Out of all the long running video game franchises to grace the Game Boy Advance during its lifetime, EA and Maxisâs The Sims series may have been one of the most unlikely. But would you believe the franchise's debut on the handheld would end up being a surprisingly deep and compelling experience? Well hereâs a breakdown on this absolute hidden gem of a game.
Now realistically how would one port a PC simulation based game to a handheld system mostly known for 2D games? Well honestly it would be downright impossibly with the technology at the time.
Originally released in 2003 as a counterpart to the console version of the same name The Sims Bustinâ Out for GBA (also released for the the Nokia N-Gage in 2004) was developed by American game studio Griptonite Games and would see a radical departure in game play for the traditional life simulation series. Rather than going for the more watered down life sim gameplay style of its console counterpart, Griptonite would instead go for a more action adventure style featuring a heavy emphasis on story and exploration almost to the degree of a Role Playing Game. Now as for the gameplay The Sims Bustinâ Out is played through an isometric viewpoint with the player character finding themselves in the fictional town of SimValley for the summer, with most of the gameplay revolving around completing a number of different missions each with different goals to complete. Although the game also does retain some of the series core mechanics, including motives that need to be managed throughout the adventure, along with minor house design elements.
The games true highlight is by far its story featuring a number of surprise twists and turns that fall very in line with the zanyness of its parent series, as the player finds themselves during the summer. Including buying a home, taking on jobs, and making friends which ties into the games large cast of characters each with their own unique personalities that tie into a bit of a social mini game that helps you improve your reputation in SimValley. The dialogue is very of the time but honestly fits exactly the ton the overall game is trying to achieve.
Looking back at the game after all these years, The Sims Bustinâ Out continues to be one of my favorite titles to return to every now and then. I really love the direction that they decided to take with this port. While not a masterpiece by any means the game manages to take the basic concept of The Sims and give it its own unique flair with clever writing and a fun world to explore, plus the graphics are nice for the time and the soundtrack honestly rocks while also staying true to The Sims vibe. I highly recommend this game to any fans of The Sims or quirky GBA games in general.
