The Sims™ 4 review

Welcome to The Sims™ 4, where you can create, guide, and shape the lives of your very own digital populace. Over the past week, I have been living life vicariously through Jess, a tech-savvy character who has become my all-time favorite Sim. With her wide hips, mischievous grin, and geeky persona, she's been through a lot - mastering programming, raising two children, and even having a few bouts of sadness. But as I sit here, sipping on her digital elixir of youth, I ponder the joys and drawbacks of the latest Sims installment.

Decoding the Gameplay: Emotion and Interaction

Creating Jess was an exercise in creativity. The new Create-a-Sim tool opens a world of customization, from choosing a walk style that can range from “tough” to “feminine”, to molding body types by pushing and pulling at different parts of a Sim’s body. The Sims 4’s inclusivity in representing various body types is praiseworthy, enabling Jess to have thick thighs and a lean upper body. 

However, the game limits the traits you can give your Sim to a maximum of four, a reduction from The Sims 3. This initial disappointment quickly subsided as I discovered the power of emotions in the game, offering a more dynamic and immersive gameplay experience. Jess's "romantic" trait often led her to feel "flirty", which opened up a plethora of fun interactions and reactions. The emotional axis provides Sims with new contextual opportunities and feels more sensible and engaging compared to static interactions based on traits.

The Labyrinth of Socialization: Exploring the World

To truly experience these emotional interactions, your Sim needs to socialize and venture outside their home. This is where The Sims 4 seems to stumble. The world feels small and confined, with every outing, even to your next-door neighbor, accompanied by a jarring loading screen. The game provides only 10 public venues to visit, and the small world size often results in encountering the same characters repeatedly. The lack of coworkers and the “rabbit-hole” careers further confines your Sim’s social life, making the world feel even smaller.

The Power of Multitasking: An Improved Experience

Despite the limitations, The Sims 4 does offer a silver lining in the form of improved Sim multitasking. Jess could code while chatting with her friend Juniper, eat while watching TV, or text while using the bathroom. Conversations are more fluid, allowing for multiple interactions without micromanagement. The resulting organic and intelligent conversations often lead to amusing and unexpected scenarios, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Constructing Your Dream Home: The Enhanced Build Mode

Moving away from the emotional side of the game, The Sims 4's Build Mode has seen significant upgrades. The ability to move entire rooms without demolition and the push-and-pull tool for walls are game-changers. Cabinet and counter customization also add a touch of personalization. However, some quirks in the new tools, such as the application of foundations to all structures on the lot, limit certain architectural designs.

Pros: 

• Inclusive character customization;
• Improved multitasking and fluid conversation;
• Enhanced building tools;
• Complex emotional system enriching Sim interactions;

Cons:

• Limited world size with frequent loading screens;
• Reduced traits for Sims;
• Absence of toddlers, pools, and cars;
• Limited architectural designs due to tool quirks;

Сonclusion: The Final Verdict 

Transitioning from The Sims 3 to The Sims 4 might feel a bit overwhelming at first. The game seems to lack certain features and content from its predecessor, such as toddlers, pools, and cars. The restricted world size and the frequent loading screens could dampen the gaming experience. However, The Sims 4 shines by introducing a more complex emotional system that enriches Sim interactions. The improved building tools and the inclusive character customization also add to the game's appeal. While it might not match the wow factor of The Sims 3, The Sims 4 is a promising start to a potentially great Sims game.