Re: The Sims 4 StrangerVille - A mystery only Sims can solve

@PugLove888, Millie Bobbie Brown (MBB) was one of the breakout stars from the Netflix series Stranger Things which, looking at this Game Pack, seems to give off similar vibes from. To me, it feels almost like a shoehorned Game Pack to reflect upon that series.

I have nothing against MBB herself, but considering the development period that it likely took for this Game Pack, and the association Sims 4 has now, I find it quite difficult for it to be a mere coincidence.

This all said, I recall the last outburst that was made in relation to material released by the EA/Maxis team, that "to them, something new might differ from what the fans/players want." I have no problem with that; however that also comes off as insulting or arrogant towards the player base who want to share their enthusiasm, but feel there's a disconnection between the consumer and the developer.

I am probably getting too deep into the weeds here in the wrong medium to discuss this matter, but I had to make my opinion known in some way. I am not angry at the announcement of this Game Pack, however I am disappointed as I feel that the hype that was suddenly drummed up for it this week was unfounded.

- B

@burin077, ah, thanks for clarifying! 🤨  Not having Netflix, I'd never seen a whole episode of "Stranger Things", just a few scenes when visiting a relative. (I wanted to check it out, but there was too much cross conversation going on) -- so I didn't know she was on the show! 😳  I thought this pack had a "Stranger Things" vibe to it though. 😎  I think I must have got MMB confused with Baby Ariel since I thought that MMB might also be a social media star. 🤭😃  

I still think that this looks like a fun pack! 🙂  And this kind of theming for the Sims has been done before, so I think it fits in with some of the older themes in the Sims, especially TS2!  (The pictures also remind me of the '90s Soundgarden video "Black Hole Sun"! 😮😃 😉 )

Thanks again for educating me! 😇

A very valid point, @kreatora

If the pack just "drops off" after the mystery is solved, it limits the pack's replay value.

I do find the pack does have a few things I would certainly like, too; hairstyles, outfits, and of course more building space. 

Here's hoping my worry over this pack is unfounded; I do want to like new material for The Sims, I guess just the unveiling of this pack and the premise behind it leave something to be desired for me. 

It is wrong to force us to update today.  The patch notes don't mention any major changes like in November.  And it comes two days after starting press about the new game pack so... obviously the patch is preparing for next week's pack launch.  What if I don't want to buy the game pack?!? What if I want to wait till the modders I subscribe to are able to repair broken mods.  Nope. Can't play! Must patch!  That is so wrong.  I have a lot much money invested in this game and I cannot even play it and enjoy the same game I turned off 12 hours ago.

@kreatora  & @burin077 , that is my only worry about this pack … replayability once you solve the mystery.  I stated this in another post (I thought it was this one, but it isn't) 🤭  But since they mixed up the puzzles in JA, not to mention certain parts of the jungle are blocked off each time you visit, they I have hope that they did something similar with the StrangerVille pack too! 🤞 

Like you guys, I also want the new hairstyles, building items, World, outfits, etc. that this pack will offer.  (I love that female braided hairstyle!)  Not to mention I heard that the Military Career will now be a thing in the game, as well as a new Aspiration! 😎

@stbnchristine, I sympathize with you over the patch and Mods conflict! 😢  This is one of the reasons I don't play with Mods anymore!  I'm too lazy to upkeep with it all, and waiting until Modders recalibrate things is not my idea of fun. But many others find the wait and trouble worth it.  Hopefully you won't have to wait too long! 🤞  

Thanks for the sympathy @PugLove888 

I did the update cause I just had to play my new favorite save. It looks like good news for the mod community. MCCC has an immediate update as well as several others. My game appears to be playing correctly with no major crashes or LEs. 

For those of you who are interested... it was not enough to have auto updates turned off on Origin for this required update. However it was suggested to launch in offline mode to avoid being forced to update until you are ready. This makes sense but I had already updated. Will try it next time. If anyone tries it now please let us know if it works or not. 

@stbnchristine, I'm happy that no problems happened in your game after your updated, and one of the biggest Mods was already updated! :eahigh_file:  And at least you have options for next time there is a patch! I'm sure many others will be thankful for your tips! 😇

Hi @stbnchristine  - I always wait a couple of days before updating to any patches; it's mainly out of habit - I like to watch the forums for a couple of days to see what broke first 😃 Like @PugLove888 I don't use any mods or cc in my game, so that's not a concern, but I like to make a copy of my TS4 folder first just in case. The way I avoid installing patches is to launch in offline mode. Since you asked if it works, I wanted to let you know that it does. 

Very glad to hear you were able to play right away, even though you were forced to update. Happy Simming! 

Thanks @BlackjackWidow for the confirmation.  What I was upset about is that I wanted to wait a couple of days but Origin forced me to update. I only wish someone could have told me to try offline before I did the update. Lol but hey I was impatient and wanted to see my sims!!! Luckily I wasn’t grounded by a full crash.