Music and Sound Reviews: The Sims
GamePost
While the graphics in The Sims may not be groundbreaking, the sound design more than makes up for it. Maxis paid close attention to detail, creating an immersive auditory experience.
Sound Effects: Everything sounds as it should—from the grunts and clanging of Sims lifting weights to the realistic beeping of computers and the subtle speaker buzz from TVs.
TV Audio: Each channel has distinct sound effects, with the cartoon channel being particularly impressive, reminiscent of classic Looney Tunes soundtracks.
Music: The game lacks a soundtrack until you turn on a radio. Once on, you can enjoy 23 MP3 tracks across Latin, Classical, Country, and Rock. The Country and Rock stations feel like real radio singles—if you can ignore the Simlish lyrics.
Customization: Players can add their own MP3s to the Music directory, allowing their Sims to jam to any artist of choice.
Simlish: The Sims speak a unique gibberish language that blends elements of French, Spanish, English, and baby talk. Despite the lack of real words, voice inflections make it clear what they’re saying.
Verdict: Every sound effect, jingle, and piece of music fits perfectly into the game’s world, making for an incredibly immersive experience.
IGN
The sound in The Sims is masterfully designed. Maxis meticulously crafted every noise, from the realistic flushing of toilets to the crunch of chopped vegetables.
Dialogue: Sims may not speak a real language, but their tones and emotions are unmistakable. You’ll know if a joke lands or falls flat just by their vocal cues.
Music: The easy-listening soundtrack might seem unremarkable at first, but in a long-running game like The Sims, it works like magic, setting the perfect mood.
Highlight: The light-jazz piano music is unexpectedly calming—even while your Sims accidentally burn down their kitchen.
GamePro (Sound Score: 5/5)
The sound in The Sims is so catchy that you’ll find yourself humming TV jingles and repeating Simlish phrases in your sleep.
Memorable Audio: Some sounds, particularly TV commercial jingles, stick in your mind long after playing.
Firing Squad
Household Sounds: The game is filled with fun and realistic household noises—phones ringing, toilets flushing, doors opening and closing.
TV Channels: Each TV channel has its own compressed sound style, including horror, action, romance, and cartoons.
Music Customization: Players can add their own MP3s to the in-game radio stations, which include Latin, Country, Classical, and Rock.
Verdict: The sound design makes the game feel lively and engaging.
GameSpot (Sound Score: 10/10)
Despite the Sims’ dialogue being pure gibberish, The Sims excels in sound design.
Character Expressions: Sims pause to clear their throats while thinking, yelp when injured, and even tell jokes with perfect comedic timing.
Sound Effects: Every household item, from coffee makers to toilets, sounds authentic. Music: The easy-listening tracks provide an ironic contrast to the sometimes chaotic in-game
events.
Highlight: The slapstick noises from TV cartoons are downright hilarious.
GameSpy
Background Music: The in-game radio provides a selection of rock, Latin, classical, and country tracks.
Overall Experience: The sound adds depth and humor to the game.
Music and Sound Reviews: SimCity 3000
Electric Playground
The game features one of the most satisfying video game soundtracks ever.
Music: A mix of upbeat urban jazz and space-age electronica that never gets old, even during long play sessions.
Sound Effects:
Schoolyards echo with children’s laughter.
Factories hum with machinery.
Trains chug along, immersing players in the bustling city.
Verdict: The soundscape enhances the omnipotent feeling of managing a city.
GA-Source
Music: The jazzy soundtrack perfectly complements city-building gameplay.
Sound Effects: Fire engines, ambulances, and police sirens react dynamically to disasters. Even simple actions, like laying water pipes, have satisfying sounds.
GamePost
The SimCity 3000 soundtrack is a standout feature.
Quality: The CD-quality jazz-style music is so impressive that some players leave the game running just to listen.
Customization: Players can disable specific tracks in the rotation.
Comparison: The best game soundtrack since Dark Reign and Pacific General.
CNN.com (IDG)
Ambient Sounds: From traffic noise to marina sounds, the city feels alive.
Music Selection: A diverse jukebox of tracks, with optional 3D audio processing for enhanced immersion.
Adrenaline Vault
Soundtrack Variety: Ranges from upbeat jazz with festive horns to melancholy blues.
Balance: The music complements the sound effects without overpowering them.
Music and Sound Reviews: SimCity 4
PC Gaming
Music Style: A fusion of jazz and techno, setting a sophisticated tone for city-building. GamingNext
Soundtrack Expansion: More tracks than previous games in the series, creating a richer audio experience.
GamersHell
Diverse Soundtrack: Includes jazz, hip-hop, and rock, all designed to be ambient and non- intrusive.
GamersClick
Engagement: Unlike most games where players turn off the music, SimCity 4’s jazz-infused soundtrack enhances the experience.
GameNikki
Music Quality: A rich, high-quality jazz score that appeals to a broad audience.
GameRaiders
Sound Effects:
Buildings and construction sound realistic.
The city hums with life through background noise.
Adrenaline Vault
Music Immersion: The soundtrack blends seamlessly into the gameplay, making it memorable
even outside the game.
Total Video Games
Highlights: A wide range of influences and thousands of excellent sound samples.
GameZone
Signature SimCity Style: Lighthearted orchestrations that fit the city-building atmosphere.
Games Domain
Balance: The music is as polished as the game’s visuals, maintaining high-quality standards.
GamePro
Orchestration: A well-executed, jazzy soundtrack that puts players in the managerial mindset.
ActionTrip
Ambient Sounds: High-quality city noises, from wind gusts to children playing. Music: The large selection of tunes makes the game more immersive.