MySims Party Review for Nintendo Wii

System: Wii	Review Rating Legend
Dev: EA	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: EA	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: March 10, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-4	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Another area that seems to be lacking in MySims Party is the visuals. Now, before you get too worried, MySims Party still retains its ultra-cute aesthetic from previous titles. The different Sims have a blocky sort of construction (reminiscent of Lego-franchised games) and have very charming facial expressions and outfits. However, the visuals this time seemed to lack a bit of polish, and I noticed a lot more of those pesky jagged lines in this title.

MySims Party screenshot

Another aspect of the visuals that was disheartening was the different environments. While previous games in the franchise have featured lovely, themed environments, the main area in MySims Party just features some green grass and a few trees. Even the mini-game environments suffer from an overly bland look, each with very simple design and few elements besides those involved in the actual gameplay.

The sound department is also quite bland, featuring repetitive tunes and voiceovers. Even though the characters still do speak in Simlish (the official language of any Sims-based title), they only say a handful of lines, which are repeated over and over, and I found myself saying the lines in Simlish along with the characters during heavily replayed lines. The music is also very repetitive, though you will find new tunes accompanying the various festival levels and stages, which can provide some relief for weary ears.

When I look back on my MySims Party experience, my one overwhelming emotion is disappointment. I was so pleased with the MySims franchise up to this point, but I really feel like this party-style game tarnished my image of MySims as a whole. Although I used to associate MySims with simplistic yet engaging gameplay, MySims Party certainly falls under the "just another party game" heading, which is sobering indeed. However, I have to say that even though I was severely disappointed with this title, I am still hopeful for MySims Racing, which is the next entry in the MySims series. Hopefully, that one won't be "just another kart racer."

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

2.8

Graphics
Characters do not look as polished as they did in previous MySims titles, and the environment looks a little on the bland side. Still, there is a very high "cute" factor at work here, which is the visuals' only saving grace.

3.1

Control
The controls work in about 70% of the mini-games. I'm not sure if that is a good or bad ratio, but I would have still expected more from the MySims franchise.

2.9

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Music is minimal, and the Simlish is repetitive. I know Simlish always has some repetitive elements, but when you are able to repeat certain phrases verbatim, that is a problem.

2.8

Play Value
The linear mini-game festivals are an immediate turn off, and the low quality of the mini-games themselves just add to the frustration.

2.9

Overall Rating - Average
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Mini-game Madness: Stick the trick in the extreme snowboarding challenge. Outrun a robot in Robo Assault or shake your groove thing with DJ Candy during the Go Go Dancing Challenge. You can also use items to give you an edge! Challenge your reflexes, strategy, smarts, and speed with a huge variety of games

Use the Uniqueness of each MySim: All the MySims bring a unique combination of skills. Strength, endurance, speed, and luck all play a part in how well they play. Select a team of four who will propel you to victory in every minigame

Fast-Paced Festivals: Play mini-games one right after the other in fast-paced chunks of fun to win the monuments! No more walking around a game board.

Party On: Any get together turns into a party with up to four players playing 50 mini-games on the Wii. Quickplay modes get you and your friends to the games fast.