The Sims coming to the GBA

Electronic Arts has today announced that a Game Boy Advance version of The Sims Bustin' Out is currently in development at its Maxis studio in conjunction with Griptonite Games. The GBA version of the game will allow players to take direct control of their sim as they explore locations exclusive to the platform, and it will also boast connectivity with the GameCube version of the game.

"The Sims fans can now take their sims anywhere with The Sims Bustin' Out on the 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."

After creating their sim and starting out living in a barn, players will be challenged not only to satisfy their character's basic needs, but also to take them from rags to riches as they pursue one of the numerous career paths in the game, with options including cliff-diving instructor and pizza chef. As they progress through the game, players will be able to unlock more than 20 different locations including a biker juice bar and a dance club, and they'll get to interact with a cast of more than 30 new characters, such as Salty Sam and Bucky the bull rider.

Rather than purchasing items from a catalog, players in The Sims Bustin' Out will collect more than 150 different objects by attending daily auctions, visiting stores, or trading with other characters and players. Objects mentioned in today's press release from EA include a punching bag, a fishing rod, and a boom box. Also new in The Sims Bustin' Out is a close-up social interaction screen in which players will be able to have conversations with other sims and establish friendships that will make it easier for them to advance through levels and complete certain goals.

Perhaps the most exciting feature of the GBA version of The Sims Bustin' Out is its connectivity with the GameCube version of the game. When the two games are connected, a special hidden level will be unlocked on the GBA and a hidden game cabinet with GBA minigames will be unlocked on the GameCube. Players will also be able to shift their sims between the two platforms.

The Sims Bustin' Out is currently scheduled for release on the GBA and all current-generation consoles in December this year. For more information, check out our previous coverage of the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube versions of the game.