Looking Forward To the End Of TS4
Let's look at a few reasons why. Unlike TS2 or TS3, TS4 has been built on such a small scale, with limited gameplay, I will be happy the day it has ended and TS5 possibly revealed. Or maybe I won't...
Forum Discussion
I'm more optimistic on both fronts. The main reason why I came back to playing The Sims 4 is because they keep adding new features via their free patches.
Pros for The Sims 4:
I have come to learn recently that The Sims 4 was adapted from a project meant to take The Sims experience online. While that point irks me, I am going to choose not to fault the work they are currently doing based on that. Although, I am not going to pick up packs that I also feel is a waste of money for the value I get (hence why I have only a handful of packs currently). At least the base game continues to evolve which is the least they can do for choosing to go with the game engine that they did. Also, maybe they could figure out a way to add playable online features because they have shown they can add new features such as that super interesting first-person mode (even if in a beta way).
Possible pros for a new iteration/The Sims 5:
The only real negative I can come across is the fact that it seems The Sims 4 will continue to be developed through 2021 with new content. However, perhaps this gives the team more time to work on a new game engine that will offer something new to our community by then. While it is not always about what they are capable of, I am also choosing to believe that there will be a better experience around the corner given that there is no reason for them to take a hand-me-down game engine and repurpose it this time around.
On the point of expansion packs, it just may be a moot point. Sure, they should have a great number of features in them that lead us to have fulfilling gameplay. I do think that starting with a new iteration means that there may be some repeated themes in expansion packs. Maybe with more time, they can add some features that we have seen in previous expansion packs to the base game. But under no means should they be obligated to include all features that we have seen before. How would that make for a new game or experience?
TL;DR - I am confident that more useful features will continue to be added to The Sims 4 and that the development for a sequel in the series must be underway with more consideration to development. More time until that next title could actually be a great thing, logistically.
Pros for The Sims 4:
- Allows for easy modifications (mostly useful for custom content items).
- Guaranteed to add new features for its life (as long as patterns continue)
- The game is extremely playable graphics-wise for most players (though not a concern for me)
- Has some interesting creation (CAS, Build/Buy, etc.) features that other versions do not (keeping in mind no patterns or color wheel).
I have come to learn recently that The Sims 4 was adapted from a project meant to take The Sims experience online. While that point irks me, I am going to choose not to fault the work they are currently doing based on that. Although, I am not going to pick up packs that I also feel is a waste of money for the value I get (hence why I have only a handful of packs currently). At least the base game continues to evolve which is the least they can do for choosing to go with the game engine that they did. Also, maybe they could figure out a way to add playable online features because they have shown they can add new features such as that super interesting first-person mode (even if in a beta way).
Possible pros for a new iteration/The Sims 5:
- Graphics: the game developers will hopefully focus on creating a more intensive graphical experience than a casual one to make the game more immersive.
- Game Engine: the game developers will hopefully have features that allow a variety of play-styles to immerse themselves into the game, with a great amount of customization options.
- Story-Based Gameplay: I imagine that the game developers would really focus on building rich worlds/neighborhoods with at least a handful of iconic sims/characters that people may want to play.
- Enhanced Gameplay: This is more up to the player to decide what is "enhanced," but I think the two components they could focus on improving is: customization options (in a number of areas such as: CAS, Build/Buy, worlds/neighborhoods, etc.) and interactive elements (actions for sims or abilities for player's control). Both enhancements would satiate our needs for stimulating different senses (sight, sound, and "touch"/control).
The only real negative I can come across is the fact that it seems The Sims 4 will continue to be developed through 2021 with new content. However, perhaps this gives the team more time to work on a new game engine that will offer something new to our community by then. While it is not always about what they are capable of, I am also choosing to believe that there will be a better experience around the corner given that there is no reason for them to take a hand-me-down game engine and repurpose it this time around.
On the point of expansion packs, it just may be a moot point. Sure, they should have a great number of features in them that lead us to have fulfilling gameplay. I do think that starting with a new iteration means that there may be some repeated themes in expansion packs. Maybe with more time, they can add some features that we have seen in previous expansion packs to the base game. But under no means should they be obligated to include all features that we have seen before. How would that make for a new game or experience?
TL;DR - I am confident that more useful features will continue to be added to The Sims 4 and that the development for a sequel in the series must be underway with more consideration to development. More time until that next title could actually be a great thing, logistically.
