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 have life stages (Baby, Toddler, Child, Teen, Adult and Elder) which had them age from birth to death, and their genetics would be passed on to their children.

File:250px-The sims 2.jpg

The Sims 2 cover

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.

Release Dates

Windows
- September 17, 2004 (US)
- September 16, 2004 (EU)
Mac OS X
- June 13, 2005 (US)
- June 13, 2005 (EU)

Living In Sims 2

The neighborhood screen is actually a save slot in which player could access to their saved family. There were different kinds of lot for your Sims to visit:

Residential lot: Sims can only live in this kind of lot.
Community lot: Sims can run a business in this lot if they have purchased it, or they can visit the store an buy things from it.
Dormitory: Introduced in University, young adults who are attending university will need to live there.
Fraternity house, Greek house and secret society: Young adults who are invited can stay in those lots.

Sims

Main article: Sims

The main aim of the game is to lead a Sim from the start of life to death. A Sim will be born when a female Sim woohoo's with a male Sim. The mother will spend 3 days pregnant before giving birth to a baby. Players can name the new Sim. The baby will change into a toddler in 3 days, and 3 more days for the toddler to change into a child. After 8 days the child morphes into a teenager, and will have the option to go to a university to spend as young adult for 24 days, or spend 15 days and then change into an adult. After 30 days the sim will become an elder and will die, the final age depending on the aspiration bar when they age.

Players will need to build up talent badges, skills and relationship with other people, so that he can be successful in their career. A player will also need to make sure a Sim is happy and well by fulfilling wants (including lifetime wants, avoiding fears, and fulfilling urgencies.

There are 3 kind of Sims in the game:

Playable Sims: A Sim can be controlled via:
- Creating one in the create-a-Sim screen.
- Adopting or giving birth to a Sim.
- Marrying or invite another Sim to move in.
Townies: These kind of Sims will visit your home, be your customers. Your Sims can always marry them.
NPC: They are not playable, but might be able to be married or joined in. There are 3 kind of NPCs:
- Residental Service (Maid, nanny, etc)
- Community Service (Cashier, chef, etc)
- Special function (Grim Reaper, Sim Shrink, etc)

Expansion pack

So far 5 expansion packs (EPs) have been released:

Stuff Pack

There are so far 4 stuff packs released:

Holiday Party Pack-- Not Really Part Of The Stuff Series
Family Fun Stuff
Glamour Life Stuff
Happy Holiday Stuff
Celebration Stuff-- Is Said To Be Released On April 3rd, 2007