First Look At The Sims 3!! Looks Even Better!

[qasim]

EA Mobile’s stable of iPhone games is already impressive, but it’s about to get even better. The mobile arm of famed game developer EA is putting the finishing touches on their latest in iPhone gaming - The Sims 3 for iPhone - and we’ve got the first-look scoop for all our readers!

These are the same guys behind iPhone-tastic gaming titles like Spore Origins, Tiger Woods PGA Tour and Need for Speed Undercover, so you know their “next big thing” is going to be, well, big. And, after spending some time with the EA Mobile team and their Sims 3 iPhone game, we’re convinced they have a hit on their hands. Keep reading for our first-look preview.

[Updated]
Now with 100% more video! (at bottom)

In The Sims 3, iPhone users can guide their custom “Sim” character through a virtual world as they mingle with other Sims, go to work and even decorate their house. From the “Romantic” trait or “kleptomaniac” trait to the “evil” trait, the player can choose from a vast amount of personalities that can combine in millions of unique Sims, which should make for some good “replay-ability.” The goal of the game is to simply to keep your Sim alive (by eating food and getting enough sleep) and achieving goals (like getting a job or buying a fishing kit) - a simple enough objective that makes for hours of addictive fun. If you’re familiar with The Sims franchise, you know what we’re talking about.

We were surprised by the game’s playability and the smooth 3D graphics (using an iPod Touch for demo purposes). All menus and navigation controls are incredibly intuitive - you flip through menus and scroll down lists with a flick of the finger. And, without being briefed on in-game controls, we managed to find our way through the Sims’ world with little trouble. The Sims 3’s iPhone-optimized UI is a testament to EA Mobile’s devotion to iPhone gaming.

The Sims 3 takes full advantage of the iPhone’s 3D graphics capabilities. The entire 3D world pans, tilts and rotates around your Sim character smoothly, without any noticeable lag. In fact, we were repeatedly impressed by the iPhone’s ability to smoothly render the 3D world with ease. You pan around the game with a single finger. Dragging two fingers vertically along the touchscreen tilts the 3D view and rotating two fingers (as if you were twisting a volume-control knob) rotates the map. All the while, the game dims and raises the lighting to match the time of day in Sim-land - a nice touch to be sure.

The Sims 3 for iPhone is expected to bring the Sims franchise to the iPhone on June 2, but the version of The Sims 3 that we played with seemed just about ready for prime-time. EA Mobile said that these final weeks will be spent tweaking some minor gameplay details and adjusting the in-game soundtrack, which sounds just about right to us.

Youtube Video (http://outgoing.ipodtouchfans.com/video.php?l=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3 Fv%3DwDVIu0NvwxQ)
wDVIu0NvwxQ

I'm so getting this right after it comes out!! It looks AMAZING!

[jawslover]

wow, looks cool

[Mattman]

Thanks for the heads up, I was a skeptic at first but it seems they may pull of the truly amazing feat of having a solid Sims game on mobile platforms!:D

Instant buy for me as well.

[AndyL]

Wow, it looks amazing! Can't wait for it.

[bluecanary]

definately a must buy, anxiously awaiting release.

[MyLilPWNY]

Wow cant wait

[Kamazar]

Anybody check out the video in my sig, yet? I haven't heard from anybody, and its Sims 3 related!

And I don't get something, how can 3D buildings remain visible while panning here, while they disappear in Sim City (and those are crappy graphics)?!

[dmbfan1192]

Wow this looks incredible. If it comes out by the end of June it will be a must buy.

[Prab]

Wow.. The graphics look amazing. And all of that only at the expense of a little smoothness and a little lag (I noticed about a 0.25-0.5 sec lag for every gesture made?). Its really an amazing feat!!

[iFonePhanatic]

Man this game is going to be SO hyped up it's unbelievable. I just hope it lives up to it...

[The Game Reaper]

Hmm sorry to be Devorak here but why did he tilt the screen away when buying furniture?
Do I spy in-app purchases?

[ksl2006]

Hmm sorry to be Devorak here but why did he tilt the screen away when buying furniture?
Do I spy in-app purchases?

I think that's in 3.0... and I think that they have to use the ingame money too.. (you see the messages that pop up in the game -$70 and so) and you also see in the bottom left that the person has like $7000 so they have to use that money I think.. not sure.. ugh.. I really hope there are no in-app purchases

[peter2nvy]

wow how big is this game going to be, definitely over a gig.
looks impressive though...

[don_k]

coming out in June..
eh no, september..
eh no, next may.

[Haephestos]

I can't wait for this!

[lord-sam]

This had better not have a delay like NFS or I will be annoyed!

[John]

Does not look fun to me, sadly. Way too choppy (yes, if you are used to PC gaming and programming, you notice it) and the minigame style puts me off. I don't want to do something, everytime the sim wants to eat something/cook.

And if this lacks the house building etc, I will definitely not get it.

I hope the final game will be better than it looks to me in this video.

[TideTime]

I think this looks really well done. It'll give Sims fans a ton of stuff to do, and the portable technology has finally sort of caught up to the PC experience. This will be a #1 seller for sure.

[theone1007]

Does not look fun to me, sadly. Way too choppy (yes, if you are used to PC gaming and programming, you notice it) and the minigame style puts me off. I don't want to do something, everytime the sim wants to eat something/cook.

And if this lacks the house building etc, I will definitely not get it.

I hope the final game will be better than it looks to me in this video.

It's running on a 1st generation iPod. What more do you want? It could also be video problems, as I've had problems with choppy videos before. Plus, this is on the worst device to play on possible, what if this was playing on an iPod 2G or iPhone 3G? I'm sure it would be way smoother.

[qasim]

It's running on a 1st generation iPod. What more do you want? It could also be video problems, as I've had problems with choppy videos before. Plus, this is on the worst device to play on possible, what if this was playing on an iPod 2G or iPhone 3G? I'm sure it would be way smoother.

Yeah, that is what I started to think too.. It may.. I hope so cause I have a 1g iPod Touch.. And IntoMobile says the game runs extremely smoothly and its fun and great.. So I think its just a video problem.. Let's hope so.. I have a 1g. :)

[John]

It's running on a 1st generation iPod. What more do you want? It could also be video problems, as I've had problems with choppy videos before. Plus, this is on the worst device to play on possible, what if this was playing on an iPod 2G or iPhone 3G? I'm sure it would be way smoother.

It does not really look like a video problem. And if the house building feature is lacking, I won't get it, smooth or not.

What more do I want? I said I want a building feature and that it plays well ( I have a second gen ipod touch).

[TimothyR]

^^^

eamobile.com:

". . . Customize everything from their appearances, to their personalities and even the home of their dreams . . . "

I don't care if it has a house-building feature, it IS a mobile game anyway.

[joni99]

wow so low frame rate !! painful for me !

[theone1007]

It does not really look like a video problem. And if the house building feature is lacking, I won't get it, smooth or not.

What more do I want? I said I want a building feature and that it plays well ( I have a second gen ipod touch).

Ok well you don't even know if it doesn't have a building feature. It may or may not, but I'm sure you'll get it if you're following this thread and if it gets good reviews.

[qasim]

^^^

eamobile.com:

". . . Customize everything from their appearances, to their personalities and even the home of their dreams . . . "

I don't care if it has a house-building feature, it IS a mobile game anyway.

Yeah i saw that before.. :)

[Haephestos]

Yes! Maybe we will be able to build houses!

[deputy]

^^^

eamobile.com:

". . . Customize everything from their appearances, to their personalities and even the home of their dreams . . . "

I don't care if it has a house-building feature, it IS a mobile game anyway.

It's possible that it means you can only buy furniture and stuff for your Sim's house.

[Haephestos]

We could always petition EA to add in the missing features. :D

[Haephestos]

What would make this a must buy for you?

For me it would be:

House building
Cheats
Open ended gameplay (not mission based)

[Haephestos]

I think the thread died! :D

[TimothyR]

Not anymore. It doesn't seem like it is mission-based.

[John]

Ok well you don't even know if it doesn't have a building feature. It may or may not, but I'm sure you'll get it if you're following this thread and if it gets good reviews.

I know that I don't even know it, but I said that if it does lack it, I won't get it. Simple as that. :)

[Haephestos]

Not anymore. It doesn't seem like it is mission-based.

Good. That was what broke the PSP version of the Sims.

[SparkyBlue]

TBH, I'm not really that bothered if the game has mission based gameplay. I found the mission based gameplay on the GBA, DS and PSP ones fun to play at time. The urbz on the DS and GBA were great games while the console versions, In my opinion, were a shame to All sims games.

[RaZrVIN]

Good. That was what broke the PSP version of the Sims.

Yeah like Sims 2 for the PSP was horrid. But Sims 2 Pets was pretty fun, as it wasn't really mission based if I remember correctly. This game looks pretty cool, I just don't want to do minigames every single time I want my Sim to eat something...

[qasim]

Wait, how as the Sims 2 PSP mission based? How is their missions in the Sims? And i highly doubt this one will have missions.. You just keep your sim happy and you've beat the game :)

[SparkyBlue]

Wait, how as the Sims 2 PSP mission based? How is their missions in the Sims? And i highly doubt this one will have missions.. You just keep your sim happy and you've beat the game :)

The gameplay on the PSP verison was about the missions
The story was that a sim discovered that they are being controled by the green diamond above there heads, so he set out to use it for his own uses. You have goals in the PSP game. Such as "Discover Sim X's secret" and so forth
I enjoyed it. But the Urbz on the DS was the best for the mission based gameplay

[Haephestos]

The lack of story in a normal Sims game is what make it so engaging. You create your sim's own story. :)

[dmbfan1192]

What would make this a must buy for me?
Building multi-floor houses, neighborhoods (many houses), NO missions, controlling multiple sims (as essential as this seems to the game, it would be difficult to implement), nice controls which should be easy, and of course that lovely germanfrenchspanishenglishgibberish that they speak :D

oh, and the same gameplay time as pc/mac version. I don't want my sim dying after 5 hours because it's a mobile version.

[SparkyBlue]

What would make this a must buy for me?
Building multi-floor houses, neighborhoods (many houses), NO missions, controlling multiple sims (as essential as this seems to the game, it would be difficult to implement), nice controls which should be easy, and of course that lovely germanfrenchspanishenglishgibberish that they speak :D

oh, and the same gameplay time as pc/mac version. I don't want my sim dying after 5 hours because it's a mobile version.

1. Multi-Floor Houses: I don't see that happening sorry. I don't think any of the console or hand games have done it other than the DS and GBA verisons
2. Neighborhoods: I think that was one of the main points of the game.
3. No Missions: I don't think they will have Missions, Nothing so far that I have seen, heard or remember hint towards it
4. Controlling Multiple Sims: Same as 3.
5. Nice Controls: What I've seen so far, the controls look pretty good, so its good.
6. That Lovely germanfrenchspanishenglishgibberish that they speak: Its a Sims game so I'm sure they will have Simsglish in it, as its been in must sims games.

[TimothyR]

My friend somehow got an early build of the game and let me play it. :eek:
Wow, it is nice. It does lag at times but it's not ridiculous like you people make it out to be.

This is an early version anyway... Wonder what the final version will be like. :D

[qasim]

My friend somehow got an early build of the game and let me play it. :eek:
Wow, it is nice. It does lag at times but it's not ridiculous like you people make it out to be.

This is an early version anyway... Wonder what the final version will be like. :D

I refuse to believe that.

[Haephestos]

I don't see any problem with multi-storey houses. Just have a button for going up a floor, and a button to go down a floor.

[dmbfan1192]

Is this coming out June 2????? The other thread with the interview thing said that on June the 2nd.... forgot the rest I was so excited lol :)

[Haephestos]

Here is the thread with the interview: http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?threadid=14132 There is open ended gameplay, but no house building mode. You think EA will cave to enough pressure?

[dmbfan1192]

Here is the thread with the interview: http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?threadid=14132 There is open ended gameplay, but no house building mode. You think EA will cave to enough pressure?
Building isn't a huge deal, I always made ugly houses anyway. Maybe we will at least get to add fireplaces, paint, and put tiles down. Oh well, this will probably be too enticing to pass on no matter what. I think that open ended gameplay will do it for me (and multiple families/houses).

[Haephestos]

I know, but I still wish they had included it. That was one of the best parts of the Sims, as were the cheats.

[Haephestos]

Do you think they will have included cheats? I really hope so.

[TideTime]

Do you think they will have included cheats? I really hope so.

I hope so too! I'd love to deck out the house without having to work for it.

But I think this won't happen. If they're expecting to charge people for DLC like home items, then having a cheat to get free money would undercut that.

[lord-sam]

As you all know, the Sims 3 is coming out next week, so for anyone interested, there website recently went live.

http://www.eamobile.com/Web/iphone-games/the-sims-3

Not much at the moment but I'm sure nearer the time they will add more stuff nearer the time.

[SparkyBlue]

Just reading the Game Features.
One says Upgrade and redecorate your home and furnishings
Seeing the "Update" Part there, suggests to me that there might be a building house element to it, but it just could be maybe that you just buy upgrades for the house, such as set decking to add.

The goals and wishes might just be aspersions. The goals might be the missions.
The game does look good. I'm looking forward to 2 June to actually play the game. I guess time will tell

[dmbfan1192]

"Strive to achieve 75 different goals and wishes for your Sim!"

This is what might make me not buy it...

[1337brian]

Anyone else notice in the video it says "talk to trees for fun!" (with the maniac trait)?... Freaking awesome! I am going to make a degenerate bum sim who talks to trees in the park all day. This looks awesome!

[Haephestos]

I hope so too! I'd love to deck out the house without having to work for it.

But I think this won't happen. If they're expecting to charge people for DLC like home items, then having a cheat to get free money would undercut that.

It was stated in the interveiw that there are no current plans for using DLC. If they include DLC maybe the only DLC will be a full house building mode and expansion packs for those that want them. I could live with that.

EDIT: Hell I'd probably buy them! :D

[Haephestos]

We all know that Sims games always have expansion packs, what could they do for Sims 3 iPhone? They could use the DLC to add expansions, and maybe a full house building mode for those that want it.

[Haephestos]

Sims 3 preview on IGN: http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?p=271489

[MacDaddy]

This is some of the best graphics I have seen on the iPhone so far. Think this is going to be a million seller, the Sims franchise is HUGE :)

[Haephestos]

I know! Think how much they are going to make!

[super6ft7]

I know! Think how much they are going to make!

9.99x1m
9.99 mil or 10 mil
70% =7 mil

about 7 mil

Pocket God has sold over a million so this will probably sell more

I won't be getting this anymore, the lack of house building (:confused:) ruined it for me, looks like i can buy Zenonia and that new york game instead. I was excited till i head about that :(

[jecebn]

Shall we take bets on how long it takes this app to reach the #1 spot in the app store?

[learjetzoom]

The coolest part of the video on page #1 is the music? Why wouldn't I take myself for a walk to the park instead of a "Sim" on my iPhone? The whole series of games has failed to attract me. I don't understand why its popular.

[super6ft7]

The coolest part of the video on page #1 is the music? Why wouldn't I take myself for a walk to the park instead of a "Sim" on my iPhone? The whole series of games has failed to attract me. I don't understand why its popular.

you better not like zen bound!

[Haephestos]

EA is only a company, they will cave to enough pressure. They might include house building later if enough customers want it.

[Haephestos]

Only two more days people!

[dudez0r]

i cant wait till the release ! :O

[SparkyBlue]

Not long to wait now, its going to be awesome

[Haephestos]

Do you think they will release at 00:00 hrs EST on June 2 and simultaneously everywhere else, or at 00:00 hrs for each country? I hope it is the latter. One perk of living in Australia!

[penguin_tri]

well its already out in New Zealand so guess they're releasing late in the day on the 1st June in countries

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=317911945&mt=8

[nic.]

That's certainly a good news for me, thanks.

[FishFreak]

that video has locked in my purchase.

the only thing that will make me not buy it is if it is overpriced.:)

[1337brian]

Yea same here, as long as it's $9.99 or less, I'll be picking this one up for sure! :D

[mezzamy]

wondering how much it is priced as in the nz app store? still hasnt come through onto the aussie store

[dpl8]

The price in the NEw Zealand Store is $13.99
Which translates into £5.99 for UK and $9.99 for the US.

[Renton7]

Out in Australia search Electronic Arts Nederland BV. Price is $12.99 in Aus

[mezzamy]

awesome, downloading now

ETA: size is 63.8mb if anyone is interested

[dudez0r]

why do you have to search the dutch electronic arts ? is it dutch the company?