Sims was a life simulation game in sandbox mode. You could do whatever you wanted, but unexpected things happened, and there were a lot of little touches that just made it feel real. A child standing on dad's feet to dance together, setting the baby down somewhere when visiting a friend and not being able to leave the lot until you find it. Memories, you know?
Currently it is a sandbox game pretending to be life simulation. Whereas in previous versions, you could have a story in mind, then have it take twists and turns, in Sims 4, you have to imagine there's a story at all.
This is why I build. :(