The Sims is a strategic life simulation computer game created by game
designer Will Wright, published by Maxis, and distributed by Electronic
Arts. The game is a simulation of the day-to-day activities of one or
more virtual people (dubbed "Sims") in a suburban household located
near SimCity.
Maxis' The Sims is about creating, managing, and controlling the
lives of tiny computerized people who dwell in miniature homes. The
game's excellent music and sound effects, detailed scenery, cleverly
animated characters, and equally clever writing go a long way toward
fulfilling this intriguing premise. Yet though you can exercise a
considerable amount of control over your sims' behavior and lifestyles,
The Sims' actual gameplay is rather limited in some respects - either
by odd inconsistencies or by actual restrictions placed on your
actions. But to the game's credit, the most objectionable thing about
these occasional limits is how starkly they contrast with the otherwise
tremendous freedom you have to lead your sims' lives.