First DS screens for EA's MySims playworld

It says much about the impact of the cute graphics and DIY ethos of Nintendo games such as Animal Crossing (and the Mii avatars on Wii) that EA's decided to take its hugely popular Sims in the same direction.

The result is MySims, a game which relies almost completely on player creativity for its fun. And as you can see from the first batch of released screens, colourful and cuddly is definitely its ethos.

To start the game off, you get to make your own MySims character, using the huge template range of available bodies, hair and clothes. New options and accessories can be unlocked the more you play.

The main action begins in a delightful but disorganised town, which is just waiting for your architectural touch. Using a selection of building blocks, unique patterns and other tools, you can design furniture and appliances, build new houses and businesses, and re-define the entire MySims landscape.

Of course, there are various strange folk already living in the town for you to get to know. There's the always-busy Mayor Rosalyn P. Marshall and lazy hotel worker Buddy, while Gino Delicioso the Italian chef wants a new restaurant and Ocean Breeze fancies starting up a yoga class – but he'll need a studio first.

As you encourage the town to grow, so more options and areas of regeneration will become available.

"By giving players the tools to create literally any kind of world they want in MySims, we're reinforcing the idea that the players create the magic," enthuses the game's executive producer, Tim LeTourneau. "Will the town support a plethora of spooky, mysterious townsfolk – or buzz with the laughter and smiles of fun-loving Sims?"

MySims is due to be released on DS during the autumn.