The Urbz: Sims in the City (Nintendo DS, 2004)

Urbz, for Nintendo DS is a portable version of the Sims world. For those of us that are familar with the wide variety of Sims experiences available on PC and on home gaming consoles, this little game makes a fun version to have on hand for waiting in lines, at the doctor's office or traveling. Those of you not initiated into the Sims universe or who are younger gamers will appreciate the turn it on and jump in style of this game. This incarnation of the Sims starts off with the ability to create your own persona and name it...although the choices aren't huge - customization is still satisfying. Got your character ready? GO! Right from the start there are people to talk to and a mini game to play to earn some cash. Your character needs a place to crash, since the bad guy has bought out your building and kicked everybody out! Good thing the janitor needs some help. Food is free and all the items you need are available somewhere in the four story building. (Handy, since you're busted.) Completing easy missions gets you arrested! But, not to worry, the kind Detective may put you in jail, but at least he gets you out of that old building! The cop lets you come and go as you build up your skills and bank roll until you can rent a tenement house. You'll meet lots of people. There are different rep groups and everybody seems to belong to one. You earn points toward the rep groups by making friends and completing missions. The rep group that you earn most points with, may not be the one the game decided you should belong to when you made your character.

Graphics are on par with any of the DS games. Details of the items are pretty good and the variety is adequate. This game is LOADED with fun mini games that you play over and over to make money and advance levels in that mini game. Basketball, window washing, medical matching, cards, and motorcross just to name a few.

Overall, I say buy it! It's a fun little game to have around. NO violence. Quirky story. Decent graphics. Lots of variety. Not alot of different types of touch pad use, but you don't miss it. On the light side of the Sims world. Worth picking up!

If you like Sims games because of their clothing, furniture and hairstyles stay away from this Sims game. There are very few pieces of furniture you can own and only one hairstyle you can have throughout the game. Not to mention the fact that there really are no clothing options other than the color of your characters shirt and pants/skirt.

Additionally, The Urbz is utterly overflowing with major glitches. In many places your game WILL freeze and you will have to retart your game. For this game you'll definitely need to read a walkthrough because there are some major problems with the game and if you get rid of certain objects you will not be able to finish the game properly.

Overall The Urbz is lacking in any major gameplay. The game can be finished in a few hours. This is a great game to buy from eBay because you will be paying significantly less than you would in retail stores.

This game is awesome. There is so much to do too.

You can get in with a specific crowd.
Theres mini games.
You can make money.
Collect items.
Furnish your house. (There are tons of items and furniture you can collect!)
Buy a new house.
Unlock things
Go to the moon.
etc etc etc

It has an interesting story line. Theres always something to do!
If you liked any sims game or if you liked Nintendogs then you will probably love this too!
It has great use of the stylus and the dual screens.

It is a light hearted great game. Worth every penny!

I decided to buy this game because a review said, to paraphrase, if you like Nintendogs (which I do) you will like this. The price was also low. This is not the case. It is very difficult to even get started washing windows. Another reviewer said a beginner will need a serious walk-through. I agree with that.

That being said I will give the game a chance. The other simulation game I have experience with is Animal Crossings. That was much easier for myself. I don't have any experience with the SIM PC games.

Unlike Nintendogs and Animal Crossings you cannot use Wi-Fi or link up to other DS Lites. This was also a disappointment.

On the plus side the seller sent it in mint condition with all materials and Instruction Booklet(you WILL need this).

I purchased this game for my daughter. She and I have both found it funny and interesting. The game seems best-suited for older children and teens who like games involving creating characters. Buying it on ebay allowed us to save money on a really great game.