The Sims Bustin' Out
| Developer | Ideaworks3D (USA) |
| Publisher | Electronic Arts |
| Released | 2004-05 |
| Status | Released |
| Genre | Simulation |
| Multiplayer | Bluetooth (2 players), N-Gage Arena |
| Product code | 6RAK |
A life-simulation game published by Electronic Arts for the N-Gage in May 2004, developed by Ideaworks3D (not Griptonite Games, who made the GBA version). Players directly control their Sim via the d-pad through a story-driven career across more than 20 locations, raising skills and socialising to escape poverty.
The N-Gage version was a distinct development from the GBA port, handled by London studio Ideaworks3D rather than Seattle's Griptonite Games. The most notable departure from Sims convention was direct d-pad control of the protagonist — a significant interface change for the franchise at the time, which the official copy highlighted as a selling point. The game included an N-Gage-exclusive Easter egg: Sims carry a Nokia 5110 handset in their inventory and can locate three SIM cards scattered across SimValley to unlock three in-game phone mini-games — Snake, Tennis, and Blocks. The Times awarded the N-Gage version five stars; Metacritic aggregated it at 78/100, slightly below the console versions' 81.
Gameplay
Original All About N-Gage Description
Ewan reviews The Sims on All About N-Gage.
N-Gage.com's Walkthrough / Strategy Guide for The Sims.
Screenshots:
Nokia Blurb:
Control freaks of the world are celebrating: The Sims have arrived on the N-Gage™ game deck! This time you’ll start out poor as an empty pocket, working your butt off on the Hayseed Farm, but with the sweat of your Sim’s brow and a few good friends, you might find yourself living the high life in one of the coolest virtual cribs known to humanity.
- Control your Sim directly using the control pad - no more wandering!
- Explore over 20 locations such as Olde Salty’s Fish and Chips Stand and the rockin’ Club Rubb - even go to the animal shelter and adopt your Sim a furry friend
- Customize your Sims down to the color of their hair
- 8 career-based mini-games, including Mower Madness and Cliff Diver X
- Up-close and personal social interactions to bring out the voyeur in you
- Engage in text-based conversation when bargaining or schmoozing
- No more catalog shopping - your Sims may attend daily auctions or hit the mall to get over 150 objects, including the Pinball Machine, Beejaphone Guitar, and (wait for it!) the Giant Tiki Head
- Rub elbows with 25 outrageous characters like Old Salty and Lottie Cash
N-Gage Exclusive Features
- Play N-Gage-exclusive mini-games to advance your career or earn Simoleans
- Upload your score to the N-Gage™ Arena to challenge another player – you can also unlock a new location and earn special objects
- Connect with another player using Bluetooth wireless technology and auction off your items. This multiplayer mode also unlocks a special location!
- Wikipedia
- MobyGames
- Nokia N-Gage.com (Wayback Machine)
- globenewswire.com
- archive.org
- User Manual (PDF)
- Also on: PS2, Xbox, GameCube, GBA
- Original description from All About N-Gage
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