Update Idea to Ghosts
Other than alien, mer-sim, plant-sim, and ghost, I think the life states in The Sims 4 are quite detailed and well-done. Here, I have some suggestions on how ghosts can be re-worked to appear full-fledged and logical.
Needs
Ghosts shouldn’t have as many needs as regular sims. In my opinion, a ghost would only have Fun and Social needs. Other need-based actions should only be taken because of their death types, which brings us to the next point;
Actions / Animations
Ghosts perform need-based actions such as eating, sleeping, or showers because of how they passed away. For example, a sim died from starvation would find something to eat when they appear, but the food would not affect the ghost in any way (See: Appearances). Moreover, ghosts would actively avoid or receive strong negative moodlets when exposed in certain situations, based on their death types. For instance, a drowned sim would avoid going into a pool or open water, and would get a +5 Tense moodlet when they do so.
Right now, ghosts would still route with doors in mind. I think ghost should use a direct-point method for routing since they can pass through solid materials. Their animations can also use some fine-tuning, as they still present the running and stair-walking animations like regular sims. I would suggest ghosts use the floating animation at all times when moving, only difference is their speed.
Appearances
Since ghosts are no longer regular sims, I think their appearances should be locked-in as the day they passed. They should not become fat or lean because of over-eating or exercising. As the food pile is a base game debug object now, I believe it is the perfect time that eating or drinking anything for a ghost should create a food pile or puddle on the floor.
What do you think? Add onto the tread if you have more ideas for this life state!
