Gaming News - October 2006

Redwood City, CA (October 5, 2006) - Electronic Arts today announced that Hilary Duff will appear in The Sims 2 Pets games, joined by her Chihuahua Lola.  The game will be releasing on October 17 in North America and on October 19 across Europe for the PlayStation 2, GameCube, and PC.  A Nintendo DS version of the game will follow in late October for Europe and November in the U.S..

From EA:

“I’ve logged hundreds of hours playing The Sims games, so I jumped at the chance to be in The Sims 2 Pets,” said Sims aficionado Hilary. “I love creating Sims characters and guiding them through life, designing their houses and then blinging them out with cool furniture. Now, in The Sims 2 Pets, EA has combined two things I really enjoy —pets and The Sims!”

“Hilary is the perfect partner for The Sims 2 Pets - not only is she a huge animal lover, but she is also a Sims fan!” exclaimed Rod Humble, executive producer for The Sims Division of Electronic Arts. “Hilary was involved in every step of the process, from creating the Hilary and Lola characters to designing some of the tricks dogs can do in the game.”

Special moments come to life through the lifelike animations, artwork and game play of The Sims 2 Pets: A dog gnawing at his chew toy, a cat jumping at a dangled feather, a toddler stroking the chest of a big dog who sits by patiently—even the serenity of a cat curled up at the end of the bed. These moments, captured within the game, create a real bond between players and these virtual creatures.

“Although she’s trying not to let it go to her head, Lola is very excited to make her cameo in The Sims 2 Pets next month!” exclaimed Hilary about her two year old Blue Fawn Teacup Chihuahua, Lola. “We can’t wait to hang at Central Town Park, play with other pups and shop around for the latest pet accessories! Check out her blog for updates on her videogame fandom at www.hilaryduff.com.” 

The Sims 2 Pets will build on the celebrated The Sims 2 experience which allows players to create and control characters throughout their life while determining the outcome of their relationships and adventures. The addition of a new furry friend is guaranteed to enrich the daily lives of your Sims! Not only will players have the opportunity to choose from a variety of existing cat and dog breeds and hottest designer mixes, but they’ll also be able to personally design their new friend with the Create-a-Pet feature. The ability to customize gives fans the opportunity to create their ideal pet by choosing their body shape, unique markings, even their pet’s personalities! As in real life, your Sims’ pet will benefit from care and training. A neglected cat with an urge to scratch might claw up your new couch if you aren’t careful, and leaving your dog unattended near a freshly planted flower bed probably isn’t wise, so expect the unexpected!

Hilary and Lola appear in the following versions of The Sims 2 Pets. (Note, in each version, they appear differently)

Sony PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube
In the console version of the game, Hilary will visit the Town Center with her dog, Lola. A player might run into her as she plays with Lola, browses the shops or socialize with other Sims. If Hilary is busy talking to her Sims pals, Lola will roam the park making friends with other dogs and cats, chasing them around and playing. Hopefully they won’t get themselves into trouble by digging holes or knocking over trash cans!

Players can interact with Lola and Hilary as they can with any other pet or Sim. You can invite Hilary to your house, and while she’s there teach Lola some new tricks to entertain your party guests.

Nintendo DS
In this handheld version, Hilary will visit the Central Park with her dog, Lola. Other Sims can chat with Hilary and befriend her. If Hilary likes the player, she will start to bring Lola to the Pet Care Center where Sims can teach Lola new tricks, improve her health, and make her happier. Lola is a people pleaser, so after learning a new trick, she won’t be shy about showing it off at the Central Park!

PC expansion pack
Hilary and Lola will be downloadable for the PC version of the Sims 2 Pets from October 17 through December 31 only. To download the Hilary Sim, players will visit the official Sims website www.thesims2.com Once she is downloaded to the game, she will be a fully playable characters in the Sims. This means that players can customize and control Hilary as they do other Sims, from changing her clothes, makeup and hairstyle to building and decorating her home—even defining her dreams and establishing her social life, by throwing parties, making friends, flirting and creating a family. With the Sims 2 Pets PC expansion pack, Hilary can head to the park with Lola for a game of fetch, or even add to her pet family by adopting a cat, dog, bird or hamster that she can train, play with, and love as her own.