I've input 25 hours into the Sims 4 and I like the way it plays a lot. The loads are super fast and the game never lags on my computer on Ultra. The UI took some getting used to, but it's really helpful and easy to use once you get used to it. I'm not really a fan of the situational pie menus, it would be nice to have it where it was still based on category and not based on whatever mood they were in. The AI is extremely wonky for me at times, where a whole gaggle of Sims will just amass in one lot and they'll all try to start a covnersationwith each other and there's a giant group of Sims just talking, which is quite annoying. Load screens in between neighborhoods and houses is different, I'm not sure how I feel about it, at the moment I'm kind of indifferent.
I do enjoy the way aspirations are taken care of in this game, but then sometimes I feel as if I'm making no progress on aspirations and they take forever to take care of for a small amount of points. It doesn't feel as rewarding sometimes.
The lack of the in depth Story Progression is what bothers me the most. I make multiple families and would like to see them populate the world and advance in their careers and learn skills, but it looks like they just live til they die and then another family is generated in their place. There's noting to drive generations or legacy's forward. Also when Sims age, there are extremely few distinguishable traits about them. Teens are just as tall as adults, and elders don't get much of a change to facial features. There is just greying hair which is a bit disappointing. Also, the absence of ghosts or an afterlife is a bit underwhelming. Even the lacking of being able to plead for a Sim's life is gone.
Going from Sims 3 to Sims 4, I'm a bit spoiled with the customization and being unable to choose whatever color or design I like is a personal gripe I have,
I'm still learning a lot of stuff, hopefully there's a ton of hidden features that I haven't uncovered yet. The game feels a bit empty compared to when The Sims 3 Base came out or Sims 2 Base was out, personally. My biggest fear though is that after I shell out $80 for a game that feels like it's lacking alot of content will I have to pay $60 all over again for each new expansion or stuff pack. It personally, just makes me a little bit reluctant and expecting of groundbreaking technologies and presentation if the games are starting to become this expensive.
EA Staff (Retired)
