Introduction

The Sims on the GameBoy Advance? Still wondering if that will meet up to your expectations, or how different it is from the PC version you've been playing for years? We're here to help you, and with this list of reviews we hope you'll get a good view of what the game's like. You can read the conclusion and score of each review here. For the complete reviews and in some cases more detailed scoring, click the title of the site to go to the review.

1Up

"Bustin' Out's rigid goal-based format will undoubtedly put off many players who love the original for its anarchic nature, but the payoff is a game that has purpose and direction. Griptonite has struck a delicate balance between utter linearity and the brain-numbing redundancy of Harvest Moon, and the end result works pretty well. Fans and haters alike should give it a try -- it's still a Sims game, but there's enough different to appeal to people who have found themselves lukewarm to other versions of the game."

Final score: 8.0 out of 10

Digital Backspin

"If you like the sims, then you’re bound to like The Sims Busting Out as well. In fact, if you’re a Sims fans, boost all the scores by 10-15 points and have at it. As an extra bonus, owners of The Sims Bustin’ Out for Gamecube can access a secret Island that will allow you to transfer your Sim back and forth between systems."

Final score: 68 out of 100

GameNikki

"For new and old fans of the series, The Sims: Bustin’ Out is a wonderful combination of the core structure plus several expansion pack additions. Pets, vacations, new occupations and relationships (although nothing beyond being a roommate) are all included in a size small enough to travel, and Bustin’ Out makes for a great companion to road trips, holiday breaks and whatever other excuses exist to take the GameBoy Advance out and spend time molding a virtual being to good or demonic perfection."

Final score: 9 out of 10

GamePro

"Before you run out and buy the GBA version of The Sims expecting the console or PC version in tiny form, be warned: It’s quite a different—but still pleasant—little slice of alterna-life."

Final score: 4.0 out of 5

GamesDomain

"The Sims Bustin' Out is not the kind of title that will win over people who are uninterested in the franchise or open-ended games in general, but Sims fans and young teens will eat this one up. The Sims have moved to handheld gaming in style, and we're anticipating a very warm reception for them."

Final score: 4 out of 5

GameSpot

"Bustin' Out is a decently long game whose main goals should take most players 15 to 20 hours to complete. However, you can certainly spend even more time socializing with other sims or collecting extra cash, especially if you own the GameCube version of the game and plan to transfer data back and forth with a link cable. While Bustin' Out for the GBA is clearly a different game than The Sims, it certainly has enough variety to appeal to anyone who enjoys this sort of open-ended game."

Final score: 8.1 out of 10

GameSpy

"Although it isn't the truest of version of The Sims, Bustin' Out for GBA is a great game that will keep you glued to your system for at least fifteen hours. If you opt to do more than just complete the scripted events, you can get at least three times the gameplay. Seeing through every relationship and collecting every item adds a considerable amount of gameplay time. Whether you choose to go short or long, Bustin' Out is a fine choice for gamers looking for a simple and well-made game."

Final score: 4 out of 5

GameZilla

"But the game just isn’t The Sims. You can’t just do whatever you want and the mission driven game is just a little too simplistic to be overly fun. While it is kind of neat having a sort of mega Digipet in your pocket, Bustin’ Out really doesn’t live up to The Sims name."

Final score: 3 out of 5 (Average) / Fans Only

GameZone

"As easy as The Sims Bustin’ Out on the GBA is, it’s surprising that the game offers so much lasting appeal, clocking in at nearly 20 hours. Fans of the franchise will immediately fall in love with this on-the-go port and thus should enjoy every last minute of game play it offers, but those who weren’t interested in the series to begin with will find that nothing much has changed here. Nevertheless, the fluid and colorful visuals, addictive gameplay, and sheer variety of things to do makes Bustin’ Out the hands down best handheld-people-simulator you can currently get your handyman hands on."

Final score: 8.4 out of 10

Gaming Age

"Sims Bustin’ Out on GBA can be best described as the first Sims RPG. It’s a great title to play at home or on the road and takes the game in a brand new direction. The simplified gameplay may turn off big Sim fans, but the new gameplay should keep most players in a good mood."

Final score: B (Great)

IGN

"The Game Boy Advance version of The Sims: Bustin' Out isn't quite as extravagant as the upcoming console games because of the standard limitations of the Game Boy platform. But as comparatively limited as the GBA version is, it's still a well-designed, casual game, and it definitely fits the bill for an on-the-go version of one of the most popular game franchises around."

Final score: 8.0 out of 10

Jive Magazine

"What’s the verdict? Well, if you like life sims, but hate animals, get Bustin’ Out GBA. It’s not the portable Sims you are used to, but that's ok. It’s still a great game in its own right. Just make sure you hire a maid!"

Final score: No score given

Next Level Gaming

"If you like The Sims then you really need to pick this game up. It puts a whole new spin on the series and it is as good as it is going to get in terms of being a portable version of the game we all know and like. This game reminds of Harvest Moon and it plays like a charm. One of the main reasons of having a GameBoy Advance is to play games that will eat away the times on a long road trip or if your at work and it is boring as hell. The Sims Bustin Out is one game that I am glad I have in these situations. The game is addicting as hell and its just a fun game to play and enjoy. Check this little gem out, you will not be disappointed my friends!"

Final score: 93 out of 100