Playboy: The Mansion
System: XBox   Publisher: Arush Entertainment/Groove Games   Developer: Cyberlore Studios   Genre: Strategy   Release Date: 01/25/05

Quick Synopsis	Overall Score
Enjoyment:  Average Graphics:  Above Average Sound:  Excellent Replay:  Unremitting

Playboy: The Mansion may not be on everyone’s must have list this year, but it does have a certain seductive appeal that the Sims gameplay has been lacking.  For instance, how many men, or lesbians for that matter, would object to a little eye candy during video-game time?  All I want to know is what’s with the panties?  Last time I saw an issue of playboy (today) the playmate’s genitalia was definitely not covered by any obstructive clothing.  However, there are enough breasts that come in all shades and sizes to entertain any man, or woman, for at least a few hours.

If you are one of the many people that can get lost for hours in one of the very addictive versions of the Sims games then this Sims knock-off may be just the thing that your video-game library has been waiting for.  Playboy: The Mansion takes the idea of the Sims, but glamorizes it and simplifies it.  The characters in this game do not pester you when they need to use the bathroom or when they need to sleep, they do not even have to work on a regular basis for that matter.  You play the game as if you are Hugh Hefner creating his playboy empire from the beginning and all of the other people are just there for you to use as you wish.

When you begin playing, the character “Hef” has not yet published an issue of playboy.  It is up to the player to choose a centerfold, cover shot, article, essay, interview, and pictorial for the first magazine and all of the other magazines that follow.  A staff must be hired and parties must be thrown in order to put together all of the material needed for these magazines.  Throughout the game “Hef” is given missions that will further develop his playboy empire.  These missions give the player a focus for the game, but they can be done at the player’s leisure. 

The build mode in Playboy: The Mansion is almost an exact copy of the build mode in the Sims.  The items available, on the other hand, are a lot more expensive and much more impressive.  The grotto was a little bit of a let down, but it is better than any of the Sims outdoor activities.  It certainly makes for a beautiful backdrop for the photo shoots.