The Sims are back and they've moved into the city. Because of this change in environment, they're changing their namesake to the Urbz. The Sims series has been a staple of PC gaming for years now. Only in the last few years have the Sims been introduced to the console gaming world. The Urbz will be the third installment to be released on console. Obviously Maxis is looking to make its mark in the console gaming industry by releasing it on all three consoles as well as the Game Boy Advance.

With a different environment, your Urbz will have different goals and lifestyle choices than they had in the previous games. After all, living in a city you can expect to have to live a fast-paced life. The city never sleeps and neither can your Urbz, as there are nightclubs that need to be danced in. Forget about the boring jeans and t-shirt and get dangerous with some leather pants and a suave tailored shirt. That haircut that your mom gave you before you left has got to go as well. You need a look that is going to catch some attention and make you the envy of your fellow Urbz. If you want more than your good looks and clothing to be an extension of your personality, you can go out and get a tattoo at a parlor. You will be by no means limited to this one particular look throughout the game, simply go to the parlor and change your look. Don't be surprised if a sudden change like this makes those around you perceive you differently. This is all possible thanks to the new character engine that Maxis has created.

In the city, your reputation is more important that the air you breathe. There are several places where you can earn your Simoleans including a Piercing Parlor, Bootleg Fireworks, and the Chop Shop. This game will allow you to have control of your Urbz on the job, a feature not available in the previous console releases. Become a good employee and you will receive promotions, social power levels, and access to gear that will shape the lifestyle of your Urbz. Build up your reputation enough in The Urbz, and your face (if you have an EyeToy, otherwise the face of your Urbz) will appear on billboards, ads, and even bus ads around the city for other Urbz to see. A lazy Urbz however, will just become another of the many Sims in the city with no access to the "good life."

Another new feature to the console world of the Sims is the ability to choose from one of nine districts (neighborhoods). Like the districts in almost all cities, each is unique and has its own set of inhabitants and lifestyles that are different from the others. The district you live in is very important to the game because each district will bring a different gameplay experience and delegate the way you earn your reputation. For this reason, it would probably be a good idea to pick a district that best suits the characteristics you want in your Urbz.

Maxis has also worked on improving the graphics and sounds in the game. You'll now see real time lighting and weather effects. Sounds of the city and music that plays to the beat of urban lifestyles will almost make you forget that The Urbz is only a game. Another addition is the new in-game UI which is modeled after PDAs on the market. This UI, which is called XAM (as in "zam") will allow you access to special areas, will let you exchange your money and items, and communicate with your friends at all times.

No matter what, The Urbz is guaranteed to be just as addictive as the previous console and PC titles. With all the new features, Maxis has undoubtedly put a lot of effort into possibly making this the best console version of Sims yet. But the final word on whether it succeeds or not will be determined when the game releases on November 9th of this year.