Unless you recently landed from Mars, you'll know that the virtual family creation phenomenon that is The Sims has been in the gaming Top Ten since launch; both versions 1 and 2 and their countless add-ons. It is without doubt the single most successful gaming franchise ever.

So why, you might ask, does EA feel it's necessary to bring out another Sims mini-series that is completely stand-alone, when its millions of fans are already seriously sleep-deprived? The answer is the rise in popularity of the laptop as the principal computer of choice over the desktop, thanks to the huge technological improvements in graphics, memory and processor performance.

The result is a cut-down 'laptop-friendly' edition of The Sims 2 which is less demanding on lower spec systems and serves as a good introduction for newcomers to The Sims universe. This is immediately obvious as you play the game in a smaller window, thus allowing simultaneous access to instant messaging and e-mails, etc.

Other aids to smarter interfacing are present, with a greater range of activities initiated through hotkeys rather than the usual mouse click, while certain actions (like hygiene and going to the toilet) can be run automatically through the Free Will option.

One big novelty in the gameplay is the directed Story mode in which you first follow the progress of cool chick Riley, who's come home to start her life afresh, and then move on to geeky Vince who's hoping finally to strike it lucky in love. Each stage in their lives is achieved by matching certain goals, none of which is going to prove even slightly taxing to veteran players.

The themes in both lives are unashamedly chick-lit romance with a balance of Aspirations and Needs that have to be met, skills learnt, careers mapped, relationships developed and rewards handed out when each level is completed. If you play the game right (there are 12 episodes to each life) you should end up with a perfect, fairy tale ending.

Whether or not you want to follow this linear path, you can still opt for Classic mode and do the usual business of creating characters, building and decorating houses, making life choices and enlarging neighbourhoods. Unlike the earlier versions of The Sims, however, there are no add-on packs and none of The Sims 2 add-ons or downloadables are compatible. What you have instead is a separate Web site where various utilities and units can be purchased.

The two planned sequels are The Sims Pet Stories (buy and train that wild creature!) and The Sims Castaway Stories (sounds like Paradise Island without the annoying celebrities), so start saving before the anticipated crush...

If you haven't got the full version of The Sims 2 or you want a gentler introduction to The Sims universe, complete with preordained romantic storylines, this slimmed down, laptop-friendly version should be the ideal solution.