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THE GAME THAT INITIALLY had more than its fair share of critics is about to spawn yet another iteration - in this case, an expansion for the already expansive PC version of the game. With more than 25 versions of the game, spanning PC, Macintosh, PS2 and Xbox, The Sims is something of a runaway success - with no one really knowing precisely why. Whatever the reason, the legions of fans will be eagerly awaiting this, the final update to the current series before The Sims 2 comes out in 2004.

Whilst earlier games were largely based squarely in reality (with Hot Date, House Party, Vacation and more - all recreating, to an extent, real life), Makin' Magic (as you may have guessed) expands the series into the realm of the supernatural. With all new magical locations to visit and a vast array of new things to see, do and grow, the update is certainly sounding like something that will greatly interest veterans of the series and may even draw in new players that might otherwise never have considered playing. Check out the full list of features: -

• Unlock spell recipes one by one with the family Spellbook, and mix individual ingredients to create dozens of original spells.
• Cast Spells to take care of your Sims's needs, keep up the house and cook meals, meddle with relationships, bring objects to life, or turn your neighbor into a frog.
• Every spell has a unique Backfire, including toad plagues, donkey heads, and lightning strikes.
• Interact with new Questing NPC's, and earn the most difficult and powerful spells by performing tasks and solving puzzles.
• New Location and Objects
• Travel via the Magic Portal to the all-new Magic Town location where Sims perform magic and duel to earn MagiCoins, which give them access to spell ingredients.
• Perform at the Side Show, Spook Show, Magic Dueling Arena, and Magic Trick Table. Tricks and routines include everything from rabbit out of a hat and levitation to summoning ghosts.
• Quest and shop for a wide variety of ingredients and spells in the new location.
• Customize wild carnival rides, such as the Fun House and Haunted House.
• Satisfy hunger needs with the Popcorn Maker, Cotton Candy Stand, and the Ghoul-ash Cart.
• Magic items for the home include: the Wand Charger and Charm Maker, Faerie Toy Box, Magic Crystals, and a Dragon Nest that hatches a Pet Dragon.
• Create basic ingredients with new skill objects, including the Bee Hive, Spinning Wheel, Butter Churn, and Nectar Press.
• New Vine Plots let Sims grow and harvest grapes and berries in their yard and make and serve nectar.
• New Baker's Oven lets Sims bake breads, pies, and cakes.
• Revamp your kitchen with an all-new Mediterranean Kitchen Set, featuring a new fridge, sink, stove, dishwasher, and a brand new Tea Set.
• Get your first taste of magic from the MagiCo Traveling Salesman, who brings you the Magic Starter Kit.
• Perform magic with the Side Show Assistant and Snake Charmer. Summon Ghosts and Mummies at the Spook Show.
• Trade, quest, and shop with Gypsy Vendors, the Vampiress, the local Apothecary, and the Faerie Queen.
• New domestic minions help keep your house going. Purchase a Skeleton Closet that houses a maid. Cast spells to turn the Flamingo into a sexy hostess or the Garden Gnome into a gardener.
• New decorator set, including moving paintings, creaking stairs, and twisted trees.
• All new Walls, Floors, and Roofs. Brand new food items and dozens of new character skins.

As you can see there is plenty for Sims fans to look forward to! Due out in New Zealand this coming Friday, The Sims: Makin' Magic will be available for a recommended retail price of $49.95. Look for our full review shortly after it releases.

Show me the screenshots!