Ok, we’ve seen stuff like this before and the now obligatory utilization of the ‘innovative’ features the DS possesses is becoming a little stale these days, but it’s neat all the same and certainly helps to immerse you in the game.Ĭosmetically Castaway is passable, but never really impressive. The most effective use is undoubtedly related to creating fire for warmth and cooking – using the stylus you must rub two sticks of wood together and gently blow on the DS microphone to get things started. Good use is made of the touch screen for various tasks – for example, when fishing you can stab at your prey with the stylus to ‘spear’ them. This obviously presents a series of issues that aren’t explored in previous Sims games – you have to ensure your on-screen avatar gets enough food and water as well as finding proper shelter.

Sims 2: Castaway is yet another stab at moving the franchise into new and hitherto uncharted territory, although it does bring to mind the ‘other’ famous survival series currently available on the DS – Konami’s inconsistent but charming Lost in Blue.Ĭastaway essentially takes the core Sims concept and drops it into a survival scenario – your ‘Sim’ is marooned on a desert island after booking a cruise on a rather unlucky ocean liner that promptly capsizes. This is clearly demonstrated by EA’s highly lucrative Sims franchise - in the past year or so we’ve already experienced the delights of Sims 2: Pets and MySims, two very different takes on the core concept that has sold millions worldwide.

In the modern world of capitalism it’s a commonly accepted fact that when a company hits upon a successful concept they’ll flog it for all it’s worth.

The sims 2 castaway nds