"navyshades;c-18218862" wrote:
I just really want a pack that doesn't feel like a "one and done" situation. Expansion packs have generally been better in this sense than game packs, but when I look at recent EPs, they're increasingly falling into this pattern as well. eg. Snowy Escape... I sent my sims on a holiday, did all the things, and now it doesn't feel like there's a reason to go back and do it again. Same with High School Years. Most of the game packs are like this where there's a set objective/storyline to follow and then once you've done it once it doesn't really add to ongoing gameplay. The only game packs that really breaks this mould is Parenthood, which is one of my favourites, and perhaps occult packs since they can enhance everyday playing if you're into that (which I'm not particularly).
I just really hope that whatever we get in this EP translates well to all my save files/families and enhances gameplay in dynamic ways, rather than forcing the player down a predetermined route that doesn't offer much replay value. Some of the best additions in recent packs have been new systems such as memories, likes/dislikes, scenarios, etc. because they add depth and richness to gameplay without being prescriptive. I want to see more features like this.
For a Generations type pack, that could include a midlife crisis system, better family relationships with distinctive interactions, more complex/nuanced family dynamics, etc. One of my biggest gripes with the game in general that impacts gameplay constantly is the fact that all relationships except romantic ones are represented on a -100 to 100 friendship scale which is so simplistic. There's no differentiation between friendships, sibling relationships, etc. I would love to see a system where there might be strong familial love between siblings, but there is constant bickering and rivalry as well. Or friendships that fluctuate more quickly. Even if this was as simple as having some pop-ups like, "Your brother used your toothbrush. Gross! Do you a) punch him, b) talk it out, c) just buy a new toothbrush" and an accompanying moodlet that lasts a few in game days. Anything like that would help create more dynamic and realistic relationships.
One thing I'm sure we won't ever get but that I'd absolutely love would be selectable relationship traits (beyond just the automatic ones that are assigned like 'lovebirds'). There is already an existing system for automatic relationship traits, and there are individual character traits and lot traits, so why not relationship traits? Imagine having 2 kids in a household and being able to choose different relationship traits between the mother and those kids. Maybe the son is seen as the golden child but the relationship with the daughter is strained. That would then influence gameplay outcomes and would come with specific interactions/moodlets/etc. specific to that relationship. I would absolutely love some kind of system like this to add depth and realism, but like I said, I doubt we're going to get something like this unfortunately.
The relationship trait thing has like so much potential. On one hand, I can absolutely see that being used to cause more trauma to your sims/work out your own personal traumas through the relationships you create for your Sims. Especially if there's a "golden child" bc if they exist so too do the "black sheep" and "scapegoat", oftentimes as the same person. But it would make good storytelling. Can you imagine the Disney Princess Challenge if Cinderella actually was able to a real wicked stepmother? And had the trait that caused the stepmother to autonomously treat her poorly/cue up scenarios? That'd be intense.
Or on a more healed side, you could just more accurately depict relationships. Having siblings you love but don't like. Or ones you don't know that well bc they were born after your Sim moved out, so they aren't close in age or friendship, but love exists. Versus the ones who are siblings and best friends. Or become friends as adults.
Maybe we could finally get the game to recognize that you Can in fact have more than one best friend. Because the way you are friends is different depending on the person you're dealing with. And while you might be really good friends with like 2-20 other people; the only ones who are close enough to be called your best friends are these other 3 people that are in a whole different strata from the former.
And though I very much doubt they'll get this in the game any time soon, it would work so well with defining other types of relationships. If you could define the way you love, care, and feel affection for sims better in game, then that allows for easier definition of relationships that don't fit the standard. Like Polyamorous relationships, Queer Platonic relationships, Platonic life-partnerships, and any other dynamic that the game doesn't currently allow you to work with. Because labeling your Sim a player just so they can date 2 sims, and marry one of them isn't the best workaround. And rather reductive stereotyping. Especially since the requirements for that trait, if you complete it normally, require you to be a horrible romantic partner.
