It’s time for another Retro Ad Replay article! This is the series where we head backwards in time to reminisce and celebrate the anniversary of some of the most significant moments in gaming. If you find yourself wanting more content like this, be sure to visit Mandatory.com.
In this February 4 edition of Retro Ad Replay, we’re taking a trip back 21 years to when The Sims first launched on PC. That’s February 4, 2000. Developed by Maxis and published by EA, the SimCity developer took the city management formula and applied it to a single household. The game was an immediate hit and led to many sequels, spin-offs, and DLC packs.
GameRevolution awarded The Sims a 9/10 in our review, praising the “revolutionary concept,” it being “very addictive,” and having “amazing complexity.”
Here’s a snippet from the GR review:
Welcome to the world of The Sims, brainchild of SimCity creator Will Wright. Equal parts resource management, home design tool and virtual pet, this is one of the most original and innovative games we’ve seen in ages. The Sims is a people simulation to the max, at once capturing both the guts and the glory of human existence, an exhilarating, addictive, and frustrating game if ever there was one.
The premise is so simple it’s brilliant. The Sims lets you create a virtual neighborhood filled with virtual people, living virtual lives with virtual needs and desires. You design a house, create a Sim, and then try to steer your little buddy through the daily grind.
The Sims is a truly addictive and unique experience, the kind of game that keeps you glued to the monitor for literally hours on end. I advise leaving sticky notes on your monitor with reminders like “Go to the bathroom” and “Go eat.” In the meantime, go buy The Sims. I have to brush my teeth.
Check out The Sims trailer below (via Stormspirit 86):
