The latest in the long running and universally popular ‘Sims’ franchise, this latest incarnation of the game is focused purely on the furry friends.
While an expansion on PC, the home consoles (including this version) are stand alone versions with no previous game needed, allowing you to enter straight into the world of the Sims and start looking after and accessorising your own canine and feline pals.
And this is effectively the crux of the game. You have a large selection of cats and dogs to choose from, and welcome into your Sim world. You do not directly control any of your animals, but as usual, you take control of your Sims characters, who in turn interact with the animals, teach them tricks, and dress them up in all manner of silly clothes and accessories.
With all the Sims games available and a wide range of different expansion packs, you have to question if this is worth the money to the more discerning gamer. While its target audience of 5-15 year olds may appreciate the fun to be had, others looking for a deeper experience will gain little satisfaction.
The Sims expansion pack unleashed, released many years ago, allowed you to have pets, and this simply expands on the idea.
There are all the usual gripes you have with Sims games, such as the controls – including queuing up options and then having problems cancelling them.
Graphically, The Sims 2 Pets is reasonably sound, but fails to push the boundaries of the Gamecube in the days when we have seen some truly excellent games. We know EA could do better if they wanted, and the feeling of a cash-in eats at you as you play through the game.
Ultimately, if you have the Sims 2, then think before you buy.
Nintendogs has ignited a following for animals in videogames, and with good reason; but this has nowhere near the same level of interaction and doesn’t give you the feeling of ownership over your pets as much as the DS game Nintendogs.
If you love the Sims and like animals, you will spend many enjoyable evenings on this game, but if you are looking for something a little deeper, then look elsewhere.
This game is not for everyone, but is it still a guaranteed hit? That’s the beauty of the Sims, it will sell and sell regardless of the quality, and this is testament to the fascination we have with controlling ourselves and others, including now our pets, in the cyber world rather than the real one.
If you have a PC, get the Sims and The Sims Unleashed, now only ?10 for the two, with more expansions available.
Otherwise, if you are reading this review for yourself, then chances are you have already made up your mind and want this game anyway. At this time of the year though, if you are looking for a Christmas present for a younger recipient, there are better games that will prove to have more longevity.
Gameplay 6
Graphics 7
Sound 7
Lifespan 6
  
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