GBA Sims Info Divulged

New objects and exclusive connectivity features.

Electronic Arts announced gameplay details and a firm release date today for the Game Boy Advance version of The Sims: Bustin' Out, the first portable game in Will Wright's impossibly popular "life simulator" series. The title, under development by Griptonite Games (makers of all sorts of GBA titles, including the portable Harry Potters), is due to come out December 2003?in tandem, as a matter of fact, with the three console versions of Bustin' Out Maxis is currently working on.

Originally announced by Wright himself at Nintendo's E3 2003 press conference, the GBA Sims will work much the same way as its console big brothers?you'll create a Sim, a personal avatar with his or her own appearance and mannerisms, and guide him down the road to success or the path to ruin. One major difference: instead of buying items from a catalog, the GBA Sims lets you nab new stuff by going to stores, visiting daily auctions, or trading with your friends via Link Cable. Social interaction has also been enhanced?talk to a fellow Sim, and the game will shift to a close-up view, making it easier to see what's going on.

The Sims wouldn't be The Sims without a mess of stuff to collect and do, of course, and the GBA port is hardly any exception. Eight new career paths (including Iron Pizza Chef and Cliff Diving Instructor) will be available, and completing game objectives can unlock 20 new locations, such as the Biker Juice Bar and Ultimate Dance Club. Overall, there are over 150 items exclusive to the GBA version, as well as a few extra features?among other things, you'll be able to adopt a dog or cat from the local animal shelter.

In addition to all this, the GBA Sims will feature connectivity support with the GameCube version of Bustin' Out when the two titles are released in December. Linking up with your Cube unlocks a special level on the GBA and a hidden game cabinet on the GameCube that allows access to a set of GBA mini-games. You can also take your Sim from the GC version and bring him over to the GBA game world?in other words, you'll never have to leave him (or her) alone again.

"Sims fans can now take their Sims anywhere with The Sims Bustin' Out on Game Boy Advance," said Sinjin Bain, executive producer over at Maxis. "Whenever we bring The Sims to a new platform, we redesign the gameplay to create exciting and innovative ways to experience The Sims. Players will enjoy classic Game Boy Advance gameplay with the signature offbeat humor of the Sims."

GamePro.com will have more info on this title as it comes, so be patient.

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