23.July.2014

Are you thinking of buying the next generation of EA's 'The Sims' series on September 2nd when it's finally released? In this article, I will tell you what to expect from the new game 'The Sims 4' as well as what not to expect.

The game release has been anticipated since late 2013, but the late release has given the creators a lot of time to show us what we have in store when the game is finally ready to be played. With the amount of walkthroughs, trailers and teasers that can be found on the official Sims website, they have left us wanting the game for nearly a year. Though there is a lot to be explored upon the release, there has been some announcements to confirm what is not going to be in the main game upon release, though it is always possible with the many expansions that will be expected with the game - as no trailer shows pets, we already know one expansion we are all likely to spend our money on. In the main game, there will be a lack of swimming pools. That's right, no more drowning your sim when you get bored of them. The easiest way to kill a sim since the first release of the series, as we are not counting putting a sim in a small room with no doors to die, will not be involved in the main release. Their reasoning behind this lack of a murder method? They made such a strong foundation that they can, as stated by Ryan Vaughan, producer of the game at Maxis, "fulfill... every one of your desires in the years to come" that it was hard to feature every piece of content from the previous games in their new revamped system for build mode in the essential starting base. Another feature that is not making the final cut for the base game release is the toddler phase of childhood. Though it is not the best phase of the game for many Sims players, it was still a worthwhile part. There is currently a petition circling the corners of the internet for Maxis to bring in these game aspects, but if you are a Simlish toddler murderer who specializes in swimming pool deaths, do not hold your breath and expect these parts any time soon.

Though the game misses out on parts of the previous games in the original base game, the revamped system gives you alot more choice to personalize, give character to and develop your Sims. Were you sick of the old slider system to customize your Sims? Now the system is based on pulling and manipulating the Sim's actual body with your mouse, to give the Sim's body more of a unique aspect. Pull and contort the bumps, lumps and muscles of the human form in the Make-A-Sim mode. Like in the previous game, the Sims have emotions, or as they were called in the last game 'Traits', to explore but this has now been developed in such a depth, story mode could be an adventure at your fingertips. By being able to create unique personalities for your distinct Sims, you can make a splash with the new emotion system. Instead of having all interactions available throughout the game, the actions available depends on the mood of the Sim. For example, a parent can play with their child whilst happy though if they are sad, the actions will no longer be available. The range of emotions now available adds to the character's personality. A romantic Sim can be flirty and passionate, whilst a sporty Sim can be energetic. The emotions are available for all Sim ages, adding more detail to characters.The Build mode itself has also been revamped to give more personality to each building and home built in-game. You can click, drag and construct in a more simpler fashion than ever. It gives eases to the build with the new tools, though the system is likely to take a lot of getting used to for previous Sim fans.

The last upcoming feature to be mentioned, as its one that I know online players will love, is the Sim Exchange. Since The Sims 2, the Sim Exchange has been an easy way to get new houses, clothes and hairstyles for your characters to use in-game. Now, in The Sims 4, it will be possible to exchange sims alongside their personalities. You will no longer just be exchanging the skin for the character, you can now exchange the character itself. With this new availability to the system, it will be easier to add new playable characters to the game without moving too many muscles.

So, The Sims 4 looks like it is ready to be the greatest Sim game yet for people wanted a more expanded, simpler system to live Simlish lives in. Is this game for Sims lovers? Yes, it is, and it's available for pre-order.