There are a lot of opportunities to tell a story without pose player. My Sims were having a cooking contest and Abeni won. So I had them high five each other and their mother just happened to walk in the kitchen holding Udo. Since I'm always pausing the game to take screenshots, it's easy to find something interesting.
https://s25.postimg.cc/qm2seentr/Screenshot-2240.jpg
Paused at the right moment to tell the story of convincing Fatima the house is perfect for their family.
https://s25.postimg.cc/r3or2ryn3/Screenshot-2139.jpg
And here are other examples from my game of Sims being Sims.
https://s25.postimg.cc/o5ffjgq73/Screenshot-2423.jpg
https://s25.postimg.cc/cadva1jfj/Screenshot-4290.jpg
https://s25.postimg.cc/wukmp3jxb/Screenshot-5081.jpg
https://s25.postimg.cc/3tgafozhb/Screenshot-5082.jpg
Prom is fun to stage. I mean why was it ever an RH event? A new party type, Prom, could have been added. But at least I can still play this scenario out. But still, because this is a life simulation, I want to play with life and it's so frustrating how some features are skipped or done in a slapdash manner.
https://s25.postimg.cc/b991p1d7j/Screenshot-3293.jpg
https://s25.postimg.cc/gypa9cjdr/Screenshot-2679.jpg
I set up a Java Hut where musicians can earn money. Eventually, I would like to add more lots for both bands and solo musicians.
https://s25.postimg.cc/6rbcaomjj/Screenshot-982.jpg
Taking school photos was just telling the Sim to go sit down on the stool and then I took the screenshot.
https://s25.postimg.cc/n3le0f0v3/Screenshot-3497.jpg
https://s25.postimg.cc/9b6z4sa3j/Screenshot-3594.jpg
CC is not needed but I like it because it looks professional especially for my photographer Sims.
https://s25.postimg.cc/twlqworof/Screenshot-3570.jpg
I remember in school I used to do my homework before the school day ended so there was no homework. :D Too bad this is not an option in TS3 since it would come in handy as well for teens who have part-time jobs.
https://s25.postimg.cc/e5w2pbj1b/Screenshot-456.jpg
It's not that it cannot be done to force a story onto the Sims, however, the fun for me is when I go with the flow and the story directs itself with my intervention whenever I want. I get that the Sims are not marionettes and my role is not a puppeteer. However, to me, that is a part of what makes The Sims amazing and always something new to discover. It is indeed a real Life Simulator. This game is not like The Movies or any such game and that makes it not only unique and stands out but also intriguing to see what the AI does all on its own.
As far as recycling animations and facial expressions. TS has that too excluding facial expressions. So does TS2, TS3, and TS4. For me, it's fine as long as there are enough animations/facial expressions to convey a variety of emotions and body language. Also, I'm pretty sure many humans "recycle" both body language and facial expressions. Happy, Sad, Upset, Annoyed, Furious, Bored, etc. Though what TS3 lacks is the differences based on the individual's personality displaying the same emotion and/or body language. I know this is done in TS3 already to some extent with traits based on their actions and reactions but even more could be possible if expanded upon. But that is most unlikely to happen in terms of a real sequel.
There is a good amount of facial expressions.
"I know something you don't and I find it amusing how clueless you are." According to gameplay, yes that is true.
https://s25.postimg.cc/r0mle02hr/Screenshot-4368.jpg
https://s25.postimg.cc/jf4vsf5lr/Screenshot-4369.jpg
"You seriously just asked that? If you don't know then that's your problem." I had Chi use the Worry About Relationship. That's how I interpret it.
https://s25.postimg.cc/wfgmous67/Screenshot-2451.jpg
Furious
https://s25.postimg.cc/ss0visjz3/Screenshot-1025.jpg
Content
https://s25.postimg.cc/ydip93va7/Screenshot-552.jpg
"Really?"
https://s25.postimg.cc/5gcrtp5pb/Screenshot-1436.jpg
Frustrated
https://s25.postimg.cc/8bl9mtkbj/Screenshot-239.jpg
Upset
https://s25.postimg.cc/nf7fqx6ov/Screenshot-2291.jpg
"Oh no! This isn't good."
https://s25.postimg.cc/5pacjmihr/Screenshot-576.jpg
Disturbed
https://s25.postimg.cc/e0wwte13z/Screenshot-978.jpg
"Being selfish and proud of it regardless of who it hurts."
https://s25.postimg.cc/5is22sjz3/Screenshot-637.jpg
Perturbed and Haughty
https://s25.postimg.cc/liapmcg0v/Screenshot-663.jpg
Disgust
https://s25.postimg.cc/5vo1mprmn/Screenshot-2899.jpg
https://s25.postimg.cc/4550l8a3j/Screenshot-3479.jpg
"I'm aware that you are there."
https://s25.postimg.cc/q4f3jfifz/Screenshot-4191.jpg
Happy
https://s25.postimg.cc/kq3g9emfz/Screenshot-492.jpg
Sad
https://s25.postimg.cc/ljg220sgv/Screenshot-1575.jpg
Modest (After receiving a compliment this was his expression.)
https://s25.postimg.cc/aikwx007z/Screenshot-1553.jpg
When you internally freakout and it shows on your face.
https://s25.postimg.cc/hgtmgonq7/Screenshot-2694.jpg
And there are other facial expressions as well.
