The Sims are making the jump from the PC to the PlayStation 2, and they're in for a few changes along the way.  Since you're a video gamer and perhaps have not had a chance to play The Sims, first I'll tell you a bit about the game that has been near the top of  the PC sales charts for a couple of years now.  If you're a Sims veteran, you'll find that the game has gone through a few changes, so you'll find it interesting to keep on reading.

In The Sims, you create a custom person, or Sim.  Your Sim is just like a real person, with needs and a desire for happiness.  You start out by selecting a look for your Sim and moving him or her into a home.  You'll have full control over your Sim's home, its layout and furnishings, and can make a comfortable hideaway or a whacky pad.  No matter how you decide to decorate, you'll need to make sure that you include a toilet, shower, bed, etc., because just like you, your Sim will have real-life needs that have to be attended to. 

Just like in life, you won't have enough money to build your dream house right off the bat, so your Sim will need to get a job to earn money.  Have a well-adjusted and happy Sim at home and she will go far in her career, gaining promotions and bringing home more money.  If she's a slob who doesn't bother to shower, don't expect her to do so well at work.

Probably the biggest aspect of The Sims, though, is the interactions of the various Sims with each other.  Sims are social animals, and need friends to be happy.  Sims love meeting new Sims, forging friendships, going on dates, and, of course, parties.  A wide circle of friends leads to a happy Sim who does well at home and at work.  If your Sim has a very good relationship with another Sim, they can be married and even have children.

That's The Sims in a nutshell, and although simple in concept, it is an interesting and addicting game.  If you're having trouble believing it, then all you need to do is look at its sales figures - The Sims is the top-selling PC game ever.

With an established franchise such as The Sims, it would have been easy for Maxis and EA to simply port the game straight over to the PlayStation 2.  However, they took the opportunity to add new gameplay features that will make the game more appealing to console players.

The first of these changes is that there will be a level-based play mode.  The PC version of the game only features open-ended play.  Your Sim will begin play in a shack, and will move up to bigger and better homes as different objectives are reached.  Moving up also unlocks new objects and new neighbors to interact with your Sim.

Even though the PC version of The Sims focuses on social interaction, it is essential a solitary experience for the player.  This is not the case with The PS2 version, though.  It will feature a multiplayer mode that will allow two players to play at once.  Players can compete for popularity or money in the two player games.  You can even save your Sim to a memory card for multiplayer play on a friend's system.

Finally, you can expect new characters and objects created especially for the PS2 version, and will have even greater freedom in creating the look of your Sim.  So if you enjoyed The Sims on the PC, there will be enough changes to warrant a close look at the PS2 version.  If you've never played The Sims before, you'll want to give this unique and fascinating game a try.  It  is certainly different than from anything else that you might have played on your PS2..