This year, the series returns to Wii with MySims Kingdom, a title that sparkles when compared to its predecessor. Kingdom dons some smart new control and presentational advancements, not to mention enhanced visuals, a refined framerate, dramatically increased load times, and a new, focussed storyline complete with varied world themes. By nearly every measure, Kingdom is a better undertaking than the original, yet it's also a game that has stepped even farther away from the Sims franchise to which it owes its existence. The title unfolds in surprisingly linear fashion, its character interactions still shallow, a mere doorway to the collection of play-driving essences.

Kingdom again features a simple character creator in which you intuitively point the Wii remote at various facial and body features to trigger new and different texture sets -- whole faces, hairstyles, shirts and pants. It's not daunting in the least, clearly designed to be as easy to use as possible for a wide variety of gamers. Of course, as is usually the case, mechanics designed to be so user friendly often arrive at the expense of depth and the character creator in Kingdom is no different, as you will quickly learn that you cannot modify individual facial features or accessories. Absolutely a misstep for a game whose main character -- you -- is so personal and important. So if your goal is to design a Sim that looks anything like you do, better cross those fingers. The developer has again stubbornly sidestepped the possibility of Mii implementation, or Sims based on Miis, which is unfortunate.
[strike] www.ign.com

It sure looks funny :P