RETRO CORNER

RETRO

CORNER Covering Your Old School Favourites From The Sims Franchise.

In a community where many Simmers are familiar with the latest installment of The Sims franchise, we often forget or simply have no knowledge about the previous games which made the current ones possible. In the ‘Retro Corner’, Melissa takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane, rediscovering, playing, and writing about her favourite predecessors of The Sims franchise on console and PC

In a community where many Simmers are familiar with the latest installment of The Sims franchise, we often forget or simply have no knowledge about the previous games which made the current ones possible. In the ‘Retro Corner’, Melissa takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane, rediscovering, playing, and writing about her favourite predecessors of The Sims franchise on console and PC. When Paramore’s Pressure came on Spotify Shuffle a few weeks ago, I found myself suddenly transported on a nostalgic trip to the Christmas morning of 2005. To this day I cannot unhear the Simlish lyrics that appeared in the console iteration of The Sims 2, fifteen years ago and thus sparked an overwhelming urge to review the game for January’s Issue of SimmedUp! Much like my previous articles, The Sims 2 also deserves a two-part article. Ashamedly, I have less personal experience of playing this game in comparison to the other console games which is odd, as at the time The Sims 2 was an “incredible sequel to the bestselling PC game of all-time”, and I remember Simmers across the globe itching with excitement at the release on console. A stubborn child, I was determined to get my hands on a copy of the console iteration of the game after a visit to Toys R Us. A dramatic song and dance, definitely made sure my parents knew how much I wanted it for Christmas Released in Autumn of 2005, The Sims 2 is the fourth instalment to the console series. Following suit to its previous games, The Sims 2’s primary gaming modes include a Story Mode and a Sandbox Mode, offering players the traditional game play similar to the current PC iterations. Story Mode includes three new districts, each with their own lots, new characters, new careers, unlockable objects, clothing, interactions, and much more. However, the significant addition copied over from the PC iteration is Aspirations. Simmers select one aspiration from Create-A-Sim and a series of separate aspirational objectives follow suit. Therefore, the game focuses on both the careerorientated goals and aspirational goals. The latter does not impact the game progression, necessarily. The inclusion of Aspirations adds another element of gameplay not shown in previous console iterations. Unlike previous games, Simmers can now directly control their Sims by using the analog stick on console controllers. This gives the Simmer a more immersive gameplay experience, exclusive to console. The traditional ‘point and click’ option still remains, should Simmers prefer to use it. Upon launching the game, you are greeted with yet another cinematic masterpiece which in true Maxis/EA fashion, includes references to gameplay and exaggerated features that aren’t possible in the game. It’s still a beautiful work of art, better than

the inaccurate adverts about The Sims 4 I’ve seen cropping up everywhere. I must add, the outtakes to this intro are simply hilarious and this Easter Egg is unlocked after the completion of Story Mode. Building upon the previous console games, Create-A-Sim (CAS) has made significant improvements in multiple areas such as the inclusivity of different body shapes, whereas its PC iteration has only two available body shapes in CAS. Firstly, the nuisance burglar from The Sims and The Sims Bustin’ Out is replaced with a more secure backdrop, boasting a collection of astrological signs remain the same. However, the main focal point of The Sims 2 aside from generations, is the latest addition of aspirations. Sims in The Sims Bustin’ Out are bound to optional clothing layers, developed textures and graphics, the introduction to aspirations, but is limited in other areas due to the technical restraints. Fifteen years later, we can’t even layer up our own clothing in The Sims 4? While the game improved in most areas, my thought The Sims 2 had lost the humorous

portraits , similar to The Sims 2’s PC iteration. As the PC iteration predominantly focuses on generations, the devs referenced this into the console games through CAS. Despite the removal of generations in game, and a family tree, when Simmers create a new sim they are greeted by a series of portraits that represent their parents, and grandparents. Similarly to the PC iteration, facial features and genetics are merged together through the two generations to create the primary sim. In addition, The Sims 2’s CAS includes an extremely rare gem that would put The Sims 4 to shame; layers. From jumpers and jackets to cardigans and coats, unlike current iterations, Simmers have the option to layer up to three Much of the franchise’s features such as the fulfilling needs and completing objectives set by the devs, however in The Sims 2, Sims have randomised “Wants” and “Fears” inspired by their chosen aspiration, location, and level in the game. During CAS, Simmers have the option to choose from five different aspirations: romance, wealth, knowledge, popularity and creativity. The primary aim is to complete these wants, gaining aspiration points to unlock items and keep your sims happy. Overall, The Sims 2’s CAS has significantly built upon its predecessors, with the inclusion of nine-year old self was extremely disappointed to discover that the main theme of generations and children were removed from the game altogether. I was hoping for an identical game to the PC iteration as I didn’t have a compatible computer at the time. As a child myself, I couldn’t understand that such areas must be sacrificed for other improvements. These being the gaming dynamics, controls, cas choices, and cooking choices Simmers could only wish for in current games. However, as a young adult, I

items of clothing onto their Sim. sparkle found in previous games such as The Sims Bustin’ Out, and the originality found in The Urbz: Sims In The City.