The Sims 2
The Sims 2, commonly referred to as TS2, is the sequel to The Sims. Released in September 2004, it heralded sweeping changes from the original: most notably, the isometric view of the original had given way to full 3D. Also, Sims now had life stages (Baby, Toddler, Child, Teen, Adult and Elder) which saw them age from birth through to death, and their genetics would be passed on to their children.
Sims' personalities are also given an overhaul with each sim having an Aspiration, and Wants and Fears.
The Sims 2 shipped with 3 premade neighborhoods. Pleasantview is in effect a continuation of the original Sims storyline some 25 years later. The new neighborhoods are Strangetown, a desert landscape with supposed paranormal occurences, and Veronaville, which is based on Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet.
Expansion packs
So far 3 expansion packs (EPs) have been released:
- University (March 2005): Adds a Young Adult life stage, lifetime wants and campus.
- Nightlife (September 2005): Widely compared to the Hot Date EP for the original game, adds Pleasure seeking aspiration, downtown and driveable cars.
- Open For Business (March 2006): Adds the opportunity for sims to run their own business either from a Community lot or home.
The 4th EP has not been officially confirmed by Maxis yet, but reports from E3 and various partial leaks indicate it will be the much-anticipated pets EP. Confirmation is rumoured to be due on Thursday, July 27 as The Sims 2.com is hosting a chat to discuss the new EP.
See also
- Aspiration
- Wants and fears