Random Sim Musings 3-6-23

 

Coming to you LIVE from the Sim Acres Newsroom!  

Been awhile and there's been some stuff going on with Sims 4.  I have no idea where I'm going with this.

First up, THE BABIES ARE FREE FROM THEIR BASSINET PRISONS!  Kinda.  I don't generally play families but I have a few saves populated with lots of families and this will be an addition for them.  It's too soon to be annoyed with them yet.

I watched the live stream a few days ago and while I'm glad the new things are coming with the update and the expansion it's just...  Start this thought over.

The Sims 4 has added a lot over the years.  Lots of things with updates and lots of things with paid content.  And overall it's made a good playing experience (minus broken features and bugs) but it's spread out over so many packs and it can be inconsistent.   Like Selvadorada vs Sulani with culture lore.  Or even with the supernaturals.  Werewolves have lots of content compared to vampires.  Spellcasters fall in the middle since they have the Magic Realm.

Now this brings us to Growing Together.  There's the gameplay from Parenthood (which was not a Sims 3 Generations replacement) .  High School Years also had some family gameplay with the teens.  I see this as more of an add-on than an expansion (perhaps like My First Pet Stuff?) to fill in the holes in the family gameplay that's already there.

In the end I guess it doesn't matter because I'm getting the pack when it comes out and then figure out how to weave it in to my already established saves and probably making new saves because that's what I do.

Go 4th and sim!

 

Lori

#Simmer4Life

Random Sim Musings 5-20-20 Sims 4 VS Paralives VS Sims 5 + Bonus Musing

Wow, one day with a couple videos and everything explodes. 

Yesterday a new game play trailer for the Eco Lifestyle expansion dropped.  Personally, I think it looks pretty fun.  I'm happy with any new game play for The Sims.  Probably won't buy it when it's released, just wait for a sale.

But the comments and some reaction videos.  I should know better than to watch and read but I do.  Even with seeing a little bit, everyone is an expert. 

"It's all recycled from other packs!"

"It's not enough for a whole expansion!"

"NOBODY WANTED THIS!!"

Well, Eco stuff has been voted for addition by the community.  I think I voted for it, too.  I do the surveys and forget what they were for.  There's been some Eco play added in a few other packs and updates.  The argument that things are split up over different packs is a pretty valid point.  It's kinda frustrating to buy a few packs to feel that something is complete.  It's been a common theme in Sims 4 but I can't see it changing at this point.  I'm sure opinions will change yet again after the live stream tomorrow. 

This community...

Which brings me to the other big video yesterday.  The first look of the Parafolk from Paralives.

First the comments (paraphrased by me)...

"HEIGHT SLIDER!!!1111"

"THE HAIR MOVES!!!!!"

"THE CLOTHES MOVE!!!!!"

"COLOR WHEEL!!!"

"EA IS SO SCARED NOW!!!"

I can appreciate the work put in on this game.  It looks pretty good for just the work a few people.  I'm keeping an open mind but I need to see more.  I wish them well with the project though.

The fact that people think this is going to KILL the Sims franchise is wrong.  Yeah, I said it.  The Sims has 20 years worth of background.  Consistent releases has kept it alive.  There's probably more that can be said overall of the franchise but that's the basics.

Let's look at Sim City for how to kill a franchise.  Cities Skylines didn't have 100% to do with it, they did it to themselves.  It was screwed up right from the very start and that's why there may never be a Sim City game ever again.

Sims 4 is winding down and Paralives may fill the void until Sims 5 is released and if the base game isn't good, to say the least, Paralives may come in and succeed where The Sims failed.  If it get's some traction it may get backing from a large developer and it will go from there.  Only time will tell what happens.

Now for the shadow looming in the corner...Sims 5.  Rumor has it that it's going to be announced at EA Play in June.  And that feels right to me.  There was some staff shuffling a few years ago and the timing seemed right to start up a new game.

After some in depth research I've come up with this timeline...

Sims 4 announced on May 6, 2013.

Sims 3 Into the Future was released on October 22, 2013.

Sims 4 was released on  September 14, 2014.

Over the next 6 months there's going to be an expansion , Eco Lifestyle, a stuff pack, Nifty Knitting Stuff, probably and a game pack to be determined.  So that takes us to the end of the year. 

The was a recent survey so anything from that is at least a year away.  The results of that will take us into 2021 and I think that will wrap up this series.  It will probably finish on an expansion, not sure what will come maybe yet another stuff pack and game pack.  There's no shortage of stuff they can add.

So my uneducated best guesstimate is early 2022 for Sims 5 release.  And that is already too much to wrap my brain around.  And a perfect place to end.

Given everything going on in the world right now, I'm glad to have The Sims in my live as a distraction.  That's really the most important thing.


Bonus Musing...Animal Crossing New Horizons is one thing I'm sorry to be missing out on.  But a Switch just isn't in the budget, if I could even get one.  And getting it for one game just doesn't make sense to me.  But I do play Pocket Camp and even if the stepchild of the Animal Crossing community, I still love it.

Go 4th and Sim!
Simmer 4 Life!

Random Sims Musing 10-22-18: Dear Whiners

Perhaps I'm starting this off a bit harsh.  Maybe I'm just at an age where my crankiness skill is nearly maxed out.  Or maybe I'm just tired of people whining.

The embargo has been lifted from the latest Sims Camp and my YouTube and Twitter feeds are flooded with the new game footage.  I've watched a bit, just to get some different perspectives and see what's coming.  I'm liking what I see and I think this can be a very fun pack to play with.  Especially to let your imagination run wild with storytelling possibilities.

Then I make the mistake of reading comments and responses.  I know that's Internet 101 NEVER READ COMMENTS!!  And most of them are whiny.

"The world is too small."
"They're teasing us with cars!"
"Why didn't they put that one thing in that I want that I know everyone else wants???!!?!?!?!?!?!?"

Look Sims 4 isn't the game I would make if I could.  But neither was Sims 3, Sims 2 or The Sims that started it all.  There's been things I loved, things I liked and things I hated in each one.  Each pack brings something new to the game that it's in.  I use these things and if they're good I keep using it and if not I don't.  I'm looking at you, Vlad!  Stop creeping around my neighborhoods!

Anyway...

But Maxis has been listening.  Toddlers and Terrain Tools anyone?  There's been much more community involvement from the Gurus answering questions from everyone they can.  Even when they can't provide an answer.  They're just a group of people who are trying to do a job for an audience that isn't always grateful.  And yes, I'll include myself in that at times.

This game is what it is.  Shut up and play.  Or don't.

Here's Bella Goth giving the old stink eye.

Go 4th and Sim!
Simmer 4 Life!

Disabilities in Sims 4?

There seems to be some discussions lately on Twitter about adding in different options for disabilities in Sims 4.  Even a few speculation videos on YouTube.  Overall the response has been positive and Sim Guru Grant is saying they are looking into it.

Well...um.

Let me put it this way...I think it's great that the Sims 4 team want to be able to include all sorts of possibilities into this game.  It's important for some people to have "someone just like me" to play.  It's great for telling a story.  If that's your thing.

See, I don't play very realistically.  My sims never age or die.  They all live quite comfortably.  My sims have stories but I don't share much.  I've tried to play realistic type scenarios and honestly it was pretty depressing.  I love the Sims world as it was created.  I love the lightheartedness of it.  I have enough worries in my own life and I don't want to bring that into my gaming.

If by some chance it's added, it's not something I will ever use.  It doesn't fit my play style.  Honestly, I don't think it will ever be added.  I'm not sure there's a big enough audience for it and let's face it they have to make stuff to please the majority of players.  I really don't feel I can make this sound as if it's not heartless.  That's not where I'm coming from.   We all play The Sims for our own reasons.  I like it as an escape.

I'd rather see things like University or a vacation expansion added because I'd get more use out of that.  I gotta say leave this area to the modders because they could probably do it better than anyone else.

Go 4th and Sim!
Simmer 4 Life!

Random Non-Sims Musings: Uncharted Version 5-24-16

Or The Best Game I've Never Played.

For the past 15 plus years The Sims has pretty much been the only game I've played.  There was a few other titles on the PS2 but mostly Sims titles.  I've been aware of other games so I haven't been totally chillin with The Goths all these years.  It's only within the that few years (Thanks YouTube!) that I've really followed more game titles.

When GTA V was released a few years ago I got caught up in the hype.  I watched videos, live streams, read articles.  Even scoured Wikipedia for background.  Never knew that there were so many titles in the series!  Wow!  Grand Theft Auto V because the first Best Game I've Never Played.

Okay, I'll admit that I mostly got my video game info from Watch Mojo videos.  Great time killer, I highly recommend them.  Anyway, one game that always shows up in their lists besides the Zelda games, is the Uncharted series.  I mean how could anyone not love Nathan Drake?  I know I couldn't!

I managed to catch a few livestreams of the earlier games and could not believe the details of them.  Less of a video game than an interactive movie.  Excellent stuff.  Which brings me to the release of Uncharted 4:  A Thief's End.

Holy shit!

This is one of the most beautiful games I've ever seen.  The action holds up to any Hollywood movie.  The story is just outstanding.  And most importantly for me...a happy freaking ending.  The amount of detail that went into everything is amazing.  It really sets the bar pretty high for any video game in the future.

This is supposed to be the last installment in the series.  It's a good one to end it.

Even with all this I still have a few nitpicky things.

Does Nate only pack one outfit per location?  I get it when the action happens over the course of a day.  But there were times where the action moved onto another day and there he was in the same shirt and pants.

How does that chunk of hair that always seems to not make it into Elena's bun not drive her crazy?  I get that she's not a super girly girl but I know when I have a few hairs out of place I'm not satisfied until they are all someplace where they won't annoy me.

And lastly, don't think Nate and Elena should say anything about Cassie cleaning her room because they aren't exactly the neatest people.  Let the girl go to Antarctica!

Now I think I need to get my hands on a PS4 so I can play these games for myself.

I've just realized that I've probably spent more time writing about a game that I haven't even played than I have about Sims 4.  But that's a topic for another day.  Hopefully sooner than a year from now.

Go 4th and Sim!

Happy Holidays!

I have Sims 4 now.  A review and probably some sort of holiday celebration type thingie will be up sometime this month.

Drew Carey! :O

But when you're busy hobnobbing with celebrities there's not much time for anything else.  Don't be hating.

Go 4th and Sim!

The Sims 4: Gameplay Walkthrough Official Trailer

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!  HERE IT IS!! WHAT EVERY SIMMER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR!!!

This...



And more importantly, MY opinion of it.  Yeah.

Well, it was in game footage.

Not exactly live game play and mostly a setup.

Okay, the world is looking nice.

But most of all I love the build mode/gallery options.  I can get flaky with my playing and sometimes just want to change up the house my sims live in.  Well, if I get that urge playing the Sims 4...BOOM!  New house.  Won't even have to wait until they walk off the lot  >:(  to give them a brand new house.

Lots of loading screens.  But if I'm not mistaken one of the words going across the bottom was "Shaving llamas"  WTF??

Overall, still not knocking my proverbial socks off.  It is a very VIBRANT looking game and yes, I mean that in all caps.  Did Katy Perry have a hand in the design?  Where are the giant bananas?

Will I be getting it?  Of course!  Simmer for life!  It's just a matter of when.  I like where I am with Sims 3 and don't really see a need to move on right now.

And maybe I'm just a little grumpy that I still don't have access to the CAS Demo.  Okay, a lot grumpy.

Go 4th and Sim!

Random Sims Musings 6-25-14: Cue the OUTRAGE!!!!!

NO POOLS!!!!

NO TODDLERS!!!!!

WTF ARE THEY THINKING???

EA/MAXIS HATES EVERY SIMS PLAYER EVER!!!!

I'M NOT BUYING THIS GAME!!!!!!

I'M GOING TO SIT HERE AND CRY LIKE A 12 YEAR OLD GIRL WHEN HER FAVORITE BOY BAND BREAKS HER HEART!!  THAT'LL SHOW THEM!!!

Which is what some of the comments probably will be with this latest blog floating around the Simisphere.

Why Sim Guru Ryan is evil!!

I have such mixed feelings about Sims 4 as it is but no pools and no toddlers aren't really deal breakers for me.  The loss of CASt is a big one for me because I really did like all the different options so at least not everything looked the same.

No pools is kind of disappointing.  It's a nice addition to any house.  No toddlers?  Couldn't give two flying llamas about that.  I don't play legacy games, rotational style or with aging on.  Mostly just play single sims out doing their thing.  I have played families before and it's okay.  I usually just have a specific idea in mind and they just sit there unplayed when I move on to something else.

Now here's the most exciting thing I've read or heard so far and makes me all OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We also have beautiful Neighborhoods! Did you know that for the first time ever in The Sims, your Sims will be able to not only travel between Neighborhoods, but also between entire Worlds without having to start a new game!? This is something that I always wanted in The Sims 3, and I’m so excited to finally have it in The Sims 4. Neighborhoods and Worlds will be separated by a short load screen, but for the first time you’ll be able to live in one world and work (or play) in another! All of your Sim’s personality, accomplishments, and relationships stay with them as they travel around the best play-space we’ve ever created in a The Sims game.

Just wanted to make sure the important part was pointed out there.  This means I can have ONE GAME-ONE SIM-ONE WORLD.  Yeah, that's pretty freaking awesome!!  Now I know how I play and depending on how the whole save thing works (Sims 2 vs Sims 3) I'll still have games all over the place to try out different things.

So in conclusion I'm not feeling the hate that I'm sure many others are.  Yeah, got nothing else beyond that.

Let us all come together at this time and just embrace a new Sims world!  And fight the true evil in the world...CLOWNS!!!

Go 4th and Sim!

Random Sims Musings 6-14-14: Sims 4/E3 Edition

Yeah!  Another big Sims 4 demo has come and gone!  We know when the release date is!  And more details on features that have been featured before!  Look how you can push and pull things to make sims look like you!  Babies have legs!  You can play rotational style!

I figure by putting each piece of information followed by ! I'll get excited.  I'm just not feeling any sort of anticipation for Sims 4 coming out.  From what I hear and read it seems like they're going after the Sims 2 players.  Which is not me.

Here's what's not in The Sims 4 that I like:

-Complete open world
-Rabbitholes
-Create-A-Style

Maybe that's little stuff but it's what makes the game for me.  About the only thing that interests me right now is the new build mode.  I like building and decorating.  Sims 4 looks like it will make it easier to go back and correct stuff and change stuff without changing everything.  That's good!

Here's what's in The Sims 4 that I don't care about:

-Babies have legs
-No rabbitholes (Sims just walk off the lot and POOF!)
-Sims are simming all around you.
-Loading screens

Babies having legs seems to be a big deal...okay.  I didn't mind the burrito babies from Sims 3.  Now I get to watch an empty house instead of the rabbithole, where at least there was some action.  Ooh, wait!  Maybe I can go to the public areas and watch Sims be Sims!  As long as it's in the same neighborhood!

I have mixed feelings about this.  I'm ready for a fresh game but maybe not this one.  As of right now I can't see myself buying this game on Day 1.  I'm taking a wait and see attitude.  I definitely need more information.  Until then I'll stick with my Sims 3 game.

Go 4th and Sim! (Just not me, yet)

The Sims 4: Stories Official Gameplay Trailer

So there's this.  This game is looking better to me than it was.  It's helping that they're showing more gameplay though I'm really missing a hands on view of it and not just video snippets.  I hope at some point they do a producer's walkthrough like they did with all the old live chats.  I miss those.

Go 4th and Sim!

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the 100th post to this blog!!!!!

Oh and this too.

There you have it folks. The future starts September 2, 2014!

Go 4th and Sim!

The Sims 4: Build Mode Official Gameplay Trailer

So today we have this.





This looks way more appealing to me than Create-a-Sim even though it's still the same push and pull concept.

Adjusting walls is nice.

Adjusting wall heights is nice.

Adjusting foundations is nice.

The updated blue print mode is looking good, too.

But there's one thing I noticed hidden in one of the menus that just might make me buy this game...

Yeah, something that's been missing in Sims 3.  Shrubs in animal shapes!  There's another one but I can't really tell what it is.  So after watching the whole video that's the one thing I take away from it.  That and maybe I can finally build a roof that won't make me want to throw myself off of one.

Looking forward for more info to come soon from E3 and they better not disappoint!  (Like taking away Create-a-Style!  Boo!  Hiss!)

Go 4th and Sim!

Happy Happy 2014!

Well, made it through another year!  Lots of up and downs for me and my Sims.  Saw the end of this chapter in Sims history and the beginning of a new one.  Nothing against Seasons (I know that was 2012 but computer problems pushed it to 2013 for me) and University Life but Island Paradise and Into the Future were both an amazingly fantastic way to finish things up.  Nor do I want to forget Roaring Heights.  It's really my favorite world right now.

Mostly what I want to do is just take a few steps back and look at the stuff I haven't done or played with yet.  I know there are people that are playing a do-it-all challenge but that's not really for me.  The last thing I want is for my game to feel like work.  Get so wrapped up in little details that I forget to enjoy what I'm doing.  So I'm doing that in my own way.  For example, I took my go-to sim Serendipity Sunflower and put her in Roaring Heights and having her Sing-a-Gram her way to the top of the Singer profession.  I have to admit it's not the most exciting performer profession to watch.  And do the residents really need encouragement after every workout?  But it's not a bad way to tour the town and to meet the residents.

I also may give another go to starting over with a fresh Sim in Sunset Valley and just trying to play through all the expansions in some form.  I tried it once before but the game got messed up and of course I didn't have a back up.  Stupid of me, I know.

I would also like to put more work into this blog and the tumblr page.  I think I really need a creative outlet because I really do have tons of ideas and I do love when the stuff just comes together *cough Christmas Posts cough*

And mostly if I can figure it out and probably by working at it actually try to get a real audience to visit beside spam bots.

In closing here are some random pictures.

Serendipity chilling at her resort in Isla Paradiso.

And Gunther Goth in a fruit hat, because why not!

Here's going 4th into 2014 Simtacularly!*

* I haven't had enough sleep. That's my excuse and I'm sticking with it.