySims for DS and Wii", Aussie-Nintendo.com, 2007-02-26. Retrieved on 2007-02-27.
- ^ Official Nintendo Magazine, March 2007
- ^ "Nintendo Power April 2007 Get!", Buttonbasher, 2007-02-26. Retrieved on 2007-02-26.
- ^ Official Nintendo Magazine, Issue 21, Page 9
- ^ Parish, Jeremy (2008-05-11). Mysims (Wii) Review. 1UP.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-11.
- ^ MacDonald, Keza (2008-05-11). Mysims (Wii) Review. Eurogamer. Retrieved on 2008-05-11.
- ^ Reiner, Andrew. Mysims - Wii. Game Informer. Retrieved on 2008-05-11.
- ^ a b Ryan Davis (2008-05-11). Mysims - Wii - Review. GameSpot. Retrieved on 2008-05-11.
- ^ Elisa Di Fiore (2007-09-18). Mysims Review. GameSpy. Retrieved on 2008-05-11.
- ^ Elisa Di Fiore (2007-09-18). Mysims Review. GameSpy. Retrieved on 2008-05-11.
- ^ Casamassina, Matt (2008-11-05). A fun, but surprisingly shallow take on The Sims franchise.. IGN. Retrieved on 2008-05-11.
- ^ It's Animal Crossing EA-style.. IGN (2008-11-05). Retrieved on 2008-05-11.
- ^ Mysims (Wii: 2007): Reviews. Metacritic. Retrieved on 2008-05-11.
- ^ Mysims (DS: 2007): Reviews. Metacritic. Retrieved on 2008-05-11.
- ^ Mysims - Wii. Game Rankings. Retrieved on 2008-05-11.
- ^ Mysims - DS. Game Rankings. Retrieved on 2008-05-11.
[edit] External links
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