The Sims

 PC
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 804 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 577 out of 804
  2. Mixed: 172 out of 804
  3. Negative: 55 out of 804
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  1. Ammonite
    Jan 20, 2013
    8
    The Sims is an iconic piece of gaming history. Though its isometric fake-3D world may not appeal to gamers today, its charm lives on and its playability remains in tact.
  2. Hechss
    Nov 16, 2015
    10
    Playing The Sims is a unique experience. In my opinion, neither the competitors nor the 2, 3 and 4 sequels have caught the perfect, rounded formula the original Sims had. Newer versions are more fancy but gameplay was way better and faster in that game.
  3. Wolfie1987
    Mar 24, 2014
    10
    The Sims 1 + all expansions is the best Sims. It's addictive, has infinite replay value, the soundtrack is fantastic, the AI is revolutionary. Just a revolutionary amazing game.
  4. AdrianoFox
    Sep 4, 2014
    10
    It's magic, it's fun, it's... awesome. It's one of the best games I've ever played. The graphics might be old, but gameplay is incredible. It is and will always be the best game of the series. Period.
  5. Courts
    Mar 18, 2004
    9
    This game is a blast. I really enjoy playing it. I think this game is good because it gives you hours and hours of great fun.
  6. HayleyC.
    Dec 4, 2003
    10
    This game is soooo cool and fun i go on this game every night after school.
  7. KarlN.
    Sep 21, 2007
    10
    A brilliant game. It's a long way from being a good people simulator, but it's surprising how complex behaviors can arise out of a basic needs-driven model of human behavior. I look forward to seeing how the game could be further developed in the future.
  8. ArthurP
    Aug 13, 2008
    10
    I remember playing this years and years ago, it was my favorite game then, the building, the songs, looking after your family and progressing mesmerized me. It's one of those games you get so into it you forget your playing a game. Today I got the game again and tonnes of wonderful memories came back about this game. So in summary, yes its an old game, the graphics are no way near as I remember playing this years and years ago, it was my favorite game then, the building, the songs, looking after your family and progressing mesmerized me. It's one of those games you get so into it you forget your playing a game. Today I got the game again and tonnes of wonderful memories came back about this game. So in summary, yes its an old game, the graphics are no way near as the modern sims, but it one of the most interesting and enjoyable games ever to be released. I was very disappointed with the sims 2, probably because it can never live upto the original sims.… Expand
  9. LongSlayer
    Jul 28, 2014
    8
    The Sims is an incredible simulation that can be played by anyone. It's very fun to create a family and run their lives. There is a lot of customization with creating a person from choosing clothes and a face to selecting their personality. There are a lot of options with making a house and furnishing it, and I find making the house the most fun part. After playing someone's life for aThe Sims is an incredible simulation that can be played by anyone. It's very fun to create a family and run their lives. There is a lot of customization with creating a person from choosing clothes and a face to selecting their personality. There are a lot of options with making a house and furnishing it, and I find making the house the most fun part. After playing someone's life for a while it can get a little repetitive. They just go to work everyday without much change except promotions here and there to make more money and then you can keeping upgrading your house, but it takes a lot more time to build your house bigger and buy fancier things. The Sims is amazing and it will always be a great game to play for anyone.… Expand
  10. NorwayGamer
    Feb 4, 2019
    9
    man.. do i have great memories playing this game. it was such a unique and fun experience when it came out.
    it was just such a blast building your house, starting a career from scratch, and slowly improving the life for the sims, or destroying it - if that was your thing.

    to this day, I prefer it to the newer games in the series. it is just simple, relaxing fun.
  11. BrendonStander
    Apr 2, 2012
    10
    This was the begining of the Best Selling PC game franchise and World Record smasher, The Sims. Im happy with the start and will always be a classic game to remember, even though graphics wasnt good, but ey. It was number one!! :)
  12. BlancoA.
    May 6, 2001
    8
    A very sophisticated and fun game, but having to constantly maintain your sims can feel a little too much like work at times.
  13. RobertB.
    Jun 10, 2001
    9
    Mysteriously addictive. For some reason, it's fun to make someone else do all the stuff that, in reality, you should be out doing (cleaning up the house, working your way up the corporate ladder, etc.)
  14. BigBrother
    Aug 14, 2002
    8
    It's really cool when you start out, building a house. However, maintaining a job can be really, really monotonous, and try as you may to play the game fairly, it is next to impossible to do so when you know the ROSEBUD code. The game gets boring after a while though. It's pleasantly original and quirky, though, and will still keep you glued for a long time. Note that I do not It's really cool when you start out, building a house. However, maintaining a job can be really, really monotonous, and try as you may to play the game fairly, it is next to impossible to do so when you know the ROSEBUD code. The game gets boring after a while though. It's pleasantly original and quirky, though, and will still keep you glued for a long time. Note that I do not own any of the add-ons, so maybe this isn't a fair judgement...… Expand
  15. C.Doyle
    May 9, 2006
    10
    Loved it!
  16. MafiaGuy
    Nov 1, 2003
    9
    Hopefully Maxis will create some expansion packs for this game and add in more features.
  17. SamL.
    May 4, 2003
    10
    The Sims is such a great game, and I cannot see how anyone can hate it. True, it does get a bit repetative, but the game makes you want to play it over and over again. One of the only decent games these days that doesn't involve shooting people or mindless gore.
  18. RainbowTay
    Jun 8, 2003
    8
    It's a good game but u can't do much without the expansions.
  19. C.Doyle
    Sep 30, 2004
    10
    Loved it!
  20. Jackie
    Jul 12, 2002
    10
    THIS GAME RULES, it can get boring but i've got ALL the add ons so it gets interesting once u add them, now I'm just waiting for sims online! YAYAYAY I LUV THE SIMS.
  21. DuncanS.
    Jul 3, 2002
    8
    It's a good game but like games domain said," it gets kinda boring".
  22. MattM.
    Oct 12, 2003
    9
    ++++This is game is a very good game. I must say it is one simulator that I truly enjoyed. I'm one who pays a lot of attention to the details and this game does it. Programmers added a little 'behind the scenes' thing in there and I loved it. I love how the sims acutally use real chess moves, that there are over 1.000 animations and there are hundreds of things that I ++++This is game is a very good game. I must say it is one simulator that I truly enjoyed. I'm one who pays a lot of attention to the details and this game does it. Programmers added a little 'behind the scenes' thing in there and I loved it. I love how the sims acutally use real chess moves, that there are over 1.000 animations and there are hundreds of things that I absolutley loved about the game. ----Some let downs that were in there were the censors, but I got rid of them. Also it took a little while for me to do certain things like walk across my house. It would sometimes take well past 15 to get to my carpool. Sometimes you would give a command to a sim but they would just stand there for a bit. ===Final comments: I really like this game and bought it on my Birthday in 1998 and I just started up again with the Hot Date Expansion pack. For some reason I don't seem to get sick of it.… Expand
  23. LimZ.
    Jun 14, 2004
    10
    This is the best of the best in computer simulations.
  24. KeiraC.
    Aug 2, 2004
    9
    This game is oddly engrossing. Who would think that controlling a human would be so fun??? It sucked me in like Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life did. It does have its flaws, but stil it is FUNFUNFUN!!! I'd say more, but I'd take up the whole page! :P
  25. KyleT.
    Apr 12, 2004
    9
    Murder, Fighting mansions all this game needs is multifunction options.
  26. SimoliasS.
    Jun 21, 2006
    10
    the game that took many many hours of my life from me...the best game I have ever played and...besides maby sims 2 or spore...ever will.
  27. Zilcell
    Mar 19, 2012
    9
    What you have here is one of the most addicting games ever made. You have so much freedom and control over everything that it is impossible to get bored of it.
  28. wesker2012
    May 27, 2012
    10
    One of my favorite games of all time.
  29. Watersson
    Jan 2, 2014
    9
    The Sims is a revolution in the gaming world. Never before had we could not control the family, build houses, and Organize party. I have to admit that I liked this idea. And although in 2000 arose game with better graphics, it just Sims was not needed. Pleasant to saw on Computer fellows in isometric projection. Cool was also the Simlish language that was incomprehensible mix of severalThe Sims is a revolution in the gaming world. Never before had we could not control the family, build houses, and Organize party. I have to admit that I liked this idea. And although in 2000 arose game with better graphics, it just Sims was not needed. Pleasant to saw on Computer fellows in isometric projection. Cool was also the Simlish language that was incomprehensible mix of several languages. The only thing in this game I did not like is the limited ability to create Sims. Then Sims came only in the world of games so I can forgive them Music listening is really nice. And as for expansions-as opposed to The Sims 3 all expansions for The Sims 1 gave a lot of revolutionary changes and objects. This is a really cool and fun game.… Expand
  30. iseeall
    Jan 12, 2016
    8
    A good game for its time. It also created a whole new genre. I remember playing it for 2 weeks with 1 character in a small house who would learn stuff quickly and progress thru jobs with the only difficulty of getting more friends for promotions. Soon you find out that sleeping is not needed and you can just drink Espresso 3 times in a row and visit VC instead of a night sleep. After IA good game for its time. It also created a whole new genre. I remember playing it for 2 weeks with 1 character in a small house who would learn stuff quickly and progress thru jobs with the only difficulty of getting more friends for promotions. Soon you find out that sleeping is not needed and you can just drink Espresso 3 times in a row and visit VC instead of a night sleep. After I reached the best job and was earning $1k per day, and sold my paintings a couple hundred bucks each while at the same time increasing "fun" need - the game was won or something. I tried a married couple, then 8 guys all sleeping in the simplest beds and working as construction workers - and that was it. Unfortunately, for a gamer, this game gets boring after 1 or 2 playthroughs.

    As it turned out years later, this game became extremely popular among women and girls because they could build a doll house there, buy furniture, choose wallpapers etc. And more importantly - play with "relations" between these characters (who are all very ordinary, mediocre people), and make babies. Unfortunately (for male players) that's the direction in which this game evolved later: more furniture, more wallpapers, more relations, more babies, more parties, and again, more junk you can buy for the house etc.

    The first Sims game can be played as an optimization game where, e.g. you try to reach the best job in minimal time, or build the best house in minimal time or whatever, like in an economic simulator. The other games in the series with all their expansions aren't really games. They are doll houses for girls and glorify suburban mediocrity.    … Expand
  31. Sean-M
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    I have so much memory with this game. The fact that this game was the first in the franchise and had this great fresh idea make it a masterpiece for me.
  32. Tomasxj
    Oct 26, 2013
    9
    Very fun and addictive game. Can be quite hard from the beginning, but gets easy after a while. Maxis did a great job on this and this will forever be a classic game. Even in 2013 I still play it sometimes when I'm bored.
  33. fateappointed
    Feb 3, 2014
    8
    Story: 7 out of 10, Graphics: 7 out of 10, Fun: 9 out of 10, Controls: 7 out of 10, Ease to Learn: 7 out of 10, Length: 9 out of 10, Re-play: 8 out of 10, Value: 8 out of 10
  34. crimsondoor
    Jul 15, 2016
    9
    Incredibly innovative game that captured the attention of even the most casual gamers. This game brought virtual pet to a whole new level: you are not managing a pet but families of human and you can even build your own house and live your dream in it. I think you can even say that this the game that broke the gender barrier. Without this game, there might not be as many female gamers asIncredibly innovative game that captured the attention of even the most casual gamers. This game brought virtual pet to a whole new level: you are not managing a pet but families of human and you can even build your own house and live your dream in it. I think you can even say that this the game that broke the gender barrier. Without this game, there might not be as many female gamers as there are now.… Expand
  35. carlosgtardon
    Jun 10, 2014
    8
    Muy importante en la historia del videojuego ya que consiguió, finalmente, acercar a las mujeres de diversas edades a los videojuegos. Pese a que la idea era que les atrajera la parte de la simulación de relaciones humanas, su importancia vino por la posibilidad de diseñar casas e interiores.
  36. XandWacky
    Jan 3, 2016
    10
    I grew up with this game. I played it for years and years and years. I loved every moment even if EA published it. If you want to get into the Sims now and understand why it has a place in the hearts of many, then definetely consider buying this title.
  37. EuroBurro
    Sep 25, 2015
    9
    The game is a classic, and still holds up to this day. The game is very dated, and there is a distinct lack of good cheats, but it is entertaining when you get down to it. The gameplay is entertaining, but keeping the Sims happy can be frustrating, since there is always something going on.

    The houses, the music and the characters are very memorable by Sims standards. Playing with all    The game is a classic, and still holds up to this day. The game is very dated, and there is a distinct lack of good cheats, but it is entertaining when you get down to it. The gameplay is entertaining, but keeping the Sims happy can be frustrating, since there is always something going on.

    The houses, the music and the characters are very memorable by Sims standards. Playing with all Expansion Packs is a great experience and there are so many unique things in the expansions. The base game is lacking in content by itself. Despite this, the game has a timeless look and the fact that the game isn't in 3D keeps the textures from becoming ugly with time.

    The technical aspects of the game are lacking; the game does not work on all systems, the game is susceptible to stop working after system updates, and installing the Expansion Packs is an absolute chore that can suck out several hours of your time.

    Overall, the game is a great classic, that holds up quite well, but getting it to work is a chore, and the game might not even work, but it is worth it, at least to me.    … Expand
  38. Wiebe
    Feb 26, 2020
    8
    Just brilliant and unique game, great if you where a kids around this time!
  39. ExcaliberDG11
    Mar 19, 2016
    9
    Easily the second best sims game in the sims series to date, and it even gets better when you have all of the expansions installed. Now the CAS is the simplest in the series, like there is no fitness level but who cares there are some awesome bodies and heads to chose. so what are you waiting for get the game now and if you cant find it at any store just pirate it with all of the expansions
  40. Barnes1987
    Mar 6, 2017
    8
    This game was very different from the norm when it came out, Very fun and addictive to play even still to this day. Still worth a look in even if there is newer versions out.
  41. GamecubeLover
    Jul 3, 2016
    10
    Nostalgic as it is it is Sim 1's 16th year since being released. This game is proved that EA isn't fully all trash. This game is fun where you create people and your house and everything else this game is really awesome! Nostalgic is the word that it takes and keeps.
  42. mugsy
    May 9, 2020
    10
    Why only 7.9 user score? This game was revolutionary. It's a simulation of everyday life. It's fun to create yourself in-game and even recreate your own house.
  43. KelvinSelimor
    Nov 1, 2021
    9
    The Sims. The beginning of the great series of life simulator. It is amazing. This is amazing. You are an ordinary person playing the life of an ordinary person, and it's interesting. Of course, you can easily become a superstar or a great sorcerer, but these are little things.
  44. XxAlbertoBuzzxX
    Jun 2, 2020
    8
    The Sims
    ..................................................................
  45. Mathey
    May 3, 2019
    9
    At the time this game was very good, however, it has not aged to badly. However as in every game there has to be some flaws. The graphics have not aged well and the objects are 3D, but the sims and the camera perspective are not the best. You are locked in around a 45 degree angle. The game is a blast though. Highly recommend!
  46. BerceGampu
    Aug 9, 2022
    10
    The Sims surely a mind blowing games. We just remembered playing tamagotchi, Pokemon etc But now we play a human being with all them needs. One of the best games concept and experienced on its era.
  47. ourendlesseason
    Dec 30, 2019
    8
    Forse avrà una grafica troppo semplice, non c'è un numero spropositato di opzioni e la possibilità di sapere di tutto e di più dei personaggi, ma è stato veramente un gioco innovativo. Avere la possibilità di creare una casa, una famiglia e semplicemente vivere, ha veramente messo in chiaro cosa sia un gioco di simulazione.
  48. Bloodnes
    Oct 1, 2020
    10
    Лучшая игра в своем жанре, которая затянула у экранов миллионы игроков, в то время просто была невероятной. 10/10 серия живет и развивается
  49. erdogfu96
    Feb 9, 2020
    9
    It was revolution of gaming. I remember that everywhere were advertisement of this game. I played it with my cousins every day and every night it was so better than other games and more fun.
  50. SeyeerGame
    Jan 7, 2021
    10
    life simulator, what could be worse, right? You have little to do in real life? So are you still going to play life simulator? Well, you are sick!

    Симулятор жизни, что может быть хуже, правда? Тебе мало чем заняться в реальной жизни? Так ты все еще будешь играть в симулятор жизни? Ну ты болен!    life simulator, what could be worse, right? You have little to do in real life? So are you still going to play life simulator? Well, you are sick!

    Симулятор жизни, что может быть хуже, правда? Тебе мало чем заняться в реальной жизни? Так ты все еще будешь играть в симулятор жизни? Ну ты болен!
  51. cezar88augusto
    Mar 13, 2022
    10
    This game should get a 10! It was released over two decades ago and marked an entire generation. Everyone knows The Sims. Everyone who owned a computer in the early 2000s might have played. I remember I had such a bad computer when I was young, I even deleted files in Windows 95 to play The Sims.

    The Sims was one of the most remarkable games in the history of computers!
  52. nexus151196
    Feb 28, 2021
    8
    Начало великой серии игр. Играл в детстве с одноклассниками и получал удовольствие.
  53. MrPajamas
    Apr 19, 2021
    8
    I fell in love with The Sims as a child. I spent tens and tens of hours playing this game. I was simply fascinated by the fact that I have the opportunity to create a sim, get him a house and then live my virtual life. It may sound silly, but in my opinion it worked and it was one of the best simulators I've ever played. The game has its own atmosphere and I just love the music that playsI fell in love with The Sims as a child. I spent tens and tens of hours playing this game. I was simply fascinated by the fact that I have the opportunity to create a sim, get him a house and then live my virtual life. It may sound silly, but in my opinion it worked and it was one of the best simulators I've ever played. The game has its own atmosphere and I just love the music that plays when creating a sim. In the game, after creating Sim, you have the opportunity to buy or build your house. Building a house is really great and I can imagine that a lot of people will play this game only through building houses than living virtual lives. Living life here is quite similar to the real one. You have to eat, drink, sleep, have fun, go to work and earn money. Just life, you just control it through the screen with the click of a mouse. Whether you enjoy it or not, you have to judge for yourself. I've heard that the game is enough for girls, but I personally enjoyed the game. Great game for me, which I recommend.… Expand
  54. FRIST_008
    Jun 14, 2021
    8
    Отличаная игра своего времени, которую просто не за что было ругать, кроме хардкорности.
  55. halleprematarum
    Sep 28, 2020
    10
    One of my favorite computer games ever! The sims is so fun, classic, and nostalgic for me as well. Although the graphics of the game aren't exactly spectacular compared to today's standards, the game is still impressively entertaining and fun. What more is there to say, it's a classic and it will always be an iconic and fun game for many generations to come.
  56. KaleSungurCrane
    Nov 20, 2020
    9
    OVERALL - 89%

    Gameplay - 6/10
    Graphics (for time) - 6/10
    Story - 5/10
    Game Length - 9/10
    Characters - 6/10
    Level/Area Design - 9/10
    Atmosphere - 7/10
    Sound Effects - 7/10
    Soundtrack - 8/10
    Replay Value - 10/10

    Unashamedly used this back when I was at school to make the girl I fancied fall in love with me. Certainly an original game unlike any other, a lot of fun.
  57. Fallconex
    Dec 17, 2020
    9
    A revolutionary game - best in its genre, which has drawn millions of players to the screens
  58. Torgall
    Dec 13, 2020
    9
    One of the games that I played a lot in my childhood, and also a guilty pleasure because I wouldn't tell any friends that I enjoyed it so much xD
  59. prussii
    Dec 31, 2020
    9
    My favourite game back when it was released. It was such an unique experience, but also had its limitations. Great start to the formula.
  60. GPFluzzy
    Aug 26, 2021
    9
    the game that started it all!
    sure it hasn't aged well but it is 21 years old and thats to be expected (my car is 25 years old and it gets the job done lets just say). they'res still a nice amount of custom contents available online and depending on what kind of simmer you are you might just get a few clothing items or get objects, skins, walls, floors and more. It's best enjoyed when you    the game that started it all!
    sure it hasn't aged well but it is 21 years old and thats to be expected (my car is 25 years old and it gets the job done lets just say). they'res still a nice amount of custom contents available online and depending on what kind of simmer you are you might just get a few clothing items or get objects, skins, walls, floors and more. It's best enjoyed when you take it as seriously as possible or you take it as UN-seriously as possible! or at least in my experience. The base game isn't much to write home about but expansion packs add more fun stuff to play around with, the sims was revolutionary then and even now can be respected for what it was, it may be 21 years old but dang i bet someone has been playing it constantly for 21 years (at least a few) i bet it'll live on for an extra 21 years too.    … Expand
  61. Woolee
    Oct 9, 2021
    8
    The Sims is an iconic piece of gaming history. Though its isoThe Sims is an iconic piece of gaming history. Though its isometric fake-3D world may not appeal to gamers today, its charm lives on and its playability remains in tact.
  62. EriSChaves
    Nov 14, 2021
    10
    Um game tão revolucionário em sua época que ainda permanece incrível nos dias de hoje!
  63. Xbluannax
    Nov 20, 2021
    9
    Huge sims fan and remember when this first came out. Spent hours on this but not easy to manage everything as you can expect.
  64. Kekigri355
    Aug 6, 2022
    10
    100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000/10
  65. krlwarkrl
    Jul 16, 2022
    9
    9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 99 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 99 99 9 9 9 point!
  66. kumano
    Oct 1, 2022
    8
    As the first of series, the sims 1 do have some flaws, but over all it's okay, some features can only found in this game, and people like me still finding some tricks and funny animations in the vanilla game.
    Sure the score is affected by my childhood memories, but not too much.
    7/10. add extra 1 score for my childhood memories. 8/10 final.
  67. Keron_Heruman
    Aug 28, 2023
    8
    Iconic and revolutionary, it's a very good game with some limitations that made it a little tedious late game. Difficult to get all options because of the DLC politic.
    Also fun to play as a house builder

Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best PC Game of 2000
7
#7 Most Discussed PC Game of 2000
8
#8 Most Shared PC Game of 2000

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Game Fan
    94
    Besides bringing out the voyeur inside of me, I've found "The Sims" to be the most addictive and wholly enthralling game I've played in ages.
  2. Cincinnati Enquirer
    88
    The game is really fun despite all of the tasks you have to remember.
    Read full review
  3. FiringSquad
    92
    A refreshing and at times thought-provoking human-scale simulation.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »