The Sims

I really like this game, right from the beginning. The intro movie is very good, the graphics are excellent and the movement of the sims is incredibly life-like. It is also highly addictive. This game really has a lot going for it.

In my opinion, it is targeted at fans of the "Sim City" series because there appears to be no end to the game, but I think that it would appeal to more than just die-hard fans of Sim City.

Obviously, you must be able to create your own sims, but the idea of building a house for that sim, finding them a job, making friends and bettering their surroundings, is in a way, what must people will ultimately want in life. Then of course, friendship may turn to romance, if the time and the mood is right.

The mood of the sim is quite possibly the most important part of the game. How do you keep them happy? Well it's quite simple, you must keep tabs of their "Motives" or needs:

• Hunger
• Comfort
• Hygiene
• Bladder
• Energy
• Fun
• Social
• Room

Each need has a bar. Green = good, Red = bad.

When a Sim's bladder need is red, you send them to the loo, very simple. So what's the best way to satisfy all of a Sim's needs?

• Make sure they are not hungry. Have them cook something (you'll need a fridge, a food processor and an oven) and eat it. Order a pizza and eat it, or by eating food prepared by another sim. If your Sim has no cooking skill, then get them to read a cook book for a while. It's worth it because the better the can cook, the better the food will taste, the quicker they can cook it, the more satisfying the meal, also there is less chance of them setting fire to the kitchen, or themselves!
• Keep them comfortable: have them sit, sleep, nap or take a bath
• Keep them clean: have a bath or shower, wash their hands or brush their teeth.
• Empty that baldder: send them to the loo. They'll know if it's a no.1 or a no.2
• Keep up those energy levels: this is done by sleeping or drinking coffee/espresso.
• Make sure they have fun: Entertain them with something - TV, stereo, pinball, computer games.
• Socialise: have your Sim interact with other Sims.
• Nice Rooms: Keep rooms well lit and nicely decorated with plants and pictures.