Pre-E3 Disclaimer: The format you see in this article will be used for all of our pre-E3 and E3 2008 previews. Kombo's E3 previews are designed to inform you of what each game at E3 plays like, and what we think of what's shown. These previews are not reviews, and we reserve final judgment of each game until it is finished and released. These previews offer an honest opinion of what a publisher chose to demo at E3. So, without further ado, read on.

What's the Game About
This is EA's follow-up to MySims, which released last fall. MySims Kingdom is a sequel that for the most part doesn't radically change its predecessor's formula. The story here is simple and targeted at younger gamers. King Roland and his subject, you, must revitalize his Kingdom. How do you do that? By constructing buildings, helping your fellow NPCs, exploring the game's multiple lands and befriending in-game characters you encounter along the way.

What's Hot
MySims Kingdom just feels more fleshed out and developed than last year's game. The construction system has been upgraded, allowing you more variety when constructing buildings for your kingdom. There's also some depth here. For example, you'll have to gather different resources depending on what you're trying to build. In our playtime, we saw how you can gather wood by chopping down trees and ores by mining.


While last year's game was primarily centered around constructing and decorating things, Kingdom has you exploring the game's world and interacting with it. Nearly every NPC you encounter can use your help. For example, one farmer character needed help restoring her crops, which were dying. Another character needed help rounding up his cows. Others have different tasks for you that involve building things. There are many environmental puzzles spread throughout the kingdom, which you interact with by constructing and moving objects. MySim's new direction can't help but remind me of Nintendo's own Animal Crossing, which is only a good thing.

Although not exactly a graphical showpiece, Kingdom looks better than the original MySims. Graphics are sharper and the environments have more detail. Also, EA says that it's are working to ensure there are less load times this time around. At EA's pre-E3 2008 event, we saw three of the game's areas, but the full game will have more (the number is undecided at this point, says EA). The demo we saw featured a medieval-themed land, an old western-style town and a nighttime tropical island. EA said that it wants the game's kingdom to be like Disneyland -- filled with numerous different areas and regions, each with its own instantly recognizable theme. From what we can tell, the dev is doing a good job of this goal.

What's Not
MySims Kingdom isn't for everyone. At first glance, it feels like EA's version of Animal Crossing, only without Nintendo's cutesy art-direction. Gamers with an open mind might be able into Kingdom, but I think older gamers will be uninterested by the title. Although I was a fan of Animal Crossing, so far, MySims Kingdom hasn't hooked me. It just lacks that "something" -- perhaps the Nintendo flavor? -- that Animal Crossing has.


Outlook
EA is looking to one-up itself with MySims Kingdom. The demo we saw is proof that it's on the right track. Kingdom is prettier, deeper and generally just seems better than its predecessor. For those looking for an Animal Crossing-like title for Wii, this could be it.