Build & Buy

62) Free placement of objects allows you to put things exactly where you want them.

63) Grid option to help with room design and placement.

64) Can move around quarter tiles, so can centre a 3 tile couch to a 1 or 2 tile TV.

65) Hang TV's and pictures on diagonal walls with sofas in front on an angle too.

66) Hold ALT key for freeform movement allowing full 360 degree rotation and placement.

67) Place multi tile objects up against diagonal walls.

68) Table and chairs link and can move as 1 object (same with beds and end tables)

69) Decorative slots on surfaces - can place a vase almost anywhere on a table, not just centred.

70) Multiple decorative items on 1 surface (as long as they don't overlap).

71) Adjustable stair width slider (place 4 tile wide stairs in one action for example).

72) 'Auto Roof' now fixes the shape when you add/change walls.

73) No specific basement level but easier to make than Sims 2.

74) Drag out an area to delete multiple items.

75) Can move the house to a bigger Lot (upgrade as funds allow)

76) Upper wall cabinets in kitchens.

77) 5 floor limit on Lots including a foundation.

78) Parking spaces rather than garages. Parking spaces can also be rotated 360 degrees and places anywhere on the Lot. Can be enclosed on 3 sides but no garage doors (yet). Car fades in/out, doesn't drive off the lot

79) Land values based on more than just size, waterfront/beach etc.

80) Trees and shrubs sway in the breeze!

81) Plants and trees can be placed in dense layouts (overlapping).

82) Water reflection and ripple effect.

83) Moveable Mailbox on Lot. Place it where you like.

Conclusions

Mind-blowing! That was the consensus among the fans that saw the game being played today. There were many reservations about just how different or how much better Sims 3 would be compared to Sims 2.

The biggest thing is the depth of character each Sims has, the way they really are unique. And of course the open world environment where you can play and juggle every family you ever created in the same world, at the same time. And of course the power to build your lot exactly how you want it, and place your furnishing exactly where you want to place them. Full 360 degree rotation is so amazing!

You can't follow Sims to work (why would you) but you do get to decide how they will spend their day... Working hard, schmoozing with the boss, building relations or taking it easy!

And that's true for much of Sim life. You really do have much more control over the way a Sim will live its life on a day to day basis.

I'm not going to jabber on any more now.. I'm rushing this out so I can join the chat and get stuck in the fans discussing all this juicy detail that we have been waiting so long for... let the discussions begin!

My thanks as always to the team at EA for the opportunity and information, and to Tug and my Sims Community colleagues who attended, making the day informative and enjoyable once again.

/Steve

Links:
The Sims 3 Official Site

Live Chat Transcript