I wasn't sure I wanted to deal with aliens either, but I haven't been bothered by the alien aspect at all. I've never had a sim abducted, but I am a rotational player and have not progressed past about level 4 or so of the scientist career with any sims either. I haven't had any aliens just appearing in my game, other than alien night at the bar, and I just decided that was more of a costume convention thing, so it didn't bother me. You could just avoid that altogether. I think you can go ahead and enjoy the pack for the retail fun without having to worry much about aliens.