Sims Bustin' Out, The

Times Online

The graphics are sublime, though this scaled-down version does have its limitations: there are, for example, no “Simspeak” exchanges since the conversations are all text-based. Still, Bustin’ Out should help to broaden the appeal of the nGage.

GMR Magazine

Packed with minigames that are actually fun, and dripping with the same kind of personality and sense of purpose that made the console version of Bustin' Out so great, this is the game that will help you fall in love with your N-Gage. [Aug 2004, p.95]

Just RPG

The only part of the missions that I really didn’t like was that at the end of a lot of the missions you had to find the person who originally assigned you to the mission. This tended to be a huge pain, because sometimes it took me several days in order to find the person.

Game Informer

I can safely say this is by far the best game I've played on the N-Gage. [July 2004, p.123]

Gaming Nexus

An excellent game that is deep, but not too complicated as to tie you up when you’re playing on-the-go. If you own an N-Gage this is one of the premiere titles to own. It’s not perfect but it’ll definitely keep you interested for 20 or so hours.

PALGN

A great game. Most people who own an N-Gage will want to get hold of The Sims as it is perfect for either a quick game or a lengthy sitting.

GamePro

But if The Sims just aren’t the same without a lot of their witty gibberish and huge collection of clothing, furniture, and antiques, then perhaps they are better left on the PC, or better yet, the laptop.

Pocket Games

The characters are large enough to provide some nice detail and the graphics are sharp! [Summer 2004, p.19]

3DAvenue

The developers have finally perfected a formula that allows you to perform tasks and have fun with the characters while still having to carry out tasks to earn money.

GameZone

I never was really big on the Sim games for the PC, but this game adds some adventure settings, which makes it really fun to play.

Game Power Australia

It's far from the best Sims title on the market, but on N-Gage, it's one of the more worthwhile releases.

GameSpy

In The Sims: Bustin' Out, you have to juggle so many tasks instead of just being able to focus on the ones that you find the most compelling. It's this fault that keeps this very good game from being a great game.

Console Gameworld

It is slow paced enough to be relaxing, while fast enough to keep you playing. Unfortunately the reasonably slow pace later on in the game makes running (or driving) around on fetch missions a bit of a chore.

GameSpot

Certain aspects of the gameplay can become a little tedious over time, and the game could've benefited from a slightly cleaner presentation, but there's really nothing like it on the N-Gage, and it's still good fun, despite its shortcomings.

GamerArchive

If your willing to put with the limitations, and aren’t looking for a hugely in depth strategy title, then this game will be one that’ll while away the hours quite quickly.

RewiredMind

All in all, if you're a fan of The Sims on other formats and you own an N-Gage, then you'd be a fool to pass this up.

IGN

It's probably one of the better games on the unit. Still slightly marred by chunky horizontal-scrolling issues, the game remains fun and is a really easy one to pick-up, understand and play through.