The Sims: Bustin' Out on the GBA takes a very different approach to gameplay as compared to other titles of the series. You can create a Sim of your own, which you control directly, change their look and attitude, but once you get into the game, you are at the whim of the pre-designed missions instead of being able to create the house of your dreams.
You are dropped off in a small town where you stay in your uncle's barn for the first part of the game. From that base of operations you can go around a small part of the town, talk to people, and ultimately learn about different tasks that need to be accomplished. These range from making you gain popularity with everyone to finding certain things in town, delivering goods, or just increasing your Sim's skills.
As you complete more of the missions, you will gain access to other parts of the town, where you can meet more people and gain more missions. Along the way you will move into other abodes, though you have no choice over when or where to move. You can, however, deck out your pad in whatever style you want, as long as you have the money to buy your home decor.
Money, otherwise known as simoleans, is gotten from performing jobs, which are in the form of mini games. The first one you'll have access to will be mowing your uncle's yard. Others include weight lifting, fishing, and even cliff diving. As you progress through the game, you will earn promotions, unlock new jobs, and gain more money. These mini games do good to turn something that would otherwise be boring into a fun little habit.
