Expansion concept - Time Goes On [plus screenshots]
INTRODUCTION
One thing that's always bugged me about all Sims games is that when playing more generations and looking back on old screenshots it feels awkward how my sim's great great great grandparents had access to the same technology and lifestyle. Nothing changed. They dressed the same, they listened to the same music, they had the same hobbies and careers. In essence they lived the same lives, experienced the same opportunities – and all within the same surroundings. This never happens in real life. This is my idea for an expansion that would help with this issue and add some flavor to a sim's life by allowing full immersion in the era they live in.
https://i.imgur.com/WDvrXIa.jpg
1950's
HOW IT WORKS
The player selects the decade they want to start their save at. Say, sometime in the beginning of the 20th century. From then on every few cycles of seasons will bring forth a new DECADE (displayed somewhere on the UI) if they have aging enabled. In essence it works similarly to seasons except it isn’t cyclical but rather continually progresses forwards of course.
https://i.imgur.com/tjYw08u.jpg
1970's
https://i.imgur.com/LFVYxYj.jpg
1990's
WHAT CHANGES?
Each new decade unlocks new items from all the catalogues (Build, buy, clothing, hair, etc) that correspond to that decade. Some older items become obsolete. That old 1950's radio? Well if your grandma bought it in the 50's you can keep it as decor around the house - otherwise it’s unavailable from the catalogue now. Your other option would be to hit the flea market and find some antiques!
Every decade brings forth a wave of "new" elements. The music on the radio and in the nightclubs change. The TV programs change. New career options emerge while some old career options become obsolete or less desirable. Townie clothing and hairstyles. Shop windows, mannequins, billboards. The town should change as well. The old factory is now a fancy nightclub. Buildings and structures erode over time. New buildings get constructed. The backdrop changes. Each decade brings its own flavor and atmosphere which in turn lets the player face exciting new challenges and exploration.
https://i.imgur.com/kZsP8D8.jpg
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU REACH MODERN DAY?
Well, I'd imagine you'd have to play through a lot of generations to reach modern day but when you do - the perks can stop progressing and you can continue as normal. Knowing myself, I’d start all over again because the journey itself is the fulfilling part.
So what do you think? Would it enhance your gameplay in a meaningful way?
One thing that's always bugged me about all Sims games is that when playing more generations and looking back on old screenshots it feels awkward how my sim's great great great grandparents had access to the same technology and lifestyle. Nothing changed. They dressed the same, they listened to the same music, they had the same hobbies and careers. In essence they lived the same lives, experienced the same opportunities – and all within the same surroundings. This never happens in real life. This is my idea for an expansion that would help with this issue and add some flavor to a sim's life by allowing full immersion in the era they live in.
https://i.imgur.com/WDvrXIa.jpg
1950's
HOW IT WORKS
The player selects the decade they want to start their save at. Say, sometime in the beginning of the 20th century. From then on every few cycles of seasons will bring forth a new DECADE (displayed somewhere on the UI) if they have aging enabled. In essence it works similarly to seasons except it isn’t cyclical but rather continually progresses forwards of course.
https://i.imgur.com/tjYw08u.jpg
1970's
https://i.imgur.com/LFVYxYj.jpg
1990's
WHAT CHANGES?
Each new decade unlocks new items from all the catalogues (Build, buy, clothing, hair, etc) that correspond to that decade. Some older items become obsolete. That old 1950's radio? Well if your grandma bought it in the 50's you can keep it as decor around the house - otherwise it’s unavailable from the catalogue now. Your other option would be to hit the flea market and find some antiques!
Every decade brings forth a wave of "new" elements. The music on the radio and in the nightclubs change. The TV programs change. New career options emerge while some old career options become obsolete or less desirable. Townie clothing and hairstyles. Shop windows, mannequins, billboards. The town should change as well. The old factory is now a fancy nightclub. Buildings and structures erode over time. New buildings get constructed. The backdrop changes. Each decade brings its own flavor and atmosphere which in turn lets the player face exciting new challenges and exploration.
https://i.imgur.com/kZsP8D8.jpg
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU REACH MODERN DAY?
Well, I'd imagine you'd have to play through a lot of generations to reach modern day but when you do - the perks can stop progressing and you can continue as normal. Knowing myself, I’d start all over again because the journey itself is the fulfilling part.
So what do you think? Would it enhance your gameplay in a meaningful way?
