| The Sims 2 -- the Best-Selling PC Game of 2004 -- Re-defined for Console and Handheld Game Systems and Ships to Store Shelves Today |
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS), the world's leading interactive entertainment software company, announced that The Sims(TM) 2 for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft, the Nintendo GameCube(TM), the Game Boy(R) Advance, and the Nintendo DS(TM), ships to retailers today. The Sims 2 for the PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R) Portable) handheld entertainment system and mobile phones will follow in the weeks to come. Developed by the award winning EA-Maxis studio, under the EA(TM) brand, The Sims 2 is everywhere this fall.
Based on the PC version of The Sims 2, which was the best-selling PC game of 2004, the console and handheld versions were re-invented from the ground-up to capitalize on the unique capabilities of each platform, while maintaining the same creativity and customization considered core components of the signature Sims experience. Classic open-ended gameplay allows console and handheld gamers to make the game their own, no matter which platform they choose!
The Sims games are known for being among the few games to achieve popularity across all ages and genders, making The Sims 2 a great gift for anyone from your nephew, to your grandfather to your favorite aunt, best friend, or kid sister. "Now that The Sims 2 is everywhere, on every platform from consoles and handheld game systems, to PCs and mobile phones, one of the most widely-popular games in history is also one of the most widely accessible!" exclaimed Vice President and Executive Producer, Sinjin Bain, "EA is thrilled to bring your favorite game to all your favorite systems!"
Console Versions:
The Sims 2 for Xbox, the PlayStation 2 console and Nintendo GameCube provides a blank canvas that you can fill! Create your Sims, give them distinct personalities, and directly control every move they make. Customize their world by designing their fashions, creating their food and building and decorating their homes. Help them achieve aspirations and avoid fears, as they build a network of friends and even acquire a few enemies! You can watch their simulated lives play out before your eyes. Choose to explore the open-ended world or select a story-driven experience that features 60 new characters and 16 unique locations. The PlayStation 2 console fans can even spice up their Sims surroundings by importing images into the game with the EyeToy(R) USB Camera. All console versions have been rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB.
Handheld Versions:
Handheld versions offer a Sims storyline that combines a classic Sims experience with the goal-oriented gameplay that handheld players enjoy. Each handheld version features a different storyline so true Sims fans might want to collect all three.
-- Game Boy Advance
In the Game Boy Advance version of The Sims 2, your Sims pursue their 15 minutes of fame. After you finish creating, customizing, and controlling your Sims' world, take on the lead role in the hit television series "One Time in Strangetown". As you unlock and play each episode of the TV series, explore a new story and characters to uncover the secrets of Strangetown. Between episodes, participate in all new unique mini-games such as car and soda commercials. How well you do influences your Sims ratings. The Sims 2 for the GameBoy Advance has been rated "E10+" by the ESRB and can be recommended for everyone age 10 and older."
-- Nintendo DS
In The Sims 2 on the Nintendo DS, you can explore the wide-open world of The Sims 2 while trying to gain fame and fortune for your own custom created Sims. Become a real estate mogul building, customizing and running a hotel in Strangetown. Bring in the cash by keeping everyone happy and keeping the hotel in good condition. Design the paintings on the walls of the gallery and record the music in the lounge through touch screen mini-games. Keep Strangetown's Sims happy to uncover their hidden secrets. The Sims 2 for the Nintendo DS has been rated "E10+" by the ESRB and can be recommended for everyone age 10 and older."
Upcoming Versions:
The Sims 2 for the PSP handheld system and mobile phones will release in weeks to come. For more information on those platforms please visit www.thesims2.com.
