Review by David Jenkins - One of the first facts trotted out in any review of The Sims is that it's one of the only games where the majority of the audience is female.

No doubt that's true, but we're in no way embarrassed to admit that we became so addicted to The Sims 2 we had to uninstall it and hide the disc.

We haven't quite got to that stage yet with this, but it's getting there.

The obvious way to describe The Sims is as a virtual doll house, because that's exactly what SimCity creator Will Wright intended it to be (although he wasn't involved in this new game).

Although The Sims 2 had the easy job of making the move from isometric 2D to full 3D polygons, the unique selling point here is far vaguer.

It's basically the bigger, better, faster, more approach to sequels.

There's no pretending the game isn't a disappointment at first.

The improvements in graphics barely register and, despite enhancements, the create-a-sim controls still don't do obvious things like control height.

There's also the problem that the speed of the in-game clock means activities that would take mere minutes in the real world (like getting ready in the morning) seem to go on forever.

Once you step outside your house the game's most obvious new feature becomes evident: instead of being a series of small unconnected plots, your town is now a single, contiguous, open world.

A lot of the buildings can't really be entered except to access a menu but even so, the effect is impressive.

Not because it's a convincing Grand Theft Auto-esque world, but because everyone you meet has real personality.

Sims still have basic physical needs and the ability to learn skills, but on top of these has been added a series of character traits: from charisma, to kleptomania and mean-spiritedness.

These in turn inspire a constant stream of short-term goals, completion of which give you points to spend on upgrades such as rarely being hungry.

This is on top of a life goal - from world peace to having 10 lovers.

The game is surprisingly backwards about its online features, with most based around The Sims website.

It's filled with microtransaction items, but we're sure in time the real community will emerge independently.

The other minor improvements (placing furniture diagonally!) only make the game seem even more mundane, but once you start playing you wonder how you, and your sims, lived without them.

IN SHORT: The refurbished virtual doll house doesn't look that new, but its voyeuristic charm is greatly increased.

PROS: Sims now have genuine and consistent personalities. Open world town and more reward-based gameplay.

CONS: Not as bigger step forward as the last sequel. Trivial tasks still take too long and AI can get confused.

SCORE: 8/10 Out: Now (UK)