Click to embiggen. And I was like "no way!"
The Sims 3 will be released on June 2 for OS X, iPhones, and Windows (if you're into that whole Hodgman thing). But you can get a jump on the game at any Apple store now, with a demo of the Create-a-Sim stage.
This first stage of the dollhouse-style simulator lets you define your characters. Gamers pick from more than 60 body types, facial features, hair styles, attitudes, and emotional traits to create unique results. Sims also relish style, with players choosing clothing and otherwise customizing their look.
In the full game, you'll guide up to 8 finished sims throughout their lives, engaging in relationships and careers. The Apple Store demo includes just the character creation; you'll have to wait until the full release before exploring the game world. The setup also just gives a sample; you won't be able to transfer Apple Store-created sims into the full game later.
But if you're losing sleep waiting for The Sims 3 release, the Apple Stores are the only place offering a hands-on glimpse before June 2.
