The Urbz: Sims in the City

 DS
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 27
  3. Negative: 3 out of 27
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  1. GMR Magazine
    90
    The superior writing of The Urbz makes it far better than its predecessor "Bustin' Out." There aren't many handheld titles this solid. [Feb 2005, p.113]
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  2. eToychest
    87
    The linear storyline, inability to build your own house, and total lack of autonomy for the character under your control may turn diehard Sims fans away, while the number of mundane chores that are required to get through the game may repel those looking for a graphic adventure. To me, the game is a perfect mixture of both.
  3. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    85
    There's a surprising amount of fun stuff here, if you have the patience to see it all. [Feb 2005, p.115]
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  5. Cinescape
    83
    For a handheld like the DS this is the perfect little obsessive compulsive game to keep you occupied for five minutes while you wait for a table, or as a game your girlfriend can swipe from you and figure out that touching is good.
  6. Game Informer
    80
    The occasional control wonkyness is the one new negative, which is counteracted by the added minigames and location. [Feb 2005, p.125]
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  7. Nintendo Power
    76
    Even after you've completed the missions, you'll enjoy the depth of developing relationships with Urbz and collecting a catalog full of items. [Feb 2005, p.114]
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  8. My Gamer
    76
    It’s a rare occurrence for me to become totally engrossed by a videogame, but this one had me captivated from the get-go.
  9. Nintendojo
    75
    It utilizes the DS touch screen feature well, although the full power of the DS’s resources isn’t fully expressed. While it may not be as in-depth as its console counterparts are, the DS version does a decent job of representing itself.
  10. Game Revolution
    75
    An addictive game that any fan of games like "Animal Crossing" will appreciate. It doesn’t take full advantage of the DS capabilities, but it’s still one of the better games currently available. Look above you for the hovering diamond and give it a shot.
  11. GameSpot
    73
    The game's mundane subject matter sometimes overwhelms the experience, since having to frequently rest, shower, and relieve yourself in the game is about as much fun as it sounds. But The Urbz nevertheless provides some surprising depth and lasting value.
  12. IGN
    70
    The new hardware is much more capable than what's being done here.
  13. Total Video Games
    70
    Visually it’s hardly stretching beyond what a GBA could offer and the scratchy music begins to grate after a short time.
  14. Gamenikki
    70
    Definitely worth a look for fans of the series and newcomers alike, but there are better choices out there.
  15. N-Insanity
    68
    I was apprehensive when I first started playing this title. The complexity was a turn off at first, but I learned my way around the game in no time. The subtle approach that the storyline takes will ease you in.
  16. Cheat Code Central
    60
    Being able to control some of the action on the touch screen is a nice feature and really comes in handy. I would have liked to see more things to do with the screen though.
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  17. GamerFeed
    60
    The constant need to micromanage my character was a huge turn off, and EA's horrible use of the touch screen doesn't help this title achieve greatness.
  18. Gamer.tv
    60
    If life simulation is your bag, Urbz DS will keep you happy enough while you're on the move.
  19. Armchair Empire
    60
    The various drives and needs are back and rather than be an engrossing part of the overall gameplay they're just a pain in the ass.
  20. AceGamez
    60
    This is a cash-in with a couple of extras and very little touch-screen support.
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  21. RewiredMind
    60
    Bringing your very own creation up from nothing and turning them into a successful member of the gaming society can prove to be curiously addictive.
  22. 1UP
    50
    There's a certain obsessive-compulsive appeal to unlocking goals, and the surprisingly good text guarantees that there's always something interesting to read. But these positive traits seem wasted on a dumbed-down, ill-conceived butchery of a perfectly respectable franchise.
  23. games(TM)
    50
    Basically a GameBoy Advance Urbz re-release in all but name. That version had its flaws so releasing the same game with a few minor additions isn’t going to fool anyone. [Jan 2005, p.121]
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  24. Worth Playing
    50
    A highly addicting title with some major bugs to it, which makes for a horrible experience for a serious "Sim" fan and would rank up there in the "toss the DS against the wall" level of frustration.
  25. Gamestyle
    50
    Another 'me too' launch release that doesn't particularly surprise; those who have played the GBA version needn't bother with this one.
  26. NintendoWorldReport
    40
    Delivers nothing but tedious micromanagement.
  27. G4 TV
    40
    A perfect example of what lazy game publishers will urge their developers to crank out in order to make a profit at a system's launch.
  28. Games Radar
    40
    It's virtually identical to the mono-screened GBA version and, given that the SP is a significantly smaller and cheaper machine, The Urbz' DS incarnation is all but redundant. [NGC Pocket]

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best DS Game of 2004
3
#3 Most Discussed DS Game of 2004
4
#4 Most Shared DS Game of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 27
  3. Negative: 4 out of 27
  1. gui2310gBR
    Mar 13, 2015
    10
    2 best game I played in the ds so far but the game and the gba all equal and less equal the gameplay but still a good game the sims 2 best2 best game I played in the ds so far but the game and the gba all equal and less equal the gameplay but still a good game the sims 2 best that already played… Full Review »
  2. ValerieB
    Mar 23, 2008
    8
    This game was a greatt game. It was fun. I completed the first 5 missions in a few days because it was all I played. The "S" mission is hardThis game was a greatt game. It was fun. I completed the first 5 missions in a few days because it was all I played. The "S" mission is hard at the end to get through the shocking bars when you are the pet. The artsies mission is hard too. This was a very good game but it was a bit to much like the GBA version. There was only one new game (The sushi one) and there were only a few new characters (Mokey, and Shannon, and Jack and a few others) and there wen't new building and not many new goals (if any). I do wish it had a wireless connection though. For a 2004 game when the DS first came out, this was a very good game.… Full Review »
  3. LauraM.
    Dec 9, 2007
    10
    It is a trill packed game with lots of interesting things to do and also has funpacked mini games.
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