Focusing on gameplay improvements I would like to see, relationships are too easy. There should be one sided relationships that generate unique reactions, socials, and animations. Unrequited love and crushes would be great. There should be a chemistry system that makes it really hard for a couple with no chemistry to have successful romantic interactions.
Gameplay will also deepen by building on existing systems. There should have been new lifestyles added in cottage living, clubs need new icon choices, and there should be more NAPS (I would love one where everyone dresses in formal wear and another where everyone is in their gym clothes and another with everyone in their party outfits so I can make all of my sims in the fashion district super fancy all the time.). And where did whims go? These features were created for a reason and they need to be updated so that they can add depth to an ever expanding game instead of being abandoned which makes them seem shallow and temporary and makes it hard to fall in love with new features knowing they might also be rendered obsolete.
Part of what gives a game longevity and replay value is the ability to do the same thing over and over again and to have random new things pop up, not in the form of dialogue, but by seeing the sims do something they have never done before. That is why recycled animations are such a game killer because it is the seemingly random animations that someone stumbles upon after hours of playing that makes the game special. It might not seem like it, but for a game like the sims, objects that come with new animations is key. That is why I would love to see bands, a fashion career with a functioning run way, winemaking complete with grape smashing, strollers, pottery, canes, and pool tables make a return. It was endearing to watch the sims use these items especially especially when there was a small chance that something could go wrong and produce a surprise animation and a comical moment.
I have been playing this game from TS1 and I am so glad that the TS4 team is committed to improving the game. Evey iteration of the game has had both a sense of magic and mischievous joy for me and I would love to see TS4 reach its full potential. Thank you!
Community Manager
