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<blockquote>This newsletter is the place to get information about different breeds, pet personalities, training pets, and more! <a href="http://thesims2.ea.com/about/ep4_trainer1.php">Read Issue I</a></blockquote> <!--break--> <hr /> <div style="background-color: #60AFCE; color: #000066; width: 680px; padding:10px;"> <h3 style="color: #FFFFFF;">The Sims 2 Pets Training Paper</h3> <p><img style="float: left;" src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-about_5.jpg" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /><strong>Issue I</strong><br /> Welcome to the first issue of The Sims 2 Pets Training Paper! If you're contemplating adding a new critter to your Sims' lives, this newsletter is the place to get information about different breeds, pet personalities, training pets, and more. In this issue we'll cover creating pets, choosing between breeds, and how to customize a dog or cat to best suit your Sims' family.</p> <div style="float: left; width: 320px; padding: 10px;"> <p><strong>CREATING AND CUSTOMIZING PETS</strong><br /> So you want to bless your Sims with a new bundle of doggie or kitty bliss... well you've come to the right place. In Create-A-Pet, you can pick from the most popular dog and cat breeds or use one as a starting point to create a designer pet like the Schnoodle (Schaunzer + Poodle) or Puggle (Pug + Beagle). Or, mix and match different face and body features to create your own unique breed.</p> <p><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-title_nosetail.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /></p> <p><strong>Name, Gender, Size, and Age</strong><br /> Is your Boxer a Fifi or a Brutus? Give your pet the perfect name, then pick its gender and age (adult or elder), and write a short life story for it. If you're creating a dog, you can also decide whether it's a large or small dog. (Note: Pet aging is only available in the PC version.)</p> <p><strong>Choose a Breed</strong><br /> From Siamese to German Shepherd to Pug, choose one of dozens of breeds as a starting point.</p> <p><strong>Coat Colors and Markings</strong><br /> White and fluffy or dark and sleek, select your pet's coat color and fur type, and then add markings like spots, socks, eye patches, and stripes.</p> <p><strong>Physical Features</strong><br /> Make adjustments to its face and body parts. Floppy or pointy ears, a thin or chubby body, a long snout or stubby nose--the possibilities are endless.</p> <p><strong>Collars</strong><br /> Put their best paw forward--give your Sims' pets a touch of style with a collar. Pets with collars have a higher chance of being returned if they run away, so this is one step you don't want to skip.</p> <p><strong>Personality</strong><br /> Just like Sims, pets' personalities affect how they get along with others, how they amuse themselves, and how much they want to interact with others. For example, an aggressive dog is more likely to growl at other Sims and pick fights with other dogs, while a genius cat learns tricks easier than a less intelligent one.</p> <p><a href="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-pettrainer_shephard.jpg" rel="lightbox"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-title_customizingpet.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /></a><br /> <span style="font-size: 85%;">Make adjustments to almost every part of your pet.</span></p> <div style="clear:both;"><strong>Coat Shape</strong><div style="width: 220px; float: right;">Determine what your pet's coat is like: thick and fluffy or smooth and sleek. Markings are not affected by changing the coat shapes.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><strong>Fur</strong><div style="width: 220px; float: right;">Give your dog a canine beard!</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><strong>Accessories</strong><div style="width: 220px; float: right;">Or, add other Fur Accessories, like a layer of fluff for a sublimely soft cat or bushy eyebrows for a scruffy old dog.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><strong>Full Pet</strong><div style="width: 220px; float: right;">Change the body and face shape together.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><strong>Body</strong><div style="width: 220px; float: right;">Turn Scruffy into a chubby or scrawny dog.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><strong>Face</strong><div style="width: 220px; float: right;">Choose a generic pet face, then adjust the shape of the face and the facial features.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><strong>Brow and Eyes</strong><div style="width: 220px; float: right;">Choose an eye color and adjust the shape and position of the eyes and brows. In the PC version, you can even give your pet two different colored eyes!</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><strong>Snout and Jaw</strong><div style="width: 220px; float: right;">Pick from an assortment of snouts, then make adjustments to the shape and size of the jowls, snout, nose, and jaw.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><strong>Ears</strong><div style="width: 220px; float: right;">Change the shape, size, and position of ears.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><strong>Tails</strong><div style="width: 220px; float: right;">Pick a tail and then adjust the size.</div></div> </div> <div style="float: left; width: 320px; padding: 10px;"> <p><strong>BREEDS</strong><br /> This section offers you a glimpse of the variety of different breeds in the game. It's up to you when you create your pet to decide if your animal is a prime example of the breed or an exception to all the rules! Here's a short list of some of the most popular dog and cat breeds found in The Sims 2 Pets.</p> <p class="float-right"><a href="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-pettrainer_pug.jpg" rel="lightbox"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-title_dogbreeds.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /></a><br /> <span style="font-size: 85%;">Give your animal some personality!</span></p> <div style="clear:both;"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-dog_bullet.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /><strong>Airedale</strong><div style="width: 190px; float: right;">King of the Terriers, this dog has a long and flat snout and looks like a living geometry lesson.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-dog_bullet.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /><strong>Beagle</strong><div style="width: 190px; float: right;">A dog with maximum sniffing power, this smooth-coated hound loves to follow its nose.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-dog_bullet.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /><strong>Golden Retriever</strong><div style="width: 190px; float: right;">An active dog, the Retriever has a soft coat and is not only a good hunting dog, but a devoted companion.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-dog_bullet.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /><strong>Boston Terrier</strong><div style="width: 190px; float: right;">A muscular dog with a silky smooth coat, this terrier was bred to be a companion dog.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-dog_bullet.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /><strong>Boxer</strong><div style="width: 190px; float: right;">You might think the name is derived from its square jawed face, but in reality it comes from its fighting stance.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-dog_bullet.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /><strong>Chow</strong><div style="width: 190px; float: right;">This breed originated in China and is famous for its lion-like ruff.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-dog_bullet.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /><strong>Dalmatian</strong><div style="width: 190px; float: right;">Famous for its role as a firefighters' helper and mascot, this sleek and spotted dog is muscular and lean.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-dog_bullet.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /><strong>Poodle</strong><div style="width: 190px; float: right;">This curly-haired dog has a very distinct coat shape.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-dog_bullet.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /><strong>Pug</strong><div style="width: 190px; float: right;">The Pug is a bug-eyed little bit of a dog</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-dog_bullet.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /><strong>Rottweiler</strong><div style="width: 190px; float: right;">A powerfully built breed with a coarse black coat and contrasting markings, this breed is often used in police work.</div></div> <p class="clear"><strong>We'll introduce more breeds that appear in some platforms in later issues of the Pet Training Paper.</strong></p> <p class="float-right"><a href="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-pettrainer_cat1.jpg" rel="lightbox"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-title_catbreeds.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /></a><br /> <span style="font-size: 85%;">Create-A-Pet lets you re-create your favorite pet.</span></p> <div style="clear:both;"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-cat_bullet.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /><strong>Abyssinian</strong><div style="width: 180px; float: right;">This sleek and slinky breed resembles the archetypal felines gracing Egyptian art and with good reason. It is thought to come from Egypt.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-cat_bullet.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /><strong>American Shorthair</strong><div style="width: 180px; float: right;">From tabbies to calicos, this cat comes in many colors and ranks as one of the top ten favorite breeds.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-cat_bullet.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /><strong>Bombay/Burmese</strong><div style="width: 180px; float: right;">The Bombay was bred to resemble a parlor-sized panther and looks the part with its sleek black coat and glowing eyes.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-cat_bullet.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /><strong>Manx</strong><div style="width: 180px; float: right;">Generally known for its absence of tail, this cat has an athletic build and a round head.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-cat_bullet.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /><strong>Maine Coon</strong><div style="width: 180px; float: right;">With its telltale shaggy coat, this large, muscular breed originates from the U.S. state of Maine.</div></div> <div style="clear:both;"><img src="internal:sites/simsnetwork.com/files/news/2006/20060817-trainer-cat_bullet.gif" alt="The Sims 2 Pets" /><strong>Siamese</strong><div style="width: 180px; float: right;">With its famous contrasting 'points', narrow face, and oversized ears, this breed is a study in grace and dignity.</div></div> <p class="clear"><strong>We'll introduce more breeds that appear in some platforms in later issues of the Pet Training Paper.</strong></p> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </div>

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A team of highly trained SimCity investigators tracked her down!

Read the Interview

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Interview with Bella Goth

Bella Goth disappeared in the summer of 2004, a team of highly trained SimCity investigators traveled far and wide and managed to track her down and asked her a few questions. This is their published interview.

Rckljohnson: Where are you now?

Bella: Apparently I'm in a place called Strangetown and indeed it's an appropriate name. I'm not positive what happened or how I got here but I've begun seeing a therapist and my hypno-therapy sessions have been very productive! I've also been reading my diary, I always keep it close.

Bbygrl814916: How come you don't have any memories of Mortimer, Cassandra and Alex?

Bella: I couldn't remember anything for months after the abduction, just a flash and then nothing, but with the help of my diary and my therapist the memories are slowly starting to come back. It's hard to remember things that happened longer ago like Cassandra being born or even my wedding but I remember my family and how much I love them. I even remember some of the work Mortimer was doing before I was taken. He was getting very close to creating a permanent life extending elixir. I was worried he was spending too much time on it. He'd already been successful with a temporary version and it had become wildly popular throughout the town. I guess everybody wants to live forever!

simgelf: What happened the night you were abducted? Did the saucer crash?

Bella: I'm not sure about all the details but I've had dreams of being in some kind of ship, I don't think there was a crash or I wouldn't have woken up. I remember green men with big black eyes, it didn't make much sense then and certainly doesn't now. It seemed like only moments and I was somewhere entirely different.

Simology022: What exactly were you DOING on Don Lothario's roof the night you disappeared? How do you feel about your daughter's romantic relationship with Don?

Bella: I think Don Lothario is a misunderstood man. He moved into town and seemed so lonely. He was so different and "urban" that the neighbors wouldn't accept him. He needed a friend and we welcomed him into our lives. I think Cassandra had a crush on him from the very start and unfortunately I think he had a bit of a crush on me. I don't really think Don is right for Cassandra, but she should follow her heart - don't tell Mortimer I said that. The night I left Pleasantview I was over at Don's house talking to him about life, love, and how he was feeling being the new guy. It was a nice, warm starry evening so we were outside on the roof looking at the stars. All I remember is the flash of light and waking up in a strange place.

Chair492: Did you cheat on poor old Morty?

Bella: Of course not! I love my husband and I love my family, they are everything to me. I've never loved anyone like I love Mortimer Goth. He's just so silly, so cute, a side of him most people don't see. Most of our neighbors thought he was "too smart" or boring and that he couldn't possibly be "fun".

poochdog25: I'd like to know if Dina Caliente was in on this. I've noticed she is related to some aliens, and she came on the eve of your disappearance, and now she is after your husband. So where is Dina in the plot?

Bella: I didn't know that about Dina, but it makes sense. I'll probably never know for sure but here's what I think. When Dina and Nina moved into town they were certainly very forward with my husband. In fact, it was almost insulting how openly they were trying to win him over, as if I didn't notice! I think someone sent Dina to town specifically to pull Mortimer away from me. I know he's a genius and his work is important to a lot of people. I couldn't have possibly imagined that trying to create a life elixir that could help everyone would ever push somebody to ruin our marriage! And why take me away from him? Perhaps they thought I was a distraction and believed that taking me away from the love of my life would make him stop his work.

simslover210: What is up with all the rumors of you having a double?

Bella: I've heard these rumors and as far as I know they're untrue. I've never seen my double and I haven't heard any stories about seeing me with my double so who's to say it's a double at all? Though I bet my double isn't as cute.

PprFlwrs4: Why are you still young when your husband is old..and....really...eh..old?

Bella: I can't really explain it, maybe his work has backfired on him and instead of lengthening his life, it's aged him. Or perhaps the people that wanted to separate us somehow used his research and tested it on me, keeping me young.

WadeSimMiser: What happened to you when you decided to pay Pollination Technician #9 a visit? How would you explain this to your husband Mortimer?

Bella: I've met PT9, he's very nice! And his family is so sweet. They've been so kind to me as I get my bearings. I only wish Mortimer could have had the chance to meet him.

abonnell2000: If you had the option to go back to Mortimer, Cassie, and Alex, would you? Why or why not?

Bella: I've been trying to return to my family but so far, it hasn't worked. As I said, there's something strange about this town. It's almost as if every time I try to leave, I end up back here.

Dixiedawn30: Have you ever thought about changing your hair style? What is up with the red dress?

Bella: It works for me, why change?

Fans of the Popular Video Game Series Enrich The Lives of Their Sims With The Addition of an Animal Companion

Read The Press Release

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EA Announces The Sims 2 Pets!

Fans of the Popular Video Game Series Enrich The Lives of Their Sims With The Addition of an Animal Companion

For IMMEDIATE RELEASE

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – (July 27, 2006. 9 a.m. PST) – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that the popular video game franchise, The Sims™ 2, is going to the dogs—and for that matter, to the cats, guinea pigs and birds too! The company is releasing The Sims™ 2 Pets on current generation console systems, handheld platforms and as a PC expansion pack. The Sims 2 Pets will build on the celebrated The Sims 2 experience that allows players to create and control digital characters throughout their lives while determining the outcome of their relationships and choosing their destiny. Each version will feature customized content tailored to the platform.

The addition of a new friend is guaranteed to enrich the daily lives of your Sims! Not only will players have the opportunity to choose from a variety of existing breeds, and hot designer mixes, but they’ll also be able to personally design their new friend with the Create-a-Pet feature. The ability to customize gives fans the opportunity to create their ideal pet by choosing their body shape, unique markings, even their pet’s personalities! With so many different animals to choose from, there’s no telling what unpredictable experiences could occur!

Players will also be able to teach their pet new tricks, take them for a romp in the park, outfit them with new pet accessories and even give them a job! As in real life, your Sims’ pet will require care and training. A neglected cat with an urge to scratch might claw up your new couch if you aren’t careful, and leaving your dog unattended near a freshly planted flower bed probably isn’t wise!

"The Sims 2 Pets captures the magic between pets and their owners," said Executive Producer Rod Humble. "A dog gnawing at his chew toy, a cat jumping at a dangled feather, a toddler stroking the chest of a big dog who sits by patiently—even a frisky dog getting caught rolling around in the trash. These special moments all come to life through the lifelike animations and artwork of The Sims 2 Pets. There is something delightful about your Sim, a little pet person, having a pet of their own. Pets allows players to tell more stories with their Sims and helps create more emergent anecdotes within the game."

The Sims 2 Pets will be available on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Nintendo GameCube™, Game Boy® Advance, and Nintendo DS™, and as a PC expansion pack* that builds on the original The Sims 2 PC game experience. A version for the PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) system will follow.

KEY FEATURES

All Platforms

• Sims Have New Friends - Pets! Sims can share their lives with their new pets and add more fun to the Sims experience. From dogs, cats, caged animals and more, your Sims share new friends to experience life’s precious moments. With so many different animals to choose from, there’s no telling what unpredictable experiences could occur!
• Create-A-Pet: Choose from dozens of dog and cat breeds or customize features for a one-of-a-kind pet. You can even modify your pet’s body shape by choosing from specific colors and unique markings. Don’t like the way they act? Change their personality – from smart and sweet to silly and sloppy – anyone can create their ideal animal friend in The Sims 2 Pets.
• "Sit, Spike, Sit": Your Sims can encourage and discipline pets, training them to shake, roll over, play dead, and more. Unruly pets might dig in the yard, claw the sofa, or topple the trash. Thankfully, a little training can go a long way.
• Classic Sims Open-Ended Gameplay: Create and control digital characters over a lifetime, setting their goals in life from popularity and romance, to fortune and family– their stories are in your hands.
• Share unique Pet unlocks: Use special codes to share unlockable pet accessories, fur types or markings with other The Sims 2 Pets players.

Unique to PC*

• Friends for a Lifetime: Your Sims’ pets are members of the family and share all of life’s great moments – whether it’s kids training puppies, teens playing fetch in the park, adults watching TV with their cats, or elders enjoying a sunny day in the park with their long-time companion!
• Create a designer breed: Your Sims pets have genetics, allowing you to create the latest designer pet, including popular hybrid breeds like the Labradoodle, Puggle and Schnoodle! Like what you’ve created? Register them to appear in Create-A-Pet as a unique pedigree!
• Bring Home the Bacon: Sims aren’t the only ones with careers anymore! Skilled pets can earn a living from three career tracks - Show Business, Security, and Service – and work their way up through five job levels.

Unique to PlayStation®2, Nintendo GameCube™ and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system

• Stroll the Central Town Park: Take your Sims and their pet for a romp at any of the nearby park areas, or head to the Central Town Park which is a favorite of pet owners. While there, watch your pet play well with others while your Sim can meet others and socialize with fellow animal lovers.
• Shop ‘til you drop: Visit the adjoining Town Center, a great gathering spot for Sims that evolves over time. Once you’ve seen the latest styles and decided on a purchase, deck your pet out in the latest clothing and accessories around. From geek to chic and cool to casual, your Sim can customize their pet’s look with one stop in the Town Center. It’s sure to be the coolest pet in town!

Unique to Nintendo DS™

• Manage a Pet Care Center: Pamper, preen, and nurse all the neighborhood pets at your new Pet Care Center that you create and customize.
• How Much Is That Doggie in the Window? In a pet store that you own and operate, you can help other Sims pick out the perfect pet. Earn extra Simoleans by selling the pet products that include the latest pet fashions and accessories!

Game Boy® Advance

• Give Your Sim a Career in Pet Care: Take care of the town’s pets by being a veterinarian, a world-class pet trainer and more. Players can even choose from a variety of cat and dogs to adopt as their very own. Whether they are healing pets or just taking them for a stroll, there is always something to do in the pet-friendly town of Barkersville.
• Toys, treats and tricks! Sims can teach their pets cool and amazing tricks and then compete in the World Championships to be the best in show!

Product Specifications

Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Electronic Arts Redwood Shores
Ship Date: October 17th, 2006:

• PlayStation®2
• Nintendo GameCube™
• Game Boy® Advance
• Nintendo DS™
• PC expansion pack*

Ship Date: November 2006:

• PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)

Category: Simulation/Strategy
ESRB Rating:"RP-T" (Rating Pending – Teen)

* The Sims™ 2 Pets for PC requires The Sims™ 2 or The Sims™ 2 Special DVD Edition for PC to play.