For almost a decade,The Sims 4has been consistently compared with its predecessor,The Sims 3,one of the best-selling PC games of all time. WhileThe Sims 4has received mixed reviews due to the omission of popularSims 3game elements, the franchise has a chance to turn it around with the release ofThe Sims 4 Growing Together.The expansion pack is slated for release on March 16th and will include various new features oriented around family and growing up. With all the latest content,Growing Togethermight beatThe Sims 3: Generationsas the best family-oriented pack.
Longtime fans ofThe Simsfranchise might recognize gameplay mechanics inThe Sims 4 Growing Togetherthat were included in bothThe Sims 3andThe Sims 2.For instance, social chemistry between Sims was prevalent inThe Sims 2,while tree houses and the midlife crisis scenario were first introduced inThe Sims 3.Although this continues the pattern ofSims 4expansion packs emulating previous content, some elements in theGrowing Togethertrailer, like family dynamics, seem genuinely unique. More sophisticated core gameplay bodes well for more innovation inThe Sims 5,aka “Project Rene.”
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The Sims 3: Generations Raised The Bar For Realistic, Family-Oriented Gameplay
The Sims 3: Generationswas released in May 2011, shortly after the base game’s release. The pack was themed around making each Sim life stage feel more developed and allowing Simmers to bring their Sim families together. Although the expansion was arguably a collection of small changes, they culminated in gameplay thatrefreshed the entireSims 3experience.For instance,Generationsoriented the younger life stages around imagination, including costumes, toys, and the ability to dream. The teenage life stage was centered around rebellion, allowing Sims to have the “Rebellious” trait, pull pranks, and get sent to boarding school.
The most exciting developments inThe Sims 3: Generationsincluded the advent of “memories” to keep track of monumental moments in a Sim’s life and a whole host of afterschool activities. For example, student Sims could become scouts, take ballet classes, or join the school band and the debate team. The expansion also included sleeping bags, bunk beds, treehouses, strollers, camcorders, and other exclusive objects that unlocked a host of new interactions between Sims.Generationsalso expanded the variety of events that could be held inThe Sims 3,adding prom and wedding celebrations similar toThe Sims 4 My Wedding StoriesandHigh SchoolYears.
How The Sims 4 Growing Together Innovates On Content Introduced In The Sims 3 Generations
WhileSims 4players still have to wait a bit beforeGrowing Togetheris released, the trailer for the expansion provides clues about how it might rise aboveGenerations.The new content coincides with aSims 4update that includes a new infancy life stage that was not included inThe Sims 3.This addition allowsGrowing Togetherto include changing tables, breastfeeding, infant carriers, infant-specific traits, andgameplay unique toThe Sims 4.While the expansion also has treehouses, families must work together to build them, turning the activity into a family bonding event.
Growing Togetheralso introduces a system for Sim compatibility that informs how they might interact. For instance, two Workaholic or Athletic Sims might be competitive with each other, whileSims with the Goofball traitmight joke around. Milestones have also been overhauled, introducing myriad life events that are themed around each life stage. Both of these systems have the potential to create gameplay that is significantly more complex than in previous expansion packs, includingGenerations.With the inclusion of a brand-new town called San Sequoia, hopes are high that theGrowing Togetherpack will deliver on the nuanced gameplay it promises.
The Sims 4is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
