Sims 3: No More Homework

Well not so much homework. Sims 2 and its many add-ons have sold millions of copies but the franchise was definitely due for an update. Too many repetitive tasks, impossible targets, ‘more of the same’ expansions and moody Sims have made each successive Sims 2 expansion more tired than the last.

The newly released Sims 3 meets these concerns head on, with an improved interface, better social interactions and meaningful goals. Players’ Sims can now move around between lots without having to call a taxi and there’s a lot less eating, sleeping and washing. Players are able to follow their own goals and take more control over their mood. Careers have been given a boost too and players now have a realistic chance of progressing.

The game hasn’t lost its sense of fun either and, while the graphics aren’t state-of-the-art, they have been improved. Almost any reasonably up-to-date graphics card will get the best out of the graphics.

Sims 3 is going to be a favourite with teenagers, parents and teachers. There’s little in the game’s humour to offend and players get a chance to explore new situations and outcomes from the safety of their homes/ PC. Libraries can use Sims 3 to run gaming sessions without problems over violent content. Librarians and teachers can point to a huge choice of learning skills that can be picked up during play.

Of course, a raft of add-ons and expansions will put the costs up over time but Sims 3 is still going to offer a better, if different, return to the cost of a couple of trips to the cinema.