What I like
- I like the sims themselves. I think they have a lot of personality. They're very cute and some of the animations are quite nice.
- I like multitasking.
- I like the fact that the sims seem more drawn to each other than before and that they will autonomously socialize quite often.
- CAS is great. So is build mode.
- I like the fact that you can now use a search in build/buy.
- I like how detailed some of the skills are
What I don't like
- Tiny worlds. 5 houses on a block broken up by loading screens and fake houses in the background. The world feels too small to me.
- Camera controls are extremely frustrating.
- Annoying spammy notifications and general intrusiveness. All of the pop-ups, the music when emotions change, the level up notification, the white outline around things. It's too hand-holdy and in-your-face.
- Too many unlockables. Unlocakble beds, chairs, lamps, and everything else. Too much.
- Lack of NPCs and other features. I'm really disappointed that there's no firefighter, police officer, or burglar anymore. It's dull.
- Lack of more normal jobs. Hospital workers, military personnel, educators, etc. aren't represented anymore.
- General lack of... well, gameplay. It doesn't feel like there's much for sims to do in this game besides socialize with each other.
- Too much teleporting, warping, and poofing to places. I hate that my sim teleports to work. I hate that their baby poofs back and forth from daycare to home. Or that he poofed into the house out of thin air when he was born.
- Smartphone is OP.
- And, yeah, I miss CASt, toddlers, pools, etc.
What I have mixed feelings about
- Emotions. There are some nice little surprises with new interactions brought on by emotional traits. But, they just don't draw me in as a whole. Not with my play style.
Suggestions?
- Remember that this game has an eclectic fan base. Remember that a lot of us are creators and family players. Don't shut us out. Oh, and please add more lots to the neighborhoods and more interactive objects. Our sims need more ways to have fun!
Overall thoughts?
- It's ok. But, it feels like too basic an approach. TS3 focused on the world nearly at the expense of the sims themselves. I feel like TS4 does the opposite.
EA Staff (Retired)
