sims 2 pets posts (Subscribe to this feed)

We might have glossed over EA's deal with all-purpose-pop star Hilary Duff when it was announced earlier this month, but we're forced to call attention to a new photo spread of the digitized Duff (starring in Sims 2 Pets) because, one, Ludwig demanded we pay rightful homage to his idol; and two, this is a significant milestone in the games industry. Correct us if we're wrong, but isn't this the first time a publisher has pulled in a female celebrity to market its game to other females? (We exclude Mary-Kate & Ashley because they push their own Olson-branded games.)

While we can't shake the ickiness of this deal, we have to acknowledge that EA landing Duff has opened up games marketing to a new realm of possibilities. Is there more profit in pursuing the ladies' dollar?

Hilary Duff is a pop star, actress, self appointed animal lover and is going to grace us with her presence in The Sims 2: Pets. Players will see Duff along with her treasured pet/accessory, Lola (not featured in picture). According to the press release, Duff was involved in each aspect of the game that features her and her Teacup Chihuahua -- everything from their overall design to the tricks the dogs can perform. Here is what she had to say about making her first video game appearance:

"I've logged hundreds of hours playing The Sims games, so I jumped at the chance to be in The Sims 2: Pets," said Sims aficionado Hilary. "I love creating Sims characters and guiding them through life, designing their houses and then blinging them out with cool furniture. Now, in The Sims 2 Pets, EA has combined two things I really enjoy -- pets and The Sims!"

Hmmmm ... we had no idea Hilary played games. We'll just have to go ask our 11-year-old sister ....

[Via press release]

See Sim Spot run. See Sim Spot chew your Sim's shoes and then chase the Sim neighbor's Sim cat up a tree. Life is about to get a lot hairier for your Sims, but at least Mac gamers will be getting their creature comforts in November, just a few weeks after PC owners. The Sims 2 Pets is the fourth expansion pack in the series, and will feature over 80 breeds of dogs and cats. Better get out the Sim vacuum.

See also: Sims on a plane

Pick from a cat, dog, bird or guinea pig to add as a new addition to your Sims life. We never were big fans of virtual pets because we would rather have our own to cuddle in real life, but, this game sounds like you will have to do a lot of the things you would in real life to keep your animal happy, clean and bringing in the bacon by having a job.

Yes, the PC version of The Sims 2: Pets allows your animal to make money by being a movie star, rescue animal or as a member of an elite security pets corp. Too bad that won't be on the DS version.

The DS version will let you create and manage a pet care center. Treating the animals in your care lovingly helps you unlock items and such. You can also help others pick out pets and clothes/accessories for their new friends.

The Sims 2: Pets will be available October 17 for the DS. We would get into the whole trying to take a piece of the virtual pets franchise pie thing but that's just another messy can of worms.

On a side note -- Is it us or does the cat in the above picture look really... freaked out? Either that or really pissed off. Either way, that cat looks weird.

[Via Go Nintendo]