The SIMS 2 Pets by EA (GBA)

Get to Know About The SIMS 2 Pets by EA (GBA)

I remember slipping a little cartridge into my Game Boy Advance and getting lost in a teeny-tiny world full of pets and pastel furniture. The game drops you right into a house that you can remodel bit by bit—swap out rugs, pick new paint colors, even arrange toy boxes just so. It has that charming, blocky art style the GBA was known for, where every character and puppy looks like a pocket-sized cartoon. Playing feels a bit like tending a mini virtual pet crossed with a pared-down life simulation.

As far as gameplay goes, you start by choosing your new roommate—usually a puppy or a kitten—and then it’s all about building up its stats. You’ll teach tricks, feed it timely meals, and even play fetch in the little yard you’ve set up. The pet’s mood meter sits at the top of the screen, so you’re always guessing whether it wants more attention, a nap, or just a fresh bowl of kibble. There are simple mini-games peppered throughout—like timing a frisbee toss just right or keeping your fluffy friend balanced on a wobbly platform—that earn you Simoleons to spend on fancier collars or new grooming tools.

Even though the graphics are modest, the soundtrack really pulls you into that cozy vibe. There’s a gentle plinking melody as you drift through each menu and a peppy tune whenever you unlock a new trick for your four-legged pal. It’s easy to fire this up for ten minutes to check in and end up playing for an hour, just trying to get that last star on the agility course. At its heart, it’s a sweet little escape on a pocket console—no epic storyline, just a handful of pets who rely on your care to thrive.