The Sims 2

December 7, 2005(20 years ago)·Full Release

Maxis

Publisher: Electronic Arts

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Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy

Platforms:PSP

Fantasy Comedy Sandbox Romance Single player Third personESRBPEGICERO B

Summary

The Sims 2 on PlayStation Portable offers a distinctive third-person gameplay experience that merges life simulation with role-playing features, providing a richer narrative than other editions. Players work through a series of objectives to unlock content while personalizing their pre-designed homes with furniture and decorative items. Mini-games handle interactions and job tasks, keeping the gameplay engaging and fluid. In this edition, Sims do not grow older, get married, or have children, but they can develop meaningful relationships and engage in WooHoo. The progression of relationships is largely influenced by goal completion, and close friends may eventually move in as the story unfolds. Successfully completing objectives boosts the sanity meter, represented by a Plumbob, while failing to meet goals causes it to drop quickly, potentially leading to hospital visits or alien abduction. This version introduces "Sanity Points," earned by finishing tasks to unlock special abilities, as well as hidden "Secrets" in Strangetown that encourage exploration and deeper social engagement.

Storyline

The game starts with the player's character speeding through the Strangetown desert, likely on the "Road to Nowhere," when a flying green diamond—the Plumbob, the iconic symbol of The Sims games—whizzes by, causing them to crash and damage their vehicle. Luckily, a gas station appears on the horizon. The player brings the car into the garage, where they finally take control. They meet a mechanic named Oscar, who gives a short tutorial on how to interact with NPC Sims before telling them the car will be fixed in no time. From there, the player can explore the gas station and meet more characters, including Bella Goth, who claims to have been taken by aliens. As they complete tasks, they learn the game's core goal: "Secret Hunting," assigned by the store clerk. After leaving the shop, the player discovers that the garage is gone—along with Oscar and the car—leaving only its foundation behind. The only clue left is a cell phone, which the player answers. A man named Doctor Dominic Newlow calls and offers a job, asking them to find a ride into town and secure a place to stay. The player reports the strange event to Police Deputy Duncan, who says he can't help and tells them to find shelter. After purchasing Bella's house for a low price and giving Deputy Duncan some donuts (found in the trash), the player finally gets a ride into Strangetown's Paradise Place, where more tasks and mysteries await.