My name is Susanne and I am addicted to The Sims. I have been from the
original release, and subsequent expansion packs. I found myself as excited as a
kid at Christmas with every expansion release and my addiction grew. Now,
finally EA has released the original and all expansion packs in one neat package
at a great price. No longer do I need to keep all those disks, though I probably
will for nostalgic purposes. Yes, I am a sims geek and proud of it. If you are
new to The Sims, this all-in-one package can make you feel overwhelmed. Rest
assured the tutorials are great and you will be simming like a pro in no time.
The Sims Complete Collection combines The Sims, The Sims Livin Large, The Sims
House Party, The Sims Hot Date, The Sims Vacation, The Sims Unleashed, The Sims
Superstar and The Sims Makin’ Magic in one package.
With the original hit The Sims you can build and customize your sims’ person
and/or family with a variety of different traits, from haircolor to what zodiac
sign they are. For each sim you create you chose their career and help them move
along the corporate ladder. It is your goal to make sure that they are happy and
you have hundreds of objects and commands to help them along. Each expansion
pack added many new items, outfits (or skins as they are called) characters,
walls, floors, furniture and building tools.
The Sims Livin’ Large was the smallest expansion in which you gained The Sims
Creator. Use this to create your own sims skins and traits to play in your game.
Additionally, new objects and new character outfits, along with new walls and
floors to re-decorate your home.
The Sims House Party added the ability to throw parties and invite your
neighbors. Over 100 new items, new neighborhoods and a bunch of new characters.
There is a Mime that will show up when your party is getting a bit slow, and he
will try to entertain your guests. One hilarious character shows up when you buy
a cake in which a male or female dancer jumps out dancing and starts flirting to
help your partygoers have a great time. You also have the ability to hire a
caterer to handle all the food and drinks.
The Sims Hot Date added a whole new dimension to your sims life. It added a
downtown area in which you can hang out and meet new sims. You just call up a
cab and it whisks you away to a Maxis created lot or you can get real creative
and create your own hang out. Additionally you have new build mode tools such as
grass and water. New items abound and now you can easily find what you wish with
Maxis adding new sorting categories.
The Sims Vacation enables your sims to live life to the fullest. Your sims
can now go on vacation to a beach resort, camping in a tent in the woodlands or
skiing at a winter retreat. You can send postcards to friends and buy or win
souvenirs.
The Sims Unleashed should be a favorite for all animal lovers out there. This
expansion added a whole new neighborhood where sims can live and play. It added
new items for your sims and your sims pets. You can now be the proud owner of an
adopted cat or dog. Go into the new neighborhood, Old Town, and easily become
the owner of a bird, turtle, iguana or fish. You must remember that owning a pet
is a responsibility and you must keep them happy just like your sim.
The Sims Superstar added Studio Town and enables your sims to hang out with
the stars or become a movie star, rocker or supermodel. Fame objects allow your
sims to gain stars in a variety of different categories all helping the path to
stardom along. Acting objects such as open mic, soap opera set and film set
allow sims to try out and refine their acting abilities. Music objects such as
Karaoke, music recording and videos let your sim rock out and become the next
hit. Fashion objects such as photo shoot and fashion runway will let your sims
become a model and try for supermodel. Many new characters make for a truly
superstar atmosphere with additions like the paparazzi, devoted and even
obsessed fans.
The Sims Makin’ Magic is the best and final expansion to The Sims. It added
the ability to do spells and charms along with being able to bake breads or
pies, make nectar by growing grapes or berries and pressing the fruit. You can
send your sim to Magic Town and obtain new skills for making magic. Go on a
roller coaster, try mini-golf or perform magic for the crowd.
I have to say for this sims fan, I love the package. It is great having it
all in one box and not needing to keep around a bunch of disks. I encourage
anyone who has never tried The Sims to pick this one up. You will not be
disappointed, in fact you will probably be joining the ranks of the addicted.
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Review Scoring Details for Sims The Complete Collection |
Gameplay: 9
Somewhat complex for those new to The Sims. There is an awesome tutorial
that will take you step-by-step through how to start playing, but it’s all a
learning experience. Having all the expansions packaged together is a great way
for those new to The Sims to have all the goodies in one complete set. There are
literally thousands of building supplies, furniture, art, outfits, and options
to give the player countless possibilities.
Graphics: 8
Remember the original game came out a few years ago and basically the
expansions just added to it. No real enhancements were made visually, but the
game looks and plays pretty darn good.
Sound: 7
The Sim language still sounds like crazy gibberish, but is also quite funny.
The sound effects in my opinion were a bit bland, but still added amusement.
Difficulty: Medium
Depending on what you want out of the game, it can be easy or hard depending
on the complexity of which you enjoy playing.
Concept: 8
I liked packaging all the expansions in one go-to title. This will sure
please those who have never played The Sims before, but there is really nothing
more here if you already have picked up all seven expansions.
Overall: 8.4
One stop shopping getting the original and all the expansions had to offer
in one package at a very reasonable price.
