One of the biggest lures of the seemingly endless PC expansion packs for The Sims is the ability to get your characters out of the house and take them into new environments, because even virtual people need new faces and a bit of retail therapy now and again. This is what Maxis has also tried to achieve in Bustin' Out, the first console sequel to its phenomenally popular virtual dolls house series.

The developer has polished up the initial character creation system, and your Sims look much more realistic, especially their facial expressions, even though most of the clothing options make them look like rejects from a Britney Spears video. You fly the nest at the start of the game and leave mum's (sorry, mom's) home cooking behind to embark on one of seven new careers, many of which will require you to move into different houses in the area. Of course, there's always the option of moving back in with the old dear if the bills become too much.

As well as new locations, including a gym, the Shiny Things science laboratory and a gothic mansion (complete with ghosts and man-eating plants) you can interact with many characters like the party animal Bing Bling and the fitness freak Goldie Toane, who help you to unlock goals and social skills. Dudley from the original game is also back and still making the cast of Men Behaving Badly seem positively refined.

Let's face it, if you're not a fan of The Sims games by now then this isn't going to convert you, although the console versions of the titles do have a much stronger emphasis on gameplay over mere interior design. The different careers and locations mean that Bustin' Out has more longevity that its predecessor, although the lack of an online mode (as with most EA Xbox games) is a real shame.

As you would expect, the visuals really do stand out on the Xbox and even though you can't shoot anything (although you may occasionally want to), the peaceful yet cerebral gameplay is challenging and surprisingly addictive.

1. Plenty to explore and unlock.
2. Visually impressive.
3. Easy to get the hang of.

1. Can get repetitive.
2. Still fairly sanitised.
3. No online mode.

Power
The Xbox makes Bustin' Out look visually impressive without even breaking a sweat

Style
This is pure Sims through and through. You will either love it or hate it.

Immersion
Still inexplicably addictive voyeurism. If you do like it, you'll be utterly hooked.

Lifespan
A fair amount of replay value, including Sandbox and two-player modes. No online unfortunately.

Overall Good gameplay value and replayability have given the series a new lease of life on the console.