The Sims Unleashed (PC)
Move over Aibo; there's a new dog in town.
Previewed by Libe Goad

For years, research has proven that pets are good for your health. Studies on the elderly, children and everyone in between show that having a furry friend around the house wards off depression, strengthens the immune system and lowers blood pressure. Plus, there’s a bizarre comfort in being able to talk to a loved one who won't talk back.

With the September release of EA’s The Sims Unleashed, your pixilated people will be able to reap the rewards of having their own non-judgemental therapists at the homestead.

In this next Sims expansion pack, your sims will be able to patronize the local pet store to purchase a variety of adorable animals and appropriate accessories. You bring home a loving laborador or a cuddly kitty, both of which will require your love and attention, especially when it comes to house training. If your sims lead a busy career lifestyle, lower maintenance pets will be for sale as well. Everyone knows a parrot, turtle, lizard or fish can offer hours companionship and ensure a dander-free household.

No self-respecting sim could own a pet without the proper accessories. To keep the critters happy, you’ll be required to bring home the bacon, which in this case includes fake mice, rubber ducks, balls and some semblance of a Scooby snack. Since it’s doubtful that sims will be able to teach felines to use the regular toilet, cat owners would be well advised to purchase an all enclosed kitty litter box. Don’t want to create an odoriferous environment for the more anal-retentive sims in residence.

If house training isn’t your bag, you can hire a Pet Trainer to do the dirty work. Once their behavior has been modified, you can enter your pet in a local Pet Show, where Sims attempt to impress judges with their animal’s obedience, tricks and positive moods. Animals will also build relationships with one another, which will eventually lead to the cutest animal love story since Lady & The Tramp. Don't expect a re-enactment of the spaghetti scene, but once love strikes, don't be suprised to find a few new miniature Fidos roaming about the house.

No Sims expansion would be complete without new furniture (in this case a New Orleans French Quarter theme) and new careers (veterinarian, chef, circus professional). Families can also embark on a Zone-diet lifestyle by growing a vegetable garden with seeds purchased from a Sims-owned-and-operated garden store. You’ll be able to live on the results or sell the produce for a few extra bucks. Your pets can get into the garden lifestyle as well, by helping chase away pesky gophers and rabbits.

Sims Unleashed will be the franchise's fifth expansion pack, and it seems like it will be well worth the $29.95. This game should come with a warning label, however: "May cause overwhelming desire to purchase a real-life pet." The little critters look so adorable, you might not be able to resist temptation. Good thing you can test your pet-abilities with virtual critters beforehand.