I played TS3 during it’s time, but I cheated every aspect of the game so I’m not comparing difficulty. I’ve played TS4 since release, and I use mods to make it more difficult, though I still think it’s too easy. I started playing the TS2 for the first time this week, and I cannot believe how difficult it is. I’m having more fun than I’ve had in a long time with TS4, but I can only play for an hour or two before I quit in frustration.

Yah, that's one of the many things I miss about TS2 when I'm playing TS4. Not just how motive decay was actually more demanding and challenging, but also the many ways a sim could be killed. It's nearly impossible in TS4 to have a sim die unless you're actually trying...but it could and did happen suddenly and unexpectedly in TS2.

@thenightcourt the Sims 2 forum is still active for discussion of the game. https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/categories/the-sims-2-general-discussion

It was definitely harder compared to the Sims 4. Not only were needs harder to manage but they were more dire, like they could die of hunger much faster. Plus there was juggling needs with the wants since they were much more important to keep up with. I think that’s why I felt so bored when TS4 came out because there was less I had to worry about. But with all the packs I’ve added, I have more things to keep me entertained while also appreciating that my sims have time for doing them. It’s a different playstyle that I had to get used to and discover ways to challenge myself to get that struggle feeling I sometimes miss. But have you ever played the original Sims is the question- the struggle was real!!

Always nice to find people who pop into ts2 the forum section is getting slower but you'll find some to talk to. I never found it hard but you do need to pay more attention you'll get used to it in no time.

"simgirl1010;c-18076629" wrote:@thenightcourt the Sims 2 forum is still active for discussion of the game. https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/categories/the-sims-2-general-discussionSince I'm comparing it to TS4, I thought it'd be okay to post here. My bad!

Played the Sims 2 for the first time, shocked at how hard it is

NateWhiplash
Seasoned Hotshot
3 years ago
"thenightcourt;c-18077067" wrote:
"Nate_Whiplash1;c-18077021" wrote:
I downloaded/played TS3 not long ago, and was shocked at how bad it is.

I can't even imagine the concept of downloading mods to make a game more difficult...

I loved TS3 during it’s time, but I couldn’t go back and play it now. What didn’t you like about it?

I felt that the gameplay was not intuitive, and CAS is a disaster lol
Lucy_Henley
New Spectator
3 years ago
I like 2, 3 and 4 for different reasons.

I used to play all three without mods, mainly because I wasn’t sure how to install them/was worried I’d install them wrong and mess up my game. Now I think back to how I was about mods and just go “what was I worrying about??” hahaha. Having the Sim Blender and Sim Manipulator in Sims 2 in particular has been a literal game-changer….
I’ve also played Sims 2 the longest so I guess I’m used to it. I never thought it was particularly “difficult” per se, even without mods, but everyone is different.

I never really played Sims 1 much aside from the base game. I’d just use the “klapaucius” cheat and build huge houses that all looked pretty similar because they’d have the most expensive wallpaper/flooring/items.
simsimsere
Rising Scout
3 years ago
TS2 was hard, but TS1 was even harder! It took me a lot of time to get used TS4's quite easy pace. Sometimes I enjoy it because it gives me the freedom to do what I want, but a lot of times it actually bores me. I love TS4, but wouldn't mind a difficulty mode really.
vatoresim
3 years ago
"Nate_Whiplash1;c-18077021" wrote:
I downloaded/played TS3 not long ago, and was shocked at how bad it is.

I can't even imagine the concept of downloading mods to make a game more difficult...

I loved TS3 during it’s time, but I couldn’t go back and play it now. What didn’t you like about it?
NateWhiplash
Seasoned Hotshot
3 years ago
I downloaded/played TS3 not long ago, and was shocked at how bad it is.

I can't even imagine the concept of downloading mods to make a game more difficult...
Elisetom91
3 years ago
I've read your post and started to feel a urge to play TS2!
There are somethings in TS2 that turn the gameplay to another level, like the possibility to develop a relationship with the professors to increase the grades and so on... but the thing that I like the most is the wants and fears sistem! It's so hard to keep a sim happy! (And aren't we all like that in real life? :# )
I used to think that I would love TS4 to be like TS2 in many aspects, but, with time, I started to appreciate each iteration in it's own way. I have TS2, TS3 and TS4 installed, and depending on what is my goal in the day, I play one or another.
MrGiggleTickle
Seasoned Newcomer
3 years ago
Best part is when you get a random event at work where the correct answer is always random (Like the later games of course) but the wrong answer can immediately get you fired. That's what I like about Sims 2 the most, it's nice using the game to live out your wish fulfillment but it's always fun when the game throws your life a sudden curve ball.
cb2342z
Seasoned Spectator
3 years ago
The first time I fired it up, my Sim died in 5 minutes. It is really difficult, but a more in-depth game.
JaggidEdje
3 years ago
"Oldeseadogge;c-18076755" wrote:
There is no one size fits all. We all have different play styles, so it is a good thing there are different Sims options to choose from.

And some of us actually just like variety! I really, really love TS2. I also really, really love TS4. But not for the same reasons.
Different games for when I have different desires of what I'm looking for that day with my game playing time. :)

I honestly do not understand people that want game x to be "more like" game y. At that point, why not just play game y? You know?

Though, for a Sims game, I would absolutely love if they'd make TS5 with the gameplay of TS2, the world sizes (and customizeability) of TS3, and the CAS, Sims and BB of TS4. I'd be so in heaven if that happened.
cyncie
Seasoned Veteran
3 years ago
"Oldeseadogge;c-18076755" wrote:
There is no one size fits all. We all have different play styles, so it is a good thing there are different Sims options to choose from.

Agree, which is why comparing the games in terms of “better” or “best” is problematic to me. Some want challenge and a chance of defeat. Others want a canvas for their own imaginations. I’m in the latter category, so S2 was always getting in my way. That doesn’t mean I think S4 is better. It’s a different game for a different play style.