The Sims Mobile is the latest free instalment of the classic family simulator. Create a Sim, build a home and start a family in this uniquely addictive game.

New direction

After becoming one of the best selling games ever for the PC, The Sims moved on to nearly every other platform. The Sims Mobile brings the series to smartphones in this free download which features a similar core game with some vastly different gameplay elements. The game begins with the standard Sim creation, plot purchase and home building but then moves into a set of more mobile focused mini-games which earn money and experience. These tasks are not optional, making it impossible to play The Sims Mobile as a regular Sims title where Sims go to work and money appears regularly. This change is designed with micro-transactions in mind, as prompts are littered throughout for small cash purchases. While this is understandable in a free game, it does have the unfortunate impact of removing some of the charm of The Sims.

Different taste

The Sims Mobile is a solid game which feels fairly far removed from the regular series. Fans hoping to relive their childhood games will find themselves instead performing routine tasks for experience. This doesn't mean a bad game, as overall this is a great free game, but an odd instalment for the series.