The Sims 4

 PC
User Score
4.2

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 2630 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 680 out of 2630
  2. Mixed: 543 out of 2630
  3. Negative: 1,407 out of 2630
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  1. Aeroharp38
    Sep 7, 2014
    0
    What is this? This is NOT an improvement from the Sims 3. Sim fans, please be aware that this is an absolute disappointment. There are a few positives, but minuscule in comparison to the negative. First off, the loading screen was quick, the Build Your Sim Mode was easy to use and fun! However, when choosing clothes and choosing hair color, there is little to none customization. You noWhat is this? This is NOT an improvement from the Sims 3. Sim fans, please be aware that this is an absolute disappointment. There are a few positives, but minuscule in comparison to the negative. First off, the loading screen was quick, the Build Your Sim Mode was easy to use and fun! However, when choosing clothes and choosing hair color, there is little to none customization. You no longer have the freedom to change the color, material or pattern. Same goes for the decor of your home, they have pre set choices of colors for you to choose from. The sims look overly animated and cartoonish, yes, the graphics are great and very smooth, but what's the point if the sims look ridiculous anyway? Second, WHAT HAPPENED TO FREE ROAMING? What happened to the city living and the townhall? There is nothing! You are basically left to live your days out on your lot and your lot only. I could go on and on about this game, I was really looking forward to The Sims4, but now I am unhappy and I am re-downloading the Sims3.… Expand
  2. Sagitta
    Sep 7, 2014
    9
    After a few good, solid das of playing, I can hnoestly say Sims 4 is the best in the series so far. Its a nice balance between the gameplay of Sims 2 and the open world-ness of Sims 3 (minus the agonizing load times and PC-choking requirements).

    I was actually shocked to find 4 plays *better* on my PC than 3 did - and I bought this machine not long after 3 came out. Overall the game    After a few good, solid das of playing, I can hnoestly say Sims 4 is the best in the series so far. Its a nice balance between the gameplay of Sims 2 and the open world-ness of Sims 3 (minus the agonizing load times and PC-choking requirements).

    I was actually shocked to find 4 plays *better* on my PC than 3 did - and I bought this machine not long after 3 came out.

    Overall the game is stable, and I keep discovering new thins hiding deep within the gameplay. I think a lot of the negative reviews are from people who played 15 minutes and then went PFFFt or - worse - haven't played the game at all.

    Pros: Well... almost everything, gameplay wise. The menus and camera can be a bit confusing, but they have a couple settings to revert those to previous incarnations.

    Cons: I only have two. The first is the lack of a more robust autosave feature. While the game crashes very, very rarely (had it happen twice in a week), if you haven't saved, then you're going to be in trouble.

    The second is a bit more important - the first patch resulted in my game crashing on launch. It took me a good couple hours to realize that the game had to be run in administrator mode so the patch could be applied. I wound up uninstalling and sitting through a massive redownload via Origin before realizing what was going on.

    So is it perfect? No. But in the realm of Sims games, I think its a very solid foundation for the inevitable mountains of DLC to come. It's probably the best in the Sims franchise so far.    … Expand
  3. clydetm1
    Sep 7, 2014
    0
    EA.. you did terrible. Not surprised though knowing you've won the worst company of the year award for 3 or 4 years in a row, but you really did destroy this game.
  4. DracoSalieri
    Sep 7, 2014
    0
    So EA has done it again. The hype over this game over the past few months was very high and I was really looking forward to it. Then came the release..

    After a very annoying day-one update (I live in South-Africa where the internet sucks) I finally launched the game. I was thrown into the create a sim, and realized right there. This game is not Sims. Where is the realism in the look of    So EA has done it again. The hype over this game over the past few months was very high and I was really looking forward to it. Then came the release..

    After a very annoying day-one update (I live in South-Africa where the internet sucks) I finally launched the game. I was thrown into the create a sim, and realized right there. This game is not Sims. Where is the realism in the look of hair? Where was the intuitive creation mode? I had fun figuring out the creation process and was finally done.

    Then I had to pick a house. WTF? Where is the town? A few little houses and a bar and gym? Where is the town hall? Where is the police station? Where is the game I paid for? Not only is the town tiny, suddenly there is a load screen while 'Travelling' and the open-world is gone. The content is pathetic and the customization of item colours is basic.

    Overall, this feels like a skeleton of a game that will force people too spend hundreds on expansions. EA you greedy bastards. This was the only money I will spend on Sims 4. From here on out, I will pirate the game! This is the reward I get for spending R700 on this game? I encourage everyone to pirate this game because EA needs to learn that the people that buy games, won't pay for a skeleton and then keep paying to bulk it out.    … Expand
  5. Alamoe
    Sep 7, 2014
    0
    This Game ist not even close to what've expected! After my first look I thought: "Yes!". But still after one hour of playing, the game bored me. The interface and the control panel are confusing and not innovativ. It's difficult to see what the needs of my sims are and I have to click a lot more than before to see what I want. Also I'm missing many feautures from previous games, eg. aThis Game ist not even close to what've expected! After my first look I thought: "Yes!". But still after one hour of playing, the game bored me. The interface and the control panel are confusing and not innovativ. It's difficult to see what the needs of my sims are and I have to click a lot more than before to see what I want. Also I'm missing many feautures from previous games, eg. a pool, the "create a style" feature, cars, an open world and so much more! Its just very dissappointing to see a game we payed 70$ for, but that hasn't the lovely feautres we loved from Sims 1 to Sims 3. And I guess, if we want those features, we payed more than 600$ in the end. But whithout me.… Expand
  6. JTMichaelson
    Sep 7, 2014
    8
    The short:
    I gave this an 8/10 as a Sims game. It's mildly above average for a normal game, but if you like Sims game play then this should feel like any other title in the series. Still you may want to wait for the price to drop or some additional content to start rolling out if you're unsure about purchasing the game.
    The Long: It's an EA game, so there's been a lot of    The short:
    I gave this an 8/10 as a Sims game. It's mildly above average for a normal game, but if you like Sims game play then this should feel like any other title in the series. Still you may want to wait for the price to drop or some additional content to start rolling out if you're unsure about purchasing the game.

    The Long:
    It's an EA game, so there's been a lot of bandwagon-backlash against it well before it was even released and that seems to echo here. A quick glance at the review dates should be enough indication of how long people actually bothered to give the game a chance, instead of just rushing to try and damage the developer's reputation based on what they've read.

    After actually playing the game for a few days and giving it a chance, I've found that many of the "missing features" (from the often cited blog post) are gone but not missed at all. They certainly weren't necessary to the enjoyment of the series. The map is a prime example; it's more or less a static image now and at first glance it feels like its missing a lot of buildings. In retrospect though, its merely removed the useless filler in favor of better performance and faster loading times. Gone are the long non-interactive drives that were previously required just to watch my Sim disappear into a "rabbit hole" for an even longer period of time. Travel in the Sims 4 is now a quicker loading screen that helps cut to the real meat and potatoes of the game; actual Sim Interaction.

    This is where the Sims 4 takes the series really shines over previous titles. Emotions now help drive interactions with the world and other Sims, which can either give you minor goals if you are in control (like trying to recover yourself after an awkward encounter), or will simply make the autonomous interactions more entertaining to watch. The ability to multitask is a highly welcome addition to the series as well, as it allows characters to go about their days in a much more natural way instead of feeling so robotic. Technology plays a greater role in the world allowing cellphones and computers to handle far more tasks and play a bigger role than in previous titles.

    Visually the game has a simple but pleasant style to it, especially with the characters. The world has a certain 'box'-quality to all the shapes, but its very consistent and helps establish a style that should age slower and run well on a wide variety of hardware. Like the models, the animations go further to add additional emphasis where it can. This helps sell both the exaggerated style of Sims 4, along with the new emotions. The create a style is currently (and unfortunately) missing, but the default styles of furniture and tile sets help make up for it. This time around the textures and color schemes are significantly better by default, making it easier to create nice looking houses faster without having to customize everything. Its possible I only used it in Sims 3 because the default counters were so horrendous. Still, it would be nice to see an improved CAS system roll out in the future to add even more customization to the world.    … Expand
  7. kyarijames
    Sep 7, 2014
    0
    I'm not happy this game is a failure thus far. In fact, I'm HEARTBROKEN. But, yes, that's how bad it is. I understand that some people like the game. I don't know why, but thats fine. Regardless, I feel like that is part of the problem. This game reflects the attitude of "You'll buy it anyway" and i cant stand that. This has such a huge following and is such a cash flow for EA that theyI'm not happy this game is a failure thus far. In fact, I'm HEARTBROKEN. But, yes, that's how bad it is. I understand that some people like the game. I don't know why, but thats fine. Regardless, I feel like that is part of the problem. This game reflects the attitude of "You'll buy it anyway" and i cant stand that. This has such a huge following and is such a cash flow for EA that they don't even have to try. Here is a vastly inferior base game that will end up costing you hundreds more if you want to *really experience* and have fun with it. I say enough is enough. For $70, I expect something worth my time from the BEGINNING… Expand
  8. GregR
    Sep 7, 2014
    0
    You have to love EA's consistency in utterly destroying every franchise and IP in their library. EA has embraced the notion of releasing very basic functionality in all their games. In essence gutting each game until it's almost playable and then loading the backend with expensive DLC that provides the basic gameplay that should have been included in the original. With Sims 4, EA isYou have to love EA's consistency in utterly destroying every franchise and IP in their library. EA has embraced the notion of releasing very basic functionality in all their games. In essence gutting each game until it's almost playable and then loading the backend with expensive DLC that provides the basic gameplay that should have been included in the original. With Sims 4, EA is testing the waters. How far can they strip a game to the point that consumers outright reject the product? There's a lot of wallet gouging on the line here. This game is so gutted that it's been hammered by reviewer after reviewer for all the same boring reasons. I can only hope that gamers unite on this front, accept EA's challenge and refuse to purchase this game. This is the ONLY way that EA will change.… Expand
  9. Todesfurcht
    Sep 7, 2014
    0
    DO NOT BUY THIS GAME!
    This game went a step behind, instead of a step forward.
    Let it be said that I have been here since the very first Sims game was made. I've seen EA develop and learn many things over the years. This game is only more proof of what we feared, taking from the base game to add to expansion packs. Pros: 1. Beautiful game. A mixture of Sims 2 and Sims 3 graphics. It    DO NOT BUY THIS GAME!
    This game went a step behind, instead of a step forward.
    Let it be said that I have been here since the very first Sims game was made. I've seen EA develop and learn many things over the years. This game is only more proof of what we feared, taking from the base game to add to expansion packs.

    Pros:
    1. Beautiful game. A mixture of Sims 2 and Sims 3 graphics. It was obviously trying to make everyone happy with the formula of realisim and cartoonism.
    2. Create-A-Sim has mindblowing mechanics. Being able to push and pull at any part of my Sim's body was heavily amusing.
    3. The Sims AI's have been tweaked. They can multi-task, hold multiple conversations at once, and show emotion.
    4. The new build system. It's quick, easy, and barely time consuming. Beautiful homes can be created with little stress.
    5. Gameplay is smooth and runs much better than the Sims 3.

    Cons:
    1. Again, weather fails to make an appearance in the base game. No rain, no snow, no hail, no anything of the sort.
    2. Toddlers were ripped from the game completely. Newborn babies suddenly turn into a child.
    3. Swimming pools were torn from us as well. No more drowning our hated Sims.
    4. Open world was completely removed. To get to a destination, you must use the travel option on your phone.
    5. No vehicles of any sort.
    6. Hospitals, work buildings, and schools are completely gone. The game is a giant rabbit hole, very much like the Sims 2.
    7. Loading this, loading that. Constant loading wherever you want to go. (I just keep my Sims in the house!)
    8. Base game is very small. There is a lack of activities, a lack of consequences for actions, and overall story development seems to be completely missing. The amount of clothing in the game is pathetic.
    9. Our customization has been dumbed down once again. There is no longer a create-a-style option. You're forced with EA's handpicked colors for furniture and walls. Even a color wheel would have been acceptable.
    10. The skills take ages to develop. You find yourself almost constantly having to worry about your Sim's needs. Especially in public. There is no time to reach their job requirements and their aspirations. Majority of the time spent playing will be spent messing with their moodlets. (Unless you get fed up and cheat, as I did.)
    11. Forced online game installation. You must have a high speed internet connection for the Origin program, or it will claim you're offline and refuse to install the game.
    12. You're forced to play in only two "worlds". Both of which are ridiculously tiny, very little room to create tons of families.
    13. Camera controls are glitchy and slow. Edge scrolling has never been more painful.
    14. There is nothing new or unique about this game. Multi-tasking is the only evolutionary thing this game has to offer.
    15. Sims die very easily. You can laugh to death, or cry to death. Go figure.
    16. A total of 12 hours worth of playtime. By then you have seen everything or done everything there is to do.
    17. Items we have always had in previous games are completely missing without any explanation. EA blames their "new game engine".
    18. The game will soon have to bare with however many glitchy expansion packs EA will decide to release in the near future.

    Within the first twelve hours of gameplay, I have already come upon a few bugs:
    1. The loading screen music is constantly playing in the background in all of my saves. Had to mute the game's music.
    2. I adopted a girl and it suddenly became my Sim's sister. (and my husband's daughter. Figure that one out.)
    3. THE SIMS REFUSE TO CLEAN UP THE DIRTY DISHES. They will pick up a plate and hold it for a few seconds before putting it right back down. (I have found that having the game on normal speed will correct the issue in some instances.)
    4. The sliders in CAS will sometimes bug, and completely alter something. (One time I was editing my Sim's eyebrows and their eyes got really wide. It acted like I was using both of the sliders. The undo button did not correct the issue.)
    The patches are not fast enough to compensate for the amount of issues. Simple things slipped right past EA's testing.

    In conclusion, stay with The Sims 3, 2 and 1 for now. We'll see what direction EA decides to go in after these reviews.    … Expand
  10. Craphead
    Sep 7, 2014
    0
    Wow, for the price that EA asks this game has absolutely NOTHING. So little to do, so disappointing, and less freedom than in previous Sims games, I hope they release expansions quicker than they did with earlier parts because this game has like nothing in it.
  11. Saavat
    Sep 7, 2014
    1
    Absolutely terrible, after playing for just 2 hours I have already noticed how much of a step back this is from Sims 3 (even Sims 2!). Unlike Sims 3, which had an open world-like feel for the whole town, this game has loading screens between each small neighbourhood, and those loading screens are pretty big! Another thing I noticed very quickly is that sims just walk right through eachAbsolutely terrible, after playing for just 2 hours I have already noticed how much of a step back this is from Sims 3 (even Sims 2!). Unlike Sims 3, which had an open world-like feel for the whole town, this game has loading screens between each small neighbourhood, and those loading screens are pretty big! Another thing I noticed very quickly is that sims just walk right through each other instead of a sim getting out of the way. Now I can kind of understand why they did this (In Sims 3 sims would often get stuck because they can't get out of the way) but would it be too hard to simply add an animation where the sim turns to the side instead of walking through them? Now instead of typing another 700 characters on how bad this is, I will list everything else that I hate about it.

    - No pools for no reason that I can figure out.
    - No colour wheel in create-a-sim
    - When your sim goes to work he just teleports instead of getting into a car
    - A strange lack of a lot of clothing options (DLC probably)
    - Camera barely works

    All in all there was only one thing I liked about this game: It's smoother than Sims 3.
    If you want to play a good Sims game then you should just play Sims 3, even if it isn't the smoothest game ever.    … Expand
  12. Edeyz
    Sep 7, 2014
    0
    Normally games about double their content/graphics/AI ect. after about 2 years, not half it for every 1.
    It is extremely unlikely I will ever buy a new sims game, and after the mess that was Simcity, nor will I even look at another EA game.
  13. UNCLEPAULIE
    Sep 7, 2014
    0
    I have played the Sims since it first launched but now its just getting far too expensive, I only bought a couple expansions off the Sims 3 and they felt exactly the same as the ones I purchased on the Sims 2 ( Nightlife and University ) . I do not own the Sims 4 and TBH probably will not buy it, just to purchase the same old expansions AGAIN .
    I really hate EA these days and I am trying    I have played the Sims since it first launched but now its just getting far too expensive, I only bought a couple expansions off the Sims 3 and they felt exactly the same as the ones I purchased on the Sims 2 ( Nightlife and University ) . I do not own the Sims 4 and TBH probably will not buy it, just to purchase the same old expansions AGAIN .
    I really hate EA these days and I am trying my best not to get anything from them, they are charging £59.99 for the Sims 4 in the UK for a digital deluxe version and STILL charging full price for the Sims 3 and all its expansions . Their greed is just mind blowing .    … Expand
  14. light487
    Sep 7, 2014
    7
    In some ways, it's quite an improvement but in others not so much and still in others it leaves me wondering "Why?!" but all in all, I am enjoying the game. I've played around 20 or so hours and still enjoying it. I dislike the loading times but being only 10 seconds at each one, I don't really find myself growing agitated when I see them. There's no toddlers but I've never really beenIn some ways, it's quite an improvement but in others not so much and still in others it leaves me wondering "Why?!" but all in all, I am enjoying the game. I've played around 20 or so hours and still enjoying it. I dislike the loading times but being only 10 seconds at each one, I don't really find myself growing agitated when I see them. There's no toddlers but I've never really been that kind of player that makes use of the toddler age group in the game. There's no pools but I've never had a pool in my own backyard and only ever used the public pools in Sims 3 as another location, of many, to meet people.

    My pet hates right now are the fact that only a single building at a time is "active" in the game and that all other buildings need to be loaded if you want to interact with them, even if they are within walking distance. Another thing I dislike the most is the feeling that just about everything can be done from the start of the game and there's no feeling of progression. Lastly, there's a feeling that everything can be done from your own lot and you never have to leave. This is highlighted especially by the fact that your friends are constantly coming over without being invited. It actually gets quite tiresome to see the friends coming over all the time, to the point where I ignore them a lot now.

    I can't say it's the worst "on release" Sims game.. and thinking about it objectively, weighing up the pros and cons of the new things in 4 compared to 3.. they're roughly on the same level. Of course 3 had many years of expansions and mods to go with it by now, so if you are to compare 4 against the "current" 3, then 4 sucks of course!

    It's certainly not a horrible game and I think that if all the people giving bad reviews rated it more honestly, we'd see an average of around 5 or 6.. I gave it 7 because it's not yet a "wonderful" game but neither is it a terrible game. It's above average at this point.    … Expand
  15. Mordaith
    Sep 7, 2014
    10
    Not sure what all the hate is about. I'm not one to make prop of a S*** company like EA, but I've got about 30 hours in so far. Been playing since 20 min after launch. No problems. Really really enjoying the game. The Sims are way more interesting to interact with. They are smarter. I have not been bored. My sims always have something to do.
  16. RealCritical
    Sep 7, 2014
    0
    EA paid metacritic official reviews to vote them with high score, but I will not do that,

    this game is exactly Sims 3 with a few new features, so... suks too much.

    And then we'll see 20 o 30 dlcs of this game with an expensive price... why EA? Sims 1 and 2 were great!
  17. Towern
    Sep 7, 2014
    6
    Far from the blindly positive 9's and far from the blindly raged 0's, The Sims 4 isn't the game the fans deserved or the game the best sold PC series deserved, I can't help to feel frustrated with this missing opportunity EA had. For me The Sims 3 are now the top of pyramid of this series, but lets through parts:

    --> (++) For most people the biggest change is in the graphics, first you    Far from the blindly positive 9's and far from the blindly raged 0's, The Sims 4 isn't the game the fans deserved or the game the best sold PC series deserved, I can't help to feel frustrated with this missing opportunity EA had. For me The Sims 3 are now the top of pyramid of this series, but lets through parts:

    --> (++) For most people the biggest change is in the graphics, first you strange but then you accept. With a more "cartoonish" look, the game never ran better. The greatest flaw in the third Sims was bad optimization, even in my gaming PC textures were awful and took ages to load, the lag rotating the camera and when you saw the all town from above... that's all gone. The Sims 4 run as smooth as you could want. But at what cost?
    The Sims are a bit more "real", they can multi-task, have emotions according to the situation and surroundings. Basically, the social features are a lot better, fast and responsive with always the results you would expect, but most important, it is a lot more fun to have a group talk or any kind of chat being that for me the highlight of this game. Which is not surprising since EA kinda admitted the social focus in their marketing campaigns. But at what cost?
    The Create a Sim and Building mode are also better, with more options and accessibility, even though it could use a few touches there and there, I'm not going to extend in this matter cuz my guess is you already know the features.
    The Aspirations... well that's subjective, either you love it or you hate it. They took the professional or epic focus out of it, instead they made some sort of social (and professional) accomplishments, but with a lighter feeling, they're easier and more accessible, and once you achieve it you can move on to another.
    That's about it for the positive things in the game...
    --> (--) What a shame EA, what a shame... let me just bring out all my thoughts before getting to the game.
    Money, money, money, you just don't care anymore EA, Maxis could have done here the GREATEST Sims ever, but you cut them down didn't you...? Cuz you have a schedule to keep, you have to keep making money, money, money. But yeah, we the consumers are the stupid ones right? Sure, we keep buying your **** after all... And that's where it hurts, you have no values no moral to realize that you created great series that hooked us up and have no problems exploiting who love them. You'll dry out EA, some day you will...
    Now for the game. This is how you describe The Sims 4 in one word: miss-opportunity. You had it EA if you had just put down that greedy feeling... If you had granted Maxis a few more months... You could had right here the greatest social simulator ever. And it would have been easy actually, you just had to take The Sims 3, implant the new graphics/engine and the creation features... THAT WAS IT!
    But no, you took down the open city, the shopping features, the workplace... hell, the pools, the new born babies! It's ridiculous, to me this is more like Sims 2 than 3!!! This is The Sims 2.7!
    Seriously, I wanted a new Sims, I wanted to play this game again in a new way... I guess I'll just stick to The Sims 3. You took that amazing feeling of innovation and revolution when The Sims 3 came out. I wanted that... I was expecting that, goddammit, YOU HAD IT ALL! WHAT YOU NEED MOOOREEE MONEY EA?!!!
    It's just... **** I would have given an 8 score, if the ****ing city was free to explore! Cuz thats what I loved about Sims 3, getting out of the house in the morning for a run to the park with the sunshine! Looking back... damn, it has optimization problems, but it's gorgeous. The city feels empty, it's no fun, no where to go without a ****ing loading screen, they put random people in your neighborhood when you're home just to give you the illusion that the city is alive! When it's dead!
    And I'm not even going to talk about personalization option (clothes, hair, objects...) it screams expansions... DISGUSTING.
    Such a shame... My god this game pisses me off, I just can't believe that NO ONE, NO ONE from the developer team said this is step back to you suits of EA. You that forward is the way to go right? No. I guess not.    … Expand
  18. Sylvire
    Sep 7, 2014
    2
    Seriously?

    What good is in this game. Game world has just changed somewhere between Sims 2 and Sims 3 with the area loading. You can't affect to your job now, it's just go in, come back, some moods change, here is your cash. All the actions take tons of time. I don't want to stay several hours in shower or talk to random person at street for hours and hours to keep social up. I'm    Seriously?

    What good is in this game. Game world has just changed somewhere between Sims 2 and Sims 3 with the area loading. You can't affect to your job now, it's just go in, come back, some moods change, here is your cash.

    All the actions take tons of time. I don't want to stay several hours in shower or talk to random person at street for hours and hours to keep social up.

    I'm almost expecting EA putting in soon real cash store where you can buy game money in bulk to get all the instant shower, bladder etc... potions.

    EA, latest Simcity was disaster and latest Sims also. You seem to be on the path to destroy everything you do with "fantastic" new streamlining. Heck, Sims 2 was better with all the options we got in it.    … Expand
  19. brbeu565
    Sep 7, 2014
    1
    This crap sucks. Alle the stuff you were used to use is gone. It's much more a Gameboy-Version of the Sims 2, but in HD. Spending 50 bucks for this, I'm really pissed off right now.
  20. Sjalka
    Sep 7, 2014
    3
    For that review i will only consider the base game, what we actually get for our money - without the certain knowledge that there is probably more than 10 times the content coming in various DLCs ( each for nearly full price )

    My first impression after installing is - the UI is kind of ugly, stylish, but still ugly. It starts out with the CAS, which places the sim against a plain white    For that review i will only consider the base game, what we actually get for our money - without the certain knowledge that there is probably more than 10 times the content coming in various DLCs ( each for nearly full price )

    My first impression after installing is - the UI is kind of ugly, stylish, but still ugly. It starts out with the CAS, which places the sim against a plain white background - and although it serves no purpose at all, i did very much appreciate the changing room style of the sims 3.

    CAS is the part where you spend a long, long, looooong time in - adjusting, readjusting, adding tiny little flaws and traits to the sim, trying to get the details just right even if you hardly notice them in the actual game.
    The first shock (not really a shock, cause it was mentioned so many times before i had the game) - there is no create-a-style. There is a saying that you only really appreciate something when you miss it. And it does turn out that i very much appreciated the feature in Sims 3 - and i so very much miss it now.

    I end up with a sim that allows me more freedom in physical aspects, while placing strange restrictions on me in terms of style. ( however, i only review the BASIS retail version of the game, i do not have the deluxe or collectors edition, so who knows - maybe they have a bigger wardrobe when it comes to styles? )

    My sims aspirations - hmm... a lot less customization there, too. a little disappointing, but the traits and flaws we get are satisfactory for the most part - but it does look like there is definite room to expand the list of available traits, - and also sure that EA will do it.

    On we go to the neighbourhood. - and man, that one looks terrible. No more birds flight over a fairly vast valley, or in later expansions - entire archipelagos. ... instead - a selection of a few houses. the size of my "world" does not even justify the name "tiny village" - in fact, it does not look like a world at all.

    I am painfully reminded at Sim City 2013, which gave us town sized squared instead of city/metropolis sized areas. - So it seems that "progression in sequels" means "smaller".
    Maybe however smaller means much more detailed? - well... no. It means just smaller.

    Building a house is similar to the Sims 3 with a few tweaks, useful tweaks, but again - however that was to be expected - i am missing tons of materials to customize my home, - remembering the Sims 3 BASE game however, ... yea - its about the same.

    Managing my Sims is as enjoyable as it was in the Sims 3 and 2 ( never played 1 ). - In fact, i d go so far and say - it is almost the exact same as the Sims 3 in terms of interaction with the sims. Sure, there are some tweaks like multitasking - but in general, my sims experience does not differ much.

    And so i focus again on the flaws. loading times that shatter any believe of a sprawling, living world around my house. Again, one only appreciates a feature when it is lost - and i realize how much i appreciated the wide open areas of the sims 3.

    Now in that case - i am not so sure if EA can DLC a more open world in that game - i kind of doubt it - which leaves me sad.

    on the positive side - i kind of like the new cartoonish look of the sims. Since it never managed to look "realistic" it is a good choice to go more cartoonish.

    All in all however, i notice that i miss a lot more than i appreciate - in all fairness however, i do believe i felt the same when The Sims 3 was released and it was only the base game yet. The restricted world however is a huge negative - and a huge step backwards in the series, a restriction that might break the game.    … Expand
  21. misscedras
    Sep 7, 2014
    3
    You remember sims 2... well sims 4 is pretty the same with better graphics. All the things I like about sims 3 (open world, more interaction, profession, toddlers, etc.) have been eliminated. Okay, the game doesn't lag (thank god) and the loading is so much faster. Seriously, EA, you need to reevaluate your team. You just can't create a new version of sims and forget all about the previousYou remember sims 2... well sims 4 is pretty the same with better graphics. All the things I like about sims 3 (open world, more interaction, profession, toddlers, etc.) have been eliminated. Okay, the game doesn't lag (thank god) and the loading is so much faster. Seriously, EA, you need to reevaluate your team. You just can't create a new version of sims and forget all about the previous one. Disappointed is the word.… Expand
  22. RedMallie
    Sep 6, 2014
    2
    What I like:
    1. The build mode tools.
    2. Some of the CAS features, for example, making bums bigger. 3. One to one interaction animations seem to be very realistic, for example, kissing, hugging, cuddling. What I do NOT like: 1. Both in Build mode and CAS, using the "intuitive" tools becomes tiring. Physically, my hands get cramped from trying to pull and push the controls. 2. There    What I like:
    1. The build mode tools.
    2. Some of the CAS features, for example, making bums bigger.
    3. One to one interaction animations seem to be very realistic, for example, kissing, hugging, cuddling.
    What I do NOT like:
    1. Both in Build mode and CAS, using the "intuitive" tools becomes tiring. Physically, my hands get cramped from trying to pull and push the controls.
    2. There are glitches and routing problems in game play.
    3. Multitasking or some issue that allows for sims to supposedly have a conversation from one room to another.
    4. Tilting the camera to view sims or houses in Live or Build mode is very limited.
    5. All the missing elements already widely discussed (toddlers, CASt, cars, pools, etc.)
    What I HATE:
    1. The terrible indoor lighting. It is too dim, and unrealistic. It gave me a headache.
    2. Very limited placement of objects both indoors and outdoors.
    3. Lack of at least cheats to compensate for limited placements.
    4. The lack of scaling of doors and windows to walls.    … Expand
  23. WhiskerStan
    Sep 6, 2014
    1
    For starters I am a long time sims fan and it has been a game I always buy and enjoy wasting my life away on. Well congrats EA you have ruined a tradition and a great franchise. After the glitches of sims 3 I'd assume this installment would be a bit better, nope. It's glitchy, and that would be forgive able if the game had all the items and things that makes the game....sims! I shruggedFor starters I am a long time sims fan and it has been a game I always buy and enjoy wasting my life away on. Well congrats EA you have ruined a tradition and a great franchise. After the glitches of sims 3 I'd assume this installment would be a bit better, nope. It's glitchy, and that would be forgive able if the game had all the items and things that makes the game....sims! I shrugged off no toddler stage, meh, even forgave no pools, whatever, but to backtrack to this awkward no open world? Unforgivable, honestly what is sims 4, it's in no way a sequel to sims 3, if anything it's an emotion filled body editor prequel from 2002???

    I was a huge fan of sims 3, it had its ups and downs but was overall enjoyable. Sims 4 gets boring in minutes, coming from me who spends and easy 6 hours just creating a house and another umpteen hours getting my sim promoted, and just doing random things it's sad to say sims 4 is a bore! In order to get this game on track a patch/expansion of epic proportions better be on the horizon and it better be cheap, bc I can I'll afford another $60 for an unfinished sloppy jaloppy as a sim would say! Just bad EA, just bad. Save your simoleans my friends and wait it out.

    And another gripe before I go, the graphics are an odd mixture of cartoon/realism and they are a step backward from sims 3. I understand the aiming at a larger market and those with less powerful computers but I feel like they dumbed it down to where even a computer running windows 98 could almost make this work. Just sayin.    … Expand
  24. omk358
    Sep 6, 2014
    6
    I've been a Sims player from the beginning, Sims 1, Sims 2 (still my favorite despite it's age) didn't really care for 3 (although it had some great features, I just didn't like it as much for reasons I won't go into here.) As far as Sims 4 goes, overall I like the game, it seems promising. Sure some things are missing, and in general when I pay $60 for a game I expect it not to crash asI've been a Sims player from the beginning, Sims 1, Sims 2 (still my favorite despite it's age) didn't really care for 3 (although it had some great features, I just didn't like it as much for reasons I won't go into here.) As far as Sims 4 goes, overall I like the game, it seems promising. Sure some things are missing, and in general when I pay $60 for a game I expect it not to crash as often as this game so far has. Out of everything this is my #1 complaint so far for this game. I think it's crashed more often than I've played it. I've managed to get play time up to about an hour so far before it crashes (losing everything.) Once it even crashed upon trying to save the game. I'm truly wanting to give it a chance and be able to play and give it time to grow on me but so far it's leaving me feeling disappointing because it's crashing far, far too often and that's no fun. Perhaps when the bugs are all smoothed out and there are one or two expansion packs available this will be a truly fun game. Right now it feels like a beta release and a day one patch I think confirms that (and it's still crashing...) A lot of people are sayings it's a fail, I don't think so entirely, but I do think it could have been and should have been better when your shelling out $60.… Expand
  25. jmpittman0220
    Sep 6, 2014
    7
    This game is nowhere near as bad as the idiots posting fake reviews have posted. Yes it takes some steps back but it makes it clear that this is a better version of the Sims all the same. If you're a fan already, you'll get your money's worth. If you're new to the series, you can get more for less from the previous iterations but once getting hooked you will want to make the jump to SimsThis game is nowhere near as bad as the idiots posting fake reviews have posted. Yes it takes some steps back but it makes it clear that this is a better version of the Sims all the same. If you're a fan already, you'll get your money's worth. If you're new to the series, you can get more for less from the previous iterations but once getting hooked you will want to make the jump to Sims 4. Internet haters are going to hate..... Losers.… Expand
  26. Kastrenzo
    Sep 6, 2014
    1
    Characters look better and it's a little easier to make unique buildings and sims.

    That's about the extent of the positives. I can't even begin to describe what garbage this game is. It's easier to list the features that aren't in the game, than the ones that are. At this point in the franchise you would expect that some of the features of previous expansions in the older games    Characters look better and it's a little easier to make unique buildings and sims.

    That's about the extent of the positives. I can't even begin to describe what garbage this game is. It's easier to list the features that aren't in the game, than the ones that are.

    At this point in the franchise you would expect that some of the features of previous expansions in the older games would have been folded into the base game of the Sims 4. Nope.

    No vehicles, no pools, no toddlers, a tiny game world, create a style is gone for both objects and clothing, there aren't even damn firefighters or police.

    This game was nothing more than an unfinished base platform which costs 10-20 dollars/pounds/euros/etc more than the usual cost of games. The intention here was simply to gut the fanbase with a dozen DLC/Expansions.

    Another franchise bites the dust.    … Expand
  27. anonymouse1
    Sep 6, 2014
    9
    Pros
    Emotions, UI, multitasking, build mode, little to no crashing/lag, graphics
    Cons Stuff that I don't miss (CASt, toddlers, pools, rabbitholes, dishwashers) Stuff that I do miss (skin tone/hair/eye color sliders) Dark sims are grey and light. Everyone has been giving this 0 because they say it's "empty". People said the exact same for sims 3- that it's "unfinished" (see its    Pros
    Emotions, UI, multitasking, build mode, little to no crashing/lag, graphics

    Cons
    Stuff that I don't miss (CASt, toddlers, pools, rabbitholes, dishwashers)
    Stuff that I do miss (skin tone/hair/eye color sliders)
    Dark sims are grey and light.

    Everyone has been giving this 0 because they say it's "empty". People said the exact same for sims 3- that it's "unfinished" (see its negative reviews on metacritic). It's not. The lots are actually full now because of the loading screens between lots. The pools didn't give me more than a couple of seconds of entertainment. If you are dying to have something that resembles a pool use a fountain. I would've given this a 7 but because of all the 0's I'll try to balance it out. I dislike the hair style but also realize how it helps performance.    … Expand
  28. ashgasm
    Sep 6, 2014
    3
    Let me just start of by saying that if you buy the Digital Deluxe version for $70, you're essentially paying extra money for around 5 extra outfits, a few hats, and around 6-9 items (ie. a tiki bar, which was the only thing I noticed from the "extra content"). I really wanted to like it. Honestly. But there's just so many limitations, things missing, lack of interactions and the Sims thatLet me just start of by saying that if you buy the Digital Deluxe version for $70, you're essentially paying extra money for around 5 extra outfits, a few hats, and around 6-9 items (ie. a tiki bar, which was the only thing I noticed from the "extra content"). I really wanted to like it. Honestly. But there's just so many limitations, things missing, lack of interactions and the Sims that I'm used to. My biggest issue is the lack of open world. Sure, you can walk out on the sidewalk, and there are more Sims that are just making their way around that general area - but it's because they're in that area of the map. Also, there are no cars - so yeah, people are walking because they have to. Nobody really progresses at anything - no relationships, job promotions, nothing.

    Why would they throw such an unfinished game at us? There are only TWO neighborhoods to explore. The nicest looking place to do anything (like have a beautiful engagement spot) is this pond at a park. There are no hospitals, schools, fire departments - everything's either a residential lot, a library, club/bar, gym, or a museum. If you're going to work, you walk off the lot and come back when it's over (none of those "Work Hard", "Slack Off" choices anymore).

    Interactions are dumb. You have a bar for a relationship, and then you have a separate bar for romance. Any negative reaction from the person you're talking to will affect your mood negatively. Were you feeling Very Confident? Oops, that guy just answered your question weirdly, suddenly you're Embarrassed and want to Hide from Everyone. And it's not just that - from what I experienced, you can have several romantic partners and relationships without any drama. Wasn't that part of the fun - how real it was? Now, you can have a bunch of boy/girl toys on the side, and then you can have your spouse, with no turmoil.

    It's nice that they actually do trimesters now for when you're pregnant - although it takes a bit longer for you to actually have your child. If you're in labor, people can still come and talk and interact while you writhe in agony on the sofa. After you have your baby, it just magically appears inside the home, in a basket. You can choose to age it up at any point, or wait it out. Once they age though, a freaking child just jumps out of it's crib and just suddenly talks, hugs, takes food from the fridge. You also just get to choose traits for the child now regardless of how/when they age, which is a lot less realistic.

    There are added features, but there are a lot that have been taken away. You can build a rocket in your backyard and explore space, but you can't drive a car. You can cook regular meals and gourmet meals (with some interesting tricks that your Sim will perform), but you can't go for a swim. You can play a game of Tetris in 3D, but you can't walk over to visit the building next to you (you have to "travel" - aka wait for the loading screen and then materialize in front of the lot).

    The biggest crime besides the lack of free roam is that the Sims 4 is BORING. There is no actual life going on outside of your household. It's just a routine - go to work, come home, cook, shower, sleep. There's nothing going on, no REALISM, which is the biggest selling point for the Sims and why Sims 3 was so thoroughly enjoyed. Don't get me wrong - the graphics are VERY nice. But that doesn't make up for ripping everything else out of Sims. I really thought this game would be a huge step for the franchise. Instead, it's a huge disappointment. $70 is really not worth it.    … Expand
  29. Oshout
    Sep 6, 2014
    7
    Feels unfinished.

    I know EA has a penchant for releasing tons of DLC - and the Sims 3 was no exemption, which I hope highlights the state of the sims 4. Currently, there's not much to do outside of go to work and come home. My sims are content to act on auto-pilot for their daily living and there's not much to do outside of train skills. Interactions feel clunky. Sims mostly do    Feels unfinished.

    I know EA has a penchant for releasing tons of DLC - and the Sims 3 was no exemption, which I hope highlights the state of the sims 4.

    Currently, there's not much to do outside of go to work and come home. My sims are content to act on auto-pilot for their daily living and there's not much to do outside of train skills.

    Interactions feel clunky. Sims mostly do what you expect them to otherwise just chat. Previous versions of the game felt like a soap opera - the people in the neighborhood could invite your characters into their lives and drama. Now it feels like a doll house, a doll house which lacks imagination.

    The easiest way to describe it is a lack of emotional connection to anything which happens.

    The game has a solid understanding of the dynamics of life - I like how the choices at work can affect your potential. The career oriented things I saw seemed plausible and fun to achieve.

    Felt like sims aged a bit quick by default but there's the normal option to turn it off, as well as an option to turn off the auto-birthday and make you instead have to blow out candles to age.

    The graphics are more inviting than the sims 3, but not so far out there that it makes you think, "Wow!". I miss being able to go places on vacation and explore and a variety of interactive towns.

    It's much less in your face, and has less staged actions than the sims 3 did at it's height, but the sims 4 feels very unpolished and lacking that energy that made the game an alternative to watching TV opposed to what it is now: a computerized doll house.    … Expand
  30. rmcfc1988
    Sep 6, 2014
    6
    I'll be honest this game is not worth the £49.99 that origin is asking for the standard edition. It is quite frankly a bare bones offering that is missing several features that have been popular in past games. Despite this I feel that this game has potential the new emotion system is a step forward, the UI and build mode have seen vast improvements since 3 and the loading times are muchI'll be honest this game is not worth the £49.99 that origin is asking for the standard edition. It is quite frankly a bare bones offering that is missing several features that have been popular in past games. Despite this I feel that this game has potential the new emotion system is a step forward, the UI and build mode have seen vast improvements since 3 and the loading times are much better.

    As this game stands I would recommend it to those new to the series (The sims 3 bundled with some expansions would be better though) however those that have played 3 and its expansions should wait till the inevitable expansions are released and wait till they are bundled together and put on sale. This is however what I felt about 3 when I initially bought it the base games are always lacklustre and really need the expansions to really improve things.

    All in all this is not a bad game it is nowhere near perfect though and EA and Maxis need to reintroduce features fast and not rip its customers off too much in doing so.

    Given that I only spent £25 on the game I'm not too let down and look forward to the (inevitable onslaught of) expansions which I hope will be more reasonably priced than the base game.    … Expand
  31. John1337
    Sep 6, 2014
    0
    EA doesn't care about gamers! The Sims 4 is by far not the worst game I have ever played but it is definitely one of the most disappointing games I have ever played. I felt like I was playing a stripped down version of the original Sims game which is pretty much exactly what I was playing. I felt bored and that the game lacked any kind of real substance to draw me in and keep meEA doesn't care about gamers! The Sims 4 is by far not the worst game I have ever played but it is definitely one of the most disappointing games I have ever played. I felt like I was playing a stripped down version of the original Sims game which is pretty much exactly what I was playing. I felt bored and that the game lacked any kind of real substance to draw me in and keep me playing. Is just me or are the graphics in Sims 4 worse than The Sims 3? The less intrusive UI was OK but I found it all to be a bit drab and lack-luster. I am not angry with EA, I am just very disappointed.… Expand
  32. queenbitterblue
    Sep 6, 2014
    10
    y'all hating on this game need to sit down. it's fantastic and you all only hate it because you expect the nostalgia you get from 2. the mood system and the way the sims look now is fantastic. it needs dlc yeah but it'll come in time and you'll be satisfied. that said, we do need options to change colors of clothes and things and a better camera.
  33. Xavier33
    Sep 6, 2014
    2
    The problem EA is facing is that people are sick of starting over with features every time a new Sims game comes out. Why pay $20-$30 per expansion 6-7x just to get all the content you already had in the previous iterations.

    It's time to innovate EA, stop milking the franchise.
  34. eeyk
    Sep 6, 2014
    6
    This game is a step backward but also a step forward.
    The loading screens are a step backward and the graphics and building engine are a step forward.

    The game has a lack of content you can see EA wants to sale expansions. There are not much cloths right now.

    But if you can ignore lack of content. Much loading screens.
    Less improvements then tje game is fine.
  35. Enforcer122
    Sep 6, 2014
    0
    EA are absolute disgraces. Do not buy an EA game, do everything you can to make sure they don't get your hard earned money. Sims 4, yet another unfinished game they've released with the whole purpose of people purchasing DLC.
  36. matt2287
    Sep 6, 2014
    0
    I've played the Sims since the original and have always bought the latest games, But EA have seriously messed up with this one. There's far too many features missing. Features that even the original game had! The only good thing is being able to build a pool.... Oh wait....
  37. SmattyCore
    Sep 6, 2014
    10
    For me it's a big step forward. I believe the new game engine is wonderful. Not because it looks better to me but because it works better. In The Sims 3 I always had problems with animations and sometimes it stuck some seconds. That was, if you would ask me, because of all add-ons I had installed. So I believe in The Sims 3 the engine/game whatever, wasn't well coded to support add-ons.For me it's a big step forward. I believe the new game engine is wonderful. Not because it looks better to me but because it works better. In The Sims 3 I always had problems with animations and sometimes it stuck some seconds. That was, if you would ask me, because of all add-ons I had installed. So I believe in The Sims 3 the engine/game whatever, wasn't well coded to support add-ons. However, I think in The Sims 4 it works much better. I had no lags, never stuck, not a problem.

    The new interface/HUD looks just incredible, the Sims look much better and everything else too.

    I don't understand all the people. When The Sims 3 was released everybody said that they can't play it because of the high requirements. Now, the developers The Sims Studio changed it. They coded everything new, with loading screens so there is no open world now. And the result? Everyone is saying that they don't like the loading screens? So what do they want? Both things are bad? Then please learn coding and create your own game and find a way to NOT use loading screens but have open world and running on an Intel Pentium 3. There's NO way to do this.

    Of course there are some things missing, for example the cellar, pools, dishwasher and smaller children. But instead of that we have a completely new engine, a better game that is running on nearly every system doesn't matter how old it is and a new great game. We have a new camera, the control is better now, you can change and move each room or the whole house. You can upload and download to/from the gallery which also needs to be coded from The Sims Studio. And we can't forget the new Create a Sim feature which is just awesome and a lot of work to code.

    Everyone is complaining but compare with Sims 3. What if... we had open world = at least Intel Core i3/i5 What if... we had pools and cellar and smaller children = No new control, no new Create a Sim, no house/room moving and no gallery.
    And if this is the case what would we have? Simple. Another Sims 3. A remake or something but NOTHING new. And everyone knows EA and The Sims Studio: There will be add-ons. They're not coding a whole new engine just for a game and nothing more. So there will be add-ons which may contain pools and cellar and new, bigger worlds. I don't know that but this is probably going to happen.    … Expand
  38. Jacethegamerman
    Sep 6, 2014
    5
    Could be worse. I'd by it if its your first Sims game, but if you played Sims three or two don't pick up. As a big Sims fan its disappointing and a huge down grade form three.
  39. Blackdragon666
    Sep 6, 2014
    6
    The game is basically Sims 1 HD.

    EA decided to cut half of the features, and realism to make The Sims 4 run well even on the worst PC's, and get as much MONEY as possible. They will be adding bunch of DLC's later to make even more MONEY.

    The experience is the same with a $200 and a $5000 PC.
  40. ElDavo
    Sep 6, 2014
    0
    I have played all the sims games since the original and honestly this is the worst vanilla game they have made. The graphics are not a huge step up, the shrunken 'worlds' with loading screens feels like a huge step back from TS3. There are so many missing things and the game has so many bugs.
    I have repeatedly had to restart the game because my sims have had:
    Experience bars stuck above    I have played all the sims games since the original and honestly this is the worst vanilla game they have made. The graphics are not a huge step up, the shrunken 'worlds' with loading screens feels like a huge step back from TS3. There are so many missing things and the game has so many bugs.
    I have repeatedly had to restart the game because my sims have had:
    Experience bars stuck above their heads
    phones stuck in hands
    forks stuck in hands
    conversation box that doesnt leave even though the person you were talking to left 2 days ago!

    I just finished making a house which took ages after being frustrated with the lack of floors and inability to create different colours, moved my sims in and then the game crashed...

    Want my money back!    … Expand
  41. sarcasticcat
    Sep 6, 2014
    9
    The Sims 4 is a BASE GAME
    Rather than compare it to The Sims 3,with all the expansion packs, you should compare it to the Sims 3 BASE GAME
    Pros (Vs Sims 3 Base Game) CAS is miles ahead Smoother graphics and user interface More instruments to start off with Emotions Better movement of sims; no movement in grids Better and more realistic animations in general Movement between    The Sims 4 is a BASE GAME
    Rather than compare it to The Sims 3,with all the expansion packs, you should compare it to the Sims 3 BASE GAME

    Pros (Vs Sims 3 Base Game)
    CAS is miles ahead
    Smoother graphics and user interface
    More instruments to start off with
    Emotions
    Better movement of sims; no movement in grids
    Better and more realistic animations in general
    Movement between neighbourhoods. I can see in the future a World Adventures like expansion pack adding new neighbourhoods. And if they have a Late night like expansion you could have your sims go to "Bridgeport" in the evening for the night clubs. Or if there's a "Showtime" there could be a Hollywood neighbourhood where the celebrities live
    Better clothes, hair and accessories than SIms 3 base
    Much faster and slicker.

    Cons:
    No toddlers
    No pools
    No create-a-style
    Loading screens/no open world
    Glitches, however the Sims 3 started off with billions of glitches and I still discover new glitches now.
    No rabbit-hole locations, instead sims just go off the map, however since there is no open world there seems little point for rabbit holes anyway.

    Overall Verdict:
    As a base game, The Sims 4 provides a brilliant BASE for the future. I can see lots of things that could turn it into a great game. It's just a shame they removed some features that had been available in base games since day 1. Personally I recommend waiting either a couple of months for glitches to be discovered and fixed, or even a couple of years and wait for expansion packs if lack of content is annoying you.    … Expand
  42. Zach94
    Sep 6, 2014
    5
    This certainly is not a horrible game. After spending awhile playing it, I think a lot of people are overreacting. However, I only give this game a five because it doesn't feel like it is finished. Having played Sims for the past decade, I have experienced Sims 2 and 3 as base games. The Sims 4 feels like it has less features than both of those BASE games. It's really unfortunate that EAThis certainly is not a horrible game. After spending awhile playing it, I think a lot of people are overreacting. However, I only give this game a five because it doesn't feel like it is finished. Having played Sims for the past decade, I have experienced Sims 2 and 3 as base games. The Sims 4 feels like it has less features than both of those BASE games. It's really unfortunate that EA has taken a series like The Sims that had so much promise and innovation and turned it into a huge cash grab.

    That all being said, the new build mode and create a sim systems are pretty great and definitely push the series forward in those avenues. Although I am a huge Sims fan, I can confidently say that I will not be purchasing any more of The Sims games unless EA and Maxis can demonstrate that they care about the qualities of their games and not just their paychecks.    … Expand
  43. Stormshadow2k
    Sep 6, 2014
    3
    No skill diary or options to expand into skill achievments. WHY remove this!? No open world. WHY remove this? What made you deside to evolve the franchise BACKWARDS!? I really really regret spending money on this game. I could have stuck with Sims 3 - as its a BETTER GAME with more options. Epic fail EA. Epic, epic fail.
  44. bummed
    Sep 6, 2014
    4
    I just purchased this game and I have to say, I am slightly disappointed. While the interactions are cool and the graphics are awesome, I am bummed at how little the world is. There are no restaurants, no movie theaters, no grocery stores, no pools, you can't see where they work, no hospitals, I mean the world is tiny!! I regret spending the $60! I will be playing my sims 3 much more thanI just purchased this game and I have to say, I am slightly disappointed. While the interactions are cool and the graphics are awesome, I am bummed at how little the world is. There are no restaurants, no movie theaters, no grocery stores, no pools, you can't see where they work, no hospitals, I mean the world is tiny!! I regret spending the $60! I will be playing my sims 3 much more than TS4 for sure. So few stories to play out as well. I love the supernatural expansion for TS3 and am disappointed to hear TS4 won't do this also. I purchased TS4 hoping to have a less laggy, nicer looking version of my S3 only to be bored an hour after playing. I do enjoy how much more involved I can be with my sim and how they can do multiple things at once. The ability to multi task is something I miss in my S3 so that's a plus. But overall, I'd say EA missed the mark with this one.… Expand
  45. Mr_Rose
    Sep 6, 2014
    9
    Just like every other new game that is released, Sims 4 has its problems and negatives, sure, but what I see is a Sims game with enough potential to become a great sequel to the series. Instead of rating the game badly right away, wait a little bit, it might turn out that EA will release updates adding all the content Sims fans miss so much in the 4th part. For my part, I have fun playingJust like every other new game that is released, Sims 4 has its problems and negatives, sure, but what I see is a Sims game with enough potential to become a great sequel to the series. Instead of rating the game badly right away, wait a little bit, it might turn out that EA will release updates adding all the content Sims fans miss so much in the 4th part. For my part, I have fun playing Sims 4 how it is. :)… Expand
  46. technicha
    Sep 6, 2014
    1
    Well it doesn't suffer from lag and have massive stuttering like Sims 3 had so that's a plus.
    But it comes at the expense of massively stripped of content, highly limited neighborhoods, loading screens and the removal of previous customization of objects.
    They are asking for an insanely high price for what is essentially just better performance, somewhat streamlined graphics and a    Well it doesn't suffer from lag and have massive stuttering like Sims 3 had so that's a plus.
    But it comes at the expense of massively stripped of content, highly limited neighborhoods, loading screens and the removal of previous customization of objects.

    They are asking for an insanely high price for what is essentially just better performance, somewhat streamlined graphics and a flashy emotion system.    … Expand
  47. Passi1904
    Sep 6, 2014
    0
    Sehr enttäuscht zum einen Wenig Auswahl in der weltumgebung 2. Wenig Auswahl an Möbel Gegenstände etc. 3. Ist wenig Möglichkeit mit dem sims was zu unternehmen ich mein 4 orte + 1 park ist das nicht traurig EA bzw Maxis? Sim city habt ihr genau so verhauen und bringt nun noch ein erfolgreiches spiel zum Abgrund keine richtige offene welt nur ein Stück und muss dein sim zur Arbeit kann manSehr enttäuscht zum einen Wenig Auswahl in der weltumgebung 2. Wenig Auswahl an Möbel Gegenstände etc. 3. Ist wenig Möglichkeit mit dem sims was zu unternehmen ich mein 4 orte + 1 park ist das nicht traurig EA bzw Maxis? Sim city habt ihr genau so verhauen und bringt nun noch ein erfolgreiches spiel zum Abgrund keine richtige offene welt nur ein Stück und muss dein sim zur Arbeit kann man dum rum gucken und nichts machen wenn man nicht 2 sims hat. Auswahl Möglichkeiten zum bauen bzw zum verreisen ist zu wenig für so ein Spiel klar kommen dlcs aber so wenig für ein hauptspiel ich bin enttäuscht sehr sogar!… Expand
  48. bastrom19
    Sep 6, 2014
    9
    Normally I don't review games, but following all the bad press this game is getting, I decided to put my two cents out there. A more in depth explanation is after the bullet points.

    The Good: -A more stylized look -Attention to detail -Emotions -Load times -Music -Updated UI -Create a Sim The Bad: -No more open world -Strange conversation mechanics -No toddlers -Price    Normally I don't review games, but following all the bad press this game is getting, I decided to put my two cents out there. A more in depth explanation is after the bullet points.

    The Good:
    -A more stylized look
    -Attention to detail
    -Emotions
    -Load times
    -Music
    -Updated UI
    -Create a Sim

    The Bad:
    -No more open world
    -Strange conversation mechanics
    -No toddlers
    -Price

    Score: 8.5/10

    When I heard that EA was going to hold back review copies until release, I thought "wow, this game is going to be really bad". Upon launch I looked up user reviews and was bombarded with 0 and 1 out of 10's. I initially thought I had really dodged a bullet with this one, but after reading the explanation behind such poor reviews (the only things of substance being the toddlers and pools), decided to check it out to see if it really was as bad as the reviews say it was. I knew about the "Great Game Guarantee" from origin, so if it really was as bad as people were saying, I could return it no problem. I launched the game and was greeted by familiar sounding music. Before I say anything else, I just want to say that the music throughout all of the Sims games is really great, and although some might say its kind of silly to have that be a point in a review, It is a big part of the game. If you were in build mode and some garbage song comes on, you wouldn't be nearly as immersed. Moving on, when I clicked the play button I was met with the the Create a Sim area. I never played the Create a Sim demo, so this was a new experience to me. Although the constant tutorials were kind of annoying, those are only a first time thing, so I let that slide. They obviously put a lot of work into this part of the game. This is the first Sims game where all of the characters I made looked different from one another. After messing around with the tools for a little while, I made a sim that looked strikingly like myself. I moved into an empty lot to get acquainted with the build/buy modes of the game. Much like create a sim, I felt that the huge overhaul of the system made a difference. In a much shorter time than the Sims 3 I had my house all set up and looking nice. A lot of people are complaining about the lack of objects in the game, and I couldn't find the numbers anywhere online, but it seems to have just about as many things to choose from as vanilla Sims 3. I had a lot of fun with the integrated build buy, but the lack of Create a Style was a bit distressing. Although they had a lot of custom options for the furniture, I missed being able to get exactly what I wanted into the game, which was rather disappointing. I began the game, and had a short introduction the new UI, which is a nice improvement. I signed my sim up for work as an entertainer, and was slightly peeved I couldn't follow him to work, and had to stare at an empty home for a couple minutes. This is where the lack of an open world is most annoying, as in TS3 I was able to scroll over to the park and see what other sims were doing, or just explore the map really. Instead I clicked around the house, and I must say, the attention to detail is pretty impressive. The books and the descriptions are what really got me, but the entire game has attention to the littlest things that make it feel a lot more expansive. The next day I had no work, so I decided to take my sim out to meet some friends. I traveled to the park and started talking to one sim while playing chess. The animations really make the interactions feel natural, and the emotion specific actions are a really cool addition to the game. On the subject of emotions, I really like the fact that they now (more noticeably at least) impact how your sim preforms certain tasks. The fact that a goofy mood is better for writing jokes, and an inspired mood is better for painting, and these are just a few of them. I really appreciate the game mechanic, and it seems most people are completely overlooking this. After playing for a couple more hours the game didn't seem to lose any steam, and kept me wrapped up in my sims life, although having group conversations was rather strange, with people just kind of walking up and randomly joining/leaving. I think if the feature was worked on a bit more, it could really work well in the game, but for right now it's just kind of awkward. After a bunch more hours of game time under my belt, I decided to write this review. To cover a few points outside of the actual gameplay, I would like to say that the price is a bit steep. I understand that most games today are $60, as was the Sims 3, but with the knowledge that at least 10 new expansion packs and more stuff packs/DLC are coming, I think a price of $40 would have made the game reach a wider audience ($20 can make a difference). Overall, the game feels like a step up from The Sims 3 in a definite way, and I would recommend it to anyone on the fence about buying (although waiting for a sale couldn't hurt).    … Expand
  49. Aingael
    Sep 6, 2014
    2
    I gave Sims 4 a go even though my expectations were low and I was proved right and then some. The score of two is for the parts of CAS/Build that would work if they evelved, I do like how intuitive it [CAS] is, however, even then it is not very sensitive when sliding the body parts, plus they have further limited how many traits, there are barely any of them there are a lot of trait combosI gave Sims 4 a go even though my expectations were low and I was proved right and then some. The score of two is for the parts of CAS/Build that would work if they evelved, I do like how intuitive it [CAS] is, however, even then it is not very sensitive when sliding the body parts, plus they have further limited how many traits, there are barely any of them there are a lot of trait combos that aren't allowed and you are limited to three per sim when the 5 in sims 3 was barely enough. When making my simself I found it incredibly frustrating that you couldn't be childish and hate kids. Not having the hate kids option also means that the second your sims marries they'll start wanting kids.

    Which brings me to the gameplay itself, it is seriously thin on features and what features there are have their irritations. Every time there are other sims around your sims decides to group chat even if you have a loner sim and have turned autonomy off (and what happened to low autonomy? High or off, it's jarring), everything is more expensive, the GUI is more of an annoyance than an improvement, want to see your sim's needs at all times? You're stuck with a stinkin' big chunk of GUI in your face blocking your screen, otherwise you'll actively have to look at their needs when you want to know. I'm not even going to bother talking about the toddler debacle, it's not worth mentioning because everyone knows all about that one already.

    Lastly, in general, everything is spread really thin, there's less of everything and it really does hamper the enjoyment of gameplay, especially considering the hefty price tag, this is what is holding back build/buy/CAS mode (as well as the lack of Create-A-Style which was a terrible terrible idea). The complaints are pretty consistent from one player to the next and really this was what a lot of people had expected all along since EA refused to listen right through development. What's worse is that the game is already needing fixes, patches and updates, it is good that they are fixing them but after being in developement for so long there shouldn't be so many issues right off the bat.

    After giving it a chanve for a few hours I can safely say that I won't be trying again until the pets expansion and tons of CC is out. That way maybe there'll be enough content and fixes and options to make this playable.    … Expand
  50. KCritic
    Sep 6, 2014
    0
    These 'critics' have clearly been paid off. The game is not worth £20 let alone the £50-60 it is going for. Don't let them get away with it. Save your money. They're now going to try charge you the Earth for DLC - DLC that should have been in the base game.
  51. Milolosz
    Sep 6, 2014
    10
    t's a great game, is full of details, it has nice graphics, a little innovation BUT there is one small ale.But in game lack CHILDREN CAR POOL PRESS and many other things..Ale this is still a great game but not least 5-10 owned DLC there's no way ... But I would still recommend to play the Sims fans and new players would also :)
  52. shessodeviant
    Sep 6, 2014
    10
    GREAT game! if you stop looking at it as the Sims 3 with less stuff and the Sims 4 it truly is an amazing game.plus it makes sense that they had to release it and then put out expansions. its truly a great game and people just need to stop being negative.
  53. CypherDivine
    Sep 6, 2014
    4
    EA strikes again.
    Dumbed down & gutted for later DLC sales.
    Expect the "pool party" & the "growing up" DLC's soon for a mere 20-30 bucks.

    Used to be "EA games, challenge everything" now it's "EA games, charge everything"
  54. Pasinator666
    Sep 6, 2014
    10
    The game is good, even tough it lacks some features. The gameplay is smooth and it seems like an hibryd from sims 3 and 2. It's very fun to play.I know there are some negative reviews, but I feel they are unfair with the game. Most of the people bashing it are comparing this entrance to the series with the other ones, whereas there were expansions and alike. This is not the case. This gameThe game is good, even tough it lacks some features. The gameplay is smooth and it seems like an hibryd from sims 3 and 2. It's very fun to play.I know there are some negative reviews, but I feel they are unfair with the game. Most of the people bashing it are comparing this entrance to the series with the other ones, whereas there were expansions and alike. This is not the case. This game is very solid… Expand
  55. easyairbus
    Sep 6, 2014
    0
    Loading is indeed faster, then again it lacks so much content I don't see why it shouldn't load faster to begin with. Game looks a bit better over The Sims 3 but I just can't get myself to like it, everything I do I find something missing. For example I started my first household, decided to cook food, I choose some salad and it said I required one tomato. In The Sims 3 we had to go out doLoading is indeed faster, then again it lacks so much content I don't see why it shouldn't load faster to begin with. Game looks a bit better over The Sims 3 but I just can't get myself to like it, everything I do I find something missing. For example I started my first household, decided to cook food, I choose some salad and it said I required one tomato. In The Sims 3 we had to go out do groceries and so I went off into town. Guess what, no groceries store! It turned out the tomato is magicly bought when choosing to make that meal rendering the "requires tomato" thing useless.. I've requested a refund as the game lacks too much of everything for me now.… Expand
  56. BigBangParty
    Sep 6, 2014
    2
    I am love playing the Sime since the first one, and usually a new version of the game is full of new things, with big changes. But here, the new things aren't that many, just like better graphism, emotions (which isn't that new, just an imporvment), and a new interface (which is actually great when you get used to it !).

    But then it gets disapointing. They removed a lot of things ! And    I am love playing the Sime since the first one, and usually a new version of the game is full of new things, with big changes. But here, the new things aren't that many, just like better graphism, emotions (which isn't that new, just an imporvment), and a new interface (which is actually great when you get used to it !).

    But then it gets disapointing. They removed a lot of things ! And I'm not talking about things from expansion packs, I'm talking things that were in the "blank" game sometimes since the first one. No more fire, no pool, no toddlers, no repairer, no police and thiefs, no car, no more open world (!!)...etc

    They said it was because they were too busy coding a new engine. Yeah, bad excuse, everybody know what you want to do ! If you wanted to add pools for exempl, it wouldn't have been that difficult !
    I'm surprised to see that critic reviews are actually good about this game....

    Don't buy it, keep playing the Sims 3.    … Expand
  57. LindoWicker
    Sep 6, 2014
    3
    Just a shame, this is the second big release EA have had in recent times and on both occasions they seem to fall short. Sim City was pretty awful. The sims 4 follows this with a lack lustre version of Sims 3. The graphics are a minor improvement but the gameplay/content is severely gimped. Every incantation should bring something new to the series, to make it seem fresh. This bringsJust a shame, this is the second big release EA have had in recent times and on both occasions they seem to fall short. Sim City was pretty awful. The sims 4 follows this with a lack lustre version of Sims 3. The graphics are a minor improvement but the gameplay/content is severely gimped. Every incantation should bring something new to the series, to make it seem fresh. This brings nothing new, if I'm honest I felt like I was playing the android version. Its probably going to be DLC heavy to make this game work. So in essence be prepared to spend a lot of money on DLC to make this good.
    Sufficed to say I won't be buying anymore EA products.    … Expand
  58. Jasuke
    Sep 6, 2014
    2
    Could have been good, it is still the same old just fewer features, which seems like a trend starting with sims 3. The lack of autosave in a game from this century is just unacceptable, the unfinished game will still crash and you will loose hours of gameplay, and for an avid gamer there is nothing worse than that, pure and utter failure a perfect showing to follow on from sim city.Could have been good, it is still the same old just fewer features, which seems like a trend starting with sims 3. The lack of autosave in a game from this century is just unacceptable, the unfinished game will still crash and you will loose hours of gameplay, and for an avid gamer there is nothing worse than that, pure and utter failure a perfect showing to follow on from sim city.

    Well done maxis: "Killing one IP at a time"    … Expand
  59. jazz68
    Sep 6, 2014
    1
    Waited for months with my two kids - aged 11 and 14. This weekend they began playing. After few hours they left the PC very dissapointed. Theres no pools. Its more complex...Where is the first person view mode we thought would come with the new version. And so on. All in all very dissapointing...
  60. Boby-LM
    Sep 6, 2014
    10
    This game is AMAZING ! People should stop complaining about what's not in the game and see what's in the game ! The world is beautiful and the emotion are REAL !
  61. guingirl
    Sep 6, 2014
    2
    I'm a longtime Sims player, so I preordered this game and downloaded it as soon as I could.

    At first, I liked it. I was shocked at the neighborhood layout and limited lot selection (if you can even really call it a selection at all), but decided I would try to keep an open mind. That was a mistake. There are so many features missing from this game. There is no create-a-style, no    I'm a longtime Sims player, so I preordered this game and downloaded it as soon as I could.

    At first, I liked it. I was shocked at the neighborhood layout and limited lot selection (if you can even really call it a selection at all), but decided I would try to keep an open mind. That was a mistake.

    There are so many features missing from this game. There is no create-a-style, no dishwashers, no open world whatsoever, no repair man, no pools, no toddlers, no cars. I could go on and on. It feels like they put all of their eggs into the emotions basket and left none for the rest of the gameplay. Even the emotions are buggy. I sent one of my sims to her friend's house and they sat and chatted. After my sim got up to leave and walked out the door, the friend continued to smile and laugh towards her empty chair.

    The tutorial system is the worst I have ever seen. Crap pops up all the time in a manner that makes no sense. Instead of popping up as a notification in the corner like it did in the Sims 3, the tips crop up all over the UI, often asking you to do things you do not want to do. Further, most of the tips are not helpful info at all, while instructions on, say, how to do homework are nowhere to be found.

    The art direction also leaves something to be desired. Everything feels flat. The lighting in the homes is dim and cold. The plants look cheap. The sims themselves are the only part of this game that actually looks improved.

    I spent a few hours playing this and simply lost interest. With the other Sims games, I've often played until dawn because I completely lost track of time. With this, the immersion simply isn't there.

    I got a refund. I'm so disappointed. I really wanted to love this game.    … Expand
  62. ekeimy
    Sep 6, 2014
    9
    I have been a fan since the first Sims game ever came out. I loved the 2nd and 3rd Sims games, but they were different from each other - and I LIKE that. I don't want the same exact game every time I play a new one. I read all the negative comments about Sims 4 and was hesitant at first, but I finally decided to give it a try. I honestly don't understand why people are giving it such badI have been a fan since the first Sims game ever came out. I loved the 2nd and 3rd Sims games, but they were different from each other - and I LIKE that. I don't want the same exact game every time I play a new one. I read all the negative comments about Sims 4 and was hesitant at first, but I finally decided to give it a try. I honestly don't understand why people are giving it such bad reviews. It's a base game, people. There will be expansions giving you lots of new things to play with probably very soon. This game is great so far, and will become even better with the expansions and DLCs to come. It's true that you don't have an infinite number of designs to choose from for your objects, and you can't freely roam the neighborhood without a load screen. But the graphics are phenomenal, CAS is very much improved, and your Sims seem more realistic than ever before. Also, the loads are very quick, and for me at least, the existing customization options are good enough. As it is, the game is awesome for my particular gaming style. I urge Sims fans to give it a try to see if it suits them, and remember: if you download it from Origin, you can get a full refund within 24 hours if you don't like it. So really, there's no harm in trying it.

    Also, I hate when people bash the makers of any games. They worked very hard to produce a video game for your enjoyment. So even if it isn't perfect to you, show some appreciation.    … Expand
  63. THEUSERXP
    Sep 6, 2014
    6
    Hi all and thank you for taking time to read my review :-3. As this is my very first ever review please excuse any non constructive sentences etc, I am a hard to impress guy who believes that no perfect game / movie / tv show exists and through a modding community can we make games better for all!! (e.g Rome total war 2.)

    On to the the game, The SIMS 4............. I was excited to    Hi all and thank you for taking time to read my review :-3. As this is my very first ever review please excuse any non constructive sentences etc, I am a hard to impress guy who believes that no perfect game / movie / tv show exists and through a modding community can we make games better for all!! (e.g Rome total war 2.)

    On to the the game, The SIMS 4.............
    I was excited to experience the newest edition of The Sims as I have spent countless hours on all previous Sim games since I was a teen, drowning, burning and woohooing into the early dawn of next day.

    From the first load up and initial screens there is a sense of polished and refined flow to to the menu's, clicking start took me straight to Create A Sim "CAS" I spent about 25 mins creating myself and my partner from scratch and found the multiple options of clothing, sliders and traits can be easily flicked through to find the most appropriate.

    Next stage was to buy a lot / home or build from scratch to house my new sims, I chose to purchase a lot fully furnished with upgrading furniture / appliances in the future. I was now eager to see how the gameplay mechanics functioned,

    My first reaction to the overall look of the game was a small smile eclipsing my face as I moved around the lot to view it and take in the warm vibrant picture. I vaguely glanced at any tutorial message bubbles that popped up but truthfully I just kept hitting the next button as they tend to get in the way of what your sims next action, want or need, it is a slight annoyance but vital for any one who really has never played any sims game before.

    My sims interactions were flowing and occurring faster than previous sims games as they can now multi task but this led me to miss certain info bubbles that popped up on the right side of the screen for example "YOURSIM" has gained the following trait / skill I had to view the sims actual profile to remind myself of what had just happened.

    When visiting different lots the loading screen was approximately 3 to 5 seconds long, just enough time to stretch, adjust your sitting position before exploring said lot. When encountering and interacting with new sims again the actions flow smoothly and fluently. I was about 2 hours in and still felt excited about the overall game experience however it is very clear that the game is stripped down to allow new content and community modding to enhance in the future.

    My Pros & Cons are

    PROS
    - warm and vibrant graphics with a smooth running of lots with little to no shading issues
    - easy to use user interface and quick loading when changing appearance / clothing on sims
    - sims are true to there given traits and some sims just wont get along with one another
    - public / modding community will be promising given time

    CONS
    - game is lacking previous items pools / cars / careers
    - spotted some minor glitches but not enough to impact my gameplay
    - some pop up bubbles can be easily missed as they stick to the right side of the screen while you are watching the sim do its thing.

    My overall opinion on this game is that it will only get better over time and E.A / Maxis would be wise to offer some free content to mend bridges that all the negative reviews have burned with the people that matter the most, the players ME and YOU.

    Regardless of any biased stance that people will have against E.A they have given a game with a lot of potential and I personally feel that it is a game that will improve over the coming years. I am glad it is a rainy, cold and gloomy Saturday evening here in Sydney, Australia so now I can spend the evening playing more Sims 4    … Expand
  64. iMatrix7
    Sep 5, 2014
    0
    I was excited for an entire year for this game, and some days ago, it comes out.
    "What the hell!", was my first reaction to this game,"Is this a DEMO!?".. I mean, there are a LOT of functionality and object that are missing in this chapter.. and I don't mean only pools, because at this point who cares about them?
    No openworld, no more services, no animals, no thiefs, no progressive life    I was excited for an entire year for this game, and some days ago, it comes out.
    "What the hell!", was my first reaction to this game,"Is this a DEMO!?".. I mean, there are a LOT of functionality and object that are missing in this chapter.. and I don't mean only pools, because at this point who cares about them?
    No openworld, no more services, no animals, no thiefs, no progressive life for other sims outside familiy, etc.. etc.. the list is soooo long!
    PLUS: graphic is orrible! They promise us a realistic graphic in this game and what we have here? This should be the "realistic graphic of a world??"EA PLEASE, go home, you're drunk!!

    In conclusion, seems to have here the exact failure of SIM CITY 2014, but unfortunately in TheSims there is the female audience, that will buy in any case this next game with all the houndreds expansion.

    Good luck with that, i'm out of this cr*p of "game".    … Expand
  65. jimwong
    Sep 5, 2014
    0
    The Sims 4 is a terrible regression from previous versions of the game, and in the areas in which it didn't regress, it failed to improve. The graphics are a gleaming, shiny mess, lacking detail or subtlety. They look like they were intended for a tablet game.

    Critical features, such as the open world, story progression and create-a-style are completely missing, making the game feel    The Sims 4 is a terrible regression from previous versions of the game, and in the areas in which it didn't regress, it failed to improve. The graphics are a gleaming, shiny mess, lacking detail or subtlety. They look like they were intended for a tablet game.

    Critical features, such as the open world, story progression and create-a-style are completely missing, making the game feel like a dramatic step backwards from a technical standpoint. The developers seem to have been more worried about building a game that could work in an online and mobile context than in putting together a modern framework upon which to build.    … Expand
  66. Zacky6661V
    Sep 5, 2014
    0
    Game have a very very bad graphics in 2014 year, same as The Sims 3 which was published in 2009! Significantly less content than in the third. Origin permanently low total game score.
  67. leanthony87
    Sep 5, 2014
    5
    I seriously have mixed feelings when it comes to The Sims 4. Sure the sims are a little smarter than before, and yes there are new features that are great but that's where most of the positive ends. I made a mistake of buying the horrible version of The Sims 3 on a console and traded it in quickly. I hated the limited lot space,I hated having a load screen in-between visiting differentI seriously have mixed feelings when it comes to The Sims 4. Sure the sims are a little smarter than before, and yes there are new features that are great but that's where most of the positive ends. I made a mistake of buying the horrible version of The Sims 3 on a console and traded it in quickly. I hated the limited lot space,I hated having a load screen in-between visiting different areas, and I especially hated the world map. When the free to play version came out, I knew we were going to get that crappy experience and I was right! The small lot space and loading in between areas are just horrible and a HUGE step backwards! There's hardly anything to do this time around(I know it's a base game), for every good new feature they added, they took away 10 important ones we had before! The world map is just sad! I feel like they spliced the console version,the free to play version,The Sims 2,not much of the Sims 3 and just said lets go for it! I do believe The Sims 4 has potential to grow with expansions in the future like it's predecessor, I don't however think I'll be doing anything more than creating characters for the time being. Call it buggy all you want, but the Sims 3 will remain the better game. I'd even choose 2 over 4 and it's old! I'm not looking forward to any of the DLC we will have to pay for either! I spent so much money on The Sims 3! We could've gotten a finished product in a year or so, instead we got a half-baked product that deserves no more than a 6/10 at best!… Expand
  68. Grace-Logan
    Sep 5, 2014
    3
    I thought The Sims 3 was great. I usually play the games for the design features in characters and homes, not for going through multiple generations of sims.

    The Sims 4 fell short. The new sim creator is awesome and really useful for getting really unique sims. However, the only thing that's different about it, is body mods. The lack of diversity with the hair styles and clothes across    I thought The Sims 3 was great. I usually play the games for the design features in characters and homes, not for going through multiple generations of sims.

    The Sims 4 fell short. The new sim creator is awesome and really useful for getting really unique sims. However, the only thing that's different about it, is body mods. The lack of diversity with the hair styles and clothes across the ages teen, young adult and adult was a huge disappointment and for a game that's supposed to be focused more on the sims personalities, there's less traits than the starter for sims three. The Build/Buy mode is inconvenient, annoying and slow. It's hard to navigate and difficult to get a grasp of. Not a lot of designs to choose from and really plain.

    If they pulled the emotions and sim creator from Sims 4 and chucked it in Sims 3 the game would have a hell of a lot more to show for. As it stands, the worlds are small with barely anything to do in them, you have load screens to go to most lots, you have no control over what your sim is doing whilst at work or school. You can't have them slack off or work hard or sleep or suck up to their boss. Your sim just disappears from the game for however many minutes it takes to go to work or school.

    There's less social interactions to choose from and less ways to interact with your surroundings, you can't even lock the doors. The camera is a pain in the arse to deal with even with the Sims3 option ticked. The lots are smaller, there's not a lot of room in the worlds. The graphics are very cartoon like ad I could make a perfect replica of Gintoki fro Gintama, the hair styles are that carton like. In some cases it looks alright but the girls hair doesn't really suit the art style.

    It doesn't feel like completed game, feels like a trial for the new sim creator. Everything else kind of feels like it was an after thought, compared with the obvious effort put into making the sim creator.    … Expand
  69. susanleona
    Sep 5, 2014
    9
    I'm in love with this game. The sims seem more real than in any other version and I was so pleasantly surprised because there were so many people on the Sims forum who expressed dislike due to missing items (before they even tried out the game!) that to see how well the game works and to not miss anything is fantastic. The lags and game crashes I had in Sims 3 are not happening. There isI'm in love with this game. The sims seem more real than in any other version and I was so pleasantly surprised because there were so many people on the Sims forum who expressed dislike due to missing items (before they even tried out the game!) that to see how well the game works and to not miss anything is fantastic. The lags and game crashes I had in Sims 3 are not happening. There is a lot to do for a base game and I'm sure I'll be busy until an expansion shows up.… Expand
  70. estabon0225
    Sep 5, 2014
    2
    I'm pretty sure many of these positive reviews are EA workers, their family and friends. No one in their right mine could give The Sims 2.5 anything higher than an 7 and I'm being generous. I won't be asking for a refund, but I won't be playing either. After 10 expansion packs, 20 stuff packs, 100 patches, and 5 years this will be a wonderful game. Just in time for the release of The SimsI'm pretty sure many of these positive reviews are EA workers, their family and friends. No one in their right mine could give The Sims 2.5 anything higher than an 7 and I'm being generous. I won't be asking for a refund, but I won't be playing either. After 10 expansion packs, 20 stuff packs, 100 patches, and 5 years this will be a wonderful game. Just in time for the release of The Sims 3: The Emotional Sequel… Expand
  71. dhartaros
    Sep 5, 2014
    4
    I've waited this games for years. Finally I bought it, and I got disappointed. The game isn't finished yet, there are some bugs as babies disappearing, or characters looking like if huehuehue and Slenderman had children. The game has the basic core-features, but lacks of that extra The Sims series give you. Cars, basements, exploration, and damn it, I even miss burglars. This game isI've waited this games for years. Finally I bought it, and I got disappointed. The game isn't finished yet, there are some bugs as babies disappearing, or characters looking like if huehuehue and Slenderman had children. The game has the basic core-features, but lacks of that extra The Sims series give you. Cars, basements, exploration, and damn it, I even miss burglars. This game is promising, but the only way EA can redeem themselves is giving aways DLC's for free. The Sims 4 is a remastered version of The Sims. On the other hand, the new Sim Creation is pretty cool, plus some other stuff (the piano is back!). Luckily, we'll have some upgrades soon with the missing content.… Expand
  72. Alibrianae
    Sep 5, 2014
    0
    This game has better graphics and I like the updated options...I do not like the limited demographics, how the toddlers and babysitters are missing etc....I would rather play the Sims 3..The price is a major joke for this game it feels more like a scam...#angry
  73. Qgal5kap
    Sep 5, 2014
    2
    Have you guys seen the size of the lots?? In the biggest of lots in Sims 4, I can't even fit the garage of my last Sims 3 house. It seems like they have decided that nobody plays Sims for the design and build aspect of it. Rather than having the best of two worlds, they went for one, namely focus on interaction between sims.

    I returned the game within the 24 hrs.
  74. Zapness
    Sep 5, 2014
    1
    This game is lacking fun. Just stick with Sims 3, it'll last you longer and its more fun. Really, my review is only this long because I've been trying to get the minimum character limit. My real review is simply:

    No.
  75. rickyreyna
    Sep 5, 2014
    0
    This game is probably worth 25 dollars and I would still not buy it since its missing their core features. EA needs to stop doing **** like this only to put it as a **** dlc.
  76. Spirashun
    Sep 5, 2014
    5
    Most of what they have is good: buildling tools, create-a-sim, emotions.

    But there's just so little in the game- teens are identical to adults, cutting out toddlers, etc. They did so much to cut corners rather than make a game that feels complete.
  77. EpicTofu
    Sep 5, 2014
    0
    this game is a waste of money! it is not Finished. I played 4 hours into the game, its just so incomplete. Sims 4 should be a step forward from sims 3. BUT IT IS NOT!
    SRSLy what is up the the new world map!!! it felt like this game took a step backward. Loading screen everywhere. This is so irritating coming from sims 3. If we put sims 3 next sims 4, sims 3 has wayyyy more feature and    this game is a waste of money! it is not Finished. I played 4 hours into the game, its just so incomplete. Sims 4 should be a step forward from sims 3. BUT IT IS NOT!
    SRSLy what is up the the new world map!!! it felt like this game took a step backward. Loading screen everywhere. This is so irritating coming from sims 3. If we put sims 3 next sims 4, sims 3 has wayyyy more feature and play time than sims 4. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON SIMS 4. EA NEED TO LEARN TO NOT FK UP A GAME LIKE THIS.    … Expand
  78. LadyStacey
    Sep 5, 2014
    2
    After being an avid Sims fan since The Sims 1, I must say I am absolutely gutted at how poor this game is.
    This is nowhere near worth the £38 I paid for it ~ There's no swimming pools, no toddlers, it seems extremely basic.
    The graphics, fair enough, are amazing and I am impressed at the shadows and lighting in the environment BUT I am angry at what I saw at the edge of the "precinct"    After being an avid Sims fan since The Sims 1, I must say I am absolutely gutted at how poor this game is.
    This is nowhere near worth the £38 I paid for it ~ There's no swimming pools, no toddlers, it seems extremely basic.
    The graphics, fair enough, are amazing and I am impressed at the shadows and lighting in the environment BUT I am angry at what I saw at the edge of the "precinct" where my house is - there's what seems to be cardboard cutouts of trees and the depth of field blur is disgusting.

    As with the previous sims games, I can usually play for 6-8 hours straight daily and get easily addicted and involved but this there was nothing. I feel let down.
    The Sims 3 was my favorite of the whole franchise and I was expecting a huge step up from that but it's gone back - way back, if not WORSE than sims 1/2.

    You create a sim, with basic, ugly clothing and plastic looking hair/skin. You are then faced with this vile interface which is the "neighborhood/world" it felt like a mobile phone games interface...
    You then move into your plot and build using only basic furniture (which may i add you can only choose form a handful of colors - no more CASt).
    You then go into live mode. You keep their needs in the green and let them do their thing...
    I felt I had no purpose anymore. It was repetitive and boring.

    I WILL be going back to the sims 3 unless EA decide to up their game and fix this abomination that they call a sims game. If I find out they don't even TRY to improve things, I will never give them my money ever again.

    RIP The Sims Franchise!    … Expand
  79. Tieh-Cho-Li
    Sep 5, 2014
    2
    Don't waste your money on this 59.99 USD mobile quality game. It DID some improvement like UI, faster loading, but the cost of the improvement is too huge they cut so many features from The Sims 3 vanilla. The cut features can be easily found from Google, please check out before you buy it!
  80. Torrand
    Sep 5, 2014
    10
    I have played Sims through the entire series. While I loved Sims 3 and all it's wonderful expansions, the game was plagued with crashes, lag, poor performance on less than high end rigs. Sims 4 has renewed my enthusiasm for the series. It's fun, refreshing and new all over again. Minus the loading screens, I have absolutely no complaints about the game play. The emotions are fun, waitI have played Sims through the entire series. While I loved Sims 3 and all it's wonderful expansions, the game was plagued with crashes, lag, poor performance on less than high end rigs. Sims 4 has renewed my enthusiasm for the series. It's fun, refreshing and new all over again. Minus the loading screens, I have absolutely no complaints about the game play. The emotions are fun, wait until you have to have to take an angry poop. This is a great game :)… Expand
  81. onesim2014
    Sep 5, 2014
    9
    A step up from sims 3, CAS and build mode are less frustrating, the gameplay is finally back. The new interactions and emotion system make the sims 4 extremely fun to play. They have lots of goals and challenges for those who want a bit of direction,
    The load screens are very fast and not only does the game look great but it also runs very smoothly too.
    If you were a fan of sims 2 then    A step up from sims 3, CAS and build mode are less frustrating, the gameplay is finally back. The new interactions and emotion system make the sims 4 extremely fun to play. They have lots of goals and challenges for those who want a bit of direction,
    The load screens are very fast and not only does the game look great but it also runs very smoothly too.
    If you were a fan of sims 2 then you will love this game
    The only negative is their are no toddlers in the game    … Expand
  82. Fiever
    Sep 5, 2014
    8
    I think this is an 8/10. There are some issues but they're few and far between in some cases. I did recently encounter 1 bug where relationships got all screwy and people ended up not how I set them but they did say they're looking into that issue along with many other issues that people have found.
    I think the majority of the users downvoting this are either "trolls" and people who hate    I think this is an 8/10. There are some issues but they're few and far between in some cases. I did recently encounter 1 bug where relationships got all screwy and people ended up not how I set them but they did say they're looking into that issue along with many other issues that people have found.
    I think the majority of the users downvoting this are either "trolls" and people who hate on EA for no reason other than to hate... because HEY they wont get in trouble and who cares?

    The game needs to be looked at as a base game where they are going to be building on it for the next few years or so and not as a full game. Sims1,2,3 base games all are very barebones with little to do in them but as they got expansions the game grew more and more to be fuller and fuller.

    I would say that if you are wanting more content, wait for a few EPs to come out, if you want to hop right on in and get your feet wet and learn some of the cool new features and understanding how things are working, then by all means purchase this.    … Expand
  83. alexlou96
    Sep 5, 2014
    3
    I have been waiting for this game to come out in the UK since I was told that it was being released, probably about a year ago now, maybe even longer. However, I am very sad to say that all this time of waiting has really been pointless, as the game does not bring anything new/exciting to the table.
    Although there are a few positive points about The Sims 4; such as everything loads very    I have been waiting for this game to come out in the UK since I was told that it was being released, probably about a year ago now, maybe even longer. However, I am very sad to say that all this time of waiting has really been pointless, as the game does not bring anything new/exciting to the table.
    Although there are a few positive points about The Sims 4; such as everything loads very efficiently, and the game does not lag whatsoever (unlike The Sims 3), I feel like I have been robbed of my money. What's going on with the fact that we can't even see our sims walk to the library? Or the fact that we simply have to just sit there and wait for our sims to come back from their day jobs in stead of having the beneficial feature of looking around the neighbourhood? To be honest, I simply couldn't believe the fact that we couldn't do these things, as it really feels like a major step back in time. Isn't this just a really high-defined version of The Sims 2?
    Create-A-Sim was okay, I was quite impressed at first, but after a short while I began to realise that actually, it was very confusing, unlike Create-A-Sim in The Sims 3 which is very easy to navigate.
    Closing comment; why does my sim take like, 3 hours to have a shower? Ain't nobody got time for that.    … Expand
  84. Bensterbas
    Sep 5, 2014
    6
    Sims 4, two steps forward 3 steps back. Just got the sims 4 today from amazon and have played for four hours so far, here are some of my thought on the game so far. The game does a great job with social interactions with the other sims, allowing them to talk to other sims when doing something e.g. On the phone, on the computer etc. This is a great plus for the game as I felt sims 3 lackedSims 4, two steps forward 3 steps back. Just got the sims 4 today from amazon and have played for four hours so far, here are some of my thought on the game so far. The game does a great job with social interactions with the other sims, allowing them to talk to other sims when doing something e.g. On the phone, on the computer etc. This is a great plus for the game as I felt sims 3 lacked in this area. Also the music and build mode have been perfected in the sims 4 allowing for intuitive builds while listening to some inspiring music, again another great addition to the franchise. There are many more great things about the sims 4 but I want to talk about some of the bad so far to. No open world.... its a big let down for fans and one that shouldn't have happened as it is a huge feature in sims 3 and should have been brought forward and improved in the sims 4 but instead we get the neighborhood system that compresses the games potential and is a massive let down for players coming from the sims 3. I know many other reviewers have said this already but taking out pools and toddlers... seriously, again a massive letdown for sims fans and overall a bad move. Overall I think the games shows alot of potential and has the possibility of being a great game but taking out core features and items from game is a big mistake on EA's part and I just hope that its a fixable one. We will have to wait and see what the expansions have to offer but paying 49.99 or 60 dollars is another kick in the teeth and in my opinion making the game not worth the price at this current time. Hope this review helps! -Ben… Expand
  85. PetTheBeanfield
    Sep 5, 2014
    1
    I was excited for this game, I really was- I loved the Sims 3 but hoped for expansion and better interactions. What I instead found was a clunky, un-involving and immersion breaking game that seemed to have far less features than its predecessor, or just limited versions. I'm extremely disappointment by this, as I'm sure many other fans are- another lackluster uninspiring game from EAI was excited for this game, I really was- I loved the Sims 3 but hoped for expansion and better interactions. What I instead found was a clunky, un-involving and immersion breaking game that seemed to have far less features than its predecessor, or just limited versions. I'm extremely disappointment by this, as I'm sure many other fans are- another lackluster uninspiring game from EA where the decisions made on it just don't seem to make sense at all.… Expand
  86. Lilgem
    Sep 5, 2014
    7
    I like it, when playing the game and comparing it to sims 3, remind yourselves how many expansion packs the game you were playing last week had. I think it has promise and I'm looking forward to see where EA take it.
  87. dezcordero
    Sep 5, 2014
    10
    I think people are unfairly lowering their rating based on things this game doesn't have compared to items and features introduced to Sims 3 t through expansion and stuff packs rather than what the game actually has to offer. This is a base game and I rate it as such.

    This game doesn't lay everything out on the display and walk you through it, but the features we love are there. You can    I think people are unfairly lowering their rating based on things this game doesn't have compared to items and features introduced to Sims 3 t through expansion and stuff packs rather than what the game actually has to offer. This is a base game and I rate it as such.

    This game doesn't lay everything out on the display and walk you through it, but the features we love are there. You can work hard at work or slack off, etc. The jobs are different, but they're varied, and the flavor of them and mini events are more personable. There's no family tree, but they recognize relationships, and let's face it, the TS3 family tree broke after a few generations anyway. Despite the things miss, there are plenty of things to love.

    The rich graphics for one, and the Sims are much more personable this time. The babies are adorable, the children are perfect, band despite their heights, the teens are perfect too and I can easily tell a teen from an adult. Gone are maternity clothes, they just stretch now. Want to properly dress your new teen, you can update everyone else at the same time. No more lines at the dresser. There are a TON of recipes, old favorites a new ones, plus a new gourmet cooking skill separate from the main one. Promotions at school and work need to meet objectives, and so do aspirations.

    All in all, I was sick and tired of Sims 3 and it's broken family tree, crashes and long running bugs, and the need to move to new towns periodically just to refresh the game. Forget a 12 hrs session without lags and crashes. People are holding TS4 up to TS3 like it was a perfect holy trail, and it just wasn't. TS4 is stable, hasn't crashed yet despite long hours logged. It's the most stable release yet.

    I have heard it said as well that TS4 is a spiritual successor to TS2 and there is a lot of truth to that.

    For me? I loved and won't ever go back to TS3.    … Expand
  88. Hawkert
    Sep 5, 2014
    0
    What a regret,buying this unfinished game! I should 've heard my friends...what a waste of money. I'm just...disappointed. This game is horrible. A step back in The Sims franchise.
  89. Klldarkness
    Sep 5, 2014
    0
    Horribly disappointed. They took pretty much all of the good features from the sims 3 base game, and threw them away in favor of the exact opposites. The big draw for the sims 3, was open neighborhoods. No longer were you stuck in a single plot, unable to move about, hoping that a specific person would wander by. That freedom of movement, and total lack of loading screens was what made TheHorribly disappointed. They took pretty much all of the good features from the sims 3 base game, and threw them away in favor of the exact opposites. The big draw for the sims 3, was open neighborhoods. No longer were you stuck in a single plot, unable to move about, hoping that a specific person would wander by. That freedom of movement, and total lack of loading screens was what made The Sims 3 such a success.

    That feature alone, missing from the sims 4, is a huge loss for me. The game is basically The sims 2, with update graphics, and emotions.

    Also, for everyone exclaiming over multi-tasking, and mod support?

    The sims 3 had both of those.

    In the end, this game was a failure. I'm not sure what maxis was thinking this time, but they have failed me, and every single sims fan out there. I am completely disappointed. I'll be sticking with The sims 3, and the expansions I own, and hope that the sims 5 is actually worth playing.    … Expand
  90. dwapalmer
    Sep 5, 2014
    0
    I am a long time Sims fan and was looking forward to this release from the time it was announced. However, I was unfortunately very disappointed. Instead of moving forward and adding genuinely good content, they stripped the SIms 4 down to the bare bones, moving away from the open world experience which the Sims 3 offered (and I adored). Now players must sit through endless loading screensI am a long time Sims fan and was looking forward to this release from the time it was announced. However, I was unfortunately very disappointed. Instead of moving forward and adding genuinely good content, they stripped the SIms 4 down to the bare bones, moving away from the open world experience which the Sims 3 offered (and I adored). Now players must sit through endless loading screens and are unable to do things such as cross the street- things which should be simple. Emotions which add so very little to gameplay have replaced staple objects- cars, toddlers, swimming pools. There is a very limited amount of personalisation which can be performed. All in all, this game stinks of a vehicle for either a mobile port, or endless extremely expensive expansion packs. I can see it now: pool party, garage and generations packs are incoming, just to add something very basic to the game. I have returned my copy and will personally be sticking with the Sims 3, and I encourage anyone thinking of buying to avoid this disgustingly greedy, glitchy and boring game at all costs.… Expand
  91. VvNeo2000vV
    Sep 5, 2014
    7
    First off I just want to say that this is my first review ever! Also gamers/people now a days feel too entitled about what should or shouldn't be in a video game. Most of these 1's and 0's should be ignored, the game is not that bad. I played about 4-5 hours and never got bored with it so far. Granted it's doesn't have as much content as The Sims 3 with all the expansions, but there isFirst off I just want to say that this is my first review ever! Also gamers/people now a days feel too entitled about what should or shouldn't be in a video game. Most of these 1's and 0's should be ignored, the game is not that bad. I played about 4-5 hours and never got bored with it so far. Granted it's doesn't have as much content as The Sims 3 with all the expansions, but there is plenty to do. The "zones" bummed me out at first but the performance of the game is great, no choppiness or stuttering or long load times like in The Sims 3. Being able to multitask is the greatest improvement overall, it makes it feel like you have plenty of time in a day and you can get a lot of stuff done. It doesn't feel like you have to save time to make sure you get to work on time or do whatever like in the previous Sims games. The camera control and interface is a little awkward because im used to the previous Sims interfaces. I haven't tried "The Sims 3" style camera yet to see if that helps at all. It'll take some time to get used to where certain buttons are im not used to the Build/Buy button on the top yet. Overall it's fun, enjoyable and im having a blast so far. Create-A-Style that was missing didn't bother me much I didn't really use it and found it to be a pain sometimes. Although I don't really use pools and didn't like the toddler phase, I agree it should be a base game feature and hope EA does right by the customers and adds it as a free update in the future. This has to be the only time I honestly say go by the critic reviews not the user reviews, most of the user reviews are people flaming. This game is a solid 7… Expand
  92. mjz
    Sep 5, 2014
    0
    Watched my son play this for a few hours. I was going to buy it but realized fairly quickly that I would be better off saving my money for a complete game. There is so much missing from this game that is in the base Sims 3 that it really isn't worth listing. Apparently EA feels that everything from being able to call the fire department to have a toddler needs to be DLC. Another seriesWatched my son play this for a few hours. I was going to buy it but realized fairly quickly that I would be better off saving my money for a complete game. There is so much missing from this game that is in the base Sims 3 that it really isn't worth listing. Apparently EA feels that everything from being able to call the fire department to have a toddler needs to be DLC. Another series ruined by EA.

    Has anyone else noticed that all the "10 Star" reviews are well written. Maybe a little too well written?    … Expand
  93. JCAquix
    Sep 5, 2014
    2
    While the game boasts some improvements to build mode and sim behavior they are far outweighed by the lack of content, gameplay, and any of the charm of previous releases. Each prior installment of the sims has improved on the prior in some way that made the hard-reboot worth it, The Sims 2 added aging and generations, The Sims 3 added an open world. Not only did Maxis fail to addWhile the game boasts some improvements to build mode and sim behavior they are far outweighed by the lack of content, gameplay, and any of the charm of previous releases. Each prior installment of the sims has improved on the prior in some way that made the hard-reboot worth it, The Sims 2 added aging and generations, The Sims 3 added an open world. Not only did Maxis fail to add anything of note to The Sims 4, but they affirmatively left out the improvements and features of other installments. The Sims 4 neighborhoods are small and as far from open as possible. Want to visit a friend or the gym? 2-3 minutes of loading on an SSD. Want to watch kids grow up? There are no toddlers, children's faces are all literally identical, and teens are only slightly shorter than adults, so sim kids go from indistinguishable from other children to a practically full grown adult in two steps.

    Some may miss the content added by prior expansion packs but I miss fundamental content and features of prior sims games. Ultimately, there is nothing "wrong" with the Sims 4 except that it's a step backwards. If you've never played The Sims 3 or The Sims 2 then chances are that you will enjoy it. But for long term Sims fans it's a slap in the face.    … Expand
  94. boston11
    Sep 5, 2014
    10
    I really don't understand the negative reviews. I have been playing The Sims since the original game. Each time a new upgrade comes out, it feels like a reset since so much gets added by the expansion packs. You have to go in expecting that, and the reaction to it this time seems very overblown and unwarranted. The things to pay attention to are the actual changes between game-play inI really don't understand the negative reviews. I have been playing The Sims since the original game. Each time a new upgrade comes out, it feels like a reset since so much gets added by the expansion packs. You have to go in expecting that, and the reaction to it this time seems very overblown and unwarranted. The things to pay attention to are the actual changes between game-play in each version, and in that, The Sims 4 is a surprisingly big improvement over The Sims 3.

    For game-play, a lot has already been said about the new create-a-sim. It is definitely much better and you make more unique Sims, but to me, this isn't that big of a feature for the way I play. I tend to just create one family and continue with the same line for many generations, so I don't actually spend much time creating new characters.

    The changes made to how you build houses are a big upgrade. You can customize things that were never possible before (circular wall, high ceilings, roof heights), and everything is just much easier and more convenient to use - you can add a foundation later, you can move rooms or the entire house, there are more options for pre-built rooms and editing them is easier.

    Aspirations are a good improvement on the old wishes and lifetime achievements. Instead of a singular goal with a lifetime wish, there are levels of the aspiration and you have to complete several tasks to move up each level - this is much better than the singular goal of a lifetime wish. You can also easily change aspirations and go all the way through multiple in a lifetime - previously, you would only be able to finish one lifetime wish. There are things similar to wishes in Sims 4 - but they are more based on moods (another new feature) and your surroundings.

    People have complained about missing toddlers, but I completely disagree. Babies, children and teenagers are far better in The Sims 4 than in any previous version. In the past, babies and toddlers were boring and took a lot of work. I like that that part has been taken out most of the way. In the Sims 3, even children and teenagers were a bit annoying. All you could really do with them was go to school and do homework - there were hardly any skills you could build, and there was no clear direction or reason to play them (I would usually just ship them off to boarding school since they were too boring). In the Sims 4, you can build more skills as a child/teen, and you have specialized aspirations that are made for children/teens. I really think the changes to game-play for babies/children/teens is the best part of this game.

    Multitasking is a nice feature as well - the most common situation I have is Sims being able to complete productive tasks (working out, painting, etc), while also talking with the other people in the room and building relationships.

    Story progressions being removed actually is a positive for me now that I have played it. In the past, this could cause your neighborhood to be filled with the same family and after a few generations everyone is related. Now it makes it so that there is constantly a new people in the neighborhood.

    The only real negative I have had so far is with the tutorial - it is annoying and there is no setting to turn it off in game. To do so, you need to run the game and include a command line parameter --no_tutorial.

    Overall, I really like the improvements. After seeing so many complaints, I almost held off on buying The Sims 4, but I am glad I didn't wait.    … Expand
  95. Username_PT
    Sep 5, 2014
    0
    This game is incomplete without DLC ... it's a shame!
    EA only cares about the money that they will earn from these DLC's!
    The only thing that I liked was the create a Sim.
  96. Jesperlange1
    Sep 5, 2014
    0
    Normally you would expect a sequel to be better, but EA/Maxis has suprised us again.... We thought they had learned from the disaster of Simcity... But yet again EA/Maxis has just proven to us, that we should never pre purchase their games.

    If you are wondering whether to buy this game, DON'T! The new features aren't nearly enough to makeup the missing features from sims 3. This is    Normally you would expect a sequel to be better, but EA/Maxis has suprised us again.... We thought they had learned from the disaster of Simcity... But yet again EA/Maxis has just proven to us, that we should never pre purchase their games.

    If you are wondering whether to buy this game, DON'T! The new features aren't nearly enough to makeup the missing features from sims 3. This is definitely one of the biggest dissapointments of the year. And if you are wondering why it has so high critic reviews, they have been bribed!!!!!!!    … Expand
  97. VeridisQuo
    Sep 5, 2014
    8
    After reading all the bad reviews about the Sims 4 I just gave it a try, I loved the previous Sims games so why not.

    First impression was great, better sound, better interface and for me definitely the most important thing the game runs extremely smoothly compared to The Sims 3. I played the game on a regular laptop and loading screens never came up longer than a few seconds. Well    After reading all the bad reviews about the Sims 4 I just gave it a try, I loved the previous Sims games so why not.

    First impression was great, better sound, better interface and for me definitely the most important thing the game runs extremely smoothly compared to The Sims 3. I played the game on a regular laptop and loading screens never came up longer than a few seconds.

    Well let's hop into the gameplay, for me personally I think EA did an amazing job improving interaction between sims. The sims feel a lot more realistic to their surroundings and their mood changes ways more like in real life (which is a huge unexpected plus for me). The building of houses is much more advanced and suprisingly it is also made more easy to do.

    The fact there is no open world and the world is now divided in different parts...well, for me isn't any bad thing since it makes the game run so smoothly and loading screens just take a few seconds as mentioned before. Like all other The Sims games the game lacks a slight bit in content at the beginning but I think compared to the others it's a decent amount of hours you get for your money.
    No toddlers? I don't care, for me it has always been one of the most boring stages and it didn't really contribute anything interesting to the game.

    My conclusion is that The Sims 4 is a very well done sequal of the series and deserves a much better score than most reviewers give it.    … Expand
  98. me-0815
    Sep 5, 2014
    0
    As usual, EA has left out a lot of features that the predecessors had, most likely to sell them separately as DLCs. Also as usual for EA, the new installment doesn't have much better graphics than the predecessor, nor does it offer many new features. Everyone considering buying this game should remember what EA did to the SimCity series as well and should at least wait for a few moreAs usual, EA has left out a lot of features that the predecessors had, most likely to sell them separately as DLCs. Also as usual for EA, the new installment doesn't have much better graphics than the predecessor, nor does it offer many new features. Everyone considering buying this game should remember what EA did to the SimCity series as well and should at least wait for a few more reviews before deciding to buy this game. Complaining in some forums matters little to them, the only way to let EA know your opinion about the direction they took with this game and most games in general is not to purchase them.

    It needs also to be mentioned that EA still insists to use Origin as a DRM system, which means you have to install and run a completely unnecessary background software on your PC before you are even allowed to start the game. This also means that the game is tied to an account, so you can't resell it.    … Expand
  99. gekxs
    Sep 5, 2014
    0
    go **** ea, threw a piece of **** can welcome 1000 additions about dogs and two new attire. I just do not understand how you can be so vile monsters who just sawing product selling millions of pieces each at a price of a new game. Never buy your games and will seek a refund for all that you drove me lately. I forgive you
  100. Olek
    Sep 5, 2014
    2
    The Sims 4 is a bare bones game, obviously with the intent of fleshing it out at a cost, the DLC whoring has got worse with each Sims title, this one no doubt will follow that trend.
    Save your money, buy it down the track at a reduced price, by about the 5th DLC you may then have a full game to play.
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
7
#7 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 75 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 42 out of 75
  3. Negative: 2 out of 75
  1. Cubed3
    Jul 23, 2020
    60
    While an enjoyable title that has been polished up and seems generally very modern, it cannot be expected that The Sims 4 is not going to be compared to The Sims 3. In this respect, it seems that while the game took a few steps forwards, it also took a few steps backwards by abandoning features that were very helpful and appreciated in the previous versions. It does have new features that people have been waiting for, such as emotions and more personality for the Sims. As for now, for some players it may not quite be worth to abandon The Sims 3 for it, but for new players looking for a first experience with the franchise, they may have an easier time navigating than former The Sims 3 players. People that have previously enjoyed the latter may be disappointed by the menus (Sim creation, building, or navigating town), as they have been so massively oversimplified that they are now actually confusing.
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  2. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 25, 2014
    80
    The Sims 4 is once again a new beginning. Needs more content and soon, please. [Oct 2014]
  3. CD-Action
    Oct 24, 2014
    40
    The Sims 4 is just a foundation of a game. How would you react if you bought a new Elder Scrolls game and realized that half of the cities are unavailable (because TES6: World Adventures is around the corner), there are only 4 weapons (TES6: Accessories), you can’t ride horses (TES6: Pets), there are only 12 quests (TES6: Careers), 2 guilds (TES6: Friends) and 3 spells (TES6: Supernatural)? [Nov 2014, p.50]
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