The Sims 3 expansion packs

Last updated

Aggregate review scores
Game GameRankings Metacritic
World Adventures82.91% [1] 81/100 [2]
Ambitions75.93% [3] 74/100 [4]
Late Night81.50% [5] 74/100 [6]
Generations73.93%72/100 [7]
Pets70.00% [8] 79/100 [9]
Showtime73.12% [10] 67/100 [11]
Supernatural79.43% [12] 74/100 [13]
Seasons-73/100 [14]
University Life78.11%72/100 [15]
Island Paradise77.13%73/100 [16]
Into the Future83.00% [17] 80/100 [18]

Eleven expansion packs were released for the 2009 life simulation video game The Sims 3 , the third major title in The Sims series. Of the eleven expansion packs, seven were developed by Maxis Redwood Shores, while the other four were developed by EA Salt Lake. [19] All expansion packs were published by Electronic Arts. Expansion packs tend to focus on major new features, with the addition of many new objects, worlds, and game features geared towards the pack's major theme. The first expansion pack, World Adventures , was released on November 18, 2009. The last expansion pack, Into the Future , was released on October 22, 2013.

Contents

World Adventures

The Sims 3: World Adventures
Developer(s) Maxis Redwood Shores (Windows, macOS)
EA Mobile (Mobile)
Publisher(s) Electronic Arts
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows, macOS, iOS, Mobile
Release

The Sims 3: World Adventures is the first expansion pack for The Sims 3 , announced on August 3, 2009, and released in North America on November 18, 2009. [20] [22]

The pack focuses on traveling to various areas in a manner similar to previous expansions The Sims: Vacation and The Sims 2: Bon Voyage . Sims are able to travel to fictional locations set in France, China, and Egypt. At these locations, Sims are able to go on adventures to earn rewards. Sims are able to level up in new skills: photography, martial arts, and nectar making. [23] The expansion also added a new life state, the mummy, which can be added to a household through several means. A separate standalone version was also developed for mobile devices. [24]

Gameplay

The main feature in World Adventures is the ability to travel to three new destinations. Sims can only stay at destinations for limited durations based on their combined visa levels. Having more visa points unlocks new levels. Having a higher visa level, in addition to lifetime rewards and certificates of partnership with specific destinations, will extend the duration Sims can stay in a destination, from three days to a maximum of 18 days for a single Sim, and up to 72 days for a household. [23]

Destinations

Sims can travel to three fictional destinations set in real-life countries. In these destinations, Sims can meet with the locals, form new friendships, and go on adventures. Each destination has a unique skill associated with it. [23] The three destinations are:

  • Al Simhara, Egypt – This destination is the main location for the new Photography skill. This destination also features many tombs that can be explored, and is the home of the new mummy life state.
  • Champs Les Sims, France – Sims can learn the Nectar Making skill, based on winemaking, enabling Sims to brew drinks, which give Sims positive moodlets when consumed.
  • Shang Simla, China – Sims can learn the new Martial Arts skill, which works in tandem with the existing Athletic skill to improve a Sim's fighting ability.

Adventures

In each destination, there is an adventure board outside the base camp. Sims can pick Adventures to fulfill, similar to opportunities in the base game. Adventures can consist of a simple goal such as collecting a certain material and returning it to the quest giver, or a more complex one, such as exploring one of the expansion's many tombs. [23] Sims earn visa points, ancient coins, and Simoleons from completing these tasks.

Every destination also has a general store for purchasing adventuring supplies. New items include dried food, shower-in-a-can, and a variety of different quality tents. These new items are required for sleeping and surviving in dungeons when fulfilling Adventures. [23]

Dungeons

Inside dungeons, Sims will encounter traps, puzzles and the new mummy creature. Most dungeons are fairly linear though some are larger than others and feature more items. Ancient coins and relics can also be found in dungeons. These collectibles can be sold, or displayed as a collection. Many relics can be sold for large amounts of Simoleons, making it a viable way to make money in the game. [23]

Skills

Martial Arts – Learned in Shang Simla. This skill lets Sims become powerful fighters, and is helpful for defeating mummies in Al Simhara. The skill also enables Sims to meditate, giving a meditative focus moodlet. This moodlet boosts skill gains and increase the quality of crafted goods. Sims who master meditation can learn to teleport.

Nectar Making – Learned in Champs Les Sims. Nectar can be aged, and can be highly profitable if the bottles are aged enough.

Photography – Primarily in Al Simhara. While Sims can buy a cheap camera in any location, there are two high end camera models that are only available in Al Simhara's general store. Sims can capture subjects with these cameras, and photos can be sold for small amounts of money. [23]

Development

Producer Lyndsay Pearson said that real-world locations were a draw for their players, and that users had been creating famous buildings on the online Exchange; the pack represented an extension of that desire. Pearson also stated that there were innovations present in the pack, that could not have been achieved in Sims titles before. [25] [22]

Music

The score to World Adventures was composed by Steve Jablonsky, who had previously composed the score to The Sims 3 . He recorded his score with a 35-piece string and woodwind ensemble at Eastwest Studios in Hollywood. [26]

Nelly Furtado, Pixie Lott, Stefanie Heinzmann, Matt & Kim, The Young Punx and other artists contributed songs in Simlish for the pack. [27] [28]

Reception

Early reception of World Adventures was positive, earning a Metacritic rating of 81. [2]

GamePro argued the pack's only bad feature was being able to make players lose several hours in the addictive gameplay. [29] IGN's Steve Butts criticized the adventure-based gameplay and the difficulty of having family vacations, however, he concluded, "I hope World Adventures sets the pattern for future Sims expansions." [30]

World Adventures was listed as seventh in a list of the top ten selling PC games (expansion pack) of 2009, according to NPD sales charts. The Sims 3 was listed as the highest selling game of 2009. [31]

Ambitions

The Sims 3: Ambitions
Developer(s) Maxis Redwood Shores (Windows, macOS)
EA Mobile (Mobile)
Publisher(s) Electronic Arts
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows, macOS, iOS, Mobile
Release
  • EU: June 4, 2010

The Sims 3: Ambitions is the second expansion pack for The Sims 3, released in North America on June 1, 2010. Ambitions introduces new professions that can be actively controlled by the player, unlike the careers in the base game. [34] A variety of new skills are also added alongside the ability to register as self employed for skills. [34] The expansion also added a new world, Twinbrook. A separate standalone version was also developed for mobile devices. [35]

Gameplay

Professions are the main focus of Ambitions, and allows players actively control a sim at their job. The new active careers include architect, doctor, firefighter, ghost hunter, private investigator, and stylist. Self employed professions were also added, which utilize base game skills or the new skills added by the expansion. The new skills added include sculpture and inventing. A new life state was also added, the sim bot, a robot that can be created by a sim with a high inventing skill.

Development

Associate producer Grant Rodiek explained that career-based gameplay was something that the team had always wanted to do. "We always strive to do something new that hasn't been seen in The Sims before." [36] Rodiek explained the main focus of an expansion pack relied on three elements: community feedback, what the development team wants to do and software limitations. [37] [38]

Reception

Anthony Gallegos of IGN have said that "it doesn't reinvent the series but it's much more substantial than many other Sims expansions." [39] GameSpot 's Kevin VanOrd on the other hand, called it "a thoughtful and delightful expansion, [that is] full of wit and character." [40] Dan Stapleton of PC Gamer gave the game an 85 out of 100, praising its new additions and careers. [41] Tracy Erickson of Pocket Gamer reviewed the iPhone version of the game, giving it 7 out of 10 and praising the customization system, addition of babies and easiness when it comes to cooking. [42]

Late Night

The Sims 3: Late Night
Developer(s) Maxis Redwood Shores
Publisher(s) Electronic Arts
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows, macOS
Release
  • NA: October 26, 2010
  • EU: October 28–29, 2010
  • AU: October 28, 2010

The Sims 3: Late Night is the third expansion pack for The Sims 3, announced on July 20, 2010, and released in North America on October 26, 2010. [43] and is similar to The Sims 2: Nightlife and The Sims: Hot Date , as well as incorporating elements from The Sims: Superstar and The Urbz: Sims in the City .

The pack introduces a brand new city neighborhood named Bridgeport, loosely based on New York City, which is divided into an urban downtown area, a less dense uptown area, and a hilly, affluent suburb. [44]

Gameplay

Late Night adds a celebrity system, based on five stars representing a Sim's level of fame. Celebrity status can be gained through a variety of methods, including through careers added by the expansion, such as the film career, and present in the base game. [45]

In Late Night, Sims can go out to the downtown area of the brand new world, Bridgeport. [45] Bridgeport includes high rises and penthouse lots. [46] The downtown area includes many hangouts and bars, including several new community lot types added with Late Night. Some community lots require certain celebrity levels to enter. [45]

The expansion also added a new life state, vampires. Vampires abilities include increased skill learning speed, the ability to read other Sims' minds to find out their traits and relationship status, and the ability to run faster than ordinary Sims. Vampires are also included and expanded on in Supernatural , which added the ability to create a vampire in Create-a-Sim. [45]

Sims can also learn the Mixology skill, which allows them to mix drinks at the new professional bar object. These professional bars are available in Buy Mode. [45]

Generations

The Sims 3: Generations
Developer(s) Maxis Redwood Shores
Publisher(s) Electronic Arts
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows, macOS
Release
  • NA: May 31, 2011
  • EU: June 3, 2011

The Sims 3: Generations is the fourth expansion pack for The Sims 3, announced on April 5, 2011, and released in North America on May 31, 2011. [47]

Gameplay

Generations added new gameplay options for each sim life stage and interactions centered on family gameplay, such as sleepovers, proms, afterschool activities, and home movies. [48]

The pack added the option to add body hair to males in Create-a-Sim, a first for the series. Two new traits come with Generations, Nurturing and Rebellious. [49]

Soundtrack

All Time Low contributed their song "Time Bomb" from their album Dirty Work, which was featured in the pack's announcement trailer and in-game radio. Portugal. The Man have also contributed the song "Everything You See (Kids Count Hallelujahs)" from their sixth studio album In The Mountain In The Cloud .

Pets

The Sims 3: Pets
Developer(s) Maxis Redwood Shores (Windows, macOS, 3DS)
Edge of Reality (consoles)
Publisher(s) Electronic Arts
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo 3DS
Release
  • NA: October 18, 2011
  • EU: October 21, 2011
  • AU: October 20, 2011

The Sims 3: Pets is the fifth expansion pack for The Sims 3 on Microsoft Windows and macOS, as well as a standalone title on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo 3DS. It was released on all platforms in North America on October 18, 2011. The pack re-introduces pets such as cats and dogs. The PC/Mac expansion pack additionally adds horses, a first for the series. It serves as the spiritual successor to The Sims 2: Pets and The Sims: Unleashed .

Development

Pets focuses on adding animals to the game. The player creates their pet in a similar fashion to the existing Create-a-Sim feature. The Create-a-Pet feature allows the player to customize their pets in various ways, including selecting a breed and a set of traits for their pets. [50]

Unlike The Sims 2: Pets and The Sims: Unleashed, the player can now directly control pets. Included in the pack is a new town, Appaloosa Plains. The pre-order only limited edition (excluding PAL versions) of Pets additionally includes a pet store. [51]

On June 8, 2011, producer Ben Bell gave a presentation and demonstration previewing Pets that was streamed over EA's website. [52] The demonstration contained parts of the game that had never been seen before by the public. [53] Christopher Lennertz provided the original score for Pets. [54]

Gameplay

Pets

In Pets, players can create and customize pets in Create-a-Pet mode. Players can customize the pet's coat, shape, pattern, and color, as well as body parts. The can also select from pre-designed breeds. Pets use the same trait system as sims, with three traits instead of five. [55] [56] A player can have up to six pets in one household, extending the maximum amount of Sims in a household from eight to ten.

Cats and dogs can be obtained when created with a new household, adopted by computer or phone, or befriended as strays. [56] The reinforcement social system is used to correct bad behaviors and to praise good ones. Getting by with no punishment for bad behavior can lead a pet to take on that trait. When grown up, adult dogs can learn tricks and cats can learn to hunt. [56]

Horses are a new species of pet that is only introduced in the PC/Mac versions of Pets, and are not available in the console games. Horses can be created with the household, adopted using a computer or phone, or bought from the Equestrian Center. [56] Horses can learn two skills – racing and jumping. Wild horses appear in herds in home neighborhoods and can be befriended like other stray pets. Unicorns also appear at night in the wild and can be befriended. [56]

The player can also adopt small pets, such as birds or snakes. [56]

Appaloosa Plains is the name of the new town in the PC/Mac versions of Pets, named after the Appaloosa breed of horse. [57] The new location is set in a Midwestern United States ranching town nestled between lush green hills. [58] [56]

Reception

Upon release in North America, The PC/Mac versions of Pets got positive reviews, with IGN rating the game 7.5/10. [59] The console version (360, PS3), also getting a similar score, with IGN giving it a rating of 7/10. [60]

There has also been some issues regarding user-created mods that stopped working properly on the pack. [61] This has been attributed to the developers switching to an in-house animation engine from the proprietary Granny 3D toolkit that they used in the earlier versions of The Sims 3. There are also some problems regarding glitches in the game. Some reported are, problems creating a pet, problems involving graphics, and frequent crashing. [62]

Showtime

The Sims 3: Showtime
Developer(s) EA Salt Lake [19]
Publisher(s) Electronic Arts
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows
macOS
Release
  • NA: March 6, 2012
  • AU: March 8, 2012
  • EU: March 10, 2012

The Sims 3: Showtime is the sixth expansion pack for The Sims 3 , released in North America on March 6, 2012. A limited Collector's Edition includes exclusive in-game content such as a stage and two costumes, along with a poster based on American singer Katy Perry. [63] [64]

Gameplay

The main feature of showtime is the introduction of three new active careers, singer, acrobat, and magician. The new SimPort feature allows players to send sims on tour to perform special shows in other players' towns. Players can customize the stage in venues with special themed backgrounds, props, lights, and special effects. . [65] A Players can message other players while their Sims are performing in other towns. [66]

Starlight Shores is the new world included in Showtime, loosely based on Downtown Los Angeles. It has show venues in which Sims can perform. SimFest events allow singers, acrobats, and magicians to compete in front of an audience. [67]

Release

A pre-order exclusive limited edition of Showtime includes an exclusive Ultimate Stage performance venue. [68] A deluxe Katy Perry edition, subtitled Katy Perry Collector's Edition, includes Katy Perry themed objects, hair styles, costumes, fruit-themed stage prop and venue, based on the concept from her third studio album Teenage Dream . The Collector's Edition also includes the Ultimate Stage venue and a poster. [67] This was followed by the release of the Katy Perry's Sweet Treats stuff pack in June. [69]

Supernatural

The Sims 3: Supernatural
Developer(s) EA Salt Lake [19]
Publisher(s) Electronic Arts
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows
macOS, Mobile
Release
  • NA: September 4, 2012
  • EU: September 6, 2012

The Sims 3: Supernatural is the seventh expansion pack for The Sims 3, released in North America on September 4, 2012. [70] A separate standalone version was also developed for the BlackBerry. [71]

Gameplay

Players can create supernatural Sims such as witches, wizards, werewolves, zombies, vampires (updated from Late Night), ghosts, fairies, and Genies (if Showtime is installed). Each have their own magical abilities, traits, and interactions. [72] Supernatural comes with a new world called Moonlight Falls. Sims can learn the new alchemy skill which teaches Sims how to brew different potions and elixirs with certain ingredients. New objects include a broomstick, a gypsy caravan, a magic mirror and a sliding bookcase door. Most of the objects have a gothic theme. Bonehilda, a skeleton non-player character, returns from The Sims: Makin' Magic . [73] The six new traits included are Supernatural Skeptic, Supernatural Fan, Night Owl, Brooding, Gatherer and Proper. [74]

Release

A pre-order exclusive Limited Edition of Supernatural includes exclusive items from the game Plants vs. Zombies . [74]

Reception

Jon Michael of IGN gave the game 4.5 out of 10 criticizing the repetitive additions and useless spells in the game, as well as a bug that will let the zombies appear every night in the game if the player will save it at night. [75] Leif Johnson of GameSpot on the other hand, praised the expansion for its new career and skills. [76]

Seasons

The Sims 3: Seasons
Developer(s) Maxis Redwood Shores
Publisher(s) Electronic Arts
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows
macOS
Release
  • NA: November 13, 2012
  • EU: November 15, 2012

The Sims 3: Seasons is the eighth expansion pack for The Sims 3, released in North America on November 13, 2012. [77] Like Generations , Seasons does not come with a new world, but instead adds features that apply to every world.

Gameplay

Seasons added seasons and weather to The Sims 3. Season length can be adjusted by the player. The new types of weather added are rain and lightning, sunny, hail, snow, and fog. Weather varies in intensity and by season. A new outfit catergory is included in create-a-sim, outerwear, which is worn during inclement weather. [78]

Aliens are also added in Seasons, which have more abilities than the those in The Sims 2 . [78]

There are four holidays in Seasons, Love Day, Leisure Day, Spooky Day, and Snowflake Day. All holidays take place on the last Thursday of every season. If there is no Thursday, it will take place on the last day of the season. [78] There is also festival held in each season. Festival lots usually replace the main park of the world. Players have full control over the appearance of the festival lots, and can build their own lots that change throughout the year. [79] [78]

A pre-order exclusive limited edition of Seasons includes the Ice Lounge community lot, with ice-themed items like a bar, bar stool, pub table, and other build items.

Reception

Seasons received "mixed or average" reception according to aggregator Metacritic , which gave the game a rating of 73 out of 100 based on 12 reviews. [14]

Destructoid gave the game a "mediocre" score of 5 out of 10, citing a lack of new careers and public lots. [80] Jon Michael from IGN gave the game a 7.5 rating out of 10 and believes "[The game is] a solid gateway expansion that builds on the rules without overwhelming you, but still adds enough variety that you'll never want to play without it." [81] Amanda "StormyDawn" Hale from Worthplaying.com gave the game an 8.7/10 and claimed even though it isn't a large expansion pack, it is one that it is important for any Sims collection – "It's not the biggest expansion for Sims 3...[but] it may just be the most important." [82]

University Life

The Sims 3: University Life
Developer(s) EA Salt Lake [83]
Publisher(s) Electronic Arts
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows
macOS
Release
  • NA: March 5, 2013
  • EU: March 8, 2013

The Sims 3: University Life is the ninth expansion pack for The Sims 3 , released in North America on March 5, 2013, coinciding with the release of another Maxis title, SimCity . It is the spiritual successor to The Sims 2: University .

Gameplay

Sims University is a sub-neighborhood that functions similarly to the vacation worlds in World Adventures . In order to attend university, a Sim must be a young adult, adult or elder. Sims will take an aptitude test before attending university and may earn scholarships based on their performance. [84]

The player can select the Sim's major, out of either Business, Communications, Fine Arts, Physical Education, Science and Medicine, or Technology, as well as the number of credits they wish to study for, and whether they want to study for one or two terms. Taking more credits will allow a Sim to obtain their degree faster, but they will have more of their time taken up by studying. [84] Having a degree will allow a Sim to start at a higher level in certain careers and earn higher wages. [84]

University Life also introduces social groups: Jocks, Nerds and Rebels. The player can join these social groups, and move up in their rankings by befriending members of the group and/or doing activities and interactions related to the group. [84] As they progress through the ranks they can unlock new interactions and objects, and later pick an additional trait. A Sim who reaches rank 10 with a group will be given a job offer in a special career unique to that group. [84]

Release

The pre-order exclusive limited edition of the game includes the party pack bundle with togas, laurel wreaths, masquerade masks and the Partaeus Maximus statue.

Island Paradise

The Sims 3: Island Paradise
Developer(s) Maxis Redwood Shores
Publisher(s) Electronic Arts
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows
macOS
Release

The Sims 3: Island Paradise is the tenth expansion pack for The Sims 3, released in North America on June 25, 2013. Island Paradise is a vacation and adventure-themed expansion, similar to The Sims: Vacation , The Sims 2: Bon Voyage , and World Adventures .

Gameplay

Isla Paradiso is the new world that comes with the pack, loosely based on the Caribbean. "Isla" is Spanish for "island" and "Paradiso" is Italian for "paradise". The world has various types of islands that vary in size and are both inhabited and uncharted, which can be found and explored by Sims. There are also pre-made resorts that can be edited and managed by Sims. [88]

Island Paradise introduces houseboats for Sims to live in. These can be docked at any unoccupied port, or anchored anywhere in the ocean. Houseboats function the same way as other lots; services (newspaper delivery, mail, etc.) will use speedboats and jet skis to access them. [88]

The pack also introduces the Scuba diving skill, which will allow Sims to dive underwater at certain points on the map. Whilst diving, Sims can catch fish, explore underwater caves, find sunken treasure, as well as use a limited set of social interactions. Island Paradise also introduces the Lifeguard active career. Sims can now own and manage resorts, that will provide a daily cash income based on the net profit they make.

Mermaids are the new life state introduced in Island Paradise. Sims can encounter them while diving, and later summon them onto land. Mermaid Sims can breathe underwater, are immune to decompression, and all young adult mermaids have a maximum diving skill. If a mermaid spends too much time out of the ocean they will become a normal Sim.

Development and release

Island Paradise was announced during a live broadcast on January 8, 2013, where a full line up of upcoming expansion packs and stuff packs of the 2013 year were revealed. Several live broadcasts were later presented and each demonstrated new features, such houseboats, resort system, underwater diving and hidden islands. [89] [90] [91] [92]

The pre-order exclusive limited edition of Island Paradise includes the Island Survival Pack, which includes survival-themed decor, furniture and clothing. [93]

Reception

The Game Scouts gave the pack a positive score of 9 out of 10, saying: "Island Paradise arrives ideally at the start of Summer. The pack integrates excellently with other expansions like Seasons. While at first glance it may seem like a targeted release, it's all-encompassing in its reach and offers something for every player." [94]

Giancarlo Saldana from Games Radar remained positive and praised the overall experience of the game even though he believed the underwater feature is a disappointment, as there are only limited diving spots: "Though [the] underwater sections are lacking, the rest of Island Paradise is a great display of what The Sims 3 can still offer fans." But he states that the new features are a real highlight for the overall series: "...the features it brings to the table are definitely some of the best the series has seen." [95]

Into the Future

The Sims 3: Into the Future
Developer(s) EA Salt Lake [83]
Publisher(s) Electronic Arts
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows
macOS
Release
  • NA: October 22, 2013 [96]
  • EU: October 24, 2013
  • UK: October 25, 2013 [97]

The Sims 3: Into the Future is the eleventh and final expansion pack for The Sims 3 , released on October 22, 2013, in North America. [98] [99]

Gameplay

The pack is futuristic-themed. Upon installation, players are visited by a time-traveler called Emit Relevart (whose name is "Time Traveler" backwards, as well as a reference to Emmett "Doc" Brown from Back to the Future ) in their home neighborhood. Emit gives Sims access to a time machine. Using this portal, Sims can travel to the future into a new sub-neighborhood called Oasis Landing, a futuristic town built amongst mountainous wastelands. [100]

The pack also adds Plumbots, similar to Servos in The Sims 2: Open for Business and SimBots in Ambitions . They can be built and fully customized with the new Create-a-Bot mode. Players can create various trait chips that determine their personality, use and gameplay. Hoverboards, jetpacks, monorails, and hovercars are introduced to the game as new transportation options. New careers include astronomers and bot dealers. New objects include holographic TVs, a hoverboard, a food synthesizer, build-a-bot workshops, and the laser rhythm-a-con, a new instrument. [101]

Sims are also able to visit their future descendants during time travel, and can change or eliminate these descendants altogether if the player sends the Sim back to the present and changes their lifestyle or fate. [102]

Development

On January 8, 2013, it was revealed on a live broadcast that a futuristic-themed expansion pack was in early stages of development, alongside the announcement of Island Paradise . [103]

The pre-order exclusive limited edition of Into the Future includes the Quantum Power Pack content, which adds a hibernation chamber and multi-function power suit. [104]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maxis</span> American video game developer

Maxis is an American video game developer and a division of Electronic Arts (EA). The studio was founded in 1987 by Will Wright and Jeff Braun, and acquired by Electronic Arts in 1997. Maxis is best known for its simulation games, including The Sims, Spore and SimCity.

<i>The Sims 2</i> 2004 video game

The Sims 2 is a 2004 social simulation video game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. It is the second major title in The Sims series, and is the sequel to The Sims. The game was released for Microsoft Windows on September 14, 2004, and a port for MacOS by Aspyr was released on June 17, 2005. Eight expansion packs and nine "stuff packs" were subsequently released between 2005 and 2008. In addition, versions of The Sims 2 were released on various video game consoles, including the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo DS, and GameCube, and mobile platforms, including the Nokia Ovi Store. Unlike the original, the handheld and console versions are more storyline-based. The three handheld versions of the game are completely different among themselves, unlike the home console versions of the game, which are virtually identical to each other. A sequel, The Sims 3, was released in June 2009.

<i>The Sims: Unleashed</i> 2002 video game

The Sims: Unleashed is a 2002 expansion pack developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts for The Sims. The fifth expansion pack for The Sims, Unleashed expands the game's neighborhood to include a community area named Old Town which allows players to purchase pets, including cats and dogs, and farm their own produce. Unleashed was announced by Electronic Arts in June 2002 and released in September, with a Macintosh port of the game published by Aspyr Media in December. Upon release, Unleashed received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise directed to the scope and variety of the gameplay additions in the new neighborhood and pet mechanics, although expressing disappointment at the limited degree of control and gameplay mechanics involving pets. The concept of owning pets would be later re-introduced in The Sims 2: Pets, The Sims 3: Pets and The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs.

EA Salt Lake was an American video game developer located in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. It was owned by video game publisher Electronic Arts (EA).

<i>The Sims 3</i> 2009 video game

The Sims 3 is a 2009 social simulation video game developed by the Redwood Shores studio of Maxis, and published by Electronic Arts. Part of The Sims series, it is the sequel to The Sims 2. It was released on June 2, 2009, for Microsoft Windows, MacOS, and mobile versions. Console versions were released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo DS in October 2010 and a month later for Wii. The Windows Phone version was released on October 15, 2010. A Nintendo 3DS version, released on March 27, 2011, was one of the platform's launch titles.

<i>The Sims 2: Bon Voyage</i> Expansion pack for The Sims 2

The Sims 2: Bon Voyage is an expansion pack for the 2004 life simulation video game The Sims 2, developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. The sixth expansion pack for the game, it was released 4 September 2007. Bon Voyage adds the ability to book in-game holiday travel to one of three pre-defined destinations, broadly themed around the Far East, Polynesia, and a generic mountainous region respectively. Each destination has its own unique culture, activities, and attractions. Other features of Bon Voyage include its expansion of the in-game inventory function, a number of new items and interactions, and its soundtrack, featuring Bob Marley's son Damian Marley.

<i>SimCity</i> (2013 video game) 2013 video game

SimCity is a city-building and urban planning simulation massively multiplayer online game developed by Maxis Emeryville and published by Electronic Arts. Released for Microsoft Windows in early March 2013, it is a reboot of the SimCity series, and is the first major installment since the release of SimCity 4 a decade before. A macOS version was released on August 29, 2013.

<i>Burnout Paradise</i> 2008 open world racing video game

Burnout Paradise is a 2008 racing video game developed by Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows. It was also released on the PlayStation Store and via Xbox Live Marketplace's Games on Demand. It was later added to the libraries of Greatest Hits and Platinum Hits titles and was made backward compatible with the Xbox One in November 2016. It is the first game in the Burnout series to be released on Microsoft Windows.

<i>The Sims</i> Series of video games

The Sims is a series of life simulation video games developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. The franchise has sold nearly 200 million copies worldwide, and is one of the best-selling video game series of all time. It is also part of the larger Sim series, started by SimCity in 1989.

<i>Spore</i> (2008 video game) 2008 video game

Spore is a 2008 life simulation real-time strategy god game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. Designed by Will Wright, it covers many genres including action, real-time strategy, and role-playing games. Spore allows a player to control the development of a species from its beginnings as a microscopic organism, through development as an intelligent and social creature, to interstellar exploration as a spacefaring culture. It has drawn wide attention for its massive scope, and its use of open-ended gameplay and procedural generation. Throughout each stage, players are able to use various creators to produce content for their games. These are then automatically uploaded to the online Sporepedia and are accessible by other players for download.

<i>The Sims Medieval</i> 2011 video game

The Sims Medieval is a life simulation game that was released in March 2011 by Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X, and on September 22, 2011 for iOS, as part of The Sims series. It was also made available for Windows Phone on March 26, 2013. Set in medieval times, it allows the player to build a kingdom through quest-driven gameplay. During presentation at E3 2010, a pre-order exclusive Limited Edition was also available.

<i>FIFA 12</i> 2011 association football video game

FIFA 12 is a football simulation video game developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts worldwide under the EA Sports label. It was released in September 2011 on consoles for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii; on handhelds for PlayStation Portable, Nintendo 3DS, Xperia Play, Android and iOS; and on computers for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. A port of the game entitled FIFA Football was released as a launch title for the PlayStation Vita.

<i>The Sims 4</i> 2014 video game

The Sims 4 is a social simulation game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. The game was released in North America on September 2, 2014, for Windows; a macOS version was released in February 2015, and PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions were released in November 2017. It is the fourth major title in The Sims series, following The Sims 3 (2009). The game was moved to a free-to-play model on October 18, 2022, monetized by the purchase of various paid downloadable content packs that have been developed since its release.

Nine full expansion packs for the massively multiplayer online role-playing game Ultima Online have been released. The first, Ultima Online: The Second Age, arrived in 1998. The most recent expansion pack is Ultima Online: Time of Legends (2015).

Twelve downloadable content "game packs" have been released for the 2014 life simulation video game The Sims 4, the fourth major title in The Sims series. All game packs are developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts, for the Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4 and Xbox platforms. Game packs are intended to be smaller than full expansion packs. The first game pack, Outdoor Retreat, was released on January 13, 2015. The most recent game pack, Werewolves, was released on June 16, 2022.

Sixteen expansion packs have been released for the 2014 life simulation video game The Sims 4, the fourth major title in The Sims series. All expansion packs are developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts, for the Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One platforms. Expansion packs tend to focus on major new features, with many objects, clothes, styles, worlds and life states are geared towards the pack's major theme. The first expansion pack, Get to Work, was released on March 31, 2015. The most recent expansion pack, Lovestruck, was released on July 25, 2024.

References

  1. "The Sims 3: World Adventures". GameRankings . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on November 22, 2009. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  2. 1 2 "Sims 3 World Adventures, The (pc) reviews at Metacritic.com". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on October 26, 2009. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  3. "The Sims 3: Ambitions". GameRankings . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  4. "The Sims 3: Ambitions". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on August 18, 2010. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  5. "The Sims 3: Late Night Expansion Pack". GameRankings . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on November 1, 2010. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  6. "The Sims 3: Late Night". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on September 10, 2010. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  7. "The Sims 3: Generations for PC reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 30, 2011. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  8. "The Sims 3: Pets". GameRankings . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on October 20, 2011. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  9. "The Sims 3: Pets". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  10. "The Sims 3: Showtime". GameRankings . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 10, 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  11. "The Sims 3: Showtime". Metacritic . Archived from the original on January 8, 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  12. "The Sims 3: Supernatural". GameRankings . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on September 12, 2012. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  13. "The Sims 3: Supernatural". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on August 20, 2012. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  14. 1 2 "The Sims 3 Seasons". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  15. "The Sims 3: University Life". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on February 3, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  16. "The Sims 3: Island Paradise". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on June 8, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  17. "The Sims 3: Into the Future". GameRankings . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  18. "The Sims 3: Into the Future". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on October 19, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  19. 1 2 3 "TwitLonger tweet by SimGuruGraham". Archived from the original on August 7, 2021. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  20. 1 2 "Go Behind The Scenes With Hot Artists Recording Simlish For The Sims 3 World Adventures". IGN (Press release). News Corporation. November 17, 2009. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved January 7, 2018. 'hits shelves nationwide tomorrow'
  21. "The Sims 3 World Adventures - EA Play". Archived from the original on October 13, 2009. Retrieved November 1, 2009.
  22. 1 2 "EA to take Sims 3 on new adventures" (Press release). CNET. August 3, 2009. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  23. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The Sims 3: World Adventures (manual). Electronic Arts. 2009.
  24. Movie & TV reviews for parents. "The Sims 3 World Adventures App Review | Common Sense Media". www.commonsensemedia.org. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  25. Jason Ocampo (August 3, 2009). "The Sims 3: World Adventures Q&A". IGN. News Corporation. Archived from the original on February 13, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  26. Goldwasser, Dan (November 10, 2009). "Steve Jablonsky scores The Sims 3 World Adventures". ScoringSessions.com. Archived from the original on June 15, 2017. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  27. "Nelly Furtado & Pixie Lott to Feature in The Sims 3: World Adventures" (Press release). Electronic Theatre. August 18, 2009. Archived from the original on March 26, 2010. Retrieved April 7, 2010.
  28. "The Sims 3 World Adventures Gets an All-Star Soundtrack: LeAnn Rimes, Fefe Dobson, Natalie Portman's Shaved Head and more each sing a tune in Simlish". IGN (Press release). News Corporation. October 13, 2009. Archived from the original on February 6, 2018. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  29. Raychul Moore (November 17, 2009). "The Sims 3: World Adventures". GamePro. Archived from the original on November 22, 2009.
  30. Steve Butts (November 17, 2009). "The Sims 3: World Adventures – PC Review". IGN. News Corporation. Archived from the original on August 31, 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  31. Chris Remo (January 15, 2010). "Sims 3 Beats Out WoW As Top 2009 PC Seller". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on May 2, 2018. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  32. "The Sims 3: Ambitions for PC". GameSpot United States. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on June 29, 2010. Retrieved June 4, 2010.
  33. "The Sims 3: Ambitions for PC". GameSpot Australia. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on June 29, 2010. Retrieved June 4, 2010.
  34. 1 2 "Ambitions – The Game – Community – The Sims 3". EA Canada. Electronic Arts. 2010. Archived from the original on March 25, 2015. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  35. Movie & TV reviews for parents. "The Sims 3 Ambitions App Review | Common Sense Media". www.commonsensemedia.org. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  36. "The Sims 3 Ambitions Q&A – Exclusive First Details". GameSpot . CBS Interactive. March 4, 2010. Archived from the original on October 10, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  37. Hopkins, Tom (April 8, 2010). "Ambitious: Sims 3 Ambitions Interview". NowGamer. Imagine Publishing. Archived from the original on October 27, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  38. "EA Announces The Sims 3 Ambitions Expansion Pack". EA Canada (Press release). Electronic Arts. March 4, 2010. Archived from the original on April 14, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  39. Anthony Gallegos (June 1, 2010). "The Sims 3: Ambitions Review". IGN. News Corporation. Archived from the original on January 20, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  40. Kevin VanOrd (June 7, 2010). "The Sims 3: Ambitions Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 5, 2014. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  41. Dan Stapleton (June 25, 2010). "The Sims 3: Ambitions review". PC Gamer . Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  42. Tracy Erickson (September 21, 2010). "The Sims 3: Ambitions". Pocket Gamer . Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  43. Reilly, Jim (July 20, 2010). "The Sims 3 Late Night Expansion Announced". IGN . Archived from the original on November 9, 2012. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
  44. Park, Andrew (September 6, 2010). "The Sims 3: Late Night Exclusive Hands-On – A Brief Look at the New Expansion". GameSpot . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on January 28, 2012. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  45. 1 2 3 4 5 "The Sims 3 Late Night Review and Game Guides". Archived from the original on May 22, 2021. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
  46. Tyler Nagata (September 16, 2010). "EXCLUSIVE: What it's like to be a celebrity The Sims 3: Late Night". GamesRadar+ . Archived from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  47. "Generations - the Game - Community - the Sims 3". Archived from the original on April 12, 2011. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
  48. "Sims 3 Generations gets Adult Material | GameKudos.com". Archived from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
  49. "The Sims Mobile – an Official EA Site". March 5, 2017. Archived from the original on August 7, 2017. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  50. Official Announcement Trailer for The Sims 3 Pets
  51. "The Sims 3 Pets". EA. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved July 13, 2011.
  52. "The Sims 3 Pets Live Stream from E3 2011". Archived from the original on December 29, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  53. "The Sims 3: Pets – Pet Creator Tool hands-on". Archived from the original on June 12, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  54. "The Sims 3 Pets". Amazon. Archived from the original on August 4, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  55. "The Sims 3 Pets Preview (GamesCom)". Archived from the original on October 15, 2011. Retrieved September 11, 2011.
  56. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "The Sims 3 Pets Expansion Pack". Archived from the original on May 22, 2021. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
  57. "New Pics of Appaloosa Plains!". SimPrograms . August 19, 2011. Archived from the original on March 27, 2012. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  58. "Appaloosa Plains Reviewed by Pacific Wiki". SimPrograms. Archived from the original on October 23, 2011. Retrieved November 20, 2011.
  59. "The Sims 3: Pets – PC". IGN. News Corporation. Archived from the original on January 22, 2014. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  60. "The Sims 3: Pets – Xbox 360". IGN. Archived from the original on February 20, 2014. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  61. "Mod The Sims – New TS3 Patch and Existing Custom content". Archived from the original on December 24, 2011. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  62. "Mod The Sims – View Single Post – Collections! Finally! And..er yeah, patch 1.26/1.27". Archived from the original on April 12, 2016. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  63. "The Sims 3 Showtime". EA. EA Games. Archived from the original on February 12, 2012. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
  64. "Share your rise to fame with Katy Perry!". EA Games. Archived from the original on January 30, 2012. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  65. "The Sims 3 Showtime Limited Edition". EA. EA Games. Archived from the original on February 20, 2012. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
  66. Kelly West (March 6, 2012). "The Sims 3 Showtime Expansion Pack Review: Music, Magic And Acrobatics". Cinemablend. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  67. 1 2 "The Sims 3 Showtime Expansion Pack Review and Game Guides". Archived from the original on May 22, 2021. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
  68. "The Different Versions of Sims 3 Showtime". January 18, 2012. Archived from the original on September 5, 2021. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
  69. "Katy Perry's Sweet Treats for 'The Sims'". Digital Spy. April 3, 2012. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
  70. Mike Fahey (June 13, 2012). "Werewolves, Zombies and Fairies Run Amok in The Sims 3 Supernatural". Kotaku . Gawker Media. Archived from the original on January 23, 2014. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  71. "New apps to try this week - yWeather, Magic 8-Ball, Sims 3 Supernatural". CrackBerry. November 5, 2012. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  72. Sarkar, Samit (June 13, 2012). "'The Sims 3' Supernatural expansion announced, due out in September". The Verge . Vox Media. Archived from the original on June 15, 2012. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  73. "The Sims 3 Supernatural". Maxis Redwood Shores. Electronic Arts. June 13, 2012. Archived from the original on August 7, 2012. Retrieved June 13, 2012.
  74. 1 2 "Sims 3 Supernatural Fact Sheet + Official Screens". SimsVIP. June 13, 2012. Archived from the original on August 21, 2012. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
  75. Jon Michael (September 19, 2012). "The Sims 3: Supernatural Review". IGN . News Corporation. Archived from the original on September 21, 2012. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  76. Jeremiah Johnson (September 14, 2012). "The Sims 3: Supernatural Review". GameSpot . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on October 20, 2013. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  77. "Electronic Arts Inc. : EA Announces The Sims 3 Seasons". 4-Traders. August 23, 2012. Archived from the original on August 4, 2012. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  78. 1 2 3 4 "The Sims 3 Seasons Expansion Pack Review and Game Guides". Carls Sims 3 Guide. Archived from the original on November 1, 2019. Retrieved January 20, 2019.
  79. "Sims 3 Supernatural & Seasons Live Chat Replay". SimsVIP. August 15, 2012. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 18, 2012.
  80. Joshua Derocher (January 6, 2013). "Review: The Sims 3: Seasons". Destructoid . Archived from the original on January 8, 2013. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  81. Jon Michael (December 17, 2012). "The Sims 3: Seasons Review". IGN . Archived from the original on December 20, 2012. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  82. Amanda Hale (January 3, 2013). "PC Review – 'The Sims 3: Seasons'". WorthPlaying. Archived from the original on January 5, 2013. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  83. 1 2 "Loel Phelps – LinkedIn" . Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  84. 1 2 3 4 5 "The Sims 3 University Life Expansion Pack". Archived from the original on September 5, 2021. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
  85. Gallegos, Anthony (February 13, 2013). "What's Next for The Sims 3?". IGN . Archived from the original on February 17, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  86. "The Sims 3: Island Paradise Limited Edition". EB Games. Archived from the original on September 17, 2013. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
  87. PC System Analysis for Sims 3: Island Paradise Archived October 26, 2020, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  88. 1 2 "Island Paradise Coverage – Preview #6: Isla Paradiso & Scuba Diving". BeyondSims. May 30, 2013. Archived from the original on June 11, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  89. "News: January 2013". The Sims 3. Archived from the original on July 5, 2017. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  90. "The Sims 3 Starter Pack". Origin. Archived from the original on January 7, 2018. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  91. http://thesims.com/en_AU/live Retrieved July 11, 2013. [ dead link ]
  92. "Exclusive: First Official Screenshot of Island Paradise". Sims VIP. January 8, 2013. Archived from the original on October 22, 2013. Retrieved July 11, 2013.
  93. The Sims 3: Island Paradise Origin Retrieved June 8, 2013. [ dead link ]
  94. "The Sims 3: Island Paradise Review". GameScouts. June 28, 2013. Archived from the original on October 24, 2016. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  95. Giancarlo Saldana (June 28, 2013). "The Sims 3: Island Paradise review". GamesRadar+ . Archived from the original on October 6, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  96. "The Sims 3 Into the Future Release Date". SimsVIP. July 23, 2013. Archived from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  97. "The Sims 3 Into the Future Release Date for UK and US". BeyondSims. July 23, 2013. Archived from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  98. ""Future Themed" EP, Last Game for Sims 3 Series". May 6, 2013. Archived from the original on May 9, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  99. "The Sims 3 goes back ... back to the future". Engadget . July 23, 2013. Archived from the original on March 19, 2017. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  100. "Sims 3 Into the Future Fact Sheet + Official Screens". SimsVIP. July 23, 2013. Archived from the original on July 26, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  101. "The Sims 3 Community Blog: Let's go...INTO THE FUTURE!!". thesims3.com. Electronic Arts. July 30, 2013. Archived from the original on April 7, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  102. "The Sims 3 Into the Future". thesims.com. Electronic Arts. Archived from the original on August 14, 2013. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
  103. "EA Reveals The Sims 3 Line-Up for 2013 Including New Expansion and Stuff Packs". Electronic Arts. January 8, 2013. Archived from the original on January 21, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  104. "Into the Future: Limited Edition Content Screen". August 24, 2013. Archived from the original on September 5, 2021. Retrieved September 5, 2021.