Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 38
  2. Negative: 0 out of 38
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  1. Original, amusing addictive, and most of all incredibly fun and relaxing to play. If we only had more great ideas like these…
  2. The Sims puts forth the closest, most amusing rendering of digital life gamers have ever seen.
  3. The more I played this game, the more I liked it. I found it relaxing and challenging at the same time, and my level of interest has been maintained over the past few weeks, especially because of all the new add-ons that Maxis is serving up at their website.
  4. Antagonist
    93
    Not only do I enjoy this game, I am fascinated by it.
  5. It’s a fairly simple concept but its complexity and the way it draws you in is amazing. And the replay value is through the roof!
  6. CheckOut
    100
    While it can be a little overwhelming at first, once you're familiar with the control and functions, things become second nature and controlling your Sim is a breeze.
  7. The game is really fun despite all of the tasks you have to remember.
  8. CNET Gamecenter
    90
    And this absurdness is what makes The Sims tragic, funny, mundane, and one of the most entertaining games I've seen in a long, long time.
  9. It may be pointless, and also brilliant, but it’s safe to say there’s nothing quite like The Sims. Its possibilities are endless.
  10. Daily Radar
    100
    The ability to control, design, influence and sometimes destroy the lives of little virtual versions of ourselves is mysteriously engrossing.
  11. A dangerously detailed and addictive experience for the power-mad behavioural researcher in all of us.
  12. The lack of any real objectives becomes somewhat tedious after a while, but it is still hard not to recommend The Sims to everyone.
  13. It is the game that will cause all your other games to collect dust in a corner.
  14. A refreshing and at times thought-provoking human-scale simulation.
  15. Game Fan
    94
    Besides bringing out the voyeur inside of me, I've found "The Sims" to be the most addictive and wholly enthralling game I've played in ages.
  16. House building very simplistic, no room for innovation.
  17. This is one of the most original and innovative games we've seen in ages.
  18. 90
    Never before have I played a game as compelling as The Sims. This game will provide you with emotional experiences that you could never imagine from a video game.
  19. 100
    The uniqueness of the game, the sound, graphics and the ability to control a little Sim life hooked me almost immediately.
  20. Luring the entire neighbourhood into my house then sealing the doors and removing the food and toilet is just one of the many indignities I have visited to those under my care.
  21. Some people might become bored with it once the novelty wears off. However, the game has inspired a very loyal following on the internet, so it definitely has a long-term appeal among many gamers.
  22. What saves "The Sims" from becoming an unmanageable and nightmarish mess is the incredibly intuitive and easy to use interface.
  23. The Sims' actual gameplay is rather limited in some respects - either by odd inconsistencies or by actual restrictions placed on your actions.
  24. 86
    Most gamers should consider playing it on general principal, but the addictive and fun gameplay, tons of personality, and huge replay value are pretty good reasons as well.
  25. Those who have enjoyed other Sim-style games will enjoy The Sims, but for others, the game may not differ enough from real life to seem interesting.
  26. It is compelling, addictive, fun, frustrating, well-designed and intriguing.
  27. Gaming Age
    91
    Once you start this game you will find yourself thinking about it constantly.
  28. GMR Magazine
    100
    It's impossible to categorize EA's addictive superblockbuster life simulator, just like it's impossible to stop playing it. [Feb 2003, p.94]
  29. An incredibly deep simulation of human behavior.
  30. 100
    You simply have to check this out!
  31. 95
    The game isn't just addictive, it's downright dangerous.
  32. Now if we ever come across a “deity wanted” ad in the Sunday classifieds, we’re ready.
  33. PC Gamer
    96
    A sublime piece of interactive art, The Sioms is teh first serious contender for Y2K's game of the year. [Apr 2000, p.82]
  34. It's fun at first, but once the novelty wears off, it loses a lot of its charm and appeal.
  35. Spank!
    85
    This is either a kind of gaming nirvana, or it's just a very clever piece of code that masks what is essentially a conservative and ultimately limited game.
  36. Total Video Games
    90
    Buy this game you will find yourself in a world of peace and humour.
  37. I know that there will be people reading this thinking the idea is the dullest one in history, but so did I until I played it. Give this a try and you won't regret it - just expect to want to spend more time with your virtual friends than your real ones.
  38. 60
    It does become kind of mesmerising, but like watching waves on a beach, chances are that pretty soon you'll tire of the lack of variety on offer.
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 804 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 55 out of 804
  1. ArthurP
    Aug 13, 2008
    10
    I remember playing this years and years ago, it was my favorite game then, the building, the songs, looking after your family and progressing I remember playing this years and years ago, it was my favorite game then, the building, the songs, looking after your family and progressing mesmerized me. It's one of those games you get so into it you forget your playing a game. Today I got the game again and tonnes of wonderful memories came back about this game. So in summary, yes its an old game, the graphics are no way near as the modern sims, but it one of the most interesting and enjoyable games ever to be released. I was very disappointed with the sims 2, probably because it can never live upto the original sims. Full Review »
  2. Jul 28, 2014
    8
    The Sims is an incredible simulation that can be played by anyone. It's very fun to create a family and run their lives. There is a lot ofThe Sims is an incredible simulation that can be played by anyone. It's very fun to create a family and run their lives. There is a lot of customization with creating a person from choosing clothes and a face to selecting their personality. There are a lot of options with making a house and furnishing it, and I find making the house the most fun part. After playing someone's life for a while it can get a little repetitive. They just go to work everyday without much change except promotions here and there to make more money and then you can keeping upgrading your house, but it takes a lot more time to build your house bigger and buy fancier things. The Sims is amazing and it will always be a great game to play for anyone. Full Review »
  3. Feb 27, 2012
    2
    I am so departed from this game's audience, that I fail to understand the target demographic's attraction to what is essentially a mix ofI am so departed from this game's audience, that I fail to understand the target demographic's attraction to what is essentially a mix of 'barbie' and 'whatever soap you choose to make it'. This is one of the few games I cannot be objective about. Nothing struck me as insightful, engaging, entertaining, fun, progressive, or meaningful. I guess it was original for it's time. And that has to count for something. Right? Full Review »