Hi there..it seems like we are on the same boat.. I started playing TS4 this year, after many years of hiatus (work and study related). I enjoy TS1 and TS2...But not so much on TS3 (although I really like the open world concept) - perhaps, I just don't have enough time to play with it, maybe..
Here is the list of packs that I bought for the time being (which I could only comment on)..And how I view it for my gameplay for the time being... I enjoy playing single Sims too..and started to play family and hopefully for many generations....FYI, I don't play with Mods/CC..it is just my preference..But there are lots of amazing mods and cc out there..like MCCC
EP
Seasons - it is one of the must have pack for any Sims series. It didn't come with a new world, but it does affect every world and our game play. I really like gardening in the Sims...and with this pack, it's added realism to my plants, because we can harvest certain plants according to the seasons..and if you want to get rich faster with your garden, look for dragon fruits! The calendar system and festivals are indeed brilliant... you can even plan any event in advance..for now, i play with 28 days rotation for each season... - highly recommended
Get together - as everyone said, the club system is very interesting, however, it's max up to 8 Sims only. Sometimes, I used it for my family club - to gather family members for some 'sort of' event/gathering or my politician Sim who wants people to vote for him/her. It comes with a beautiful world indeed. But it can be so annoying when other clubs are inviting you to join them, because each Sim can only join 3 clubs (the max).. And there's ghosts as well..that comes with interesting stories behind.. - highly recommended
Cats & dogs - i like this pack just because there's cats and dogs, and of course the world that comes with it. There's an island with a lighthouse that you can explore with your pets..and a pet graveyard that full with mystery and pet ghosts.. if you like pets, there's animal aspiration that allows you to talk to pets..and you can be a vet by owning a clinic - highly recommended
Get to Work - the active careers are fun! especially the Scientist career.. you can create stuffs and use a wormhole to visit the alien's world. the world, is not so much..but if you like retails, or self employed job...it's kinda interesting.. - okay
City living - living high up with sometimes, noisy neighbours and festival/events are the 'charming' traits for this pack..the event/festival is kinda repetitive...not so much drama, but it is fun for the first time...it comes with a new world as well - okay
GP
Vampires - this GP is really cool, if you like supernatural..it comes with a relatively small world, but the vampires really nail it.. I like how it works..If you're into spooky thing.. it is a must have pack..to add realism to your game play - highly recommended
Parenthood - this is an excellent pack if you enjoy playing family. it builds a character for your Sims and it last for the entire Sims life..and it helps in Sims relationships with the other Sims.. - highly recommended
Jungle adventure - it is fun to explore the new world...but i have explored enough - the temple and secret places...but, it is one of interesting worlds if you need some vacation...good to play without any cheats...else, it can be too easy to play... - okay
Outdoor retreat - it's a 'cute' vacation world...and you can add a new different skill if you happened to meet Hermit at her/his secret hiding place... - okay
Spa day - it's adding a new experience and skill - like spa, yoga and such... there's nothing more than that...I bought this before the Dine out because I want the contents in the Spa Day GP.. - okay
SP
Vintage glamour - I like this pack because of the vanity table and the butler! (because my rich Sims are so lazy ;) ) it is interesting to have if you are playing for generations...and the content is beautiful and elegant.. - okay
Backyard - I bought this because of a fence.. and of course the backyard content - it's good if you enjoy family gathering or organising events... - okay
Laundry day - my recent purchase because I want to do my laundry, although i hate it IRL.. - okay
My next purchase will be toddler, kids room, and romantic garden...again, just because I want the contents.. :)
And for the players that I knew about from the YouTube...
There's Sim supply, Lazy game reviews (LGR), Deligracy, Clare Siobhan, LilSimsie, Devon bumpkin, Simproved, Pixelade, and many mores..but they are among the YouTubers and players/builders that i look at... I could miss some...there are so many amazing creators and players out there...
There's promo for the time being or else, you can bundle up some packs.. Enjoy Simming!
