TS2 as a TS4 player

do what makes you happy if you want to try ts2 do so you'll never know if you like it if you don't try
thats how I know I like 4 better

Do you own TS2 or would you have to go out and buy the games?

If you own TS2, do you have the Ultimate Collection or would you have to install via discs?

If via discs, do you own all EP's or what is the latest EP you own or do you own Mansion & Garden Stuff (despite being a stuff pack, it's technically considered an EP by the code).

If you own discs and have Bon Voyage or an EP released after, what OS do you have? If you have Windows 10, you'll have lag issues due to Securom as Securom is not compatible with Windows 10 and will cause lag issues in game.

If your OS is a Windows 10, it can take some work to get the game running without any major issues and more work to get it to work at your preference graphics wise. This is just due to technical differences between Windows 10 and Windows XP and what video cards the game has programmed into it. You may also have very few issues. It's a gamble.

Ultimate Collection will bypass any installer compatibility issues as it will use Origin's installer to install. If you have to go by disc, you may or may not have issues installing the game.

That all being said, I like Sims 2 more than Sims 4. I like the more challenging aspects of Sims 2 that the games have shifted away from.

But if you aren't technically savvy and/or don't want to potentially deal with all of the issues getting an old game to run on a new OS, Sims 2 may not be something you want to try. Especially if you would have to go out and buy the games to play it at all.

You should check out TS2 forum. There are still plenty of simmers playing and enjoying TS2.

https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/categories/the-sims-2-general-discussion

Originally I pretty much skipped TS3, and jumped from TS2 straight to TS4. I have only had one experience going back to TS2. I played my sister's sim just for a day or so and what I remember is when the sim was repairing the toilet and how monotonous the movement was and I was like is that really it? The sim felt quite lifeless to me. That said I only played for a day and don't even remember much else. You could probably get over some stuff once you got used to the game. I've been wanting to give TS2 a go again, but I know it would take time to adapt back and I probably wouldn't play it for long. One thing I would probably miss the most is visiting other households with my sims. I play rotational and it brings me so much joy to be able to visit friends etc.

visually of course its ts4 hands down but for gameplay alone I feel like ts2 the sims had more depth and that was reflected too in the over all gameplay.

I think TS2 is worth playing for the gameplay and I still like the graphics, but it is definitely much more demanding than 4. Trying to care for a household of 8 is so much harder, but so much more rewarding in my opinion. The needs are also much more difficult to maintain, but there is much more control over the world.

Some of my favorite content, pets and witches, is also better in it in my opinion. You have a lot more control over things like apartments and I think aspirations are more rewarding though also more difficult.

Basically, think deeper but harder. Fun is definitely to be had, but sometimes you want difficulty and sometimes you do not. They both have their place.

The only reason I don't play The Sims 2 is graphics.

If EA sold The Sims 2 Definitive Edition in UHD, I'd never touch The Sims 4 again.

The Sims 2 is miles better than the Sims 4 game play wise. It’s really dated though. I won’t go back to it for that reason. I’ve got used to the nice crisp graphics of today’s standards and I can’t go back. It depends on you though really. If you don’t mind how dated the game feels then sure it’s definitely worth playing again.

The gameplay in TS2 is so enjoyable and detailed, if you do not mind the graphics or a restricted build mode it is fun. If you want to get a better idea of TS2 gameplay and how it compares to 4 I would recommend watching youtuber Pleasantsims. Cindy’s playstyle is based on the sim’s wants and whims, she has several videos comparing all the versions. The one where she discusses the differences between TS2 and TS4 retail is a good example of why she prefers TS2 gameplay. Side note, I wish EA would release TS2 for Switch.

I think TS4 is better. TS2 was amazing in its time and is still great, but most people prefer TS4 these days for a reason. However, you might as well try TS2 again if you're curious.

To me TS2 is a much slower, simpler, and slightly more difficult game. By slow, I mean that the pace of the game is different because TS2 animators put more detail into the animations. Sims open cabinets when cooking and use cars when traveling. There also aren't as many Sims and they don't age together. So if you're a fast-paced, non-rotational player all of that might be annoying, especially given that there are fewer skills and objects in TS2. But TS2 allows for lots of drama.