While the pack isn't exactly my favorite theme and I'm not generally a fan of winter sports, I do think it has some good qualities. I haven't tried out everything yet, but I'm not one of those people who rushes through all of the new content and then cries that there's nothing to do. I just play the way I normally do (I switch households a lot and just incorporate the new stuff into my regular gameplay.
In my perspective, I don't think there's as much repetition from other packs as some people claim. The hot springs, yeah, they're pretty much reskinned hot tubs but I actually like them a lot better because I prefer the more natural look to them. The skiing, snowboarding and sledding are pretty cool and I think they're a step up from previous snow sports in games, which were very repetitive, simpler animations. They can't be placed anywhere so the gameplay is static in location, but I don't mind that because how many ski slopes do I really need in my Sims world? It's not like the Seasons snowfalls create large hills to utilize anyway. I'm not planning to have all of my Sims do sports so it's there when I want to play with it. But I think the snow sports in general are a lot more realistic and believable than they've ever been. And some are totally new, if not similar. I do really like that two Sims can go sledding together.
The hiking seems kind of bland, it's just watching a group of Sims wander around together, I would have preferred more player controlled interactions. But I think that it's good to have because we have really needed more activities that Sims can do together that keeps them together, so it's a good step in that direction and I think it's great for realistic and family players. It doesn't really suit my own play style but, again, I like that it's there.
The mountain climbing is my favorite. I know some people see it as a reskin of the climbing machine, but I strongly disagree. There's a huge difference between a single object that does one thing and having an entire activity with some exploration and changing environments and options and risks. It's the same comparison in real life. Well, I could do this climbing wall and go say I climbed a "mountain" but it's not at all the same as actually getting gear and going to a mountain and risking my butt to climb over ice and snow to get to the top. Saying that's the same would be like if we had a rocking horse in the game and it gave a riding skill when used and then we got actual horses and people said it was a reskin because we had a rocking horse with a riding skill. :s But I like that they put in cross-pack functionality so that your Sims can actually train with the climbing machine so that they have more skill and better their chances of survival and success when they actually go mountain climbing.
I really like the Kotatsu table and hot pot. And while I'm not much of a domestic player, I had my group of college graduates go on vacation together and it was really cool to see them all gather around the table and eat and talk. It seemed very natural, except that Sims still switch seats too much, which is very annoying.
The world is nice, I needed lots and I'll probably change some of the neighborhoods the best I can to suit my fantastical gameplay, but I do agree with those who say that there are too many false buildings around that prevent more sandbox builds. I really, really want some world manipulation tools. I want to give my game a more mystical element and I'm always stuck with normalcy and playgrounds and static scenery. But that's just a standard Sims 4 issue, not really the fault of the pack. I know they were trying to capture the feel of Japan, so that's what we got.
Festivals are festivals. I don't seek them out anywhere and if they happen while I'm playing in that area then I might go check it out, but it's never really much going on that I care about. I do want to see the Festival of Lights because I haven't yet, but the ice sculpture one was pretty much what I expected. Mostly visuals. It's nice for ambience but I don't see any reason to revolve my gameplay around any of them. Plus, Sims will still run off to get a drink of water or jump on the computer or talk to someone across the neighborhood so it's not like there's anything keeping your household there when they happen, which would be a huge asset if they did. Sims are always ADHD oriented and running amok and scattering so festivals should at least keep them in the region together, but they don't. I like to play larger households so it always becomes a chore to get my Sims to stay together for something anyway.
As far as comparing Snowy Escape to Island Living, I feel that SE has more activities, more variety and feels bulkier, but I'll probably still use IL more. Partly because I'm really into Occults and SE was more for the realism crowd while Sulani in my game now has Mermaids, Pirates and Voodoo gods occupying the islands. Also, I just really like the feel of IL and have a personal preference for warmer weather. I also don't like to dress my Sims in bulky, colorful winter jackets. So the clothing aesthetic is a Thing for me. I'll probably put a Yeti in Komorebi. I want to see him snowboarding and sledding. :D
I still haven't had too much experience with Lifestyles or figured out what they do yet, but I wish there were some deviant ones because everything is always happy, positive and "normal".
In the end, it all comes down to what kind of player you are and what gameplay means to you and what your needs are. Just because LGR says something is bad, doesn't mean you can't enjoy it, and vice versa. If you really want more sports or snowy activities or love Japanese themes or a few more things for Sims to do together, then you might enjoy the pack. If you're just looking for a reason to buy it even though it just doesn't appeal to you, then wait for a sale or hold off. It's okay to not own all of the packs. There's a lot of them and they aren't all for everyone.
