A new mini-game, or should that be 'application', will be released in May by ahead of a full 2 launch, and the new 'Body Shop' is sure to whet gamers appetites with a first taster of what's on offer in the new 'reality'-simulation title.

The full sequel - 2 - is still on course for a debut later this year, however this little tool will enable players to begin crafting their in-game avatar ahead of the full launch, allowing the customisation of everything about a character's look, and even the importing of textures and the like from other packages.

Players will be save their creations for sharing and the like, and / Maxis will no doubt hope this software will get gamers itching for the full release so they can begin to mould the personality and the world of their creation in their own design too. More as we get it.

By Luke Guttridge