Sims 3, The (Console & DS)

$6030, Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS

Teaches: creativity, problem solving

CTR Rating: 90%

CTR Review

We're not exactly sure why, but our testers were less than impressed with the Wii and Nintendo DS versions of The Sims 3. That's surprising, because this edition gives you millions of hair/clothing/facial feature/body type combinations; along with many of the features of the Sims games. You can give your Sims unique personalities, make them them evil, romantic, paranoid, kleptomaniacs or a mix of something completely different. You can control their destinies, determine whether or not to fulfill their desires or let their dreams die, or let them try to become a rock stars. Connectivity features are built into the PS3 & Xbox 360 versions, so you can share your creations online and download new content from other players, without leaving the game through an integrated exchange system. You can also complete challenges to earn rewards and trophies, and share your achievements with friends online by connecting to Facebook. The Wii Version lets you go head to head against three other players in the New Life Moments Game where you can bet on life's most important moments to earn points and rewards. The Nintendo DS Sims 3 is the first full version of the game for DS. Innovative features include the ability to sculpt your Sims' facial features with the stylus. You can also build and customize your Sims home with tools to draw walls and floors, and customize with decor objects, textures. The bottom line? These titles successfully bring the Sims to the game platform.