The Sims Bustin' Out is a 2003 social simulation video game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts for the Game Boy Advance, GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox, with a port for the N-Gage following in 2004. It is the second title in The Sims console series, and the first title not to be concurrently released for Microsoft Windows.
The game features the same 3D environment and engine as the original Sims game, but adds several features from the expansion packs Livin' Large, House Party, Hot Date, and Superstar. As the title suggests, Sims can get out of the house to visit other locations, such as Shiny Things Lab or Casa Caliente. There are two modes: Bust Out Mode, which has mission-based gameplay, and Freeplay Mode, which is open-ended gameplay much like the original Sims game. The PlayStation 2 version once featured the option to play online; it was shut down on August 1, 2008, the same day The Sims Online shut down.
The Game Boy Advance and N-Gage version has its own storyline. The Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS version of The Urbz: Sims in the City, released in 2004, serves as a sequel to this version.
Gameplay
In the console version, Malcolm Landgraab is going around his neighborhood, stealing items in return for unpaid rent. The player's objective is to complete each career track, unlock and buy back everyone's many possessions, and become rich enough to evict Malcolm from his mansion and move their own Sim in. Furnishing items are unlocked through the completion of different objectives. Aside from the objectives, gameplay is similar to previous Sims titles.
The Game Boy Advance (GBA) and N-Gage version puts the player's Sim in "SimValley" for a summer holiday. Like the console version, GBA/N-Gage version gameplay is objective-based – every time the player completes a series of tasks, the game progresses. In this game, there are no furnishing objects to unlock. Instead, the player must complete all tasks to unlock new houses. Deviating from the "point-and-click" selection process used in every previous Sims title, this version allows the user to control their Sim directly, using the GBA's directional pad. In these versions, new mini-games (jobs for the Sims) are unlocked progressively when certain tasks are done. The GBA and N-Gage versions are largely the same, but the N-Gage version has an exclusive feature that allows Sims to collect three cartridges from various locations and play classic games such as Snake on the Sims' mobile phone.
In both versions, there are various locations that Sims may visit throughout the course of the game. As Sims advance through the game, new areas become accessible.
Online features
The PlayStation version of Bustin' Out featured a free online play mode titled "Online Weekend". This mode allowed players to participate in both freeplay and storymode with each other and chat using the USB keyboard on the PlayStation 2. The server for the game shut down on August 1, 2008, the same day The Sims Online was shut down, rendering the game impossible to play online.
Development and release
Bustin' Out was announced by EA at E3 in May 2003. Intended as a "bigger and better" sequel to the 2003 console port of The Sims, Maxis project designer Mike Perry stated that Bustin' Out was created to build on player feedback from the previous port, aiming to introduce "a bigger world to explore" by expanding the number of locations and integrating better multiplayer features. Design of the port also aimed to introduce better console and multiplatform features, integrating the online functionality of the PlayStation 2, Link Cable features between GameCube and GBA versions of the game, and HDTV support for the Xbox. Development of a handheld version of Bustin' Out was developed from March 2003, with Maxis engaging Seattle developer Griptonite Games to implement the game to the GBA. Producer Virginia McArthur stated that the design approach aimed to retain the "signature look and feel" of The Sims, whilst exploring new features unique to handheld play, including direct control of sim movement, close-up social interactions, and a stores and auction system. A version of Bustin' Out for the N-Gage was announced by Nokia and EA in January 2004.
Reception
Sales
The PlayStation 2 version of Bustin' Out received a "Platinum" sales award from the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA), indicating sales of at least 300,000 units in the UK.
Reviews
Bustin' Out received "favorable" reviews on all platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. Andrew Park of GameSpy considered the game to have made "solid improvements" on its predecessor due to the additional gameplay features. The Village Voice gave the PlayStation 2 version a score of nine out of ten, saying, "The devil's in the details ... mundane or fun, everything recedes into a heartbeat of flushing, snoring, and Simlish." Advance noted that the game was not a "faithful conversion" of The Sims due to being "substantially cut down" in features, comparing it more closely to the Harvest Moon series.
Accolades
Bustin' Out was awarded "Console Family Game of the Year" at the AIAS' 7th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards.