Intro
The Sims franchise is probably one of the most infamous in terms of life simulator games. With EA (Electronic Art) making these games a long-standing staple among the gaming community its not surprise that it has lasted this long.
The game’s customizable options, domestic living base game specifications, and classic use of themed packs it’s not surprising to see why this game has lasted for as long as it has. This being one of the staple games of the life simulator genre you might have been wondering if this game is worth a try for you.
This article will delve into all the elements of the newest iteration of the game, The Sims 4, to help you decide if this game is right for you. As always this article is NOT a review but rather acts as a descriptive resource, and fairly neutral, 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?
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Gameplay
As stated in the intro this game is THE titular life simulator game. What happens is that you get a small sum of money (or simoleans) to get started in building the life of your dreams within the game. You first start by customizing your sim. This of course involves choosing the sim’s overall look, personality, traits, likes, and dislikes. 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).
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.
Story
As stated above, The Sims 4 is really your show. The base game really focuses on more fantastical aspects of a sim’s life such as having money for food or making friends. Despite the mainly domestic sphere of the game some pretty wild things can happen. 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. 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). Your sim also has the ability to age and sims tend to age rather quickly. This aspect can be toggled off if it is not desired but keep in mind that your sim can die as easily to old age as it 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.
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.
