I'm not ready for Sims 5

[Beebo Brink]

On the other hand, the extra expansion packs and game packs allow you to skip content that you're not interested in and that bogs the game down. Of course, that also means you've got to squash the temptation to buy everything. I've made a few impulse purchases I regret. Now that I know how to (safely) exclude DLCs from my desktop game, I may forgo a few if my performance slows down (so far it's running fine, so I haven't bothered).

The University pack seemed fun in theory, but I haven't touched it yet. Same for Getting Together and Vampires. Dining Out, however, was the one I most regret, because it was so buggy; somehow a night out at a restaurant seemed to take a full week.

Still, there's always the chance I'll change my mind later when I have time to set up the right situation, even if that's months or years from now. After I finish my current Knitting save, I've decided to challenge myself with a scenario focused on all the social aspects of Sims 4 that I've always avoided: festivals, dating, parties, milestone celebrations. I've already sketched out the scenario: a high society family living in a penthouse apartment. I'm going to dive into every frivolous community activity offered up instead of creating a social recluse that survives on fishing and digging up collectibles.

 

[Cristiano]

I'm surprised about how you feel about Dining Out - that has actually been among my favorites.

 

[Beebo Brink]

I'm surprised about how you feel about Dining Out - that has actually been among my favorites.

It was buggy when I tried it, with Sims that wouldn't go pee and ended up embarrassing themselves in public, other weird behavior and the dinner just went on forever. Companion sims were passing out from exhaustion at the table because they ran out of energy before they finished eating. Then when my "main" sim finally tried to leave the scene, the game crashed.

In general, I've not made good use of some of the expansion packs because I veer toward reclusive sims that just wander around on their own, avoiding social situations. I'm going to try to power through that mindset with my next game, so I'll give Dining Out another try.

 

[Aribeth Zelin]

I'm surprised about how you feel about Dining Out - that has actually been among my favorites.

I love it, but at the same time, it has some serious bugs AND without mods, there is no way to have your chef sim -cooking-.

Also, without a mod, you need a huge stove to -make- the experimental food.

So, its great on ideas, but it can be a royal pain too, and like so much of 4, oddly limiting in what you can do with your own businesses.

 

[Sid]

If someone were to have bought every pack available for Sims 4, I'm betting it would cost several hundred dollars, not on sale. That's just insane!

Ownership of a few square meters of land in SL isn't a real bargain either.
As long as one thinks that they can justify the money, no harm done I guess.

 

[Jolene Benoir]

All of this Sims 4 talk has my finger hovering over a number of DLC purchases. I currently own Get To Work, Seasons, Cats & Dogs, City Living, Outdoor Retreat and Vintage Glamour.

The ones I am looking at now are University, Eco Lifestyle, Snowy Escape, Parenthood, Tiny Living and Nifty Knitting, though I may change the latter to Toddler Stuff. I tend to like those that give me more options for building so I like packs that give lots of build items. At the same time, I like those that change the game, adding new depth in some manner to gameplay itself.

The reason I'm leaning toward Parenthood and University is to flesh out more fully a sims life cycle from childhood onward. I am having a hard time deciding upon Eco and Snowy Escape. I also tend to like those packs that actually give new worlds to play in.

Does anyone have any feedback regarding Eco Lifestyle or Snowy Escape? I was also considering Get Together, but they've already added Clubs in a regular update which kind of negates a large part of that pack, though the European world sounds interesting on its own. I like the idea of new worlds in Vampires or Realms of Magic, but not interested in the gameplay of Vampires at all.

I'm also getting these from Fanatical. I've used this legitimate site many a time. They were previously known as BundleStars. They are offering the packs at a slightly larger discount than EA itself, so 55% rather than 50% and 33% rather than 25%. I also have an additional 5% to apply to the whole order. Normally they give Steam keys, but for the Sims the keys are for Origin.

 

[Aribeth Zelin]

All of this Sims 4 talk has my finger hovering over a number of DLC purchases. I currently own Get To Work, Seasons, Cats & Dogs, City Living, Outdoor Retreat and Vintage Glamour.

The ones I am looking at now are University, Eco Lifestyle, Snowy Escape, Parenthood, Tiny Living and Nifty Knitting, though I may change the latter to Toddler Stuff. I tend to like those that give me more options for building so I like packs that give lots of build items. At the same time, I like those that change the game, adding new depth in some manner to gameplay itself.

The reason I'm leaning toward Parenthood and University is to flesh out more fully a sims life cycle from childhood onward. I am having a hard time deciding upon Eco and Snowy Escape. I also tend to like those packs that actually give new worlds to play in.

Does anyone have any feedback regarding Eco Lifestyle or Snowy Escape? I was also considering Get Together, but they've already added Clubs in a regular update which kind of negates a large part of that pack, though the European world sounds interesting on its own. I like the idea of new worlds in Vampires or Realms of Magic, but not interested in the gameplay of Vampires at all.

I'm also getting these from Fanatical. I've used this legitimate site many a time. They were previously known as BundleStars. They are offering the packs at a slightly larger discount than EA itself, so 55% rather than 50% and 33% rather than 25%. I also have an additional 5% to apply to the whole order. Normally they give Steam keys, but for the Sims the keys are for Origin.

Okay, so... if I had to chose, I'd do snowy first, and then eco lifestyle; here is why.

Eco Lifestyle is nifty, it is. BUT it has to be one of the buggier expansions, and in addition, the coolest parts of the pack gameplay wise only work in that neighborhood, because it changes how the neighborhood works.

However, even with that, it is a pretty good pack even with that.

Snowy Escape is in some ways like the SW Batuu pack, but done right. While you don't have control over the tricks, part of it reminds me of SSX Tricky anyway, but in a good way. While they've already done another pack with some Japanese type elements, Snowy does a better job. And since they actually got Simmers to do the builds in the neighborhood, the builds are nicer than the usual ones.

The new lifestyles stuff is neat, but I still don't grok it, because I've not been playing much since it dropped.

And if you successfully climb to the top of the mountain, you can build something up there, even if you can't 'live' there officially.

ps: Snow Escape actually gives you the ability to place vacation rentals in normal live in worlds, like what you have in the vacation only destinations.

----------------
Between University and Parenthood?

Parenthood: Well, I don't tend to play much with kids, but it adds a lot of cute little kids stuff and a bit of teen stuff.

University is more my speed but compared to earlier versions [Sims 2 and Sims 3] I don't like it as much. I find it, again, is super limited to what you can actually do with your sims. But degrees are, as always, super useful.

------------
So, all expansions give a new neighborhood, iirc. All have a decent amount of build mode stuff [btw, the star wars one's only real redeming feature is it gives some fun sci fi/post apoc build pieces.

 

[Aribeth Zelin]

By the way, I do have every single pack for the Sims 4 - if people want me to answer questions before buying, I can break down what comes with, and how buggy it can be, and I'm happy to do so.

Some things will be opinions, but I'll mark those too.

 

[Jolene Benoir]

Okay, so... if I had to chose, I'd do snowy first, and then eco lifestyle; here is why.

Eco Lifestyle is nifty, it is. BUT it has to be one of the buggier expansions, and in addition, the coolest parts of the pack gameplay wise only work in that neighborhood, because it changes how the neighborhood works.

However, even with that, it is a pretty good pack even with that.

Snowy Escape is in some ways like the SW Batuu pack, but done right. While you don't have control over the tricks, part of it reminds me of SSX Tricky anyway, but in a good way. While they've already done another pack with some Japanese type elements, Snowy does a better job. And since they actually got Simmers to do the builds in the neighborhood, the builds are nicer than the usual ones.

The new lifestyles stuff is neat, but I still don't grok it, because I've not been playing much since it dropped.

And if you successfully climb to the top of the mountain, you can build something up there, even if you can't 'live' there officially.

ps: Snow Escape actually gives you the ability to place vacation rentals in normal live in worlds, like what you have in the vacation only destinations.

----------------
Between University and Parenthood?

Parenthood: Well, I don't tend to play much with kids, but it adds a lot of cute little kids stuff and a bit of teen stuff.

University is more my speed but compared to earlier versions [Sims 2 and Sims 3] I don't like it as much. I find it, again, is super limited to what you can actually do with your sims. But degrees are, as always, super useful.

------------
So, all expansions give a new neighborhood, iirc. All have a decent amount of build mode stuff [btw, the star wars one's only real redeeming feature is it gives some fun sci fi/post apoc build pieces.

Yes, University has me a bit disappointed based upon what I have learned of it. From what I have learned they are nothing but rabbit holes. I remember actually going to class in the Sims 3. But yeah, it is a part of fleshing it out, though, just how important is working up the skills when you can just as easily do so in other ways. Part of the charm of University in 3 was also choosing to live on campus in dorms or your own place and having to find travel methods to get to class on time. It's that whole open world thing again, that I liked so much. No screen jumps, you witnessed your little sim desperately trying to pedal that bike to class, or even drove a car, which we still have yet to see in the Sims 4. Older games definitely did it better, even if they beat up your computer in the process. This is one of many reasons that, when they do 5, I hope they harken back to the past, but improve it.

Ok, you sold me on Snowy Escape. Will get it. Also definitely getting Parenthood though it cannot compare to Generations. It's the best they have to offer and as such, I will take it. It probably should have been a more fully fleshed out expansion pack vs a game pack, but it is what it is.

Regarding Eco, I have seen conflicting opinions. Some say that it messes up your other worlds as they now become part of it, turning their lovely worlds into polluted wasteland. OTOH, it seems that the default is to revert to your everyday sunny sims world, so it doesn't matter all that much.

At the end of the day, even after I choose what to buy, I likely won't be playing these instantly even if I desire to. I'm in the middle of playing on a 3 month $1 Microsoft Gameplay thing for 3 months. I am in Act 2 of Dragon Quest XI...Loving it. I have a year of PSNow, so Red Dead Redemption is what I have going on there. This is a game I have ALWAYS wanted to play, but could not because I didn't have a PS3. I have large backload like you wouldn't believe.

However, these are great prices, DLC's I would like, and eventually I will get back there. Maybe sooner than later, if for no other reason than to see changes. If I have a good understanding of my own behavior, I will probably be in there and consumed with seeing changes so much so that I might well neglect other things. If nothing else, all Sims games are extremely addictive.

Also, thank you for being so kind as to offer up your opinion regarding assorted packs. More than a few simmers have spent a pretty penny only to discover a badly made cash grab. It's invaluable to learn about purchases ahead of time.

Thank you!

 

[Beebo Brink]

With every new DLC I buy, at the very least there is a new city, textures, clothings, hair styles, and new waters for fishing (my absolutely favorite sim activity). So nothing is a dead loss.

For the moment, I have everything I want... except possibly Laundry. It looks cute, but I'm not sure I'd play enough to be worth even the modest price.

 

[Sid]

Paying to do laundry?

 

[Aribeth Zelin]

The laundry pack has lovely decor - definitely worth it to get on sale. And clean clothes do add more moodlets. And if you use a washboard and a clothes line, I think you get body skillups.

 

[Jolene Benoir]

With every new DLC I buy, at the very least there is a new city, textures, clothings, hair styles, and new waters for fishing (my absolutely favorite sim activity). So nothing is a dead loss.

For the moment, I have everything I want... except possibly Laundry. It looks cute, but I'm not sure I'd play enough to be worth even the modest price.

I echo what Ari has said. I've heard good things about Laundry. We've had similar in past games and it did help bring a bit of realism. They will now toss their clothes on the floor, so be warned there, lol.

I've also heard that it adds good build and buy items. It's on my someday list.

 

[Jolene Benoir]

Tiny living is one that I am going to buy now and am looking forward to playing. There are challenges related to it and bonuses as well. From what I understand, though, watch out for that Murphy bed. It can and will kill your sims. I do believe you can perform upgrades to avoid such an eventuality, though. For a stuff pack, I think it may well be a good purchase.

Being that I like to build, I like challenges like that.

I am also going to get Nifty Knitting. It appears to be rather time consuming in the creation of all of the items. having to do even individual colors, but I think if I just use it here and there over time, it will add a little something to my game. Also, I really want rocking chairs.

 

[Aribeth Zelin]

Tiny living is one that I am going to buy now and am looking forward to playing. There are challenges related to it and bonuses as well. From what I understand, though, watch out for that Murphy bed. It can and will kill your sims. I do believe you can perform upgrades to avoid such an eventuality, though. For a stuff pack, I think it may well be a good purchase.

Being that I like to build, I like challenges like that.

I am also going to get Nifty Knitting. It appears to be rather time consuming in the creation of all of the items. having to do even individual colors, but I think if I just use it here and there over time, it will add a little something to my game. Also, I really want rocking chairs.

You can upgrade the bed, and I think getting tiny living does allow you to upgrade other beds to make them better.

Tiny Living is another one where I love it but I still find issues with it; like the fact porches count as rooms and thus floor space.

 

[Jolene Benoir]

You can upgrade the bed, and I think getting tiny living does allow you to upgrade other beds to make them better.

Tiny Living is another one where I love it but I still find issues with it; like the fact porches count as rooms and thus floor space.

Mmmm...yes, it is going to be challenging. Do the ladders that they have added finally to the game help in terms of being able to add a loft? Most RL tiny homes have that.

 

[Aribeth Zelin]

Mmmm...yes, it is going to be challenging. Do the ladders that they have added finally to the game help in terms of being able to add a loft? Most RL tiny homes have that.

Yes and no. Basically, you can build a room, then with a roof on top of it, make a second 'room' but the lighting will be off a little bit because its technically outside, though otherwise it works just fine and sims won't freeze to death because its also counted as sheltered. You can also add in more space using single walls, to make things like sheds and greenhouses, just don't let them connect.

 

[Jolene Benoir]

Just as a follow up, I ended up getting Get Together, Eco Lifestyle, University and Snowy Escape. In the Game Pack area, I got Parenthood. In the Stuff Pack area I got Tiny Living, Nifty Knitting, Movie Stuff, Laundry Day and Romantic Garden.

Phew, that's a lot! I was seriously tempted by Island Living as well just due to its beauty and build items, but noped out for other reasons. I just need to update my MCC, since I have not played in awhile. I am looking forward to it very much, but wow, might be overwhelmed a little at so many new changes and things.

Thank you for your help, everyone! I think this is about all I need for my Sims 4 game playing style and this will likely be my last additions.

 

[Jolene Benoir]

Just wanted to return here to comment as I currently have the Sims 2 Ultimate Collection and the Sims 4 installed. I am going between them noting differences. It had been awhile since I played 2 so I had forgotten some things. I hadn't remembered just how easy it was to build your own world. I, primarily, end up doing building more than any other thing. That has changed somewhat with 4, but I still end up returning to that.

I had a very long period of playing 3, and easily remembered that one. Below is a video by a gal comparing the 3 games. She is pretty rough on 4, but not altogether negative. She does have some good things to say about certain aspects. In any event, she goes over gameplay differences between all 3 games and how they've evolved or devolved. I thought it might be interesting to those who only have experience with 4.

 

[Aribeth Zelin]

Just wanted to return here to comment as I currently have the Sims 2 Ultimate Collection and the Sims 4 installed. I am going between them noting differences. It had been awhile since I played 2 so I had forgotten some things. I hadn't remembered just how easy it was to build your own world. I, primarily, end up doing building more than any other thing. That has changed somewhat with 4, but I still end up returning to that.

I had a very long period of playing 3, and easily remembered that one. Below is a video by a gal comparing the 3 games. She is pretty rough on 4, but not altogether negative. She does have some good things to say about certain aspects. In any event, she goes over gameplay differences between all 3 games and how they've evolved or devolved. I thought it might be interesting to those who only have experience with 4.

I'll give it watch to see if we agree on things. I've always been primarily a builder myself, so the lack of world building in 4 is annoying. On the other hand, it is easier to build some things in 4 [though not bridges and lakes ]