I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE the creative tools and really hope that they release some EP's that offers more creative options/housing decorations or focuses on themes in build mode. I plan on making a New Orleans inspired neighborhood. I feel like the creative tools have been simplified and are a lot easier to use. I love how clothing is categorized in create a sim and how you can filter and find what you're looking for a lot easier. I actually found the create a sim process in TS3 to be an annoying pita, it took forever for the content to load and there was sooo much lag. Making sims is fun now! I'm a little disappointed that we can't customize furniture or clothes in create a style and hope that's something that will be implemented in an update. Although I do like that there isn't a crazy amount of textures and a lot of the colors go together so it's easier to mix and match. One thing that bothers is how the black shoes look, they're too blueish! I feel like there's a pretty adequate amount of clothing options except for maybe jewelry. Also, the carpeting sucks big time.. there aren't enough options and the colors aren't very nice.
The multi-tasking feature is GREAT.. my Sims don't waste time, they get sh*t done! The AI/emotions are... meh. It's not as great as I expected it to be, I honestly don't see what all the hype was about. It's an improvement and definitely makes it more interesting and fun, but they aren't THAT smart and their emotions don't influence the game play that much. The "wacky stories" are not manifesting for me, maybe I should give it some time? Also, they only ever seem to be in one of maybe four moods.. either "happy" or "uncomfortable".
The lack of content is disappointing.. I honestly expected more, even for a base game. I'm not quite bored with the game just yet, but there isn't much for the Sims to do and wished that there was more in the way of activities. I will be p!ssed if EA releases a ton of DLC's. I'd rather have everything thrown into EP's.. EP's are enough money as it is, DLC's are wayyyy worse.
I love the graphics, they're beautiful; the colors are really vibrant and the Sims looks nice, their clothes fit well on their bodies.. has less of a painted on look. I don't mind that they're a bit cartoony and I'm a fan of more realistic looking graphics. I'm a bit disappointed with the lack of body hair and a crotch slider for male Sims.
I'm not sure how I feel about the neighborhoods just yet. I'd prefer an open world, the loading screens are kind of annoying and it doesn't make me want to take my sim out much, esp since I can't check on my other sims. Although it's not THAT problematic for me and there's somewhat of an open world feel in your little subdivision. I just hope the towns expand. I wish there was a least one more town and some more empty lots or larger little subdivisions... I'm going to have to bulldose everything.
Overall I really-really like the game and the direction it's going in.
EA Staff (Retired)
