New Sims console game includes iTunes card

Electronic Arts has announced the release of a new video game specifically for video game consoles based on the enormously popular game series, The Sims. Called " The Urbz: Sims in the City," the game lets players experience virtual life vicariously through simulated people called Sims as they enjoy the active urban lifestyle. The company is offering a special promotion that gives gamers a pre-paid card that can be used to download music from popular artists The Black Eyed Peas through the iTunes Music Store.

The twist introduced with the Urbz is that it focuses on your social engineering skills -- your reputation, in other words. Your Sims' reputation determines who they'll meet and what places they can go to; develop friendships with the A-list crowd and you'll get in to the hottest night life spots, and eventually be a stylish trend setter yourself.

The game's soundtrack features the popular band The Black Eyed Peas, who are actually featured in the game (you can get a job working for them in the "Cozmo Street" district). The band contributed nine tracks for the game recorded in "Simlish," the nonsense language spoken by Sims. What's more, the first 700,000 console copies of the game include a pre-paid card redeemable for three exclusive Black Eyed Peas Songs downloadable from the iTunes Music Store, as well as the band's hit single "Let's Get It Started."

The Urbz: Sims In the City is available for PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube consoles. A separate version has also been developed for Nintendo's Game Boy Advance console, and will be released for Nintendo's new DS handheld on November 16, 2004 as a launch title for the new system. It costs US$49.99 for console and $29.99 for Game Boy Advance.