The Sims Bustin' Out
A console Sims game with mission-based and freeplay modes.
The Sims Bustin' Out is a 2003 social simulation video game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. It is the second title in The Sims console series and the first not released concurrently for Microsoft Windows. The game features a 3D environment and adds elements from several expansion packs, allowing Sims to visit locations outside the home.
Quick Facts
- Publisher
- EA Games
- Designer
- Sean Baity
- Composer
- Jerry Martin
- Series
- The Sims
- Platforms
- Game Boy Advance
- GameCube
- PlayStation 2
- Xbox
- N-Gage
- Genre
- Social simulation
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
In the console version, Malcolm Landgraab steals items from the neighborhood for unpaid rent. The player must complete career tracks, unlock and buy back possessions, and become rich enough to evict Malcolm and move into his mansion. Furnishing items are unlocked through objectives. The Game Boy Advance and N-Gage version places the player's Sim in SimValley for a summer holiday. This version is objective-based, requiring completion of tasks to unlock new houses. It uses direct control via the directional pad instead of point-and-click. Mini-games are unlocked progressively. The N-Gage version includes an exclusive feature allowing Sims to collect cartridges and play classic games like Snake on the mobile phone. Both versions have various locations that become accessible as the player advances. The PlayStation 2 version had an online mode called Online Weekend, which allowed freeplay and storymode play with chat via USB keyboard. The server shut down on August 1, 2008.
Development and release
Bustin' Out was announced by EA at E3 in May 2003. Maxis project designer Mike Perry stated it was created to build on player feedback from the previous console port, aiming to introduce a bigger world with more locations and better multiplayer features. The design integrated online functionality for PlayStation 2, Link Cable features between GameCube and GBA versions, and HDTV support for Xbox. Development of the handheld version began in March 2003, with Griptonite Games implementing the GBA version. Producer Virginia McArthur said the approach retained the signature look and feel of The Sims while adding direct control, close-up social interactions, and a stores and auction system. A version for the N-Gage was announced in January 2004.
Reception
The PlayStation 2 version received a Platinum sales award from ELSPA, indicating at least 300,000 units sold in the UK. Metacritic reported favorable reviews across all platforms. Reviewers praised the career progression focus, which added challenge to managing Sim needs. GamePro considered the gameplay loop marginally successful, praising pacing and goal-oriented play but noting the single-character approach contrasted with The Sims design. The ability to see Sims travel between lots was widely discussed; Thierry Nguyen of Official PlayStation Magazine called it a huge gameplay change, while Tom Bramwell of Eurogamer commended the variety of places. Mary Jane Irwin of IGN critiqued travel mechanics as an active load screen. Visual presentation drew mixed responses: Andrew Park of GameSpot highlighted colorful and simple design, but some reviewers noted uneven performance between versions, with Xbox having better presentation. Eurogamer found the presentation slightly dated with ropey performance, and GamePro described graphics as slightly sloppy.
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