GameSpot UK Reviews Simsville at E3

Tired, bored, housebound? These common Sims' complaints are about to be cured by the introduction of SimsVille

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SimsVille (PC) First Screens

Construct a Sims town in Will Wright's new virtual soap.

Tired, bored, housebound? These common Sims' complaints are about to be cured by the introduction of SimsVille, the latest episode of Will Wright's continuing virtual soap opera, The Sims, which EA were showing off in earnest for the first time at E3.

SimsVille, which is set for release early next year, will let you take all your favourite Sims characters and families out of the confines of their homes and let you build an entire town for them to shape and explore. In SimsVille you'll be able to follow your Sims as they move through their daily routine, watching them work, play and make new friends. Fancy a spot of retail therapy? No problem, SimsVille will let your Sims shop till they drop and allow you to build businesses, services and host town events like block parties or concerts to satisfy their every virtual need. You'll be able to construct and customise homes and shops as well as build roads and civic structures like statues and fountains or even add cosmetic features like trees, lampposts and benches to beautify your hamlet. Ah, but what kind of town will you create? Will it be an upmarket locale with fashionable clubs, expensive restaurants and chic shopping, or do you fancy a seedy ghetto replete with sleazy bars, strip joints and saucy sex shops? In SimsVille, the choice is yours.

John Houlihan for GameSpot UK
Posted: 17 May 2001