LADYDRAGON.COM - EA Announces Plans for The Sims Bustin' Out on Game Boy Advance

Tuesday July 01, 2003

EA Announces Plans for The Sims Bustin' Out on Game Boy Advance

Electronic Arts (Nasdaq:ERTS) today announced that The Sims(TM) Bustin' Out is in development for the Game Boy(R) Advance at the company's Walnut Creek-based Maxis(TM) studio in conjunction with Griptonite Games, an Amaze Entertainment Studio. For the first time, Game Boy Advance players will be able to experience the zany and unpredictable world of The Sims(TM). Players will be able to take direct control of their Sim to explore all-new Game Boy Advance exclusive locations as they work their way from rags to riches. The Sims Bustin' Out Game Boy Advance version will support connectivity with the Nintendo GameCube(TM) and is scheduled for simultaneous release with The Sims Bustin' Out on all current-generation console platforms in December 2003.

"Sims fans can now take their Sims anywhere with The Sims Bustin' Out on Game Boy Advance," said Sinjin Bain, Vice President and Executive Producer of the game at EA's Maxis studio. "Whenever we bring The Sims to a new platform, we redesign the gameplay to create exciting and innovative ways to experience The Sims. Players will enjoy classic Game Boy Advance gameplay with the signature offbeat humor of the Sims."

True to the original The Sims games, Game Boy Advance players will create a Sim with a unique appearance and personality to control through out the game. Players will also have to satisfy the traditional eight core Sim motives including bladder, comfort, hygiene, and of course hunger.

Players begin living in a Barn and earn their way through locations in SimValley to eventually live in the coolest cribs, such as a swanky Mansion on the hill. Players will be able to unlock over 20 locations such as the Biker Juice Bar and the Ultimate Dance Club on their way to success. There are eight new career paths for players to pursue including Cliff Diving Instructor to Iron Pizza Chef. If players want to get through adventures with speed, they will be able to unlock a scooter to race around SimValley. Players will meet and play with a wild cast of over 30 new characters exclusive to the Game Boy Advance such as Salty Sam and Bucky the Bull Rider. Players also can go to the pet shelter and adopt a dog or cat to keep them company. New to the Sims is a close-up social interaction screen that will allow players to have conversations with other Sims and establish friendships that will help them advance through levels and complete goals.

Unlike previous The Sims games, players will not purchase items from a catalog. Players will now collect over 150 Game Boy Advance exclusive objects such as a Punching Bag, Fishing Rod, and Boom Box. Players obtain objects by attending once-a-day auctions, going directly to stores, or by trading with other characters. Players may trade rare objects with other players by joining in each other's once-a-day auctions if connected to another Game Boy Advance with The Sims Bustin' Out.

The Sims Bustin' Out Game Boy Advance version will support connectivity with The Sims Bustin' Out Nintendo GameCube version. When connected, Game Boy Advance players will unlock a special hidden level for the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo GameCube players will unlock a hidden game cabinet that will give their Sims access to mini-games that they can play on their Game Boy Advance to earn extra Simoleons. Players will also be able to download and play their Nintendo GameCube Sim in the Game Boy Advance world and obtain Simoleons, motives, and skills to bring back with them to the Nintendo GameCube version, enabling players to take their Nintendo GameCube Sim with them anywhere.

About The Sims

The original The Sims for the PlayStation 2(R) computer entertainment system, Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft, and the Nintendo GameCube launched in early 2003 and quickly vaulted to the top of charts. The Sims for the PC skyrocketed to the top of the charts when it began shipping to stores in February 2000 and quickly became a universal gaming and cultural phenomenon. The Sims was the best selling PC game of 2000, 2001, and 2002. Translated into 17 different languages, The Sims has inspired six expansion packs; The Sims(TM) Livin' Large, The Sims(TM) House Party, The Sims(TM) Hot Date, The Sims(TM) Vacation, The Sims(TM) Unleashed, and The Sims(TM) Superstar. Combined sales for the franchise have topped 24 million units life-to-date. For more information on The Sims franchise titles, visit http://www.thesims.com.