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. Mystia
    Sep 2, 2014
    0
    I've played the Sims for over 14 years now so I was really ecstatic for the Sims 4! Let's start with the pros. Loading time has been drastically cut. A player can really make their Sims look realistic. The emotions are fun and bring new interactions between Sims. The graphics are improved. Cons: The most frustrating and disappointing thing was not having an open world. EA has basicallyI've played the Sims for over 14 years now so I was really ecstatic for the Sims 4! Let's start with the pros. Loading time has been drastically cut. A player can really make their Sims look realistic. The emotions are fun and bring new interactions between Sims. The graphics are improved. Cons: The most frustrating and disappointing thing was not having an open world. EA has basically taken the Sims 2, shrunk the world by 70%, and made better graphics. The whole neighborhood view is grey and white. When you move your cursor over the small, five sections of the world offered, then it highlights with color. 4 hours I played and was bored. I was promoted twice in my career, made friends with the Goths, and then shut down the game down. Playing the Sims 4 made me miss the Sims 3. Thankfully, I bought the game through Origin and had a 24 hour guaranteed return policy. I will not be playing the new Sims until they introduce more expansion packs. I am so disappointed. If you like to ONLY build houses and create Sims, then this is the game for you.… Expand
  2. jmac2727
    Sep 2, 2014
    10
    Exactly what you want to see in a base game. Game runs perfectly smooth, been playing over 8 hours now and haven't run into a single bug. The important features that make a Sims game a Sims game are still there, you really start feeling attached to your Sims. The loading screens are as close to nonexistent as you can get and are not a distraction at all. I give it a 10 with absolutelyExactly what you want to see in a base game. Game runs perfectly smooth, been playing over 8 hours now and haven't run into a single bug. The important features that make a Sims game a Sims game are still there, you really start feeling attached to your Sims. The loading screens are as close to nonexistent as you can get and are not a distraction at all. I give it a 10 with absolutely no hesitation.… Expand
  3. LucianoPaulo
    Sep 2, 2014
    10
    Graphics look great! I really liked how they changed all the menus. Also the create tools are really intuitive. The highest points in this game are definitely the multitask and the new online gallery.
  4. Lorkhan
    Sep 2, 2014
    2
    They took out free roaming! EA Have destroyed the Sims immersion! Why do you have to load to go to a neighbours house- I didn't need to do that in Sims 3! They removed the ice-cream van and swimming pools :(
  5. litabelaqua
    Sep 2, 2014
    7
    I don't like the UI, its too fragmented, the camera controls are horrible. Love the music. Im basing my score on what is in the game not whats not in. I actually don't mind the loading screens they are fast enough, the game runs well, it has potential. It has a better balanced economy, I like the careers, I like the gardening aspect. I feel that there is a lot to discover. Its not perfectI don't like the UI, its too fragmented, the camera controls are horrible. Love the music. Im basing my score on what is in the game not whats not in. I actually don't mind the loading screens they are fast enough, the game runs well, it has potential. It has a better balanced economy, I like the careers, I like the gardening aspect. I feel that there is a lot to discover. Its not perfect but what base game is.… Expand
  6. uhmbrellastandz
    Sep 2, 2014
    9
    Sims 4 reminds me of a hybrid of Sims 2 and 3, which were my favorites. I see a lot of negative comments and I understand why but at the same time I don't. Yes, there's stuff missing from it which is why I gave it a 9. However, all the negative reviews just seem to be because people are impatient.

    Yes, I was disappointed about the stuff that's not there at first, but I remembered that    Sims 4 reminds me of a hybrid of Sims 2 and 3, which were my favorites. I see a lot of negative comments and I understand why but at the same time I don't. Yes, there's stuff missing from it which is why I gave it a 9. However, all the negative reviews just seem to be because people are impatient.

    Yes, I was disappointed about the stuff that's not there at first, but I remembered that most of it is stuff that can be added later. I honestly, I forgot about all the small stuff that has yet to be added because I was having so much fun playing with all of the emotions Sims can have now and the multitasking. It's what I would expect from a base game to have, which is all the basic stuff and then all the complicated stuff later. Honestly, my main problem was the map but that can always be expanded/fixed later on and is what you would expect a base game map to be -- basic.

    My advice? Be patient and play Sims 3 until they release updates, expansions, etc. for Sims 4 and then try it. Then you'll have a reason to not like it if you still don't. I was the same way about Sims 3 but I played Sims 2 until they released expansions for it and I had a blast after that. Don't just return the game to the store because of all the basic stuff it offers right now because you may be missing out of this stuff later on or going back out to buy it again.    … Expand
  7. Shuk
    Sep 2, 2014
    0
    Extremely disappointing. Sims 3 vanilla was far more complete than this. They left out so many features and options that it's painfully clear that they are just looking to milk money out of you with DLC's for things that should have just came with the original version. EA's excuse for leaving out what are considerably core features is infuriating that they cite lack of development teamExtremely disappointing. Sims 3 vanilla was far more complete than this. They left out so many features and options that it's painfully clear that they are just looking to milk money out of you with DLC's for things that should have just came with the original version. EA's excuse for leaving out what are considerably core features is infuriating that they cite lack of development team resources... yeah, lack of resources from one of the largest game developers working on a long awaited sequel to one of the most popular franchises ever. Makes sense. Even if such is true, and EA really is so inept that they cannot even allocate the resources required to put out a worthy sequel - then they should definitely not be rewarded by your purchase for their continuation of the trend of large developers putting out shoddy product and asking you for more money so they can 'fix' that shoddy product.… Expand
  8. micah11442
    Sep 2, 2014
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have been a long time sim player, and this game has officially ruined the franchise for me. For those of you who are new to the sim world, playing this game would actually be quite appealing; for the simple reason that you wouldn't know what you were missing out on. 89 notable features (and these are just the big ones) have been removed from the game in order to push individual DLC packs and micro transactions.

    I would understand if the game kept some of the major features that previous simmers loved (such as something as basic as a pool) and then offered a few DLC packs with innovative **NEW** content. However, completely gutting the game of any and all depth in the pursuit of financial gain is unacceptable.

    Don't be a fool and buy this game. It's on Origin for $69.99, but after all the DLC packs for this travesty to become a real game could cost you upwards of $600. Give this game the bad score it deserves to spread the word about the awful things that EA is doing to a franchise so many people loved..    … Expand
  9. khutch
    Sep 2, 2014
    9
    Finally The Sims returned to be The Sims. Having as favorite "The Sims 2" I can say that this gave me an incredible nostalgia, the building mode is so beautiful and more dynamic than ever. Found the simulation mode 3 simple cold and bland, the sims had no emotions and reactions as in the second, it seemed like everything was robotized. Here they are well crafted and are able to connectFinally The Sims returned to be The Sims. Having as favorite "The Sims 2" I can say that this gave me an incredible nostalgia, the building mode is so beautiful and more dynamic than ever. Found the simulation mode 3 simple cold and bland, the sims had no emotions and reactions as in the second, it seemed like everything was robotized. Here they are well crafted and are able to connect with the player. Yes, The Sims 4 does not show many changes from the third to the fourth, but there was an evolution from second to fourth, then, satisfied me. I believe that people will not like The Sims 4, never passed by the firsts games of the franchise.… Expand
  10. Jrud05
    Sep 2, 2014
    0
    I've been anxiously awaiting the release of The Sims 4 for quite some time. I was recently made aware of the missing pools and toddlers but I've been playing The Sims since the beginning so I decided I wasn't going to let that keep me from giving this game a shot.
    At last the game has arrived! I get on to play and start creating my sim, the create a sim tool is great, I mean it's missing    I've been anxiously awaiting the release of The Sims 4 for quite some time. I was recently made aware of the missing pools and toddlers but I've been playing The Sims since the beginning so I decided I wasn't going to let that keep me from giving this game a shot.
    At last the game has arrived! I get on to play and start creating my sim, the create a sim tool is great, I mean it's missing some simple things from TS3, like body hair but no biggie. So finally, I'm done creating and I get to start playing... Select a house? Okay, but why is this neighborhood all divided up into sections? Well... you can't simply travel around the neighborhood like before. What, are you joking? No! Remember what it was like in TS2? It's like that, loading screens to travel to and from a lot of places. Meh.
    Fine whatever, let me just go get my usual job in the business career and it'll all be good. Nope, you can't do that either, sorry! My Sim just vanishes into thin air, I can't see his needs or anything while he's gone. There are many other things that I've found missing from the game compared to previous versions.
    While the emotions of the sims are an interesting addition to the game, they most certainly do not make up for the all of the things that are now missing. The graphics in my opinion are only slightly better than before.
    I remember the day the first Sims came out, I was glued, for hours and hours. It's only taken me about 3 hours to get bored with The Sims 4. Keep your money and stick with The Sims 3, you'll be glad you did.
    I'll probably be returning my copy tonight via the Origin Great Game Guarantee because in my honest opinion, the game is a very stripped down version of the Sims 3 that is not worth the price tag.    … Expand
  11. V1ndictive
    Sep 2, 2014
    1
    Graphics = Good

    Lacks MANY, MANY features from previous Sims games. If you search, you'll find a long list. Interface is down to taste but I personally thing it is awful, and I dislike the white. The new Sims look bland and it is hard to make a truly distinct looking Sim. This game will be loved and adored by the typical Sims fan base, because no matter how bad the Sims is,    Graphics = Good

    Lacks MANY, MANY features from previous Sims games. If you search, you'll find a long list.

    Interface is down to taste but I personally thing it is awful, and I dislike the white.

    The new Sims look bland and it is hard to make a truly distinct looking Sim.

    This game will be loved and adored by the typical Sims fan base, because no matter how bad the Sims is, they will buy it and worship it. EA know this, which is why they are taking advantage of it by making sub par game and leaving room for LOTS, and I mean LOTS of DLC. The fact people buy into it makes me sick.    … Expand
  12. srbee91
    Sep 2, 2014
    10
    Love this game! Love the Sims! People are just too picky. Love the look of Sims and it runs and plays great! I will never turn my back on sims!!! BUY IT TODAY!
  13. Chengalang
    Sep 2, 2014
    10
    Great game. Love it and already hooked. Yes, there are some features missing but there also aren't already 11 expansion packs and 9 stuff packs.

    To the people who claim Sims 4 isn't worth the $60 because it doesn't compare to your apparent purchasing of all expansions. $60 vs $460 and it's doing just a-okay.
  14. crazedbeauty
    Sep 2, 2014
    4
    I am a huge Sims fan, always have been. I was very excited to see Sims 4 coming - they amped it up to be this amazing new game. I could not agree more with the other reviews on here... The Sims personalities, the way they look and interact is fantastic. But thats the whole game right now. Honestly. I purchased the game this morning came home excited to play spent a good 5 hours hopingI am a huge Sims fan, always have been. I was very excited to see Sims 4 coming - they amped it up to be this amazing new game. I could not agree more with the other reviews on here... The Sims personalities, the way they look and interact is fantastic. But thats the whole game right now. Honestly. I purchased the game this morning came home excited to play spent a good 5 hours hoping something was going to happen once my sim progressed so far. Nothing. What I did during my 5 hours was socialize. socialize, go to work, socialize, improve skills, go to work. build a little. There are tons and tons and tons of content left out. At this point in time I would rather revert back to playing Sims 3. This game has huge potential. Hopefully EA makes good with their fans and adds free downloadable updates and content to make this worth owning. When I first starting playing Sims 3 I was glued to my chair. After my 5 hours today with Sims 4 I was bored and shut it off. Such a shame.… Expand
  15. MrCatgirl
    Sep 2, 2014
    0
    The only reason anyone would ever pay for The Sims 4: DLC Quest is if you feel EA hasn't been making quite enough money lately, and you want to reward them for stripping down Sims 3 to its bare essentials with nary an upgrade to be seen anywhere.
  16. tiberij1
    Sep 2, 2014
    10
    Honestly I don't know why everyone is scoring it so low. I wasn't too sure about it after hearing all that has been removed, but honestly, once you play the game you don't think about that. The interactions between sims are great, and there isn't any lag. The graphics are good as well. No complaints so far
  17. GowenGeter
    Sep 2, 2014
    10
    I have been playing for 5 hours straight and it's a lot of fun. I also like how the game runs better than Sims 3.

    There are people who hate EA and write reviews of games that they didn't even buy or play so that explains some of the negative reviews. In the end of the day, haters aren't going to stop me from enjoying the game.
  18. AdrianoFox
    Sep 2, 2014
    10
    The game is great. The only missing feature that really bothers are toddlers. Besides that, The Sims 4 is very fun, fluid, soft and beautiful. The world is full of life, with lots of Sims walking around and interacting with each other. There are lots of cars on the streets, a boat and a train on the background, making everything even more alive. The Sims 3 had a open world, but it wasThe game is great. The only missing feature that really bothers are toddlers. Besides that, The Sims 4 is very fun, fluid, soft and beautiful. The world is full of life, with lots of Sims walking around and interacting with each other. There are lots of cars on the streets, a boat and a train on the background, making everything even more alive. The Sims 3 had a open world, but it was really dead.

    The emotions of the Sims work really well. They make sense and aren't exaggerated at all. The animations look really good and expressive, The multitasking is awesome, it really optimizes the time. The lighting is just AMAZING, i have no words to describe it! Now light goes through every room and floor, and the sun ray lights are perfect!

    The Sims 3 was just disastrous at launch. Dead world, dumb Sims, awful lighting, lots of bugs and a very heavy look. The only advantage it had was Create a Style, but what's the point of having a great function and a terrible gameplay? The Sims 4 enhances the gameplay, you can have real fun playing. The missing content are coming. With the expansion packs the game will be even better.    … Expand
  19. lriley10
    Sep 2, 2014
    2
    This game was a huge disappointment. EA took one step forward and 10 steps back on this one. The good points are Create-A-Sim and the build tool. There are options in both categories that were not in previous games and they really are quite nice. But there are so many things missing from this game that it becomes extremely boring very quickly, and some of the missing features are justThis game was a huge disappointment. EA took one step forward and 10 steps back on this one. The good points are Create-A-Sim and the build tool. There are options in both categories that were not in previous games and they really are quite nice. But there are so many things missing from this game that it becomes extremely boring very quickly, and some of the missing features are just plain annoying. One of the first things you'll notice is the inability to turn off the tutorial, which is extremely frustrating when you have messages popping up all over the screen and often right in the way of what you are trying to accomplish. No more in-depth design options like the color wheel and patterns. No longer having the toddler stage is a huge problem for me. Having a baby appear in a bassinet instead of being able to place him/her in a crib of my choosing is really annoying. There's no more swimming. The world map is a joke. There are loading screens in order to go anywhere at all, even to visit your next door neighbor. The autonomy options are extremely high autonomy, or none at all. You can't have a private conversation between two sims if there are any other sims around, they will all join the conversation whether you like it or not. Objects in the game look weird and boxy, lack of realism. The options are so limited and the game is so bare bones that it is just no fun after creating your character and building a house.… Expand
  20. AmyImpact
    Sep 2, 2014
    10
    The game has improved a lot. The lots are full of people. The build mode is awesome. Multitask is the most interesting thing in this game and the gallery is very great. They made The Sims 4 like a social network.
  21. Zupashow
    Sep 2, 2014
    0
    Sims 4 looks like a demo version of Sims 3...waste of my money and time...
    We waiting to much time for this game! And what we have now? It's not "fair play", EA.
    Another fail after piece of lag - BF4 (looks like DLC for BF3).
  22. Zaran
    Sep 2, 2014
    3
    Like Sim City, this game was a major disappointment to me when other versions were so good. While I like the idea that the towns are zoned off, the fact that the towns are so small is ridiculous. I don't get how so many NPCs can live in 25 or so lots. You can't do things that the original Sims 3 game did. You can't buy traits so really the only goal you have is to keep your SimLike Sim City, this game was a major disappointment to me when other versions were so good. While I like the idea that the towns are zoned off, the fact that the towns are so small is ridiculous. I don't get how so many NPCs can live in 25 or so lots. You can't do things that the original Sims 3 game did. You can't buy traits so really the only goal you have is to keep your Sim happy. I won't go into any more features that this game is lacking. I just feel like this is another game where EA just sold a name to me without backing it with the content that I am used to. Plus this game was way too expensive. Again I felt like I was paying for an improvement to Sims 3. You can't improve 2 things and throw away 90 and call it a new edition. This is a game that needs free apology DLCs to put it on the same level as the Original Sims 3 game.… Expand
  23. okutox
    Sep 2, 2014
    5
    Good thing the sister bought it and not me. Is it awful? Not terribly; the create a sim is nice, build tools are interesting and the game runs decent. However its not great either, its very bare bones, there isn't alot of choices, the world outside your bubble is tiny and overall it feels like a incomplete game. Just save your money and stick to Sims 3/2....you aren't missing out onGood thing the sister bought it and not me. Is it awful? Not terribly; the create a sim is nice, build tools are interesting and the game runs decent. However its not great either, its very bare bones, there isn't alot of choices, the world outside your bubble is tiny and overall it feels like a incomplete game. Just save your money and stick to Sims 3/2....you aren't missing out on much besides the prettier sims themselves. Though what did really expect?… Expand
  24. JomartheGreat
    Sep 2, 2014
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Just wait for the game that me and Will made, The Sims 4 Religions with personal intentions and beliefs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Sims 4 can be also a good game but without me lead tester Jomar Divina and Will Wright, the game would suck than The Sims 1 and 2, Plus with the Baptist Church, The Old Path and 700 Club Asia exclusive live doctrines, game coming soon early 2016.… Expand
  25. SameThing
    Sep 2, 2014
    0
    I was first sceptical of the Sims4 when they wouldn't hand out any games early for reviewers to get their hands on. Well, it makes sense now...they've clearly made this game at a lower spec than expected because their plan is to port it to iOS and Android without detrimental affects...basically, this game has been simplified.
    It shows, the graphics are blocky, the gameplay is plain and    I was first sceptical of the Sims4 when they wouldn't hand out any games early for reviewers to get their hands on. Well, it makes sense now...they've clearly made this game at a lower spec than expected because their plan is to port it to iOS and Android without detrimental affects...basically, this game has been simplified.
    It shows, the graphics are blocky, the gameplay is plain and the overall feel is hollow.

    Don't waste your money on this game or the thousands of DLCs EA will no doubt release for it.    … Expand
  26. geraldteo
    Sep 2, 2014
    3
    Let me start that I admire EA for making the characters deeper. For a life simulator, deeper characters are definitely a plus. EA has emphasized this, and it's definitely delivers as a proof-of-concept. This, along with the graphical overhaul deserves three points.

    However, this game feels like it regressed in many other ways. I won't go into the lack of toddlers and pools, that's been    Let me start that I admire EA for making the characters deeper. For a life simulator, deeper characters are definitely a plus. EA has emphasized this, and it's definitely delivers as a proof-of-concept. This, along with the graphical overhaul deserves three points.

    However, this game feels like it regressed in many other ways. I won't go into the lack of toddlers and pools, that's been beaten to death. What people aren't talking about as much are:

    1. Create-a-sim has been nerfed. You only have around 5 patterns or colors per furniture/piece of clothing
    - No more thousands of combinations of patterns to customize clothing
    - You don't have a color wheel as well to edit

    2. You are back to dollhouse mode like in Sims 1 and 2.
    - No more open world like in Sims 3. You have to go to a loading screen even just to visit the people next door.
    - Loading screens are signs of a bygone era. This is unacceptable considering Sims 3 got us past this already.

    3. Character interactions are much less and just weird.
    - You don't have as much character interactions.
    - There are weird interactions like when you are having your sim talk to someone, another person your sim doesn't know just joins the conversation, and you can't kick that extra person out of the combined conversation without quitting it.

    I really wanted to like the Sims 4. However it feels like it took us too many steps back to give us the new emotion system. This is not a game, but a proof-of-concept of the emotion system. Compared to the Sims 3 base game, which really made you feel like you cannot go back to the Sims 2, this incomplete version of a game only makes me want to go back to the Sims 3.    … Expand
  27. Cevenkills
    Sep 2, 2014
    0
    I am very disappointed. When I first started to play, one word came into mind.... incomplete. It feels like they gave me a game that they didn't finish. Compared to the mass amount of variety and options I could do to customize my Sims and house, it feels like they only gave me about 3%. If only AT THE VERY LEAST they added a color wheel to change the colors of the Sims clothes and theI am very disappointed. When I first started to play, one word came into mind.... incomplete. It feels like they gave me a game that they didn't finish. Compared to the mass amount of variety and options I could do to customize my Sims and house, it feels like they only gave me about 3%. If only AT THE VERY LEAST they added a color wheel to change the colors of the Sims clothes and the furniture it would at least bring some variety to customization. They put me in a universe with endless possibilities in Sims 3 and then they expect me to accept the fact that they put me in a small shoe box with so many restrictions with Sims 4. I'm going to have hope that EA listens to their customers!… Expand
  28. Xarxes
    Sep 2, 2014
    2
    PSA: You can get a full refund of any Origin game within the first 24 hours if you don't like it, which includes the sims 4, which I recommend you do.

    The game is lacking at best, it feels like it has been stripped down just so they can sell DLC that include the stripped down features.

    Sims 3 DLC added up to over $400 in total, it seems like it's going to be worse for the sims 4
  29. RyuzakiLaw1
    Sep 2, 2014
    0
    I played with the demo, and I hoped that it would be a half decent game. Even after seeing all the lists upon lists of features that wouldn't be added into the game, I still held out hope that this Sims game would be decent enough to warrant the price tag. I quickly realized how foolish I was in holding onto that hope. This game is a joke to the series, with so many missing features, itI played with the demo, and I hoped that it would be a half decent game. Even after seeing all the lists upon lists of features that wouldn't be added into the game, I still held out hope that this Sims game would be decent enough to warrant the price tag. I quickly realized how foolish I was in holding onto that hope. This game is a joke to the series, with so many missing features, it becomes boring far too quickly. It feels like a Sims game, there's no doubt about that, but it only feels like a half assed one at that. I'm not going to be exploring this game any further, especially when EA brings out the DLC. What really hurts, is the fact that The Sims has been one of my favorite series, and I can do nothing but watch as it's treated like **** by EA.… Expand
  30. Jach
    Sep 2, 2014
    3
    The graphics suit well with the environment. This is the good point.

    However, the gameplay is too poor compared to the previous Sims' base games. I am disappointed as I expected a better game than what EA badly made. I'm a fan of Sims games but Sims 4 is bad.
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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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