The Sims 2 Pets review

The delightfully off-kilter reality of The Sims 2 continues to expand ever and ever closer to our own. First, they got their own colleges and universities. Not long afterwards, they had learned how to operate their own businesses. And somewhere in between, they hit their own downtown nightlife to sing karaoke (badly) and play WooHoo in a photo booth (loudly).

Yet during all that impressive progress, the only addition fans of the series really clamored for was... Pets. So now that they've finally gotten what they wanted, will they be satisfied?

Depends on the fan. If you're a casual player just looking for some furry / feathery accessories to your Sim household, as well as the humorous new actions and animations that accompany them, you'll love this latest expansion pack. Golden retrievers, poodles, beagles... tabbies, calicos, tuxedos... parrots, cockatoos, macaws. Practically every breed of dog, cat and exotic bird you could ask for is here, realistically brought to life and available for immediate purchase or adoption. In a wink to the beloved guinea pig of the original Sims, you can even own a rodent-like Womrat.

Plus, the stuff you can do with your companion does not disappoint. Buy them toys like catnip mice and rubber bones, teach them commands like "play dead" and "shake hands," put them to work in security and showbiz careers, or simply sit back and watch them dig up your garden, scratch up your furniture and then chase a skunk around the driveway.

And, yes, the dog will eat your homework.