Sims2 Castaway General Guide

You will find a link to a General Guide for the Wii version of Sims2 Castaway now on the right side of this page. It is applicable to the PSP version of the game as well for the most part. Oddly enough, the two are almost identical, apart from a few differences in the controls that are used and more clothing and accessory options in the Wii version.

The biggest difference really is in the ability to save. Using the Wii, one only is allowed a single save file, which is rather annoying. On the other hand, saving is a quick act, performed without much fuss or time. Using the PSP, one is allowed almost a dozen slots in which to save a game but, as I noted in a previous post, saving takes a long time and the PSP system tends to shut off at the point of saving a file as well as when moving from one area of the map to another, and this can corrupt data. I advise players to keep as many save files as possible, simply in order to make certain that they will have some uncorrupted data to use if a file becomes corrupt.

I actually had completed the last two tasks of building a bungalow and a lavish shower in one slot. When I attempted to save, the game shut off in the middle of saving, corrupting the file completely. I had to return to an earlier point and perform these tasks again...

In the Wii version of the game, the Chimps move at incredible speeds. It is far easier to interact with the Chimps using the PSP. In the Wii version, a Chimp will enter the screen with a green delivery packet and simply race to the exit with it. Even when my Sim attempts to 'Respond', very often the Chimp simply ignores him/her and runs off into the distance. This is one of the most exasperating aspects of the Wii version of the game. The most exasperating aspect of the PSP version, apart from the system's dismal habit of shutting off destructively, is the camera angle. I have found it almost impossible to navigate sometimes, especially within the Dark Cave, due to the camera angles.

Having noted these unpleasant points, I have to say that the game is a lot of fun. Watching the Sims interact always is amusing. If you are bored, take out the Sleeping Mat and command your Sim to 'Do Yoga'. That is always good for a laugh.

The Sims always are a feckless lot at best and these Sims are no exception, even if you have created an entire crew of doctors, as I did in one of my games. Moreover, they tend to be moody and unpredictable. Even when skilled to the max, at times when they are not under your direct control, they often will go without food, hygiene or sleep to the point almost of suicide. When they actually do not NEED food, however, they will cook themselves a hearty meal, stuffing themselves. A word of warning: do not save good food in your inventory. A greedy Sim will take your Ham or any marvelous Large Fish at the earliest opportunity, whether he/she needs it or not. I somehow thought my Sims would allow me to cook the first Ham for a special occasion as a Group Meal, especially in view of the fact that, in my first game, my most skilled Sim sacrificed his life to slay the first wild boar he encountered. Alas, when I went to the larder, the Ham was gone!

Remember that Chess builds logic and that Music increases Creativity as well as the Fun Motive. An Umbrella is a useful tool when it rains... and it often rains in the tropics.

Finally, Sims will leave their rubbish about, as any one who is familiar with this bizarre species knows. Instead of choosing the 'Clean up' option, they tend to 'Drop' dirty dishes on the ground. Rubbish is a fire hazard in this game. An Emergency Fire Pit is dangerous in terms of uncontrolled fire but rubbish near ANY source of fire can result in a conflagration. Whenever you assume control of a Sim, spend a few minutes in housekeeping tasks, clearing up any rubbish you see in the area. Furthermore, as in all Sims games, rotten food will attract multitudes of flies and you will be regaled by a constant buzzing if any rubbish remains on the screen.
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