Our young playtesters were let loose on Sims Animals 2 (Wii), Sims 3: World Adventures (PC) and MySims: Agents (Wii). All three titles were played at length and the kids enjoyed most of what they came across.
There was, however, a clear difference between the children’s reactions to the games. Sims Animals 2 and Sims 3: World Adventures were both vaguely entertaining but never in danger of causing any genuine excitement. About the best one can say is that either title might be worth picking up at a discount price later in the year.
MySims: Agents brought a completely different reaction. The kids, all between 7 and 10, didn’t want to put the game down until it was played through. Excellent ‘MySims’ signature graphics, a smooth interface and a suitably ‘spy flavoured’ plot grabbed their attention from the outset.
The challenges and puzzles that run through the game were tricky enough to make the kids think without becoming too frustrated. It was also good to see that a lot of the puzzles concern the practicalities of being a spy instead of offering standard in-game puzzles.
Fixing broken devices, decoding secret messages and wiring up circuits not only makes the game challenging, it also makes the spy’s role much more ‘real’ and involving. As a result, players are largely blind to the blend of literacy skills, problem solving and critical thinking required to succeed.
Younger kids may find they need a little help with some of the puzzles but that’s hardly a problem, as the game is sufficiently engaging to persuade parents and older kids to help out. In fact, few videogames are as well suited to being played by an adult and a child, with the child taking the lead.
The only real let down with MySims: Agents is the amount of gameplay on offer for a fully priced title. It’s hard to recommend paying $40 for under twenty hours of play. Wait a few months and MySims: Agents will be more like $25 dollars on discount or trade-in.
