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Design a family and homes while living a simulated life

Design a family and homes while living a simulated life

Vote: (320 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: ELECTRONIC ARTS

Version: 1.96.397.1220

Works under: Mac

Also available for Windows

Vote:

Program license

(320 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

ELECTRONIC ARTS

1.96.397.1220

Works under:

Also available for

Mac

Windows

Pros

  • Powerful character creator
  • Fun and cartoonish animations
  • Characters speak in Sim-onese
  • Grow a life by adding expansion packs
  • Add aspirations and life goals
  • Adjust emotional intelligence

Cons

  • The game is starting to show signs of its age
  • Can be expensive to pay for new content

Seeing as how this is the fourth entry in a highly successful series of life simulating computer games, it's clear that The Sims 4 has become something of a rare phenomenon. The goal is to create a synthetic human, complete with an equally synthetic way of life, but that objective has long since evolved beyond all recognition. Indeed, the core game has picked up several expansion packs, which take life in fun and fascinating new directions. Still, even without pets and new career opportunities, this standalone game has much to offer, including a highly detailed graphics engine.

While it's true that this gaming genre doesn't use a clearly defined goal, there's no denying the success of The Sims 4 as an entertainment mainstay. There's no enemy to defeat, no race to win, and no long list of accomplishments to carry out, yet this is the fourth edition of the game. What else is there to say? Life, even a simulated life, can be immersive and compelling. With the Sims 4, the player can bring extravagant fantasies to life or stay within the conventional environs of regular life, complete with a 9-to-5 job. Use the in-game character creator to generate a fun-loving Sim or one who is anxiety-ridden. Add a wardrobe, adjust emotion mechanics, then unleash that creation on a simulated existence to see how they handle the cards they've been dealt.

Playing God, digital life takes hold. It's an open-ended environment, so the character develops in response to the in-game stimuli. Let the Sim age a little, take him or her into a relationship, then watch the wedding bells ring. Before too long, a little bundle of joy will appear. Hopefully, the Sim can rise to the challenge, perhaps by earning a career promotion. Of course, other lifelines are available. If the day-to-day grind doesn't appeal, the player in charge of the Sims fate could aspire to become a master chef or a professional bodybuilder. Pleasingly, life goals and aspiration objectives change to reflect changes in career paths.

And that's the true appeal of The Sims 4, the ability to make any goal or fantasy come alive. Available for Mac or Windows PC users, the cartoon-like graphics are beginning to look a little dated, but they flow like butter on a moderately powered computer. Eyes move, expressions display emotional states, and fully shaded simulated humans express themselves in the most visually demonstrative ways. Surely there's nothing more compelling than placing a little piece of yourself in one of these little humans, especially when you get to see them mature and experience a future that you've created.

Pros

  • Powerful character creator
  • Fun and cartoonish animations
  • Characters speak in Sim-onese
  • Grow a life by adding expansion packs
  • Add aspirations and life goals
  • Adjust emotional intelligence

Cons

  • The game is starting to show signs of its age
  • Can be expensive to pay for new content