The new family-friendly approach doesn't lose any of its creative juices, as you can locate new options scattered throughout the city. However, due to the limitations surrounding your character, the activities seem limited. Once you finish building something, you wander off, receive a task and build something else. There really doesn't seem to be as much room here for comic situations and unpredictability as there is in previous Sims releases. As for adult situations, forget it, the game is rated E for Everyone.

That's not to say it isn't without charm. You can still walk up and talk to anyone (and even smack a few Sims around -- careful, they hit back); interact with humorous types ranging from an angry mad scientist to a sea-loving pirate; and let loose with horrible looking designs. The game has an endless supply of creativity on hand, with hours of play as a result. It's just a matter of accepting its limitations and getting on with your work day.

It's just too bad MySims doesn't have online gameplay. Without a full-flowing online universe, it just feels like something's missing.

In all, this take on the long-running Sims series shows both progress and limitations, but still ends up being fun. Maybe with the sequel, we can see some expansion to get it where it really needs to go. For now, though, MySims still earns a recommendation as a rental. Just be careful, though -- it's got enough sugary substance to give you a mouthful of cavities.