TSR Academy – What is The Sims 4

So you want to try a new game and have heard of Sims 4, but what is Sims? The Sims is a video game that in some way has been around since 2000, and even before that, there was a Sim City. This game allows you to make Sim (people in the game) however you wish and gives you plenty of creative freedom to design, create, and play life. The game has its quirks, and Sims are often caught doing random things, but that is all part of what makes the Sims, Sims.

Game Type

image is from the The Evolution of the Tragic Clown blog

The Sims is one of the oldest and most popular life simulation games. These games allow players to create avatars or Sims and navigate their needs throughout their lives. Different life sim games have various ways of navigating life. Still, the Sims take the game to another level with endless opportunities for the player, especially if you add Custom Content and mods!

How Long Has It Been Around

The Sims has been around since February 2000, making it the longest-running life simulator franchise. Of course, there have been many versions of The Sims, and the current game is called The Sims 4. We expect another Sims game to launch within the next two years, as the Sims 4 was released in 2014. You can read all about the history of the Sims HERE.

How Do You Play Sims

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One of the most significant selling points for Sims 4 is the number of ways you can play it. There is no wrong way to play, and there are so many different options. You can always mix it up. So, to fully understand ‘What is The Sims?’ we will look at a few ways to play this versatile game.

Creating

Image is from One Color Decor Challenge – Purple Dining Room

I already mentioned that this game allows you to create, and there is no limit to the creativity you can bring to the Sims. In this game, you can design houses, build parks, and create Sims.

Create a Sim

I love creating Sims; this is my favorite part of the game. You can make all kinds of Sims, basing them off IRL people, characters in books, or even inspired by celebrities. The sky is not even the limit here, and many simmers find fun ways to challenge themselves, like creating sims from a bingo board of various aesthetics. If you need more examples of how to play in the Create A Sim mode, check out this blog HERE.

Lots

Image from Building my house in The Sims 4

Building in the Sims 4 also has no limit regarding creativity. Mods and Custom Content, CC, help open abilities for creativity, making the options almost limitless. The beauty of the Sims 4 is that you can play and create. You can remodel existing lots or create your very own from scratch.

Decorate

Image from One Color Decor Challenge – Retro Pink Kitchen

If you love decorating, then the Sims is a game you would enjoy. I have spent countless hours remodeling existing lots with decorations alone, not touching the house’s frame, just switching the furniture and decor. I find it very relaxing, and you can decorate as you please. If you need more examples of how to play in the building or decorating areas of the game, check out this blog HERE.

Gameplay

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So, to put this all into perspective, the options for playing above are not even the game’s ‘gameplay’ or story section. So, some of us don’t even get out of the creative modes of the gameplay section of the game. Es, there is that much to do. Of course, if you want to play family legacies, careers, and challenges, then the gameplay is where you should go and has endless options for playing.

Summary

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So, the question of what the Sims is is tricky to summarize in just a few words, as this game has a lot of options. People often overlook the game because of the range of options, which I find to be my favorite part of the game. Where else are you going to be able to build your dream house, marry a celebrity, and be able to cheat on your finances while gossiping about your neighbors and having a hobby farm all at the same time. I know, right? There is a lot to unpack there. But it can all be done and more in The Sims.