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. King_Angusii
    Feb 25, 2014
    7
    This game would deserve a 10/10 if it wasn't so ridiculously buggy. About 75% of the bugs you come across can be fixed with console cheats if you know how. Such as, Sims getting stuck places they shouldn't be, Sims disappearing, etc. However some aren't as easily fixed such as miscalculations of the Sims in your household meaning you can't adopt, graphics glitches, stopping your Sims fromThis game would deserve a 10/10 if it wasn't so ridiculously buggy. About 75% of the bugs you come across can be fixed with console cheats if you know how. Such as, Sims getting stuck places they shouldn't be, Sims disappearing, etc. However some aren't as easily fixed such as miscalculations of the Sims in your household meaning you can't adopt, graphics glitches, stopping your Sims from finding a job, sound loops etc. It seems the longer you play one saved game the more likely you are to come across bugs.

    Aside from the bugs the gameplay is awesome. You can customise your Sims pretty much however you want, you can extend their life to ages and ages or move through generations quickly, build awesome houses. Sims 3 gives you a lot more control over the game than previous Sims games. However, the exception to this is the building which doesn't offer anything new and can be very clunky at times. If your the main thing you do in the Sims is build homes I'd suggest you play TS2 and skip all the bugs.    … Expand
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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!
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. TheMainCritic
    Jun 28, 2012
    5
    They Just need to add more.... The game has gotten more fun with the expansions but its just not enough. They need to make it a more real life experience....
  12. 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!
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. EverettLamb
    Feb 11, 2011
    1
    This game is what happens when you mainstream, dumb down, and simplify a well-known franchise. Nothing really is worth the sixty dollar price tag and I honestly feel robbed and ripped off. My money might be gone to feed the greedy pigs at EA, but at least I can give my honest feedback of this game here. Only positive aspect and to start my review, the only redeeming feature is theThis game is what happens when you mainstream, dumb down, and simplify a well-known franchise. Nothing really is worth the sixty dollar price tag and I honestly feel robbed and ripped off. My money might be gone to feed the greedy pigs at EA, but at least I can give my honest feedback of this game here. Only positive aspect and to start my review, the only redeeming feature is the Create-A-Sim all else falls flat and feels hallow. Within an hour, I felt bored and just could not get into the game. I'm a veteran of Sims 1 and 2 and prefer those two in the series. The core game feels too focused and prioritized on visuals, something the previous games did not need. What actually let me down and disappointed myself was to see content resisted to The Store, a service on The Sims 3 website which you need to pay to unlock an object. This is not necessary to hold content from us and having us pay, it feels like theft. If you take a look at the forums, there is a vast majority who have problems due to bugs and/or glitches and I feel bad for them that they cannot play the game or properly. This is another problem, bugs and glitches which remain causing problems with the game. Ah well, I'm sure this new generation of simmers are having a good time because to them graphics only matter mostly and are "sick" and "epic"… Expand
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. LisaH
    Jun 5, 2009
    5
    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 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!… Expand
  19. 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.
  20. Lloyd
    Jun 8, 2009
    6
    While its a fairly solid release with little bugs to annoy me, I can't help but feel the new direction EA has taken TS3 - which is 'take out the majority of contents useable in TS2 and make everything available on the EA Store'. Is it just me or does TS3 seem less in content then TS2 included in it's vanilla base game? Eg, the Tiki set costs a lot more than i couldWhile its a fairly solid release with little bugs to annoy me, I can't help but feel the new direction EA has taken TS3 - which is 'take out the majority of contents useable in TS2 and make everything available on the EA Store'. Is it just me or does TS3 seem less in content then TS2 included in it's vanilla base game? Eg, the Tiki set costs a lot more than i could afford on the EA store.… Expand
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. HelloKitty
    Aug 24, 2009
    3
    Before anyone deems "The Sims 2" and "The Sims 3" to be completely "different" games, and as such, The Sims 3 should not be judged based on it's predecessor, you should review the defininition of franchise. The Sims 3 replaces The Sims 2 in terms of funding, that means that EA will finish up whatever it has left for the platform and start funding The Sims 3 instead of The Sims 2. Now Before anyone deems "The Sims 2" and "The Sims 3" to be completely "different" games, and as such, The Sims 3 should not be judged based on it's predecessor, you should review the defininition of franchise. The Sims 3 replaces The Sims 2 in terms of funding, that means that EA will finish up whatever it has left for the platform and start funding The Sims 3 instead of The Sims 2. Now this sounds typical, but understand that if The Sims 3 simply built upon The Sims 2 there would be no problem in the transition, but as it is there are many people who are unhappy with the new product, who continue to play with the old and are being pushed aside as EA abandons its old playerbase to form a new one with this release. Honestly, the Sims 1 was a lot more rewarding than The Sims 2... it was more difficult, and items had a more... marked... effect. The Sims 2 was a rewardless sandbox with many features that could have been cooler... the Sims 3 is... something else... I don't even understand what it is suppose to be.… Expand
  30. LaslowD
    Sep 5, 2009
    1
    I became bored of it within 5 days. The construction part was slightly interesting, albeit with poor graphics. It's basically the level editor section of any other game, except the actual single player is incredibly pointless and painful to watch. You watch a bunch of AI walk around and "interact" with each other. They even give you a fast-forward option, but even at full speed that I became bored of it within 5 days. The construction part was slightly interesting, albeit with poor graphics. It's basically the level editor section of any other game, except the actual single player is incredibly pointless and painful to watch. You watch a bunch of AI walk around and "interact" with each other. They even give you a fast-forward option, but even at full speed that isn't enough to make it even the tiniest bit interesting. It's a building game. "The Sims" fans -- buy literally any other game (especially FPS) and use the level editor. You'll be like "OH MY GOD, THIS IS THE BEST SIMS GAME EVER"… 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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