Maxis unveils The Sims

Date: May 13th

As people who cover the gaming industry as well as avid gamers, we have one thing to say about Maxis: SimCity 3000 offered the most fun we've had with a sim in ages. So what is the series' creator, Will Wright, and the game's publisher planning for an encore? The Sims, a new strategy title that puts gamers in charge of a neighborhood of people suitably called Sims. Tipping his hat to god simulations but also injecting his project with a massive dollop of creative derring-do, Wright is creating something comparable to a Tamagotchi for grown-ups.

Sims go about their daily existence without help, but at any time can be controlled, and it is only through direct control that their lives, careers and relationships prosper. Gamers can design their homes and purchase things to fill it, including amenities such as hot tubs, pool tables and lava lamps. It goes deeper than wood and nails, though. The Sims can be forced into a life of crime and live life in the fast lane. Also, gamers can let them develop into swinging singles or fall in love and experience the joys of parenthood. In essence, they can live out people's wildest dreams or worst nightmares. Perhaps this is a strange idea for a game, but Wright has always disregarded conventional thought.

Gamers can choose from a selection of pre-generated Sims or create their own by distributing character points. Be careful, because there are always trade-offs; a happy artist may be a bad chef or an energetic bachelor may have a terrible temper. People can also build and furnish a home for their Sims by choosing from a list of starter houses or by building their own from the ground up.

Sims can fend for themselves -- they will not stand around awaiting commands -- but live a much more interesting life with directions. Gamers can help them get a job, then send them off to earn money. The earnings can be used to purchase fthings for the house or to build an addition, but getting greedy and having them labor night and day will cause problems. To be happy, they must maintain relationships with other Sims and have time for recreation. To that end, Sims can invite others over for a BBQ or entice new neighbors to move in. The Sims is due out for the holidays.