I have been playing the sims since sims 1 and sims 3 - i find a huuuge improvement throughout the 3 games. I find the sims have emotions/feelings/likes and needs and can multitask - like they are sad/cold/upset/angry - makes more realistic and fun.
Also love the new world and weather makes it realistic and with holidays they have or make your own
I mostly play legacy type game - where there is family with grandparents and few generations - and have legacy house - so sims 4 is perfect for that and some good expansion packs
the only downfall no drums yet and cant make an offical band that im sad about, hope they bring them back
I feel they have a come along way from sims 1 - alot of changes and improvements - the packs are not perfect like sims 3 - could be bit better or add similar careers or items like bring them back