Sims 3: EP announcement and some reflection

[strangetomato]

You know what? I honestly wouldn't have predicted that EA'd come out with an EP that I simply have no interest in, but they've managed it.

I'm not sure I can completely articulate why this repels me so much, but it has something to do with the exactness of the replicas of these world locations, and how they actually refer to them as China or France instead of some sim world analogue, like Twikkii Island. It's just not very Simlish, is it? Compare that to Veronaville, which was an obvious reference to certain European countries, but it had its own twist. It had charm. I'm not seeing the charm. Maybe things will improve from this first look, but right now it's just... lacking.

A while back I was putting together my own little review of Sims 3 (which was never posted), and I'm reminded again of my main criticism of the third installment in our beloved series: it's a departure. That's what's wrong. It's veering off into different genres, most notably point-and-click adventure, and they're falling down on the promise of the simulation side of things. This is a mistake, because that's the reason we're here. Their task should have been to build a better dollhouse, and only that. In trying to appeal to a wider audience, they're losing track of the whole point of the game. The Sims franchise was always about domesticity, and that was enough.

They did some things right, no doubt, like the increased level of customization, but they didn't go far enough, and they're changing the overall feel of the game. They haven't even improved the way the genetics work. If they did nothing else, it should have been that.

So those are my thoughts. What do you think?

Comments

[will-o-whisper.livejournal.com]

Not an adventure game. Adventure games have interesting plots and puzzles. I'd equate Sims 3 more with a real-time strategy game, but without the war or the challenges or anything that makes RTS games worthwhile. :P The thing with moving away from the Sims as a sim is I really don't think EA is going to appeal to that broader audience they're after. I agree that they're trying to turn the Sims into a game, and mediocre one at that - a game that "gamers" aren't going to bother with because there are much better choices out there. Which leaves a disappointed simulation crowd that will eventually stop buying. Everybody loses in this setup, it looks like. :( Except EA, because they don't care.

I hadn't heard about the new expansion, but it sounds like I won't be buying it. I don't want real places in my fantasy world.

[aledstrange.livejournal.com]

Not an adventure game. Adventure games have interesting plots and puzzles
True, good point! still it feels a lot like it to me, though, but totally agree about that. It'd actually be like a very lame adventure game XD

[peasant007.livejournal.com]

Yep yep. Adventure games give you so much better XP and PHAT LEWT when you turn in a collection quest. Not just some lame old space hogger that looks like it would be a pain to dust.

[cameoflage.livejournal.com]

That reminds me of another point: Stapling MMO-RTS-adventure-game stuff onto a Sims game is doomed to failure as an attempt to appeal to the rest of the gaming community, since the Sims series' reputation is that of a domestic-life simulator. Which clearly means it's for girls and must be shunned. Therefore, they're not even going to check it out.

And, for that matter, TS3 still has the aspects that make hardcore gamers go all "SHUUUUUUUUUUUN", so -- just to throw in some wanton metaphor abuse -- it tries to have its cake and eat it too, but ends up as neither fish nor fowl. You're right; everybody loses.