So, we finally have Sims 3 on the Wii. It's taken EA long enough, but at least we have it now, and it's quite different. Yes, all the usual functionality is there and you can customize your Sim as much as you like in terms of character, looks, dress etc, but there is now multi-player mode, a host of new features and settings. Whilst it was a bit of a shock initially I think all Sims fans should take a look.

I know some of the reviews and forums have not been too kind to Sims on Wii. However, in reading those reviews I noticed something in common. It was clear from what was being said that none of the reviewers had stuck at this new version of the game and really got into the "guts" of the game. Like most good things in life, you have to work at Wii Sims 3, and I think existing fans expected everything to be the same, it's not! You have to really dig into the multi-layers and understand the new techniques and functionality, it's more subtle as well in my opinion.

I think what makes Sims so universally popular is the ability to completely manipulate your Sim. What do you want to be? Paranoid, evil or a true romantic, the choice is always yours. You can make your Sims dream come true or you can make the world come crashing down around him or her. It's your choice and it's fun! You can be a global rock star, the head of a criminal organisation or just plain Jane. This ability to imagine is what has provided so much fun for players over the years.

"Karma Power" is one of the exciting new features in Wii Sims 3. Be warned this power is like a drug, and whilst it can bring you everything you could possibly desire in terms of wealth, power, ultimate beauty and love...it has a dark side. Yes, you can even control the weather with "Karma Power", but be careful, use it poorly and you could end up face-to-face with the Grim Reaper - not what you want!

I really like that this version allows multi-player mode. So you can play with friends in the new co-op mode. But again you have to exercise caution. Like in most multi-player games friends can help or hinder. You can have up to four players in the "Life Moments Game" and you win by scoring reward points.

Beach Town is new in Wii Sims 3 and is a real innovation. This is really good fun as you can create your own Soap Opera. I really don't know how some of those reviewers didn't think this was just amazing fun! With loads of new features such as new careers, residents, traits and life wishes you can create your own Beach community where you are the soap star. How do you treat the other residents and what dramas do you cause? Your choice...just brilliant.

As I said The Sims 3 on Wii lets you create your own character with unique personality, desires and life goals - and I really liked the new mini-challenges like trying to get your first kiss or find your best friend for life.

Going onto the Wii platform has opened up a whole host of powerful new Sim customization tools. There is a new "pre-fab quick build" tool so you can build homes in double quick time. You can the fill your Sim City with your own creations. There is even an online library that you can download an amazing array of objects, designs and characters from other players. You can also share your own Sim creations through this method.

And there are many additional items that you can search for to unlock. You're in control as you guide your Sim through your City, but keep an eye out for new and added items such as new landmarks or buildings. You can also go on adventure quests to find new and hidden secrets.

So, Simsville on Wii has all the features you'd expect from your PC. And, on Wii the graphics are so much better and I love the online communities.

Create-a-Sim is the feature where you create and mould your own Sims exactly as you want, even down to facial features and clothing preferences to personality types and setting life goals.

A new power is "Karma Chameleon". This is a very powerful feature. These new super powers have become a theme in games recently. You can use these huge powers but you have to be careful...it has a dark side. Yes, you can use it to gain "instant beauty" or "love connector", but conversely you can also be punished with "epic falls" or an alien abduction or worse still, as I said, get a visit from the Grim Reaper. It's all good fun, but just beware of unexpected consequences - you have been warned!

So, use this power with extreme caution!

Build and Share - This is great. Join the online Sims community you can download items and Sims' other people have created as well as upload your own creations and share them with fans around the world. This is an amazing new feature that is sure to expand the horizons of Wii Sims 3 far beyond anything seen in Sims before. This is what I mean about new dimensions in Wii Sims 3 and why I can't understand the odd negative review that's around?

Format Specific - This is another great innovation that allows your friends to know what you're doing on Facebook using the new direction control method on Wii.

Wii Sims 3 does need a bit of digging to get the best out of it, even if you are an experienced Sims player. But stick at it because it is so worth it once you get into the game properly, and it won't take long to get to your normal level if you've played Sims before.

So my advice is don't be put off by the odd bad review. That little bit of effort and learning will reward you amply. Yes, it took me a bit of time, but it was so worth it. Once I'd got in and understood the new layers and dimensions and it all fell into place, I just loved this new "take" on Sims...and I'm sure you will too - enjoy!