Sims all over our laptops

Mike Bantick
Thursday, 18 January 2007 12:01

Opinion and Analysis

Electronic Arts announces Sims Life Stories.  Targeted at a even more casual minded gamer.

If there is one thing you can say about EA, they pander to their demographic.  Announced recently is the first of three “laptop-friendly” games.  A spin off of the wildly popular Sims 2 franchise.

Sims Life Stories enables players to guide the lives of Sims Riley Harlow and Vincent Moore as they play out a romantic comedy over twelve chapters.

“Everyone loves a good story. The Sims Life Stories gives players two wonderful romantic comedies to enjoy,” declared Rod Humble, VP Head of Studio for The Sims Division. “For those who are interested in The Sims, The Sims Stories are accessible and fun for everyone.” According to Humble, the world of The Sims provides the perfect place for these romantic comedies to unfold. Built around virtual people called Sims, daily activities—from sleeping and eating, choosing outfits and decorating the house, even cooking and getting a job—are controlled by the player.

Based on the 70 Million selling The Sims franchise, which has been translated into 22 languages and consistently fills at least half of the top 10 sales charts, The Sims Stories will have a popular pedigree to work off.

EA have announced a further two Sims Stories titles for the future; Sims Pets Stories will ship in the (Southern Hemisphere) Winter 2007 and  Sims Castaway Stories early in 2008.

All titles can be played as a story driven mode as well as the classic open-ended Sims sand box style.  Given the overwhelming demand for Sims products, you cannot blame EA from churning out franchise products as quick as they can.  Sims Stories will also open the demographic even further, the aim seems to be targeting teen females.