The Sims: Alternative Reality | LevelRevel - Gaming Reviews and News

Last week, I reviewed my favorite video game of all time, SimCity 4. So for this week, I decided to continue the series and feature the game that started the series, The Sims, which is now in its third addition. Debuting on January 31, 2000, the Sims is one of the most successful video game franchises of all time. Made for the PC, The Sims has expanded across the spectrum to Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, and handheld video game systems. The reason why the game is so popular can be boiled down to one simple reason: reinvention.

Humans long for a way to stat over ? to reinvent who they are with new clothes, new body, new socioeconomic status, new relationships, even a new name. The Sims series allows the player to do just that. I remember when I first started playing The Sims. I did not understand the appeal or the object of the game. After some experience playing, I realized the point. The simple goal while playing The Sims is just to live your virtual Sim life in whatever way you choose. You choose how you look, if you are married, if you have children, etc.

Anything can happen from this point on. What happens to your Sims in the game, mimics real life in every way possible. You can make your Sims walk, talk, and interact with neighbors. Again, the point of the game is to let fate take its course.

My favorite part of the game as a kid was building the house for my Sims. As a once-architecture major, the freedom to build the walls, install doors, choose windows, and outline sidewalks kept me busy for hours. Once the house is built, the game allows you to design it as you please, complete with paint, carpet, and a vast selection of furniture. If your child is interested in architecture and design, The Sims can actually be a great tool to let them practice their talents.

Expansion packs are a way to get even more out of The Sims. With an expansion pack (an addition to the game purchased separately), you can go on vacation to a private island, you create and own your own pet store, or you can even hold a holiday celebration, complete with decorations, at your Sim home. Expansion packs and downloads from the Internet make The Sims a virtually endless game.

The only drawback to The Sims is that it is dangerously addicting. I have friends in college who waste entire weekends playing the game. Even though it can be easy to create a new identity as a Sim, the ramifications if it is taken too seriously can be severe. MTV?s True Life has featured people who live their life through their Sims. To avoid this, in all seriousness, set time limits for yourself while playing the game. Take breaks from the computer often, and try not to snack while playing the game, as this can become addicting as well. Otherwise, enjoy this wildly popular and brilliant game!

Source: http://www.levelrevel.com/the-sims-alternative-reality/

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