What I like:
1. Create-a-Sim is very well done and intuitive, although the lack of a Create-a-Style function is glaring and unforgivable.
2. Socializing and action queuing are, for the most part, very improved. I like that Sims can socialize in the middle of almost any activity, and it's not as much of a chore to build friendships.
3. The WooHoo music is hilarious.
4. The Aspiration and similar Work/School promotion system are very engaging and well-done. I like having concrete goals to meet in order to improve and reach the next stage.
What I Dislike:
1. Everything else. Seriously. Where to start?
1a. Create-a-Style was the best thing that has ever happened to the Sims, and I hate that it's gone.
1b. No basements? No basements. Build mode is pretty lacking, especially when you factor in the lack of terrain tools and that unforgivably hideous terrain paint. Don't even get me started on the lack of an auto-roof.
1c. The sheer amount of missing content and features is appalling, especially for such a major franchise. Compared to the first installments of Sims 2 and 3 -- or heck, Sims 1, for that matter -- Sims 4 seems half-finished and empty. You might as well call it "Cynical Cash Grab 4" and put on the cover, "Coming Soon to the Online Store and Future Expansions: EVERYTHING!"
1d. World design is terrible. There is absolutely no space for expansion in the base game. At the very LEAST, TS4 should have shipped with the capability of adding our own mini-hoods to the world map, especially when you look at how vaguely defined the world map graphics are. With that particular map interface, expansion should be virtually unlimited. Just plop down a mini-hood frame and build your lots. But, no. We have to stick with the half-dozen mini-hoods we're given, and that's that.
1e. Requiring Origin installation with a physical copy of the game. Just, no. I don't want EA's spyware on my computer, and I resent having it forced on me. And before anyone even starts with the "It's NOT spyw--" just look at how spyware is defined and how Origin behaves.
1f. Remember how your sims could go to work or school and make new acquaintances over the course of a day? Not on TS4's watch. No, if you want to meet a sim, you have to physically track them down after work or school.
1g. Basically it's like the worst aspects of Sims 2 and Sims 3 had a baby, and the missing toddler stage made it grow into a barely competent child.
EA Staff (Retired)
