Don't listen to the reviews, While it's not perfect, it's humor and amazing gameplay keep you playing the whole game.
We started the game on FreePlay, because we thought that was the only multiplayer mode. So, we played for about 5 hours. During the whole FreePlay mode we DID use the gnome cheat and all, but we wanted to try it without in Story Mode. Story Mode is what we're still trying to beat. It's not exactly hard, it's just that it takes time. Don't get me wrong, it's challenging to keep your needs up while fulfilling you wants.
If you're wondering if it's similar to the PC version, I have to honestly say no. As the PC version is amazingly fun and addictive, this game is a whole different game, that might be just as good. What the GC version doesn't have, are a lot of the objects on the PC (which are filled in with new ones that certainly are just as good), and the overall gameplay differs from the PC version.
But, the GC version introduces a whole new way to play. Instead of clicking and telling your person where to go, why don't you move them yourself? Well, you can. You can control them like any regular game character or you can control them with the old way. Which way do I use? I use the new way, simply because it's fun and easy to use.
The graphics in the GC version aren't as good as the PC. There are a few glitches in the game, but they're easily fixable. The thing to remember is, always save when you can. Anyways, this game is great, but you should probably rent it first. I know I did, and I'm going to go to GameStop and buy The Sims 2 for the GC.