Thank you @Karababy52 for your interest in this fun challenge. :)
Since a few of your questions touched on things I suggested or came up while we were testing, I'll answer and @BreeMiles can jump in to explain further if need be.
"Karababy52;c-17198581" wrote:
This one has a lot of similarities to an old challenge from TS2 called The Hands-Off challenge. Have you ever heard of that or played it? Lots of fun!
No, I haven't. I own tS2 Ultimate Collection because it was offered/given to us back in 2014 but have not played it yet. I know, I know ... shame on me LOL
"Karababy52;c-17198581" wrote:
If I do try this, I have a few questions concerning the rules. For instance the beds rule is a bit vague. I THINK you're saying we must have at least one double bed for every 2-3 Sims and ONLY a double bed. Not 2-3 singles, not 1 double and 1 single and any amount of Sims above 3 can all have single beds? Or would it be, for instance, 8 Sims would have 4 double beds or 1 double and 2 singles or 2 doubles and 4 singles or, wait... that doesn't work. See? I'm confused about the bed rule. lol
The reason for the double bed is because points can be earned if contestants share the bed.
In Bree's test, they shared beds without any issue and in mine, they did not.
If there are 2 - 3 sims, one double bed is the
only bedding allowed.
If there are 4 sims, one double bed and one single bed.
If there are 5 sims, one double and two single beds OR you could do two double beds.
etc.
We left it up to the player to decide on the bed configuration but there
must be at least one double bed. The amount of bed "slots" equals one less than the number of sims in the house except for when there are two sims since the rule of the double bed takes precedence.
We also left it up to the player to decide how many sims they wish to use for the challenge.
My first run, I used 7 sims and a dog. My second run, 4 sims and a cat.
"Karababy52;c-17198581" wrote:
Also, how do we decide which Sim takes a sick pet to the Vet? The reason I ask is because whoever might have to do that would most likely get a better relationship with the pet and possibly score more points.
Good question. Neither of us (or the other testers as far as I know) had this happen during our test runs, but we do not want the pet to suffer so that is why the player has limited control. I plan on using an online randomizer (I use random.org) to decide which sim gets to go to the vet should it happen while I'm playing.
"Karababy52;c-17198581" wrote:
I don't understand the replacement rule for objects either. On one hand the rules say you can add more simoleons, if needed, but then another rule says you MUST replace objects damaged by a fire, no matter the cost. That rule seems to imply you only have a certain amount of simoleons to work with and if you need to replace an object, it'll dip into those funds. Is that rule only for those who play with a random amount of simoleons to begin and don't plan on using a money cheat to add more?
I'll answer each situation individually so hopefully, it will make more sense.
Both Bree and I experienced fire during our initial testing. Hers ended in a GAME OVER while mine did not.
When the fire was extinguished, I received x simoleons due to fire insurance but it wasn't enough to replace what was lost in the fire (stove and counter ... I got lucky in having two sims immediately pull out fire extinguishers!). I initially left the burnt objects there as "punishment" but because there are points tied to cooking, we didn't want to limit the ability to earn those points. Therefore, the burnt objects
must be replaced. The focus of this challenge isn't money so players can add to their balance as needed.
That being said, since the focus isn't on money or building, the sims can live in a house that suits the player's preferences. I borrowed a house from Bree for the first run and it's pretty nice ... 4 bedrooms, a large open living/dining/kitchen, pool and grill in the backyard. It has one computer and a large flat-screen TV on the wall. Besides the skill books in the bookcase, I took a look at the traits, aspirations and careers my contestants had and added objects accordingly (list included in answer to your question on skill objects).
In case you're curious, I used the story mode in CAS to create all my contestants so everything was randomized.
"Karababy52;c-17198581" wrote:
Lastly, did ya'll that developed this challenge make an app to help keep score? Or are you talking about some kind of standard app for score keeping? Forgive me, I'm not very familiar with apps or the app store since the only apps I've ever downloaded were for ringtones. lol Yeah, I'm old and have a tiny smartphone with limited data that I don't use, only for emergencies. o.O
Bree used an app for her iPhone. I have a Samsung and didn't like any of the apps I tried so I manually kept track. My method is a little time consuming (I kept track and verified my tally with screenshots at the end of each day) but it worked well for me.
"Karababy52;c-17198581" wrote:
I apologize for asking so many silly questions, I'm probably making this much harder than it needs to be. It seems like it's meant to be a more laidback challenge rather than worrying about and being so picky about the rules. Thanks for indulging my perfectionist proclivities! <3
First off, they're not silly questions. To fully enjoy/participate in this challenge you need to understand what you're doing.
Second, yes it's meant to be fun and not a chore to play.
I am a Virgo and a bit of a perfectionist myself. I like things neat/orderly and balanced! Hence my triple checking, lol ... manual tracking, screenshots and Excel spreadsheet so I didn't mess up the math. I am who I am :wink:
"Karababy52;c-17198581" wrote:
EDIT: Do you have a blog or a YT channel that shows your play test that I could read or view to help better understand the rules? I'd love to read or see it if possible. :)
We tested it with members of our Discord server. If you'd like, I can copy/paste what I did and add it to my blog ... will let you know when I have that set up.
"Karababy52;c-17198581" wrote:
Also, I forgot to ask about skill objects. Do we need to put at least one of every skill type object in the house? Or go by what aspiration/traits our Sims have? Or just use or own discretion? Probably depends on the simoleon situation we've decided to use for the challenge, right?
That is up to you. You can put as many or as few skills objects as you want.
The first house included: skill books in the bookcase, mirror in each bathroom (I expanded the house a little bit to turn the one bathroom into two for my seven sims to share), computer, stove inside and grill outside, pool, bar (added this as I had a sim in the culinary career), two easels (added the second one), guitar (had two sims in the entertainer career), yoga mat and yoga stool plus a punching bag (added for extra things to do since they're lot bound and I wanted them to step away from the TV).
Hopefully, my answers helped clear up some of your confusion. :)
EA Staff (Retired)
