If you like Sims you will definitely like a new game Ciao Bella from Oberon Media. It follows the life of a girl called Elena, who lives in Little Italy. The point of the game is to maintain her relationship with her boyfriend, Elio.

In comparison with an endless Sims, this game is much shorter, since you have 13 weeks (or 13 levels) to win Elio’s heart.  The key to success in the game is keeping a balance between the five aspects of Elena’s life: health, culture, family, work and harmony. 

The game uses a common point-and-click interface. You can move Elena to one of the various locations in town (such as the mall, church, hospital, city hall, park and boutique) simply by clicking on it. Each location provides different activities for her to perform, or in some cases services or items to purchase. After a time you will sweep into the vortex of different events. Running all over the town, you have to serve your family and preparing for the date.

One of the downsides to relying on the gameplay is that it is not challenging in the later levels. No wonder, if some of you get bored with it and leave uncompleted. Thankfully, the characters and the plot itself are cute and place Ciao Bella in a good light. Humorous situations chill out busy atmosphere of the game. For sure, nice graphics style, original and amusing concept will attract attention.   

2, November 2009