Electronic Arts promises to expand The Sims universe even further with the upcoming MySims for the Nintendo Wii.

MySims works a bit differently than previous Sims games. Rather than place users in the shoes of realistically modeled virtual characters, it relies on a Lego-type universe. Cute shrunken-down characters scurry around city structures made out of building blocks. However, it still places a heavy emphasis on creation tools. Players put together their own customized characters, sorting through a number of options in various categories. Would this character be better off with a mohawk or some dreadlocks? Perhaps a baseball cap would be more fitting? It's all up to the player.

Once completing the character design, players can put them in the middle of the city. Upon their arrival, they'll find a good portion of it in disarray. Buildings look run-down, citizens fret over the smallest of things and smiles turn to frowns. But never fear -- a good Sim can turn all that around with a few simple actions. Players can team up with several citizens throughout the town, completing good deeds and making it a better place. Helping troubled chef Gino Delicioso, for instance, boosts his morale tremendously. In turn, maybe he'll cook up a fine dish for a Sim. A trippy dude named Ocean Breeze could use a little assistance with his yoga studio. Helping him may earn the Sim a higher level of Chi -- along with some radical duds.

As each task gets completed, clothing and other accessories become available, expanding on the already-full customization options. Finishing larger tasks in the city, like rebuilding a roof rewards the player with building blocks, letting them create their own sections of the town.