MOBILE GAME REVIEW
Miami Nights: Singles in the CityGirls and boys at play on the beaches and boulevards of the Sunshine State |
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Guilty pleasures – everyone has 'em, even if we don't admit to them. Whether it's chocolate, slushy daytime telly or celebrity gossip magazines, they're a great way of getting though this thing called life and having a bit of fun along the way.
In the shape of Miami Nights: Singles in the City, I've found mine.
As much as it shames me to admit it, I'm hooked. It's not terribly hard to see why, though, as it enables you to live out a life most of us are unlikely to experience: that of a playboy/girl living it up in Miami.
Starting with a scant few dollars in your back pocket, it's up to you to make the most of your strings-free existence in the sunny city.
This involves getting a job, building up a group of friends and lovers and generally causing a stir on the social scene. Of course, it's not all delivered to you on a platter. Just like real life, you've got to earn a wage, look after yourself and work hard at maintaining the relationships you form.
And although the aim of the game is somewhat shallow – it is, after all, about copping off with the numerous oh-so-attractive members of the opposite sex – it's amazingly entertaining.
This is, in large part, due to the fact that you create a virtual version of yourself in Miami Nights and then live out your OC-inspired fantasies vicariously through it. You can create an almost-perfect representation of yourself, whether you're boy or girl, pick out a wardrobe and hairstyle and then hit the streets.
Although this digital life is initially confusing, your in-game housemate Bree is on hand to give you a leg up onto the first rung of the social ladder by offering you tips on how to talk to people, make friends and get dates. You even get a good word put in for you with a local bar so you can land a job.
You'll find that you quickly outgrow Bree's advice and will likely be 'hooking up' (Miami Nights' quaintly understated name for getting jiggy with your date) with someone you sweet-talked at a bar while your flatmate is still introducing you to the concept of talking to a stranger.
But that's OK – there's so much to do and explore, and it's so enjoyable that any repetition is just another excuse to go dancing, embark on a blind date or explore your neighbourhood.
You can pretty much go and do whatever you want, with few restrictions.
One limit on your shenanigans, at least at first, is that certain locations are locked to you until reach a certain level of experience in the game. This is represented by a skills and qualities ranking system that rates your intellect, health, fitness, physical appearance, charisma and more.
These rankings rise and fall with your exploits and how the other inhabitants of Miami feel about you.
Whether they like, hate or simply don't care about you is shown by little emoticons that bubble forth from their thoughts. Hit it off with someone by telling a few jokes and your charisma will rise, leading to invitations to visit new places, take on new jobs and otherwise spread your wings a little bit further.
However, try and talk sports with someone into drama and your charisma will plummet, affecting your future chances at success.
It's a pretty lifelike, if exaggerated, experience. Get shot down by the cute bloke/bird at the bar and your confidence is shaken. You start doubting your chances with future potential dates.
If things don't go the way you want, you can let off steam by beating up the bloke who's stolen your thunder or steal the purse of your rival for the blue-eyed boy on the beach. Generally speaking, you can live out your life the way you see fit, whether you're a saint or sinner at heart.
Criticisms? Yes, it's exactly like the golden-hued teen soaps that Channel 4 seems to have a monopoly on, and yes, it is unashamedly base in its approach to affairs between the sexes.
But frankly, you and I play games for a spot of escapism and Miami Nights is the very epitome of getting away from the daily 9-to-5 grind.
After all, where else are you going to get paid $500 for demonstrating a hot-tub by sitting in it every morning before hitting Miami beach and picking up a bronzed god or goddess for a night of dancing, flirty small talk and consequence-free fun?
Miami Nights: Singles in the City |
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Unadulterated fun in the sun, Miami Nights is that most perfect of holiday romances
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Joined:
Nov 2006
Post count:
1
love nokia 7610
Joined:
Nov 2006
Post count:
1
Joined:
Dec 2006
Post count:
1
This game if fun, but it does hurt my hand after playing for hours, and also the shot downs are pretty harsh, i got in a few fights for the people who shot me down.
Joined:
Dec 2006
Post count:
1
HELPPPPPPP!!!!
How do I get into the VIP room to meet charles?!?!??!?! When I first went up to him he wouldnt let me so I befriended him and he still wouldnt let me! So I dated him, hooked up with him, and we even have 5 hearts together but he still wont let me in! I try at least 3 times every day to get in. Is there a certain time that im sopposed to do it? PLEASEEEEEE HELP ME!!!!!!!!
If you can help me and your not registered then PLEASE register! It takes like only a second!
PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joined:
Sep 2005
Post count:
14
Hey there, hugznkissez180
I've played through the game and successfully met Charles, though it was a little while ago so I'll need to refresh my memory! In the meantime, try this: make sure you're looking smart (fix your hair and makeup in your bathroom before going out) and then offer the bouncer some vitamins, which will make him more amenable to letting you in...
Will post again when I've dredged my mince pie-addled mind for how to get in!
Merry Christmas!
Joined:
Dec 2006
Post count:
10
hey wazzup,
i've played miami nights version 2..(i think)with my nokia 3220...you know Im stuck in the part when I am now a jetsetter...Bree said that Ihave to increase my popularity to make even more friends and conquest.... how can I be popular?? And I have 5 stars on all the characters and 100% in my attributes except for kindness. And how do I level up my kindness..I already send or offer them gifts but still it is 20% as before. How can I further go to different places? I only go in Manor.autobar,beach,collins ave.,library and living room. How can I further my conquest?
Joined:
Dec 2006
Post count:
10
please help me,
I done all my best but I got stuck on being a jetsetter! I can't get further in other places...Is it really end up of being a jetsetter??? how can I level up my kindness...?? I offer them gifts especially those expensive for thinking that my kindness would level up? is the only place in this game are manor,autobar,beach,collins ave.,library and living room??
Is the gym located in the beach where Jill or Michael is working?
How my love relationship further to other people? can i get back or how can our relationship get back or anything else or techniques????
Joined:
Dec 2006
Post count:
10
please ANSWER...please help me....mike bristol!!!
Joined:
Dec 2006
Post count:
10
hey....is there somebody can help me...hey there mike bristol or mike abolins...
Joined:
Dec 2006
Post count:
3
hey people
how do u lyk talk 2 the bouncers on miami nights cuz it wont let me
and how do u get into the vip places?
plez help me sum1!
x
