This article gives you all the information you need to see if you should play the Sims 4.
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One standard staple of the cozy gaming genre is the life simulator game. Often times even if a games is not made to be a life simulator there will still life simulation aspects that will feature within a game.
The Sims franchise is probably one of the most infamous in terms of life simulator games. Given the game’s many iterations and DLC packages its easy to see why it’s been a long standing staple within the genre.
With the game’s customizable options, domestic living base game specifications, and it’s classic use of themed packs it’s not surprising to see why this game has been able to last as long as it has. Based on all this you might be finding yourself wondering if the Sims franchise is the right one for you.
This article will delve into all the elements of the newest iteration of the franchise, The Sims 4, to help you decide if this game is right for you. As always this article acts as a descriptive resource to help you decide whether this game is worth your time. Now let’s get into the article and answer the question: Should you play the sims 4?
Story
As stated above, the game is all about building a character and life that you want to live based on the options available to you.
The Sims 4 is really your show and can be played however you wish. You can get your dream job, start a family, set everything on fire while, the possibilities are endless. The base game really focuses on more fantastical aspects of a sim’s such as being able to afford rent on your own or having a group of friends. Despite the mainly domestic sphere of the game some pretty wild things can happen throughout your play through. You can choose to be kind to your sims and help them to move up in the world or you can leave them in a pool with no ladder to watch them drown. It’s really up to you.
The DLC for the game can also change the story as you can purchase packs that are more fantastical (such as the vampires pack) or more domestic (such as teenage years). You also have the option to toggle aging on or off depending on what kind of story you want to tell.. Just keep in mind that sims tend to age rather fast so don’t be surprised if your sim reaches its elderly years within a few weeks of play.
Sims can also be rather fragile creatures and can die as easily to old age as they can by electrocution (depending on how handy your sim is with fixing appliances). In any case, be mindful of your sim’s mortality, how they are with other sims, and their age if you plan on keeping them around.
Honestly the game mechanics can be kind of wacky and even glitchy at times. Whatever you decide it’s likely going to produce some meme fodder if nothing else so just enjoy the ride as it happens.
Gameplay
The game has quite a bit of things for your sim to to but a lot of what you’re going to be doing is watching sim live out the choices that you make for it. You begin by choosing the sim’s overall look, personality, traits, likes, and dislikes to flesh out your character. This is the character that you will be in charge of keeping alive throughout the game by attending to their needs (such as feeding, hygiene, socialization, etc).
You are then able to start with a small sum of money (or simoleans) to get you situated in the game so that you can start living out the life you want.
You will then start by choosing what neighborhood to live in and what your house will look like. Then you will get your sim hired at a job to earn money so that they don’t starve.
In this capacity they can move up the ranks in their position (just like in real life) and earn a more stable wage (unlike in real life). As the game has evolved the developers have added new features such as social media to renew your social bar or potions for a quick fix on immediate needs. From there its really up to you.
You can romance other sims, have a family, make friends, change careers, and many other features. The options are really up to you and you can create whatever life you want for your sim(s). If you do choose to start a family any spouses that you marry or any kids that you have will also be controllable by you, so bare that in mind when deciding on future family planning tactics. Just keep in mind that for your sim to have the best quality of life it is important to attend to their needs as not doing so can affect their mood, social interactions, and how they do in their everyday lives.
Life in the Sims
You will then start by choosing what neighborhood to live in and what your house will look like. Then you will get your sim hired at a job to earn money. In this capacity they can move up the ranks in their position (just like in real life) and earn a more stable wage (unlike in real life). As the game has evolved the developers have added new features such as social media to renew your social bar or potions for a quick fix on immediate needs. From there its really up to you. You can romance other sims, have a family, make friends, change careers, and many other features.
You can also expand your sim’s world by DLC packs that add new features to the game. The options are really up to you and you can create whatever life you want for your sim(s). If you do choose to start a family any spouses that you marry or any kids that you have will also be controllable by you, so bare that in mind when deciding on future family planning tactics. Just keep in mind that for your sim to have the best quality of life it is important to attend to their needs as not doing so can affect their mood, social interactions, and how they do in their everyday lives.
Who Will Like This Game?
Of course those who like life simulation games will get a really great kick out of this title as there is a lot to do with so many possibilities. You can enjoy a wide array of options and if you want to change careers or hobbies you can do so rather seamlessly. There’s also a lot of potential to cause chaos in this game so those who enjoy a bit of mischief and anarchy will definitely enjoy The Sims 4.
Who Won’t Like This Game?
In saying that, those who really don’t enjoy life simulators or rather glitchy games probably won’t enjoy this title. The game is very much focused on you making decisions for the sim you create in a sand box kind of way. This is more of a third person experience rather than a first person narrative driven game. If that doesn’t sound like your jam then you probably won’t enjoy the Sims 4.
Pros
- Customization.
- Low stress.
- Slow paced.
- Full domestic life simulator.
- You can be a secret agent.
Cons
- Can feel like your baby sitting if taking care of something in a game is not your style.
- Not a ton of area of mobility.
- Players looking for something more fantastical might want to reconsider unless purchasing added DLC.
Conclusion
The Sims franchise is a fluid and versatile gaming series that has become the blueprint for life simulator games for the past several decades. Though this game has been fun for many for some time if taking care of a sim, trying to socialize, and a more real-life setting are not your jam then this game may not be for you. However, if you are looking to get your toes wet in the life simulator genre than consider checking out the Sims 4. It has all your life simulator needs and even if it doesn’t there’s probably a DLC pack for it.
Want to learn more about life simulator games? Check out my article on Stardew Valley here to see if life on the farm is right for you.
Ready to start life in the Sims? Check out the links below to purchase the game for yourself:
Steam (PC): Buy.
Amazon (Console): Buy.