Deluxe edition of Sims 2 planned

Eagle-eyed US online retailer watchers have spotted the existence of an as-yet unannounced deluxe DVD-edition of The Sims 2, which sports the requisite bonus material that fans will be selling their grandmothers for when the game hits the streets on September 17th.

While we await European confirmation of the deluxe pack, US gamers who buy the DVD edition can look forward to the following, according to EB Games' website.

• Expert Interviews: More than 60 minutes of detailed tips and hints from the designers who made the game. Learn secret gameplay strategies that range from fulfilling your sims' dreams to pushing them to extremes to mixing their genes. Exclusive tips on evolving their family trees, choosing their aspirations, and managing their wants and fears.
• Filmmaking 101: Learn how to create your own movies in The Sims 2 from the designer who created the in-game moviemaker. Covers everything you need to know, including controlling the camera, tricks for setting up the angles, casting and set development, special effects, saving your films, editing your films, and more.
• The Sims 2 Cinema: Includes a variety of movies created in-game by the developers of the game.
• The Sims 2 Outtakes: Includes hilarious outtakes of the game from the developers. See those hilarious bugs and bloopers that never made it to the shipping version.

Meanwhile, pre-ordering either the CD or DVD version from EB will bag purchasers the following bonus CD featuring:

• Making of the Game Interviews: Go behind the scenes and learn about the inspiration, challenges, and creative vision from the designers of the game, including Will Wright. Digital Goodies: Includes the entire collection of Sims 2 wallpapers to decorate your desktop, an instant messaging kit, and your own fan site kit to create your own Web site.
• Candid Interviews With Game Designers and Testers: Includes details on taking your sim through a lifetime that features genes, dreams, and extremes. In addition, the developers talk about the new 3D world and the limitless creative possibilities with the new Create-A-Sim, build, buy, and design modes, and more. Hear reactions to the game from fans and webmasters who attended The Sims 2 University.
• Movies and Screens of the Game: Includes a variety of sizzle movies and screenshots of actual gameplay. Minigames: Use memory and visual skills to match up parents and their offspring in this light game. Play the Hot Lips minigame to see which sim couples can make the sparks fly.

While EA has yet to formally announce that it will be doing the same promotion in Europe, it would seem very unlikely that it would choose to limit such an expansive plan to North America. Expect an official announcement very soon.