I would love a sequel to The Sims Medieval, but with one big caveat. I have very specific expectations and a clear idea of how I would like the game to be, so if they were to release this sequel, it's most likely to be far from what I'm hoping for. But I can always dream, and I'm curious to know if I'm alone in this, or if there are others who would like it too.
It couldn't be just an expansion for The Sims 4. They could use the aesthetic of The Sims 4, but they would need to rework many of the mechanics. There's an indie game called Founders Fortune, which is loosely inspired by The Sims but focuses more on the creation and development of a colony. The game is great in concept and execution, but being the work of a single person, it's quite basic in terms of visuals and overall variety.
For those who have played that game, there's not much to explain—I would like a game like that, but with the quality and depth of The Sims. For those who haven't, here are some key aspects of its gameplay:
Colony Management: Players need to manage and oversee various aspects of their colony, including resource gathering, construction, and assigning tasks to individual colonists.
Survival: Colonists must contend with basic needs such as hunger and shelter. Players must ensure that their colonists have access to food and suitable living conditions.
Building and Construction: The game includes a building system where players can construct structures, including houses, workshops, and other facilities.
Crafting and Research: The game includes a crafting system that allows players to produce items and resources. Researching new technologies is also a part of the gameplay, unlocking additional structures and capabilities.
Exploration: Colonists may need to explore the surrounding environment to discover resources, encounter other settlements or threats, and expand their territory.
Events and Challenges: Random events and challenges may occur, adding a level of unpredictability to the gameplay. These events could include weather disasters, encounters with hostile creatures, or interactions with other groups of settlers.
Although the way you control the sims remains, traditional structures are broken:
There are no family units; you can control all the sims simultaneously. However, you have systems to establish schedules and assign tasks, allowing you to control 10 or more colonists without the need for micro-management.
There are no fixed jobs; all colonists can perform any job, albeit at a basic level. Initially, your colonists need to fulfill various roles (farmer, lumberjack, carpenter, miner, etc.), but as the colony grows, you need each one to focus on a specific role so they can specialize and develop the talent branch in their area. Like The Sims Medieval, players directly engage with their Sims' professions by guiding them through activities related to their roles, no rabbit holes.
There are no lots, and construction is not instantaneous. You don't buy furniture; you must craft them, and to do so, you need the materials and a colonist with the necessary skill (carpenter/sculptor/blacksmith).
The issue with the game I'm talking about, in addition to what I mentioned earlier, is that once you reach the maximum level in each profession and have a prosperous colony, there isn't much to do. In contrast, with the depth of The Sims, reaching this point allows you to focus on social aspects and let a new generation enjoy the fruits of your hard work.
The possibilities for additional content are endless (new climates, professions, factions, animals, etc.). However, I am aware that this game deviates from the original saga and enters the territory of other genres. What do you think?
TL;DR: I want a mix of The Sims and an indie game called Founders Fortune.
