The Sims 3

 PC
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1235 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 841 out of 1235
  2. Mixed: 288 out of 1235
  3. Negative: 106 out of 1235
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  1. PrincessT1991
    Nov 1, 2010
    10
    The Sims 3 is an amazing game, that is very life like. I am looking forward to getting the new Expansion Packs. But I will agree that having no choice to have pets does kinda suck, and the graphics aren't the best. But this game will have you singing along to whatever Sim Language song is on the radio.
  2. MissFelixia
    Mar 13, 2013
    10
    i came in on sims 3 and i am totally adicted to it. if you have never played the sims before you should love this game. i didnt think i'd be interested in it much but now its my most played game. it is a huge time sink though
  3. reviewobsession
    Nov 19, 2014
    8
    As a player sometimes i want to play a game without limits. I look through my old games and try to decide which one can satisfy my open world hunger. And at the end i always embrace my Sims games as a savior. Sims 3 is a very good game with expansions. In spite of many serious bugs and long loading times, game world is relaxing and beautiful. Gameplay is deep and diverse. Challenge isAs a player sometimes i want to play a game without limits. I look through my old games and try to decide which one can satisfy my open world hunger. And at the end i always embrace my Sims games as a savior. Sims 3 is a very good game with expansions. In spite of many serious bugs and long loading times, game world is relaxing and beautiful. Gameplay is deep and diverse. Challenge is optional and creation tools are great. This is the last maxis game which respects hardcore and casual players equally. But Sims 3 is very expansive toy and without expansion packs content is limited and repetitive. If you have money and patience to ignore serious bugs, game is worth buying.… Expand
  4. jakethesnack
    Oct 25, 2013
    8
    I enjoy the game for how life like the game is, and I never seem to get bored whenever i play it despite while most of the time the sims are either at work/school or sleeping.
  5. cezar88augusto
    Mar 13, 2022
    10
    The Sims series is one of the best known worldwide. After the great success of The Sims 1 and 2, The Sims 3 implemented significant graphics improvements, but it was no longer new. It is undoubtedly a game that guarantees hours of fun, but when I played it I had the feeling of being "more of the same". But I will give 10 stars!
  6. nejnej55
    Apr 23, 2023
    8
    I remember spending my whole day as a kid playing this game, it was just so addictive and fun. The expansion packs actually brought a lot of content compared to the sims 4 today and the open world just makes the sims 3 much more superior to the sims 4. One negative thing that I remember would always happen was that the game would crash and I would lose all my progress.
  7. VRossi
    Nov 6, 2011
    9
    I really enjoyed The Sims 3. It showed some impressive development from The Sims 2. I'm very glad to see its improvement and looking forward to The Sims 4 (if any). The graphic is incredible. At some point the game gets a bit inconvenient though acceptable. I wish they work on it a little bit and this game will be flawless.
  8. SilentINU
    Nov 28, 2012
    8
    the only thing that i always wanted on a Sims game was, Babies, create a real family and a family tree! The only reason i don't give it a 10 is not having split screen :( my sister and i used to play together on Sims 2. The interaction the new jobs and the mods for the game were excellent, Sims 3 is an epic game that provides long hours of play and fun creating Sims or families. And thethe only thing that i always wanted on a Sims game was, Babies, create a real family and a family tree! The only reason i don't give it a 10 is not having split screen :( my sister and i used to play together on Sims 2. The interaction the new jobs and the mods for the game were excellent, Sims 3 is an epic game that provides long hours of play and fun creating Sims or families. And the expansions were very good as well.… Expand
  9. MusAddict
    Nov 25, 2011
    8
    As a former draftsman, and a fan of life simulation, I fell in love with this game. The ability to lead a fantastical second life while not being sucked into Second Life, this game really played on my hopes and dreams. While that sounds sad, it's actually a nice way to escape troubles for a short while while you "live" your dream of becoming a Blockbuster Movie Composer. Advancing yourAs a former draftsman, and a fan of life simulation, I fell in love with this game. The ability to lead a fantastical second life while not being sucked into Second Life, this game really played on my hopes and dreams. While that sounds sad, it's actually a nice way to escape troubles for a short while while you "live" your dream of becoming a Blockbuster Movie Composer. Advancing your skills in the guitar is also enjoyable.… Expand
  10. gingefisher
    Oct 16, 2011
    8
    a good game, just a few things that need sorting i think you should be allowed to go to work with them aswell... As when i purchased the game i was told you could!
  11. PinkPony
    Apr 28, 2012
    8
    Considering the amount of money you pay for this when it comes out, the amount of "new" is very little. Many of the furniture, build mode items, hair, clothing comes straight out of Sims 2 (if not the original Sims game). The things that have changed are good, but could've been more. The step from Sims 1 to 2 was a lot bigger and way more impressive and a great improvement. Apart from theConsidering the amount of money you pay for this when it comes out, the amount of "new" is very little. Many of the furniture, build mode items, hair, clothing comes straight out of Sims 2 (if not the original Sims game). The things that have changed are good, but could've been more. The step from Sims 1 to 2 was a lot bigger and way more impressive and a great improvement. Apart from the graphics and the seamless city, new jobs etc. little has changed.… Expand
  12. Cubixreviews
    May 9, 2012
    8
    The Sims 3 is a really good life simulator game, but not better than The Sims 2. The SIms 3 haves some cool extras like, exploring the city, new jobs etc. The graphics are better, but the gameplay no. I miss building my own shop, I miss visiting aliens, I miss their cool expansion. So, I'm giving a positive rating, 8 points.
  13. J.S.
    Jun 7, 2009
    9
    The Sims 3 is by far the best of the series. Essentially everything annoying about the previous game has been removed, and there have been many fun additions to the gameplay. The only reason I'm giving it a 9 is the apparent move to microtransactions, which rubs me the wrong way. There are very few items in-game and most items and articles of clothing cost the equivalent of $0.75 The Sims 3 is by far the best of the series. Essentially everything annoying about the previous game has been removed, and there have been many fun additions to the gameplay. The only reason I'm giving it a 9 is the apparent move to microtransactions, which rubs me the wrong way. There are very few items in-game and most items and articles of clothing cost the equivalent of $0.75 each. Fortunately, you can get most of the good ones with the $10.00 worth of free points when you buy the game. Hopefully the boxed expansions will provide more value.… Expand
  14. MikeD
    Jun 3, 2009
    9
    The game is good. It feels like a solid game but is missing a few features that have always been there. The first is the fact that they skimped in some areas where they added it other. Sims don't get in there car any more they just appear in there car or bike about 5 or 6 feet away from the ride. My second issue I found that its one Sim to a neighborhood. You can have as many as you The game is good. It feels like a solid game but is missing a few features that have always been there. The first is the fact that they skimped in some areas where they added it other. Sims don't get in there car any more they just appear in there car or bike about 5 or 6 feet away from the ride. My second issue I found that its one Sim to a neighborhood. You can have as many as you want but you cant work with more then 1 family inside one neighborhood filled with a bunch of family's to pick from. This doesn't phase me all that much but it kinda is an annoyance. I haven't gotten to the point where the kids move out but who knows what will happen then. The last thought I have is how cluttered some of the options are compared to the Sims 2. It just feels to diff rent. I know some people say don't compare it to the Sims 2 but you kinda have to because sequels seek to improve not create something new.… Expand
  15. paulgreen
    Feb 11, 2012
    10
    The Sims 3 is an amazing game, that is very life like. I am looking forward to getting the new Expansion Packs. But I will agree that having no choice to have pets does kinda suck, and the graphics aren't the best. But this game will have you singing along to whatever Sim Language song is on the radio.
  16. JasonBlack
    Jul 1, 2009
    9
    The Sims games have always put in a new era of life-and-style! Ive played the Sims 1 and 2 many times. Ive imagined that one day the Sims 3 would come out one day when I was younger. My friend and I even submitted many ideas about a Sims 3 game. Im still questioning whether this game was made because of me and my friends submits to the company.
  17. TM
    Jun 18, 2009
    9
    The Sims 3, is just plan fun. It has taken the very best from both sims games before it and improved upon it. Though the paying to get new sets is just an money grab i am looking forward to see what new stuff the expansion will add.
  18. StevenB.
    Jun 18, 2009
    10
    I like how many different careers there are in the game to master. Runs really well on my laptop too.
  19. smijatov
    May 28, 2011
    10
    The Sims 3 is truly magnificent and an amazing peak highlight to the Sims franchise! With amazing visuals and graphics, it definitely pushes The Sims 2 to another level. Some might argue that the Sims actually look less like Sims now, but more human... which is a somewhat legitimate complaint. However, I believe it's a great improvement since they are not as abstract as they were before asThe Sims 3 is truly magnificent and an amazing peak highlight to the Sims franchise! With amazing visuals and graphics, it definitely pushes The Sims 2 to another level. Some might argue that the Sims actually look less like Sims now, but more human... which is a somewhat legitimate complaint. However, I believe it's a great improvement since they are not as abstract as they were before as figures.
    Also, the ability to just go through the entire town is simply great, and the ability to enter other people's houses immediately, makes the game so much more pleasurable.

    Of course, the expansions will add all the things we've lost that we had accumulated in The Sims 2, so one can only get those and fully enjoy the Sims 3. Maxim managed the nearly impossible task of making a better game out of the almost perfect Sims 2.
    Amazing game!!!    … Expand
  20. Xextreem
    Sep 17, 2011
    10
    Good game. First release (without the update) the game was bad because off the random crashing. Now late 2011 the fixes it take them almost 2 years to find the hidden bug. However about this game is that when you play it, the time will fly :D its a great game have fun with it. Ps there are always cry ers and trolls so ignore them play this :D you will love it
  21. corecmdr
    Sep 29, 2011
    10
    The sims 3 is really awesome. I love having the ability to suck up ghosts or to be a master thief. Adventures is lots of fun too, though I have trouble woo hooing the locals. I hate to say it but I can't find one thing wrong with this game... well other than lack of more expansions for me to buy. Keep it coming ea.
  22. Cherls
    Jan 8, 2010
    9
    Ignore the doom-mongerers, this game is such a step up. I was a huge fan of Sims 2 but Sims 3 is miles ahead. Apart from a few things which could be improved (stairs and dropping terrain) the build mode is v intuative and the 'Create Style' option lets you customise almost anything. When it comes to game-play the open neighbourhood is amazing, no more lengthy loads, you can just Ignore the doom-mongerers, this game is such a step up. I was a huge fan of Sims 2 but Sims 3 is miles ahead. Apart from a few things which could be improved (stairs and dropping terrain) the build mode is v intuative and the 'Create Style' option lets you customise almost anything. When it comes to game-play the open neighbourhood is amazing, no more lengthy loads, you can just cruise around town. Sim interaction is improved, there are more skills to learn, things to do and the opportunities addition is a great idea. I'll admit, it took me about a fortnight to make the move from 2 to 3 but now there's no question. Looking forward to great things from the expansion packs!… Expand
  23. AndrewL
    Jun 6, 2009
    10
    All I can say is, wow! What an improvement on the last two games! The only thing that set me back is that there were a few items missing (diving board, hot tub, pool table) but like any Sims game they're on their way shortly, and judging by how much i like this one at the moment I'm going to be investing a lot in this title. Its brilliant. Tiny install time and gorgeous All I can say is, wow! What an improvement on the last two games! The only thing that set me back is that there were a few items missing (diving board, hot tub, pool table) but like any Sims game they're on their way shortly, and judging by how much i like this one at the moment I'm going to be investing a lot in this title. Its brilliant. Tiny install time and gorgeous graphics. It can be a little confusing with selecting houses and things from the neighbourhood screen (I think it goes without saying the old systems were more simple) but it's a new touch and judging by how you now play the game, it works. You zoom out from your home, mid gameplay, click a restaurant, and within 10 seconds your Sims have responded and are on their way in a cab (or your own, very generous costing car). Behing able to put an object on a table in a grid of 9 rather than just one spot is much more appealing than you'd think. Having a lamp and a pot plant on the same side table puts that little bit more depth into your design.. the capabilities are endless. There is so much humour within the game and the new Sim character design is great, although for some reason the stock heads are awfully wide, it doesnt take much to squeeze the cheekbones in. Skill raising is even more challenging than before and the game has seriously added a whole new lifespan to it with this 3rd title.… Expand
  24. EmmaG.
    Jan 31, 2010
    9
    It's a really good game,but you can't built any lots!It was my fave part,so it's a bit bad for me.The other things are really exciting.Fishing,parties are fantastic!I love the graphics! But you've got to buy a new graphic card.If you don't your game will stuck.
  25. CharityLeGal
    Aug 13, 2011
    10
    Sims 3 is an amazing game. I got it from my father and i fell in love with it right when i pressed "Create Sims" I find this game brilliant and amazing. Its the best thing i have ever played in my life. If i could i would play it 24/7.... It's just soooooo amazing. Point covered
  26. Dragonzaid6
    May 16, 2012
    10
    One of the best games out there using just the simplest ideas: Create human characters and control their life. The sims series is amazing and number three is a big highlight. The art/create style tool adds a whole new customization aspect to the game, its amazing. You can take any object (except fences and stairs) and make it look like almost any material you can think of and have anyOne of the best games out there using just the simplest ideas: Create human characters and control their life. The sims series is amazing and number three is a big highlight. The art/create style tool adds a whole new customization aspect to the game, its amazing. You can take any object (except fences and stairs) and make it look like almost any material you can think of and have any color in the entire color spectrum. The new opportunities system is a great addition and the lifetime rewards are awesome! 10 out of 10.… Expand
  27. BrandonTasker
    Jun 10, 2009
    10
    "Lisa H gave it a5:
    I have had all the Sims games, but this one at present, seems to be the one I like the least! Personally I find the graphics are nowhere near as sharp as the previous games, and colours less vibrant. - so visually I find it seems messy & incompleted. I liked the simplicity of Sims 2, and some of the quirky add-ons from Sims 1 i.e. Making Magic, shame Sims3 isn't    "Lisa H gave it a5:
    I have had all the Sims games, but this one at present, seems to be the one I like the least! Personally I find the graphics are nowhere near as sharp as the previous games, and colours less vibrant. - so visually I find it seems messy & incompleted. I liked the simplicity of Sims 2, and some of the quirky add-ons from Sims 1 i.e. Making Magic, shame Sims3 isn't an synergy of the best parts of Sim1 & 2. I may get used to this one - or atleast I'm hoping I will, but for me, the clarity of the graphics is disappointing!"
    **How can you rate this at a 5, i have a 4 year old computer and the graphics are way better than "the sims" or the "sims 2", either you must have a shit graphics card with dx8 or you got a broken cracked version of sims 3, and there are also a lot more colors, so wtf?** <3    … Expand
  28. SECRETCLUE
    Jun 7, 2009
    10
    A brilliant brilliant game! EA could have just stuck to the old formula of The Sims 2 (and would have still sold a lot of copies). But, they took risks with the Sims 3. These risks paid off, BIG TIME! After playing Sims 3 you wonder how we ever managed before? There is now a whole town that you can explore in (which looks incredible btw), all with no loading screens. There is new music, A brilliant brilliant game! EA could have just stuck to the old formula of The Sims 2 (and would have still sold a lot of copies). But, they took risks with the Sims 3. These risks paid off, BIG TIME! After playing Sims 3 you wonder how we ever managed before? There is now a whole town that you can explore in (which looks incredible btw), all with no loading screens. There is new music, and combined with the look of the game feels like you are playing a game of Desperate Housewives or the Stepford Wives. While this by it self is great there is a lot more. New "moodlets" keep the game much more interesting, as do lifetime wishes. I did think that I would miss all of The Sims 2 expansions, but EA have taken the best from each and put them all into The Sims 3. The game continues to impress me everytime I play it, there is so much depth. The only problem I can find is with performance. I have all the graphical options turned up, and the game runs very slow (there are few more powerful computers than mine). I suspect performance will be improved in upcoming patches. Overall I would give this game full marks...it is truely deserved!… Expand
  29. seanr
    Jun 7, 2009
    9
    I give this game a 9 as opposed to a 10 because it looks like EA is going to plug us with priced expansions and DLC for The Sims 3, much like before. Though the advent of user-made content being made free is really quite something on their part. I didn't play 2 as I felt they overkilled it with the expansions and so lost my interest...so keep that in mind..but anyway, I freaking love I give this game a 9 as opposed to a 10 because it looks like EA is going to plug us with priced expansions and DLC for The Sims 3, much like before. Though the advent of user-made content being made free is really quite something on their part. I didn't play 2 as I felt they overkilled it with the expansions and so lost my interest...so keep that in mind..but anyway, I freaking love this game. I got it in the mail the other day and haven't stopped playing it since, pretty much. It's possibly the most addictive game I've ever played -- no lie. I agree with everyone who says this game is a masterpiece -- I wanted something different for my collection, a real full package that offered what something only like The Sims can offer, and godamn, did I get it. As noted, probably the game's greatest strength is the combination of its breadth and accessibility -- the accessibility doesn't feel "stupid", though, if you get my meaning. In short, this is a near perfect game, and I think pretty much everyone should have it. Get stupidly addicted ("I just gotta do this next thing..!") -- you'll be thankful for it.… Expand
  30. BrandonT
    Jun 9, 2009
    9
    This game is way better than the other two. For the graphics, I give it an 8 or 9 out of 10 because the Sims 2 has better graphics. The Sims 3 is great, though. There are so many more things to do and it's more life-like. You can play in the sprinkler, hang out on the tree house, ride your bike to school, and go to the spa. The features are fantabulous. I recommend it to anyone and This game is way better than the other two. For the graphics, I give it an 8 or 9 out of 10 because the Sims 2 has better graphics. The Sims 3 is great, though. There are so many more things to do and it's more life-like. You can play in the sprinkler, hang out on the tree house, ride your bike to school, and go to the spa. The features are fantabulous. I recommend it to anyone and everyone. It's a must!!!… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best PC Game of 2009
13
#13 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
7
#7 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 75 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 75
  3. Negative: 0 out of 75
  1. Thunderbolt
    90
    A gallant return to form and takes a direction that breathes new life into a formula that is fast reaching a decade old.
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  2. CPUGamer
    75
    The Sims 3 has immense potential as upcoming expansions start rolling into high gear. And that’s what you’re really buying: A game of potential.
    Read full review
  3. ZTGD
    78
    The Sims 3 isn't a bad game, not in slightest, and too a different group of gamers this might be all they wanted, but for me this feels like a sequel that Will Wright had nothing to do with. There is no new magic, or amazing new idea that is going to re-imagine the whole series, it's just more and better stuff that we got in Sims 1.
    Read full review
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