Addicting game gets creative

For those people who just can't get enough of reality television, reality video games are the next logical step. Electronic Arts must have had that in mind when they brought the No. 1 selling PC game to the Playstation 2 in the form of "The Sims." This modern day role player allows gamers to control from one to up to a whole neighborhood of simulated characters in the hope of reaching happiness and harmony. \nGamers can model their Sim to their own likenesses and change the sex, clothes, hair and even the personality of the characters. Those without the patience or the time to live a life through the eyes of a virtual human, then this game isn't worth the time. This game is for those with a love for designing houses, planning a schedule and building relationships. The game modes are completely interactive, and gamers can begin their life as a new Sim from scratch, or take up the life of an already existing person in this computerized world. EA Games left nothing out in this fully detailed role-playing extravaganza that allows gamers to do anything from cleaning the toilet to relaxing with a significant other in a new heart-shaped hot tub by the fireplace. \nThe main goal of "The Sims" seems to be attaining a level of happiness for a Sim by balancing such things as your hunger, social interactions and hygiene. One of the best features of "The Sims" is the online play mode that lets your own character interact with one of the millions of other players worldwide already hooked on this reality game.\nAs the phone book and bank account both grow, gamers may find themselves amidst a dozen friends in a custom-built home complete with in-ground pool, plasma TV and every other amenity conceivable. What the game lacks in pure entertainment it more than makes up with in the reward of bettering a Sim's life. The only major drawback is the extreme addiction of the game. Like Pringles: once you pop you just can't stop.