The buzz around the remastered versions of The Sims 1 and The Sims 2 is palpable, and understandably so. These beloved titles, though showing signs of their age, are the very foundations upon which a gaming empire was built. Who among us isn’t a fan of The Sims? But here’s my proposition: why stop there? If EA is already in the business of revamping old classics, why not dust off another standout from the series’ history? I say, it’s high time to bring back The Urbz.
For those who might not be in the loop, The Urbz was a unique and memorable entry in The Sims franchise that aimed to shake things up with a fresh, urban twist. Instead of the traditional suburban dream, The Urbz dropped players right into the heart of the city, Urbzville. Here, the focus was all about earning popularity with the city’s cool cliques and earning that coveted VIP status. Back in 2004, this concept was groundbreaking. This isn’t just nostalgia talking—it’s why The Urbz claimed a solid spot in our Sims ranking list.
Now, let’s not forget—The Urbz was one of the quirkiest Sims games, even for a series known for its eccentricity. Long before dumpster diving was a feature in The Sims 3 and 4, The Urbz had players rooting through trash. The characters sported outfits that ranged from quirky to downright bizarre, all while you worked odd jobs to afford a trendy T-shirt. While The Sims offered a path to a better life through financial gain, The Urbz was all about boosting your social status in the club scene. For its time—and maybe even now—it offered a more realistic slice of urban life than we’d seen elsewhere.
As you progressed in the game, new areas of the city became accessible, introducing fresh faces and new fashion choices. The essence of The Urbz was unabashed enjoyment. There’s nothing quite like furiously mashing buttons to sharpen your mental skills while your character enjoys some futuristic Snake on a high-tech chair, zapping their brain. That’s something you’d likely never express about another game! The Urbz harnessed the core mechanics of The Sims and took them on a wild ride.
And on a sidenote, ever wonder what WILL.I.AM and the Black Eyed Peas are up to these days? Probably creating music, or at least toying with the idea. Imagine them collaborating once again on a Simlish remix or two. For many, the Black Eyed Peas are nostalgically entwined with The Urbz, anchoring the game in an early 2000s vibe that folks seem to hold dear.
Sure, my longing for The Urbz is tinged with nostalgia. The graphics might be outdated, and the notion of tickling strangers with impunity is definitely a product of its time. But, I’m telling you, there’s potential gold to be rediscovered. Yes, it would take resources to bring it back, and it might cater to a niche audience. But in this vintage-loving era, I believe the affection people have for The Sims could certainly spill over to The Urbz.
