EA announced at its E3 press conference that the Sims family will be growing once again with a new release in the franchise called SimAnimals.

Made exclusively for Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS, you'll get to test out your wild side as you venture into the forest, engaging with a wide range of animals in their natural habitat. You'll control an on-screen animated hand that will allow you to reach out and touch, pick up and move everything in the game from foxes and bears to trees and flowers.

There is obviously a reason for doing all this - you'll need to solve challenges to unlock forest areas, objects and animals to ensure your habitat thrives. The Wii version allows you to play co-op with up to three friends too if you need a helping hand.

SimAnimals will be available from January 2009.