The Urbz: Sims in the City

 GameCube
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. RealGamer
    74
    At the end of the day, The Urbz is not "The Sims" and although similar in some respects, Sims fans may not like everything they find in this game, especially some of the major changes such as far less emphasis on home building and practically all emphasis on popularity.
  2. GameSpot
    73
    Maxis' bold changes to the original formula set forth by The Sims aren't all for the better, but they make The Urbz a very distinctive and surprisingly solid game.
  3. Nintendo Power
    72
    It can be taxing, however, to maintain your Urbz's hygiene or the character's need for entertainment when a toilet, sink or TV are nowhere to be found. [Jan 2005, p.139]
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  5. Game Over Online
    70
    It's fun, but a shallow fun, based on shallow characters – maybe the perfect game for the kids from "Clueless" or "The OC."
  6. Yahoo!
    70
    Fun for a while, and the customization is quite compelling at first, but before long the innate repetition, linearity, and ultimate emptiness really begin to grate.
  7. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    65
    The streamlined motives are a tremendous improvement in alleviating tedium - so why the heck is the skill advancement so painful? [Holiday 2004, p.108]
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  8. games(TM)
    60
    The Urbz feels like a step back for the franchise; despite EA's efforts to bring gamers a 'console exclusive' there's not a lot on offer here. Fans won't find anything new, but newcomers may well discover the pleasure of the series and seek out EA's back catalogue of simulated lifestyles. [Christmas 2004, p.114]
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  9. Boomtown
    60
    It provides the classical Simmer gameplay, with minor changes to accommodate the hand held format, but do not hold your breath while searching for any major innovations with regards to the DS side of things.
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  10. Gamer.tv
    60
    A very sweet game and, thankfully, very easy to play from the outset. While nowhere near as comprehensive as "The Sims," this is as endearing and sylish as keeping people as pets gets.
  11. G4 TV
    60
    A pleasant change from "The Sims" that is tailored to those who would find the constant reinventing of personal style an appealing diversion.

Awards & Rankings

38
#38 Best GameCube Game of 2004
28
#28 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2004
27
#27 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. GamecubeLover
    Jul 28, 2016
    9
    KathreineS. is stupid cause it ain't a sims ripoff. ITS A SIMS GAME! Look at the title. Well anyways the game is great but not anythingKathreineS. is stupid cause it ain't a sims ripoff. ITS A SIMS GAME! Look at the title. Well anyways the game is great but not anything special or memorable.… Full Review »
  2. Wickedjr89
    Nov 26, 2022
    10
    I have such fond memories of playing this game over and over! The music, the city.
  3. Jamison12
    Jul 15, 2013
    5
    This is a pretty boring game honestly. Sims doesn't belong in the console world. I admit I find Sims fun, but this sucked, one reason, you canThis is a pretty boring game honestly. Sims doesn't belong in the console world. I admit I find Sims fun, but this sucked, one reason, you can only make one character. The reason sims is so popular is customization for the players, and they took it away.… Full Review »
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