Simming Tips, Tricks, and Curiosities

Curious Details #8: The Aqua-Zip

The Aqua-Zip feels like a dream -- as in it exists, I've used it, and every now and then I remember my sims own two of them for "His and Hers"-styled public disturbances. Yet still the Aqua Zip fades from memory the moment I cease to consider the fact we have swimmable areas in post-Sulani worlds where other features (regardless of their frequency of use) have more "tangible" triggers -- The fish trap, for instance, has the Fishing skill, which links back to my sims' aquariums and the need for plasma packs (it can also be a viable source of Sulani's 'Buried Treasure' collectibles). The Outrigger Canoe is similarly used for fishing, but is also one of the few non-coffin means of repose for a vampire with the 'Sleep Of The Undead' weakness. It's a shame, really, because outside of the Fun motive and music-based moodlets (for both preferences and general proximity thereto), the Aqua-Zip is almost hot tub levels of "frivolous luxury item a sim owns because what else are they going to do with their ludicrous amounts of simoleons?".

That said, the reason I compare it to the hot tub, specifically, is due to the fact that under the hood there's actually a little bevy of features that both sound good on paper and look cool in practice, even though they ultimately fail to be a consistent draw.

The adventure starts with the iLand Beach Shax, a high-tech piece of equipment camouflaged with wooden planks on three sides. Afterwards, sims can select from Fishing skill books, fish traps, lounge chairs and float loungers, beach towels, island-exclusive fruits and roots, and two aquatic vehicles: the Outrigger Canoe, and the Aqua-Zip.

Whilst the Outrigger Canoe is pretty simple; just "buy and try", the Aqua-Zip is somewhat more involved. Firstly, there are two versions available:

• One in a simplistic blue, with white trim ($2,100)
  
  Spoiler

  
  For the everyman who just wants to get from A to Sea.
  https://i.imgur.com/mBNp5bX.png
  
  
  
• One with a "Shark in water" motif ($2,500)
  
  Spoiler

  
  For the those who like to live dangerously.
  https://i.imgur.com/AwWVajb.png
  
  
  

Though these colours can be switched in Build/Buy, and both versions are of the same item, there's a reason the latter costs a bit more -- Whilst in a sim's inventory, the option for "Add-Ons" can be selected, allowing for the vehicle's alteration. Unlike most things in TS4, these alterations aren't done using the Handiness skill, but rather are paid for, similar to the 'Sheeps-In-A-Pod Sleeping Pod' from Get Famous and the rocket ships from the basegame. Alongside other features that act as "upgrades", there is an option to "Change Paint Pattern...", which will change the current swatch to one of 14 options for a fee.

• The 7 basic colours with white trim cost $200 each.
  
  
  
  • Pink
    
  • Yellow
    
  • Blue
    
  • Red
    
  • Black
    
  • Green
    
  • White
    
  
  
  Spoiler

  
  Aqua Rangers, assemble!
  https://i.imgur.com/vBcg7cP.jpg
  
  
  

• The 7 artistic motifs cost $300 each.
  
  
  
  • Tribal
    
  • Racing
    
  • Shark
    
  • Clownfish
    
  • Abstract
    
  • Pastel
    
  • Polka Dot
    
  
  
  Spoiler

  
  For only $100 more, you too can be "fancy".
  https://i.imgur.com/hqh9vea.jpg
  
  
  

These are not one-time purchases one can do to have them all available for free, and will need to be paid for each change/change back. Now as for why the Shark costs $400 more (and not $300) is beyond my comprehension, as one would be better off paying the $2,100, then adding the shark motif for a total of $2,400.

Moving on to the other micro-trans- I mean "Add-ons"...

On the "cheap" end of the spectrum we have Streamers, Lights, and a Fireworks Pod ($500 each). All 3 must be enabled whilst riding.

• The Streamers are two semi-transparent ribbons that appear on the handlebars.
  
  Spoiler

  
  $500 bucks, folks... let that sink in.
  https://i.imgur.com/Gg2Uc3J.png
  
  
  
• The lights are 3 colours that slowly cycle into one another.
  
  Spoiler

  
  https://i.imgur.com/UZ8Yel0.png
  https://i.imgur.com/KQtPtC8.png
  https://i.imgur.com/HfLuVFQ.png
  
  
  
• The fireworks spew consistently from both sides of the tail (up and to the sides), regardless of whether or not the vehicle is in motion.
  
  Spoiler

  
  What better way to scream, "WATER HAZARD", than with fireworks trailing behind you?
  https://i.imgur.com/u4g0sfe.png
  
  
  

The last two add-ons, the Flame Vents and Music Player, each cost $1000.

• The Flame Vents spit consistent flames from the two tail exhaust ports, and intermittent flames from the three behind the seat. This must be enabled whilst riding, but works even whilst not in motion.
  
  Spoiler

  
  If you listen closely, the intermittent fire sounds like the beat from the first part of "Eye Of The Tiger".
  https://i.imgur.com/DSNcAub.png
  
  
  
• The music player, unlike the rest of the Add-Ons, can be enabled even whilst not riding.
  
  
  
  • One can change the station and volume, turn it on/off, and even obtain the moodlets for having music nearby, as well as preferred/disliked music.
    
  • The music player stays on, even after having been put away, and will continue playing once placed in world.
    
  • One cannot dance to the music or "wind down" by listening to classical.
    
  
  
  Spoiler

  
  Leave it out with the music on, and perhaps any ne'er-do-wells will be too busy jamming out to steal it.
  https://i.imgur.com/nm5yF6f.png
  It's like a multi-ton portable radio.
  https://i.imgur.com/GMOXOdX.png
  
  
  

After one has gone into bankruptcy and everything's enabled, one can be a "terror of the seas" amidst the quiet residential waterside locales. The water is an open highway.