The Urbz: Sims in the City (handheld)

The Urbz: Sims in the City is the second handheld Sims game and the sequel of The Sims Bustin' Out. This game is loosely-based on The Sims, with many simulation elements taken from the it, such as motives and skills. However, in this branch of The Sims, an Urb (a version of a Sim in the game) lives and works in a city. The game starts out in the largest tower in all of Miniopolis (King Tower, which is all of 5 stories) where the player's Urb is fired. From there they must find housing, uncover an evil plot, and save the city from falling into the clutches of the rich antagonist of the game, Daddy Bigbucks.
Although The Urbz: Sims in the City (handheld) is supposed to be a handheld version of The Urbz (console), the two games share very little in common. They both have a city location (which the handheld version completely deviates from at times), occasional usages of , the presence of social groups and Darius, an exclusive club that players can enter, and not much more than that.
==Story==
The player begins their journey relaxing on the roof of King Tower when their superior, Kris Thistle, tells them to stop slacking go back to work, which involved playing a game of Squeegee Clean. After the player finishes the minigame, Kris breaks some bad news to the player: they've been fired! The player quickly learns that King Tower been bought by Daddy Bigbucks, and he's firing large amounts of the staff.
The player begs Kris to let them stay in the unfinished penthouse, as they have nowhere else to go, and Kris obliges, although only in exchange for doing a few chores. One of these chores involves fixing Kris' TV in the Janitor's closet. Once done, an AI recording of Harlan King, the player's former boss, jumps out of the screen. The AI recoding explains how he was convinced to sell the tower (though a large sum of money, private yacht, and an all-expense-paid vacation to Paradise Island) and tells the player that they must atone for his mistakes.
Soon after, Kris reveals that she accidentally locked both her and the player both in King Tower, but there's an extra key in Lily Gates' office. So, the player breaks into the law office and is immediately caught by both Daddy Bigbucks and Lily. During the short conversation, Daddy Bigbucks reveals his big plans: to buy every single building in Miniopolis, destroy it, and rebuild it, this time with a ticket booth. Daddy Bigbucks calls the police on the player, and they land in jail for questioning from Det. Dan D. Mann.
After befriending Dan and answering a few questions, the player is free to wander around the district of Urbania. The player soon gets a house (either the Small Brownstone or Large Brownstone). The player then finds themself completing various tasks around town, such as: enrolling in the local university, helping Cannonball Coleman finish a song, helping Dusty Hogg and Ewan Watahmee create a dirt bike track, buying a shrunken head at a local auction for Berkeley Clodd, and impressing Crystal to gain access to the illusive Club Xizzle. After all of that, Gramma Hattie proposes having a protest and asks the player to help. Once the protest is complete, the road to the Sim Quarter is cleared.
After the Sim Quarter is open, does various missions, such as:
*The player is sent on a mission by Det. Dan D. Mann, the player follows a string of clues left by Giuseppi Mezzoalto to eventually deliver, and have Detective Dan bug, a suitcase from Berkeley Clodd to Giuseppi.
*With the help of Dusty Hogg, Ewan Watahmee, and Polly Nomial, The player reopens the Bumper Boat Ride/Xizzle Factory when Daddy Bigbucks threatens to buy it and dam the river.
*Gramma Hattie views the protest as a big success and wants to go bigger. So, she is forming a coalition against Daddy Bigbucks and needs the player to keep watch during one of their meetings. The player guards the Cemetery from Daddy Bigbucks and either Lily Gates or Darius.
*Cannonball Coleman asks the player to bounce one of his concert, with the catch of having to excluding members of a specific Rep group.
*The player helps Luthor L. Bigbucks re-open the Epoch Museum.
Mambo Loa alerts the player to Daddy Bigbucks attempting to buy Olde Salty's riverboat, a boat that had been in his family for generations. To stop it, the player dresses up as Olde Salty's long lost brother Pepper Pete and goes to talk to Olde Salty. After convincing him not to sell the boat, Daddy Bigbucks comes out of the riverboat, realizes what happened, and throws the player into the bayou.
When the player washes ashore, they are met with Crawdad Clem and Bayou Boo, who think they're a vampire. After convincing them that they're not a vampire, they make the player face Lloyd in the dark tree and then duel the Red Man. However, both characters just gives the player half of a locket of Clem and Boo's dear late mother, Bogland Bessie, which the player shows them. Afterwards, Bayou Boo then shows the player out of the bayou through the mausoleum. In the mausoleum, a secret door opens, and Bayou Boo disappears into it.
When coming back to the city, the player learns that Glasstown is now available to visit, but there's a catch: Daddy Bigbucks has gotten running banned. Gramma Hattie writes a letter to the governor, and the player convinces Gordie Puck to deliver the letter to the governor. At the same time, Roxanna Moxie is opening her carnival and needs the player's help.
Later on, Theresa Bullhorn is tired of the way Daddy Bigbucks is managing her cinema. So, she hosts a satirical play about him, featuring Dusty Hogg as him and Sue Pirnova as Lily Gates. Daddy Bigbucks is furious about the production and storms away, muttering about "owning it all" and going "back to the beginning."
After the play, the player's Rep group leader asks the player to participate in a reality show on Paradise Island. Also, Crawdad Clem hasn't seen Boo since he went with the player back to the city and accuses the player of doing something with him. As it turns out Bayou Boo is chained up in the mausoleum and is now a vampire. So, the player frees him and, with Mambo Loa's advice, creates a cure for vampirism.
It's soon revealed that Luthor L. Bigbucks hasn't seen Daddy Bigbucks since the play, so he asks the player to figure out where he's gone with the lead that Daddy Bigbucks had been hanging out with the Nerdies. The player locates and befriends Polly Nomial, who reveals that she was working for Daddy Bigbucks and that he has a secret lab that they player needs to break into. Once the player breaks into the lab, they find a set of blueprints that they deliver to Luthor, who is furious.
When wandering near the Carnival, Heidi Shadows suddenly kidnaps the player. They find themself locked in a cell with Harlan King, also kidnapped by Daddy Bigbucks to get information about the city. Daddy Bigbucks announces to the player that the whole city is about to be his and jumps on an ambiguous machine, which disappears in an explosion.
Soon after, new film is premiering in Miniopolis. The player is asked by either Crystal or Maximillian Moore to join them at the premiere. The player gets some of Lily Gates' extra tickets and attends the film premiere. However, the film is soon cut short by Daddy Bigbucks storming in and announcing that all of Miniopolis is his. Harlan King then scorns the player for allowing it to happen and tells the player that they have to move Daddy Bigbucks' claim flag back when he put it down at. The player has to create a second time machine.
With the help of Ewan Watahmee and Sue Pirnova, the player builds a second time machine and places it on the roof of King Tower. Although, they don't know when to go. Therefore, the player tracks down Giuseppi, who reveals that he had been working undercover for Det. Dan. He tells the player the correct date, so the player enters it on the time machine and lands in 1860. Ephram Earl, who can usually be found as a ghost in the mausoleum, is there, alive. The player tells him to move the claim flag.
Upon arriving back in modern-day Miniopolis, Daddy Bigbucks lets the player know about his soon-to-be made announcement. However, when the player prompts him to look back at what he owns, Daddy Bigbucks soon realizes that the player messed with his claim, leaving him with only Nutria Island as his property. He is caught by Det. Dan D. Mann and banished to Nutria Island, where he must spend the rest of his days.
There is a bonus mission, Mission S, which revolves around rebuilding Splicer Island, Daddy Bigbucks' secret, abandoned project. The player must find the plans for Splicer Island, open up Sharona Faster's taxi service, and recruit some monkeys to construct the island with Futo Maki. Once the island is built, the player also recruits Busta Cruz to run the Entertainment Center, Jack I. Deal to run the Smoothie Shoppe, and Mokey to run the Splicer Island Lab. In the Splicer Lab, the player learns how to make pets from Cynthia Braintrust using the equipment in the basement. Then, Busta Cruz starts up a pet show.
After all other story missions are complete, Cynthia will give the player a desperate call about happenings in the lab. As it turns out, Berkeley Clodd has made a pet using Daddy Bigbucks' DNA named Winky Weebucks. Winky traps them in the lab and threatens to take over the town with an army of rabid nutria. The player's pet goes to find Olde Salty, who says that only Pepper Pete can save them. So, the player's pet helps Pete's parrot get Pete back to Miniopolis. Pete and the player's pet then work together to capture Winky Weebucks and put an end to his terror.
==Rep groups==
In The Urbz, there are 4 different groups known as "Rep groups". After the Urb has been designed, the game asks a series of questions, which decide what Rep group the player will belong in. Each group consists of 4 Urbz, excluding the player, has their own Rep leader, trophy, Rep object and Mission. When the player gets 10 Rep points, they can talk to their Rep leader and change groups.
The Streeties 
This group's leader is Darius. If the player answers "Having the toughest rep" or "King/Queen of Miniopolis" for the first quiz question, they will end up as a Streetie. The group's members consist of Darius, Kris Thistle, Ewan Watahmee, and Crystal. The item for the group is the "Ultimate MP-Dee Stereo System" which allows the player to play any music on the game, including the opening theme. Their rival group are the Richies.
The Nerdies 
This group's leader is Polly Nomial (referring to "polynomial"). If the player answers "Mad l33t computer skillz" or "Computer Daze" for the first quiz question, this is the group they'll end up in. The Group Item is the "Mad Skillz Cerebral Data Infuser", which will raise one skill point a day. The Nerdies of the game are Polly Nomial, Maximilian Moore, Lincoln Broadsheet and Sue Pirnova. They oppose the Artsies.
The Richies 
Led by Luthor L. Bigbucks, the Richies consist of Misty Waters, Lily Gates, and Lottie Cash. If the player chooses "Fat sacks of cash money" or "Bright Lights, Big Wallet" on the First Question, this is the group they'll end up in. Their Rep group object is the "Sensory Deprivation Chamber", which fills up all motives simultaneously and quickly. Their rivals are the Streeties.
The Artsies 
The Artsy leader is the Carnie, Roxanna Moxie. If the final option of the first quiz question is filled, "Busting sweet rhymes" or "My Guitar Hero", the Urb will belong in this group with Roxanna Moxie, Cannonball Coleman, Pritchard Locksley and Theresa Bullhorn. The Urb will also end up with a "Bod Mod Changer" which allows the player to change their Urb's skin and hair color. Their rivals are the Nerdies.
Independents 
Though the Rep groups are one of the game's main focuses; Bayou Boo, Berkeley Clodd, Crawdad Clem, Daddy Bigbucks, Detective Dan D. Mann, Dusty Hogg, Ephram Earl, Giuseppi Mezzoalto, Gramma Hattie, Harlan King, Mambo Loa, Olde Salty, and Phoebe Twiddle do not belong to any Rep group.
DS Exclusive 
The following characters are only in the DS version of the game: Busta Cruz, Cynthia Braintrust, Dr. Mauricio Keyes, Futo Maki, Gary Geezer, Jack I. Deal, and Sharona Faster. All of these characters are independent.
==Returning Sims from The Sims Bustin' Out==
Since the game is sequel to the handheld version The Sims Bustin' Out it features a few cast members from SimValley.
*Bucki Brock (cannot be socialized with, she only operates the Derby minigame)
*Chet R. Chase (cannot be socialized with, he only sells food)
*Daddy Bigbucks
*Det. Dan D. Mann
*Dusty Hogg
*Ephram Earl
*Giuseppi Mezzoalto
*Heidi Shadows (cannot be socialized with)
*Lottie Cash
*Maximillian Moore
*Misty Waters
*Olde Salty
*Phoebe Twiddle (previously an NPC who served as a cashier in SimValley at Nicki Knack's Bric-A-Brac trinket shop in The Sims Bustin' Out)
*Professor (cannot be socialized with, he only teaches courses)
==Xizzles==
Xizzles are small bonuses offered to a player. Each Xizzles can be bought with 3 Xizzle Beads at the Club Xizzle door. Xizzle Beads can be obtained by talking to Urbz and getting their Relationship Points to 75 or above, or finding them around Miniopolis. In the starting questionnaire, all questions determine which Xizzles will be available first to the player. Other Xizzles can be obtained after completing Goal 2 in Mission 3 (Daddy Bigbucks & The Xizzle Factory), or they can be obtained after connecting with another player using a link cable.
==GBA and DS differences==
These are the differences between the GBA and DS versions: 
Element 	GBA Version 	DS Version
Missions 	There are 5 missions and an extra mission for the four Rep goals. 	There is an extra mission, Mission S, where the player opens up Splicer Island, Daddy Bigbucks' secret abandoned project.
Pets 	Pets can be bought from the Box Lady in the Sim Quarter, Sideshow Pets in the Carnival, and the store in Moon Base Zeta. The player can pet them, have them follow them around, and clean up after them. 	Pets are made using amber in the Splicer Island Lab. The player can interact with their pets (in a similar way to other NPCs), participate in pet shows, and have their pets follow them around. Players even get to control their pets in the game's final mission.
Characters 	There are 29 characters. 	There are 36 characters. Busta Cruz, Cynthia Braintrust, Dr. Mauricio Keyes, Futo Maki, Gary Geezer, Jack I. Deal, and Sharona Faster are all exclusive to the DS version of the game.
Loading times 	The game takes 10 seconds to get to The Urbz: Sims in the City screen. 	The game takes nearly 24 seconds to get to The Urbz: Sims in the City screen.
Main Menu controls 	The Control Pad is used to select items in the main menu and the A button is used to enter. 	The Control Pad and the record on the Touch Screen is used to select menus in the main menu, the A button and the check mark is used to enter. The B button and the cross button on the Touch Screen are used to go back.
Menu controls 	The Control Pad is used to select items in the main menu and the A button is used to enter. 	The Touch Screen is used to navigate items and the menus have to be tapped on the Touch Screen to enter. You can also use X, Y and Select to enter menus.
Create an Urb (CAU) 	In the GBA version: The on screen keyboard is used to enter the Urb's name, the D-pad is used to navigate, the A button is used to enter and the B button is used to go back. The L/R buttons are used to change Hi CAPS to low caps. 	In the DS version: The keyboard appears on the touchscreen.
Mission 3-2 Differences	Mission 3-2 is called Batten Down the Hatches. The reward for completing the mission is unlocking Yar Hey! Bombard! 	Mission 3-2 is called Daddy Bigbucks & The Xizzle Factory. The reward for completing the mission is extra Xizzles.
Mission 4-4 Differences	40% Popularity is required. 	30% Popularity is required.
Mission 5-5 Differences	70% Popularity is required. 	60% Popularity is required.
Number of saves 	Up to 4 saves available. 	Up to 2 saves available.
Special Minigames 	The GBA has a special Minigame named Yar Hey! Bombard! 	The DS has a special Minigame named Sushi Sensei.
To unlock the Moon Base	Link 2 GBAs to unlock Moon Base Zeta. 	Purchase a Green Meteorite and use the telephone booth in Sim Quarter.
Hidden Xizzles 	Some Xizzles might be in a different place then it was in the GBA version. For example: In Waters' Gym the Xizzle was found in the plants in the GBA version and in the DS version the Xizzle is found in the locker. 	Some Xizzles might be in a different place then it was in the GBA version. For example: In Waters' Gym the Xizzle was found in the plants in the GBA version and in the DS version the Xizzle is found in the locker.
Character Schedules 	Urbz may be in a different area then they were in the GBA version. For the most part, it is the same, but some characters (to be specific: Sue Pirnova, Polly Nomial, Olde Salty, Misty Waters, Berkeley Clodd, and Luthor L. Bigbucks) visit Splicer Island. For example: In the GBA version at 6:00 PM, Sue Pirnova is in the Miniopolis University, and in the DS version at 6:00 PM, Sue Pirnova might be at Splicer Island instead.	Urbz may be in a different area then they were in the GBA version. For the most part, it is the same, but some characters (to be specific: Sue Pirnova, Polly Nomial, Olde Salty, Misty Waters, Berkeley Clodd, and Luthor L. Bigbucks) visit Splicer Island. For example: In the GBA version at 6:00 PM, Sue Pirnova is in the Miniopolis University, and in the DS version at 6:00 PM, Sue Pirnova might be at Splicer Island instead.
 
==Trivia==
*A reference to The Sims Bustin' Out for handheld is made in the game, on the roof of King's Tower a rocket is wedged into the tower's globe sculpture. This corresponds to what occurred during its ending.
*The location Paradise Island from The Sims Bustin' Out also returns in this game and can be visited without the need of GBA connectivity unlike the previous game. However, the area is empty and doesn't retain the same content.
==External links==
*The Urbz: Sims in the City for Nintendo DS: FAQ/Walkthrough by 1337mangamaster at GameFaqs
*The Urbz Official Website
de:Die Urbz: Sims in the City
es:Los Urbz: Sims en la ciudad (consola portátil)
fr:Les Urbz : Les Sims in the City (console portable)
nl:The Urbz: Sims in the City
ru:The Urbz: Sims in the City (на портативных устройствах)
 
Urbz: Sims in the City (handheld), The
Urbz: Sims in the City (handheld), The