There is quite a bit of news again about the Sims 2. As usual, there are many reviews again. GameSpy is taking it big: After a feature with an interview, and the Sim-Limpic Games, they have now posted two (yes: two!) reviews. Two articles of 5 pages to read, one is the "basic" review, the other an "extended" one which goes more in-depth in the game. You can read the basic review on this page, but as said there's also the extended review to read. After you've finished reading that, you can start reading the next review from their colleagues at IGN. They even have a video review for Insiders. If you're not an insider, then you'll have to do with the 3-page review. Of course all reviews come along with some screenshots. GameSpy rates the game a 5 out of 5, and IGN says it's worth a 9.4 out of 10. Both reviews also mention that the Sims is more a toy than a game - it's a sandbox to see "what happens next." It's also quite remarkable how both sites say it's hard to write a review of the game, covering even the most important aspects. It's just too big.
For even more information, including an estimate of when the DVD version will be released in Europe, read more...
Yes, there's more to read than just that. GamesDomain is packing out too, with a Diary of the SimBubs and a video made with the moviemaker. The diary takes you through a few simdays of the game, in which the editor has recreated his own family. The read may not be as spectacular as some diaries done by bigger sites, but if you still want to read it, just do so. If you'd rather just watch the game, you can also download the "Sims 2 Chocolate Factory" movie (10Mb) from GamesDomain's Sims 2 files page. Following the previous three days, 1UP has now posted Day four of their gameplay diary.For even more information, including an estimate of when the DVD version will be released in Europe, read more...
In Hamburg, Germany there has been a press event recently celebrating the launch of the Sims 2. The official German site has provided a 17 Mb video of the event, which you can download from this page. The video shows you the highlights of the event including the premiere of the song by Jeanette Biedermann, and the fashion contest. There is a bit, but not too much, in-game material as well during the 2:30 minutes. More media can be found at The SimsPage (Polish), in the form of a few screenshots. You can find those on this page.
Following the BodyShop chapter from Prima's strategy guide, that Lucy sent us, another chapter has been placed online by Prima itself. Chapter 6, which described the 6 stages of life for Sims, can be viewed from the E-Guide details page (click the "Look Inside" picture). It's in PDF format and has 11 pages of content, part of the table of contents from the book, and a page advertising the eguide.
And finally, as promised, the news about the European DVD version of the game. Straight from the mouth of somebody at EA (Netherlands), I can reveal they're aiming to release the DVD in Europe approximately 6 weeks after the release of the CD version. That would mean Europeans can expect the game late October or early November. An exact date wasn't given.
Thanks to Ryan for the link to the GameSpy review, James Magenta for the GamesDomain video, and Midge for the link to the strategy guide preview.
Written at 01:58 on Sunday, 12 September 2004 by ChEeTaH.
