PlayStation 2

The Sims 2: Castaway

Those wondering about differences between the Wii version and PS2 version will be happy to know that there aren't any real differences, even in the control department. It's a bit easier to control things on the Wii version, but only slightly, so it's nothing to write home about. In the end, Sims 2: Castaway is one of the more entertaining Sim titles to come out in a while and you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not giving it a shot. It's certainly not a stereotypical Sim title and almost anyone can pick this game up and give it a whirl.

With this in mind, Castaway is nonetheless a beautiful example of how Maxis' long-running series can renew itself and even become appealing to console owners. There's plenty to do, a lot to discover and even when everything is done players can decide to stick around the islands and keep tinkering. Your Sims may be on a vacation they never asked for, but that doesn't mean it's not a lot of fun.

Despite some mostly minor flaws, The Sims 2: Castaway offers a fun Survivor-esque spin on the Sims 2 franchise and provides a pretty entertaining roughing-it experience. If you enjoy the Sims games, welcome the challenge of open-ended gameplay, and don’t mind some of the building limitations, you might also have a blast with Castaway’s unique take on classic Sims 2 gameplay.

Designed for everyone's inner Gilligan, The Sims 2: Castaway is an amusing, if somewhat flawed exploration of island life. While it gives an interesting twist on the standard shipwreck concept, the hampered nature of the guidebooks, strange placement of plans in menus and continual micromanagement does hamper some of the fun of the title. However, Sims fans will find this to be a good break from the traditional Sims formula, and one that will keep them entertained for a while.

It's a shame that the PS2 version's technical issues detract from the game. Nevertheless, by offering new graphics, new sounds, new music, and a new way to play The Sims, Castaway offers a lively way to enjoy the series and those little gibberish-speaking characters that have made such a name for themselves--as long as you have enough patience to spend a good chunk of time hunting and gathering.

I really enjoy Sims 2 Castaway. It took the stressful stat management that made Lost in Blue ulcer inducing and turned it into a funky, fun, "Lost" kind of experience. Would I recommend this game? Sure, if you like the Sims or if you liked Lost in Blue, this would be right up your alley. Besides, how many titles in your gaming library allow Chimp-Hugging? Hmmm?

The Sims: Castaway is a good Sims episode with a refreshing setting, relaxing environment and lots of gameplay for those that like this type of games. The loading times are longer than the island actually deserves and therefore it's too bad this spoils the fun a bit.

In closing, The Sims 2: Castaway is a unique approach to the series and is one of the more pleasant simulations to have come out this year. With plenty of new tasks to accomplish, people to find, and lands to explore, there is little more you could ask for in terms of content. Sure the visuals could have been better and there are a few gameplay kinks that could've been worked out, but for a Sims fan, it is right on target. Newcomers to the series will fit in quickly, and if you don't happen to own a gaming PC, then all the more reason to pick up this particular version anyway. It may not be the best simulation ever or even in the series itself, but it makes for a rather lengthy adventure with plenty of charm. Try not to burn yourself out though.

The Sims 2 Castaway has its bad moments and its good. Getting to the point to build that first raft and move along is a definite sense of achievement, but the game does have a lot of repetition and load times as you explore segmented islands. Die-hard Sims 2 fans might do well to avoid this, while those looking to enjoy the challenge of surviving on a deserted island – and who do not mind a bit of redundant tasks – should find this a decent escape. In any regard, it is recommended that you rent this one before you buy it.

Los Sims 2: Náufragos es un título que gustará a los seguidores de la saga y una gran opción debido a los escasos títulos que aparecen hoy en día en PlayStation 2. Un juego recomendable para pasar algunos buenos ratos, aunque resulte algo monótono al poco tiempo de juego y su acabado técnico no sea resultón.

Well, it seems all of this malarkey is finally coming to a close. All in all This whole adventure is just like Fed-Ex, it delivers. However, this island is not for everyone, and once again will only please fans that like this kinda thing, which I have heard they are lots and lots of. So, I bet your wondering how I managed to write all of this, I am ball with no hands after all. But that’s a story best left for another day. Or perhaps I will get my own TV show, a show which I will use to tell all my stories. I have heard that mysterious islands are all the rage these days anyway so it should not be that hard. I think I need a better agent.

Après quelques heures de jeu, le plaisir de retrouver les Sims 2 dans un décor exotique et une situation inédite, est vite terni par une réalisation peu reluisante et un aspect survie mal exploité. Restent le système bien huilé de la série et quelques bonnes idées qui plairont toujours aux fans.

I really enjoy The Sims 2 Castaway. It took the stressful stat management that made Lost in Blue ulcer inducing and turned it into a funky, fun, “Lost” kind of experience. Would I recommend the game? Sure, if you like the Sims or if you liked Lost in Blue, this would be right up your alley. Besides, how many titles in your gaming library allow Chimp-Hugging? Hmmm?

The Sims 2: Castaway differs just enough from previous iterations that fans of the series and newcomers alike can find plenty to enjoy. However, how long the entertainment lasts will boil down to how long it takes the player to grow tired of the repetitive tasks of Sim survival. It's hard to say whether you'll have the patience to create a life of virtual luxury, or lose your sanity and find yourself seeking the quickest way out of the life of a castaway.

Le bilan est plutôt mitigé pour cette version console des Sims 2 : Naufragés. Malgré les graphismes moyens, ces îles exotiques sont bien conçues et pleines de charme. La flore est diversifiée et il est possible de construire de nombreux objets, mais les nombreux temps de chargements et les problèmes liés à la jouabilité entâchent l'aventure. Sans compter qu'il arrive que les ralentissements mènent à un plantage du jeu, et voilà que l'on doit recommencer à partir de la dernière sauvegarde. Le contenu est plutôt bon, mais difficile de jouer à ce titre sans être frustré par l'un de ces défauts qui gâchent forcément l'ensemble.

So I find myself torn by Castaway. I love the concept, and applaud the idea of using the Sims framework to create something more hands-on in nature. It's fun watching your Sims get hairier and scruffier as the days go by and, during the better moments of exploration, I was even reminded of those grand old 3D adventures like Cruise for a Corpse. But the game is undeniably patchy and full of scrappy design decisions that push the player away rather than drawing them in. It's so rough around the edges that I even ejected the disc to check it said review code. It did, so I have to assume this is the build of the game that will be in the shops. Eek. A classic case of a nice idea, shame about the execution.

As a budget-release expansion pack, Sims 2: Castaway may have worked. As a full-price console game, it's an insult to the millions of Sims fans across the globe. Will Wright must be turning in his grave. Not that he's dead. But it's bad enough it may well kill him if he plays it.