Convention dictates that shooting, scoring and stealth are things that equal gaming fun. The Sims, uniquely, prefers you to wash, cook and clean. It's a game that, by ignoring such convention, has met with incredible success on other formats. What chance does The Sims have on Xbox? A pretty good one actually, as long as you remember a few basic tenets: keep your virtual people happy, healthy and close to a toilet. Yes, bladder control rather than Bullet Time is the order of the day.

The Sims is the biggest-selling PC game ever, and comes to Xbox with a reputation of entertaining pointlessness. Players can, and do, play for days without any achievable aim. A freedom that was responsible for much of the game's success. Aware that console gamers tend to like their action a little more focused, EA has included the first ever 'winnable' Sims game. This Get a Life mode sets you a number of challenges as you strive to reach the pinnacle of wealth and success.

As you progress you'll unlock new furniture and other goodies - including the open-ended Sandbox mode of the original - which may bring out the Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen in you. That is, of course, if you can stomach the controls. A controller will never be as accurate as a mouse and, while the pointer works well enough, it can get fiddly, especially when designing your home. Luckily the camera behaves and shows off the fully 3D visuals - a first for the series.

The initial Create mode is fun, even if the characterisation is overly Americanised. You can go for the preppy or skateboard look, but forget about becoming Beckham. You do begin to care about your character though, especially when you've dragged him from dishwashing loser to hot tub lothario. And then there's the two-player option, with head-to-head flirting and friendship-making challenges. Co-op isn't bad either, and probably a good way to get your non-gaming buddies, especially girls, interested in your Xbox.

But, despite some exclusive objects, the flaws of the PC game are replicated here. The constant micro-management of your character can become too much, while often time can't be sped up fast enough, leaving you spending thrill-free minutes watching your Sim sleep.

The Sims is the biggest 'Marmite' game ever, polarising opinions everywhere. It lacks visceral action but there is something satisfying about controlling the little computer people's destinies. The structured gameplay and better visuals make the Xbox version more welcoming than the PC original, and worth a look if you fancy something a little different.

1. Structured play mode is welcome
2. Multiplayer is different and fun

1. Dull moments of time-slow inactivity
2. Constant bladder/hygiene problems

Power
Barely stretches the Xbox, although the style of the game means it doesn't really need to.

Style
Cool characterisation, nonsensical nattering and distinctive interiors - The Sims is unique.

Immersion
Your Sim depends on you, and you'll care about them, at least for a while.

Lifespan
The Get a Life mode won't last too long, but you could play the Sandbox mode forever

Summary
The inclusion of achievable objectives and multiplayer modes makes the love 'em or hate 'em Sims welcome here.