The Sims 3

I got the Sims 3 on Monday. I was able to get it with birthday money I got from my parents. I was not sure if I wanted to try it yet or not since I'd read a lot of negative reviews about crashes and the game not working, especially since my video card is not on the supported list. However, I'm too much of a Sims fan to turn a blind eye to a new game. I never had any of the issues that others had with the Sims 2 games (except the conflict with Nvidia cards and Vista when I had to buy a new computer), so I crossed my fingers and pulled the game off the shelf at Wal-Mart.

Put the game in and it installed with no issues and loaded right up. I was amazed at how quickly the game loaded considering long Sims 2 takes. So far, I am pleasantly surprised. I haven't played long enough for the age progression to be an issue. In fact, I discovered in the game options that you can change how long your sims life span will be. I set mine to "epic". I may regret that when I get tired of crying babies (because they stay a baby FOREVER! well, it seems that way, lol). However, I figured it would help with the issued I'd read about where the friends, etc. in the neighborhood grow and age around you instead of your other households sitting in stasis until you play them like they do in Sims 2. Apparently, you are supposed to be able to turn that off, but I've read that button is not functional in the game at this time and will need a patch to work correctly.

I've not really found the sims to be chunky and fat looking like some claim either. I think they look fine.

Anyway, as it stands, I am enjoying the game and the interesting new additions, such as being able to take classes to learn skills, and learning how to make new foods by buying a recipe book. I also like the improvement to the wants/aspirations that were a part of Sims 2. Now, you don't have as many stupid ones pop up as you used to. I also like the fact that sims come with a cell phone already in their inventory, so you don't have to buy one. The thing I *don't* like about that is that you have to click on your inventory, then the phone in order to answer it when it rings.

All in all, I have found Sims 3 to be an enjoyable experience and hope that it continues to be so the longer I play it.