There really should be a Sims Anonymous by now - after all this game really is an addiction.

The Sims has gone from strength to strength with each version and add-on pack and this third incarnation has merely continued the trend.

As a game it's difficult to describe because there's no 'end' as such. Instead you take any number of characters you wish to create and live their lives.

And just like real-life, it's a struggle. Which career do you fancy? Who will be your friends? How do you juggle work and fun? And how much is your MP claiming for a new mahogony table? (Okay, I made the last one up!).

Truth is that The Sims just works. The graphics are nice and tidy and the ability to customise virtually every element of the game brings unrivalled longevity to proceedings.

You can guarantee that no two games of The Sims 3 will ever be the same.

The Sims is also a game which has a huge community around it and there's more than enough clever so-and-so's out there to create new items and additions for the game to extend the shelf-life even further.

Yes, the game has a bit of a learning curve if you've never walked in a Sim's shoes before, but once you get into it you will be hooked.

It's about time The Sims 3 was upgraded to class A if you ask me!