The Sims Bustin' Out

One of the best graphical aspects is the biggest new game feature - that of being able to move out of your current house at any time or visit a number of different locations.

The reason that I liked this edition of The Sims, in particular, is that the missions move along quicker than the real world or past versions of the game have offered. [Jan 2004, p.130]

It's somehow mind-numbingly mundane and brilliantly addictive at the same time. [Jan 2004, p.92]

Whether embracing one's inner interior designer or one's inner "Porky's," players of all types have something to enjoy in Bustin' Out. [Jan 2004, p.126]

The devil's in the details. Take a disco nap, shower, shit, and scooter to Club Rubb, grab ass, go home—mundane or fun, everything recedes into a heartbeat of flushing, snoring, and Simlish.

It's monotonous, mundane, and frightfully addictive - just the way I like 'em. [Jan 2004, p.132]

This is a game without winners and losers. It's all about the personal satisfaction, and engrossing yourself in a wonderful game. Yes, I said a wonderful game.

For those that have yet to experience a Sims game on a console and want to then Bustin’ Out is the way to go.

This game remains thoroughly addictive and is worth picking up if you're interested in a fun diversion with a reasonable shelf life.

The thing that I see as a big plus is the fact that this game is playable with a friend or even online.

Makes good, solid improvements over its predecessor and stands on its own as a great version of The Sims for consoles.

While TSBO isn’t a major overhaul to the original Sims (more of a "console expansion" if you will), it does however provide enjoyable game play coupled with never ending fun.

Wilder and more addictive than the original. There are plenty of modes here to satisfy everyone and the fact that you can go out to different locations is just the icing on an already sweet cake.

7 / 9 / 8 / 8 - 32 gold [Vol 788; 23 Jan 2004]

Of the three, only the PS2 version seems prone to annoying split-second jitters and pauses that break up the animation.

It's not the "best" version, but it's the most complete. If that makes any sense.

It adds just enough to keep fans interested, but doesn't fix all the flaws or reinvent the game. With that said, the game has more focus, a bit more style, a lot more to do, and a definite ending if you choose to pursue it.

There isn't really anything new to Bustin' Out.

We would have loved some additional competitive online options. [Jan 2004, p.29]

The addition of goals and plenty of different unlockable locations and items does breathe new life into this old game, and slower meters and a more responsive interface lead to a good version of The Sims. However, this game is very similar to the original PS2 version and might not feel filling enough for those who already made that purchase.

The Xbox has clearly the best graphics, the PS2 has an exclusive online option where you can trade items with other players. The GameCube and GBA versions have possibly the most exciting exclusive option.

A fairly unremarkable Sims expansion pack on the same disc as a new cut of the original game.

Despite a veritable host of respectable changes and additions, this still can't live up to the standards of the original game. An improvement over the last console effort, but with so much more potential than is actually realised, Bustin' Out still disappoints a little. [Christmas 2003, p.126]

There is more freedom in career choices, less intense caretaking, plus a few console specific features. But the gameplay is old hat for previous console players.