SimAnimals review

Cuddly bunnies: hypnotic, or sleep-inducing?

GamesRadar+ Verdict

Pros

  • +

    Better presentation than on Wii

  • +

    Quite charming

  • +

    Worth replaying for the atmosphere

Cons

  • -

    Terribly sedate

  • -

    Not challenging enough

  • -

    Often illogical in its design

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

As with the Wii version of Sim Animals, the DS game puts you in charge of managing a woodland ecosystem. Plants need to be tended, and a range of animals will move in, take a look around, maybe eat some of your plants (or each other) and then either settle down or move out. Keeping these animals happy – by making sure they’ve got food and shelter and aren’t being bothered by predators – will bump up a ‘smile-ometer’ thingy. Fill it and you’ll move to the next level.

It’s terribly sedate and not that challenging, or particularly logical at times, but it’s well-presented (far better than on Wii) and very charming, even if you’re not normally won over by ickle bunnies. Even after you’ve ambled through the objectives you may well come back to zone out to the ‘forest noises’ soundtrack.

Feb 26, 2009

More info

GenreSimulation
DescriptionStrive for balance and harmony in your own patch of forest in this inventive little Sims spin-off, just don't get too attached to the cute animals being eyed by the predators.
Franchise nameThe Sims
UK franchise nameThe Sims
Platform"Wii","DS"
US censor rating"Everyone","Everyone"
UK censor rating"3+","3+"
Release date1 January 1970 (US), 1 January 1970 (UK)
More
CATEGORIES
Latest in Simulation
inZOI Character Studio screenshot showing a young woman with short black/pink hair, black cat-like ears, and a black blouse with a bowtie
The creator of upcoming life sim Inzoi says he was "recklessly brave to even think about creating a game of this scale"
Stardew Valley Castle Village mod
Stardew Valley Expanded creator is building an "even more ambitious" mod with a whole new city and "dungeons inspired by The Legend of Zelda"
Guitar Hero
Guitar Hero expert finally annihilates world record 200% speedrun of the game's hardest song after trying and failing 50,000 times
A Sim celebrates his tattoo shop in The Sims 4 Businesses and Hobbies
How to complete The Sims 4 Esteemed Entrepreneur aspiration in Businesses and Hobbies
Stardew Valley Baldur's Gate 3 mod Baldur's Village
Baldur's Gate 3 director Swen Vincke gives his official approval to the Stardew Valley mod that brings the D&D RPG to Pelican Town
Boro and Alta sit on a bench together in Wanderstop
Wanderstop review: "Exalting the transformative power of tea"
Latest in Reviews
Lenovo Legion Go S with FlyKnight gameplay on screen featuring player character holding bow and arrow with enemy ant in backdrop.
Lenovo Legion Go S Windows 11 review: “my heart aches for this mixed up handheld”
Talisman 5th Edition game components
Talisman 5th Edition review: "The characterful imperfections of the original game remain clear to see "
WWE 2K25
WWE 2K25 review: "A colossal package even if you never go anywhere near Virtual Currency"
Altered: Trial by Frost booster box and packs on a playmat
Altered: Trial by Frost review - "Satisfying enough to offer highly varied gameplay"
Three SteelSeries QcK Performance mouse pads on a wooden desk
I didn't expect to prefer a coarser mouse pad, but SteelSeries' new QcK Performance range has changed my mind
Boro and Alta sit on a bench together in Wanderstop
Wanderstop review: "Exalting the transformative power of tea"