Plumbobs, emotions, and new graphics! The hype for The Sims 4 is one that we definitely couldn’t ignore. With all new gameplay, it is something that fans of The Sims have all been anxious to see. But is it what we expected? While everything really feels new, is it as great as we hoped for? The Sims over the years have never disappointed when it came to new iterations and expansions, so could The Sims 4 be as amazing as we wished for?
The Sims 4 certainly has been the most anticipated Sims game yet, with all new graphics and realistic emotions that give an all-new meaning to actions performed by your Sims. You now have more interactive actions with your Sim’s jobs, and rewards being unlocked only once you have reached certain job levels. Emotions have also come out to play in The Sims 4, giving your Sim unique options depending on the mood they are in. From being embarrassed where your Sims have the option to “Hide from everyone” in their bed, to feeling inspired where your Sim has the potential to create works of art. The list is endless in the latest iteration of The Sims. These emotions can be triggered by taking a brisk, steamy, or thoughtful shower, or from simply interacting with other Sims. Negative actions result in negative emotions; so beware of the bladder meter becoming low!
While The Sims 4 certainly seems to have an all new feel, is all well in Oasis Springs and Willow Creek? The Sims’ worlds as we know it have always been quite large. In this iteration, however, the world is cut in half. While two worlds are incorporated into the game, you only have about a handful of houses to choose from, and bad news folks, the dreaded loading screen is back. Sims no longer have cars and have to use the cellphone to call a taxi to travel, which can be a tad annoying as we were all amazed by the open world in The Sims 3. Toddlers and pools have also made a disappearance in the latest Sims. But where certain things have gone away, other things have taken place. Such as being able to have group conversations and multitasking. It is now possible for your Sims to eat and drink or use the toilet and use the phone! But for some, “How dare they take our pools and toddlers!” are the words that flow through their mind. Trust me, I feel the same!
Creating a Sim has always been the most exciting part of playing the game. With The Sims 4, it’s a bit difficult to figure out how to create a Sim as the panel on the side is gone and you now have to resort to clicking on the body part or clothing item you want to change. The advanced options panel where we go to really make our Sims unique is also gone and we have been left with merely stretching the facial parts to our desire, or picking a preset face. The new clothing options and hair were the most exciting part of Create A Sim for me, not creating the actual Sim.
Building a house is my absolute favorite part of the game, more than the actual gameplay itself. You have an option between styled rooms to just purchase and place down or build completely from scratch. The options for furniture can range from elegant to modern to shabby. The options are endless when it comes to customizing your house. The Sims 4 has brought out the inner interior designer in me.
In conclusion, The Sims 4 has all new things to offer. But personally, it doesn’t feel like a Sims game anymore. The familiarity that we have felt with every previous Sims game is gone. Most anticipated Sims game or not, I was disappointed with the game play. Maybe we can expect more from the upcoming expansion pack to fix all of our woes.
Final Score: 7.5/10
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