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On EA’s site:
http://thesims2.ea.com/update/
The fix list is long, there’s over 30 items… so if some of these bugs were bugging you - go and grab it
:)
You can get the official scoop from EA, including some screenshots.
If you want to discuss the news, there’s a handy dandy forum area devoted it the very topic here (be sure to read the rules!)
The listing doesn’t note what exactly was added to the patch, but there is a new announcement dated March 5th on the EA site for a Bon Voyage Patch. There’s 39 fixes total listed… so go and get it -
http://thesims2.ea.com/news/detail.php?id=1132
Also, they have posted yet another car for download, the Ford Edge
http://thesims2.ea.com/getcoolstuff/ford/index.php
Enjoy!
You can view to log from today’s chat at EA about Freetime here:
http://thesims2.ea.com/community/chat_02_21_08.php
And in case you missed the previous news, the 2nd patch for BV is also out.
Well, you can now get your patch at the US site also, yeah!
Has about 30 bug fixes, go take a look. Happy downloading.
http://thesims2.ea.com/update/
Oh, and there’s going to be a FREETIME CHAT on the EA site:
FreeTime Chat! Join us on February 21st at 2:30 P.M. PST for a chat with the FreeTime game team. Bring your best questions!
The newest Bon Voyage patch has been released on the Sims 2 German site, and isn’t yet posted on the US site.
The patch is here:
http://www.diesims2.de/pages.view_page.asp?id=668
And a translation of the 30 bug fixes is found at the site The Patches Scrolls
Part of the list:
- Children will no longer go on a vacation alone if their parent dies before van arrives.
- Sims no longer get stuck during logrolling when trying to exit while another is entering.
- Vacation guests no longer leave when a party at a vacation home ends.
- Locals now change back into native outfits after exiting water.
- Housekeeper now fills holes and fixes broken objects and servo.
- Sims no longer fall in love while chatting in a tent.
- Sim can now repair stereos.
- Bigfoot can no longer change appearance on the vanity table or be asked to go on Group Outing.
- Make Furry Friend vacation memento is now achieved by making friends with Big Foot.
- Souvenirs only restock when Sim has them in inventory.
- Sim no longer wants to learn a massage if they have already been learned.
- You can now queue up multiple Dig For Treasure interactions.
- Sims can now be added to a group when “Walk To…” interaction is canceled and re-queued.
- Customers reject a massage if the purchase price is set too high.
- Seating can now be removed from the Food Stands.
- Young Adults who staying a vacation home no longer have the option to Get Married or Move In another Sim.
- Sims can no longer assign others to be a masseuse.
And there’s a new comic strip and cuisine magazine for Free Time posted to the EA site - enjoy
The next Stuff Pack is going to be Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff. It’s about time EA did something for our boring bathrooms. You can find screenshots and more info at the EA Site
You’ll also find more information about Free Time, the next EP (due to release the end of Feb), including a new Comic Strip here
Two things to announce here:
Free Time:
The next expansion pack has officially been announced on the EA site, and includes a fun video, definitely go check it out:
http://thesims2.ea.com/about/ep7_index.php
Holiday Goodies:
And for those who are looking to dress up their game for Christmas, you can find things at both ModtheSims2, and at sites around the web
MaxiodDrea has posted asking what favorite items from Sims 1 you’d like to see in Sims 2, and what you’ve wished for. So let them know!
Note, these are a moderated threads. So be sure to answer the questions that are asked, so your voice can be heard!
Go to the GENERAL DISCUSSION area on the BBS and look for the stickied questions
Everyone who has Nightlife or a later expansion pack, EA has released another free car - the Ford Fusion. So add a brandy new car to your game here
And EA has released the Teen Style Stuff pack, along with new screenshots - you can get all the info here
As a reminder, if you like shopping at Amazon.com, you can contribute to MTS2 at the same time - just follow the link from our donate page to either the Amazon US or Amazon UK store and then search and shop to your heart’s content.
As of Oct 24, there is a NEW Bon Voyage Patch
http://thesims2.ea.com/update/
A few more fixes were added to the list, specifically revolving around transportation, go take a look.
(Thanks to Sim_Me for the heads up!)
And Teen Style Stuff is due to ship soon, if you haven’t taken a look, there are screenshots on the EA Site
There’s a Halloween Showcase posted at the EA Site
and there’s tons of Halloween goodies at ModtheSims2
The patch is out - go visit EA to get it
http://thesims2.ea.com/update/
There’s only a handful of fixes in it:
The biggest points - NPCs will no longer spawn endless extras, the events controller schedule is cut back, as are autonomous water balloon and snowball fights - so if your game is lagging alot, this might help.
(Thanks to Sim_Me for the heads up!)
There’s ongoing discussion regarding Bon Voyage and problems some folks have encountered. You can be sure that once Electronic Arts posts an update, we’ll let you know. These valuable links below are from Snooty Sims
Maxiod Sam’s Message About BV Bugs and Issues
Discussion on BBS about BV Bugs
And if you wish to try the hack to stop the extra spawning of characters, there is one at MATY, link is in the next message.
You can also check our own list of known BV Quirks
—
You should also visit Snooty Sims for a link to Sims Magazine’s website and some free downloads
Well, usually we wait for Maxis bug fixes, but there appears to be an issue with the tour guide being created every time you visit a lot - which will eventually bring the game to a crawl. There’s a fix available at MATY which will prevent extra NPCs from spawning.
And now for some assorted updates:
* EA has added some new BonVoyage videos
* Aspyr has released the Holiday Pack and Pet Stories for the Mac
* Walmart has posted the bonus code for a Bon Voyage hat, see the end of their Features and Specifications here (thank you to Snooty Sims for that news)
As you might be aware, some folks have the game in their hands today. You can find links for over 200 screenshots and info at our Bon Voyage Forum and if you scroll down you can read Patul’s Bon Voyage Review from his visit to EA in July. Enjoy!
There’s an announcement on the official site about the next stuff pack. This one is all about teens and features everything you need to give your teens the life and style they desire!
Must-Have Stuff for Your Teen Sims to Express Their Unique Style!
Give your teen Sims everything they need to express their unique style with The Sims 2 Teen Style Stuff! Now your teen Sims can show some attitude with all-new, unique furniture, decor items, fashions and more with three distinct themes-”Goth,” “Thrasher,” and “Socialite.” Give your Sims a new stereo, TV, and other gadgets to keep them up to date and in touch with their friends. Make sure your Sims are always sporting the latest teen fashions including track suits, designer jeans, and yoga outfits. Let your young Sims express themselves in ways only teenagers can!
It’s now voting time for the Sims 2 H&M Fashion Runway. You can see what’s out there and use the Vote Now! link in the top right to cast your vote. Good luck to everyone involved!
According to the official site, they are now accepting submissions for The Sims 2 H&M Fashion Runway. H&M is going to pick a design to create and sell worldwide. Get details here!
Well it seems that Spore has gone from coming out this fall, to being erroneously reported as being on hold indefinitely to what they’re saying now, which is …
[quote]“There seems to be some misinformation flying around,” explained a rep in a phone interview. “Nothing’s changed since our call on May 8, where [CEO] John Riccitello specifically said that we were moving Spore from fiscal ’08 to early fiscal ’09.”
EA’s fiscal 2009 runs from April 2008 through March 2009.[/quote]
You can read the entire article here
Anyway, the end result is that we’re not going to see Spore on the shelves for about a year, perhaps more.
I just wanted to note that while the computers at EB Games (in store at least) report a release date of October 1st, the project is reported to be delayed indefinitely with no current ship date.
According to the computers at EB Games, the upcoming release dates are as follows:
Pet Stories - June 20th
My Sims (Wii) - Sept 1st
Sims 2 Bon Voyage - Sept 12th
Spore - Oct 1st
Bon Voyage has been officially announced by Maxis/EA. All they’ve given us to go on so far is as follows
Whisk your Sims away from their everyday routines and take them on exciting trips to three exotic locations! Whether relaxing on a lush tropical island in a luxury suite, camping outdoors on a pristine mountaintop, or exploring the culture of the Far East, your Sims will enjoy all-new activities to relax and rejuvenate them. Send your Sims packing for the trip of a lifetime!
More info to come…
You can also see a few screenshots.
Discuss this on our forums
Maxis/EA has also announced that the newest stuff pack, H&M Fashion Stuff, has now shipped to North America.
Dress up your Sims in the latest H&M® clothing collections for men and women with The Sims 2 H&M® Fashion Stuff*!
Your Sims can choose from contemporary fashion essentials including flirty short dresses, casual but striking dress shirts, and other head-turning outfits, complete with accessories-all inspired by real H&M® designs. Design your own store modeled after the sleek interiors of the trendsetting retailer. Your all-new retail-themed items include mannequins, clothing racks, cash registers, fitting rooms, and more. Design a fashion runway where your Sims can showcase their favorite outfits on the catwalk. Whether wearing bold new styles, spotlighting the stylish collection on the runway, or shopping for the latest trends at a store that you design, your Sims will show off their superior sense of style with The Sims 2 H&M® Fashion Stuff.
Although it’s not officially announced by EA/Maxis, all signs point to the 6th Sims 2 Expansion being “Bon Voyage”. At one point over the last few days, the official UK site for the sims 2 had a (non-working) link under Expansions to Bon Voyage.
The official Danish site also has some pictures from the upcoming expansion, which you can see on Snooty Sims
We’ve known for a while that this is coming, now there’s an announcement on the official site. Here you can see that the Deluxe version of the sims 2 includes the original game, the nightlife expansion and a ‘bonus’ dvd which probably isn’t going to have anything on it that we didn’t already know.
If you are a downloadaholic, like myself, then you’ll jump head over heels and squeal for delight for Delphy’s latest and greatest Sims 2 tool: Delphy’s Download Organiser.
You can organize your downloaded custom content to your heart’s content. AND the greatest feature? The DDO has orphan scanning! That means you can easily detect what recolours you have that have no mesh. Try it out! I’ll guarantee it’ll save you some hairs.
Edit by Delphy: I fixed the name to the “correct” one, with an s not a z. 
The newest stuff pack is now on the shelves in north america waiting to be in your hot little hands! If you can’t rush out and get it right away - check out what it has! A ’story mode’ blog on the official site with all the items and simtimes.de also has a (non-english) thread with lots of pictures you can see it here!
Click here to see the new Seasons Expansion guide done by IGN.com
For everyone else awaiting the stuff pack, get a sneak peak here on our forum!
Thanks to calalily for the screenshots!
Complete list of changes:
o Custom objects will now be preserved when uploading Lots to the Exchange.
o Musician Career Track career reward (Rock Hammer) now has audio functioning correctly.
o Sim Babies no longer cry excessively.
Thanks to a helpful message from NH1 on the S2C boards, I have some new information to share with you in regards to this package.
Based on this pre-order page it appears that the Sims Deluxe package will include the base game along with the Nightlife expansion pack. I had hoped it would include a little more, but it’s a start I guess. We’ll probably see the “complete collection” around the time the sims 3 is released …
Starting with some news from the official site - they’ve updated the Pets patch, get it here!. You can also download Prima Strat Guide Samples by clicking this link which will take you to the help page offering the downloads and various other help.
Also worth noting is that the Sims franchise now has it’s own seperate help site, support.thesims.com where you can get sims-specific help and not have it a mishmash of all EA games.
A Mac World article lets us know they are planning to bring all the stuff packs to the Mac, with the first one being Family Fun Stuff due to be in stores in April.
Gamespot has given us a huge update in regards to mysims for the wii - read about it here - there are also videos to watch and pictures to see.
Last, but not least, IGN has reviewed the Seasons expansion and given it the highest rating it’s ever given any sims expansion. read the article here.
The official German site has posted a number of screenshots from the upcoming stuff pack “Celebration Stuff”. It appears that we even get new hairstyles in this pack, which is something simmers seem to want more than other things. You can also see a video showcasing party accessories.
Also of note, if you pre-order your copy of the Celebration Stuff Pack from EB Games, game.co.uk or Gamestop, you get a free download of a blue party dress. Pre-ordering from the EA store or gameplay.co.uk will get you a pretty chandelier and play.com pre-orders are slated to receive a black tuxedo.
Yes, I know - we’ve all been crying without our beloved insimenator. Well now is the time to get your brand new shiny recently updated to work with Seasons copy. Get it while it’s hot! - remember to read all documentation and make frequent backups of your game.
Many smaller hacks and such have been updated and as usual we’re giving you an update on the bigger, extremely handy hacks.
The updates I have for you today come from simwardrobe.com. Not only is the Sims 2 Categorizer updated but there have also been updates of the Hack Conflict Detection Utility and the NPC Replacer. Update your copies today!
Thanks to callum91 for pointing this out, but Maxis has announced the upcoming pack “Celebration Stuff”.
Your Sims can now celebrate in style with this fun collection of furniture, party fashions, and décor items. Host an elegant wedding with dazzling gowns, swanky tuxedos, and breathtaking dresses for the entire bridal party. Make every moment magical for your Sims with fabulous centerpieces and even a floral wedding arch! Decorate their house and garden to throw the ultimate fiesta and serve hot meals straight off the new grill! Invite the neighbors over for an evening event and set the table with linens and tea lights to create the perfect ambiance. Or throw the ultimate birthday bash with all-new items including birthday cakes, party balloons, and more. Host the social event of the season and celebrate with your Sims!
I’d also just like to mention that the pack so far only known as “Sims H&M” is now in the computers and pre-orderable at EB Games. It has a release date of June 6th 2007.
A teaser for the Sims 2 Celebration Stuff has been posted on the official site - you can see it here, too.
Thanks to callum91 for bringing this to our attention!
1up.com is the first to review the new Seasons expansion. It doesn’t say much we didn’t already know, but you might want to read it anyway.
Forget World of WarCraft — once you fall prey to Sims 2 addiction, you’re not likely to get much else done. Did you want to take a shower today? Take the dog for a walk? Spend some time with your significant other? Too bad! You’ll have your hands full doing the virtual equivalent of these things with your needy Sims, who — thanks to the new Seasons expansion — can now run outside to catch anything from fireflies to a cold.
Maxis/EA has announced the creation of a new website specifically for the Wii version (now also to come out on the Nintendo DS) of their Sims franchise. Mysims.com features information and screenshots about the upcoming game release. Sounding (and looking) more like Animal Crossing (sans animals) or Harvest Moon than a sims game, this is meant to appeal to a new audience. Personally I’ll pass on this one and wait until the fall expansion - and stick to my Animal Crossing. I don’t need a simified version of it.
Transforming the traditional Sims gameplay for the Wii and Nintendo DS platforms, MySims moves the player to a delightful but disorganized town where — thanks to the easy and unique controls — they can re-shape everything and make it their own. The town is rundown, but the player can make it much more dynamic. Using a selection of building blocks, unique patterns and engaging creativity tools, players can design furniture and appliances, architect new homes and businesses, and re-define the entire MySims landscape!
I just thought I’d share the upcoming release dates as far as North American releases. These are subject to change but they should be pretty solid.
Sims 2 Celebration Stuff is scheduled for release on April 4th, Pet Stories will be released June 26th and there is also a Sims 2 “Deluxe” package slated for a May 10th release - I’m unsure what that will contain as of yet. It will likely be some form of the base game and atleast one other expansion. If anyone finds any information regarding it, please feel free to PM me.
The chat transcript is up for those who want to see it or were unable to attend the live chat. Here are some interesting gems from the chat
Guest (Feb 15, 2007 4:33:09 PM)
Will the seasons change with a click of a button, or will they change gradually, ? If I start in summer time with a family and play them as they grow and age, will the seasons change with the family?MaxoidHunter! (Feb 15, 2007 4:33:09 PM)
They progress naturally, with 5 Sim days per season. The only clicking you do is to set which seasons you want to occur in each of your neighborhoods. (The seasons chooser.) Eg: Fall, Fall, Winter, Spring, then repeat.BBighead986 (Feb 15, 2007 4:33:45 PM)
Hi, It’s great to see you, Maxis! So, there probably is one question that a lot of us want to know. What is the ‘low-down’ on these ‘green people’ we see in gardens and such?MaxoidLittleL (Feb 15, 2007 4:33:45 PM)
The green Sim is a new Plant Sim. If you’re not careful when gardening your Sim might become a plant sim. it’s a whole new way to play the game, much like vampires or zombies were.tabnick90 (Feb 15, 2007 4:38:00 PM)
Can you die by being struck by lighting or from frostbite or anything new?MaxoidLittleL (Feb 15, 2007 4:38:00 PM)
You can freeze to death and overheat. You can also be struck by lightning if you’re not careful. Too many trees on your lot will bring more lightning during heavy rain storms.sloulou (Feb 15, 2007 4:38:12 PM)
oh, love the idea of leftovers! so do they have a certain number of days before the food goes bad or do leftovers always stay fresh in the fridge?MaxoidHunter! (Feb 15, 2007 4:38:12 PM)
leftovers are invincible!
You can read the complete chat transcript here
As per the official site, the sims 2 seasons designer walkthrough video is now available! You can view it here
As you’ve heard, there are two new stuff packs coming up. Although there has yet to be any sort of official announcement from EA/Maxis, I can confirm that the “Celebration Stuff” pack is currently available for pre-ordering instore at EB Games. Please note that EB Games (as well as Gamestop) is also currently offering a pre-order bonus item of a blue dress as seen here
According to the official site, Maxis/EA are hosting an official chat for the upcoming Seasons expansion on February 15th at 2:30pm PST. This will be an informational chat which will include information in regards to the new expansion, what it will have/add to gameplay and many interesting facts. When the time comes, you can join the chat via this page
Although this is an older article and one we have mentioned before, the renewed interest in the recent confirmation of The Sims 3 has prompted discussion of this article again. For those of you who haven’t seen it yet, or who may have forgotten about it - here you go.
During the same call, Jenson also confirmed that several sequels to EA’s most important franchises are in the works. “Yes, there’s a Sims 3 in development and it’s likely to be a fiscal ‘09 title,” said Jenson, meaning the game would hit stores before April 2009.
Callum91 has also informed me that LifeStories is now available for purchase. As per the official LifeStories site you can register your game to receive a special download. They include a drum kit, karaoke machine and club cube. Simmers will recognize these objects from previous Sims 2 expansions.
Thanks to callum91 for the following:
osimbr.net has pictures of the Seasons retail box. You can also find some new seasons videos here on youtube
The next stuff pack will be called “Celebration Stuff” read about it at gamespot and see it listed at amazon.com
As we already knew, elmundo.es gives us even more confirmation in regards to the sims 3 being in development and more sims 2 expansions to come.
I’m sure there will be lots more information to come as Life Stories has just been released, Seasons is about to be released and there’s many exciting things coming along soon!
The much-awaited Pets patch is yours for the taking. Download it from the official site.
Feel free to discuss the changes here.
The complete list of changes are here:
Read the rest of this entry »
Okay, the official site updated today with some info regarding the upcoming expansion.
There are going to be pre-order gifts once again, they are as follows:
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Pre-order from the EA Store and receive the special Bathing Suit download for your game. Pre-order now and get free shipping**! Use code S2SEASONFS when you order.
Pre-order from GameStop and receive the exclusive Raincoat download for your game!
Pre-order from Amazon and receive the special Bathing Suit download for your game!
Pre-order from EB Games and receive the exclusive Raincoat download for your game!
But this time they’re not only giving away pre-order bonuses - there’s ones to be had when the game ships! Shipping date is currently listed as February 27th.
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The exclusive Swingset download will be available through Best Buy when this game ships
The exclusive Garden Trellis download will be available through Target when this game ships
See the information/pictures for yourself
There are also a few new screenshots and last, but not least - a video trailer!
Sims2 Pets for the PSP was just recently released, the last system to get this version of the game. Gamespot has done a review of the PSP version, which doesn’t come without problems. According to them, the loading times frequently disrupt consistency in gameplay and Pet management is very hard to do in a regular sim day. They also mention there’s a very limited neighborhood size and only a single downtown lot. They do however say the sims AI in this version is the best console one to date, giving a more authentic sims experience.
The Sims series started on the PC as a popular and difficult-to-describe strategy game that let you control the lives of little computer people in the houses you built for them, as they loved, grew old, had families, and occasionally used the potty. Seven years, several different game platforms, and numerous editions later, the series has become known for offering zany humor, colorful graphics, a gibberish language that its “sim” characters speak (known as “simlish”), and cheerful music. However, the console versions of the Sims games never quite stacked up to the PC version, mainly because the console games tended to focus on collection-based minigames and unlocking hidden items. Also, they never seemed to capture the autonomous, unpredictable artificial intelligence that powered those happy little sims in the PC versions. However, The Sims 2: Pets for the PlayStation Portable is a full-featured port of the console versions of the same game with most of the content intact, including better AI for its sim characters. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to enjoy because the game constantly stops dead in its tracks with load times.
When I visited Maxis in December, Seasons was not the only thing they showed us, they also gave us a presentation on the new Life Stories line, and we were able to play it also.
Some of this news has been covered on the Maxis site already, and those parts I’ll summarize, because by now you’ve seen this news.
Life Stories is a line of stand-alone games (with different themes) in which you can play a sim through a storyline of life changing events. There is also a free play mode similar to the Sims 2 games you already know. The game is designed to run without a custom video card and on laptops and other systems, and might also work for those whose desktop computers aren’t quite up to running Sims 2. It runs in a window, so you can easily instant message or do other things while playing. What will be important to players here who are used to downloading - Sims Life Stories does not accept content from Sims 2 stuff packs or user-made content, it is a distinctly different game.
In the first release of this series you can guide Riley through her new adventures, she’s moved into her Aunt Sharon’s house while she gets back on her feet. But who will Riley end up with – Mickey or her old flame Dylan? There is a second story also, that of Vince – who is a technical whiz but well… he’s not a whiz when it comes to romance. Each story has 12 chapters, and with the successful completion of each chapter there is a reward. The sim has a goal which forwards the storyline and three wants at any given moment, and there is no rush to push through the goals – there’s plenty of general gameplay to be had while working through the storyline. Sims can skill, invite friends over, will go to work, and so on, in addition to the story goals.
The game is designed for easier play – some aspects of the interface have been simplified; for example, the sims have no fears to contribute to aspiration failure. Their short term wants and the added goal will all raise aspiration, so it is not very difficult to keep that score up. Needs are set to decay a bit more slowly, and even if needs go critical, the sims will not die. There are handy keyboard shortcuts for day to day needs, for example: hit a key and the sim will simply go use the nearest bathroom – without the player having to locate the bathroom and specifically click on the toilet.
While these games will not have expansion or stuff packs or user content, it’s not necessarily just your base Sims 2 game. Some aspects of the EPs are included – for instance, the sims can dine out and go bowling, incorporating at least some aspects of Nightlife. Sims can receive gifts, which I believe is included in the yet-to-be-released Seasons EP. There’s a Pets Stories planned, which obviously is going to have some aspects of what we associate with the Pets EP.
There is more: the game includes a new Family Journal to record events in. And for those who shudder remembering the base game wallpaper – some of it has been reworked into something much more versatile and visually pleasing. Life Stories has some custom special events footage for the new stories, as you might expect. Maxis may offer special additional content for these games from the new site that will exist specifically for Life Stories.
During our hands-on time, I played a chapter where Riley invites Mickey to go on a date. There were a handful of different tasks to accomplish, for instance, once they arrived at their destination, Riley’s goal became to play some chess with him. Eventually a meal was had… and then…. a kiss to end a most lovely evening. I must say, the keyboard shortcuts were great to use, I missed them the moment I went back to play with Seasons, and the graphics quality was excellent. I am impressed with how this lower system requirement game ran and looked, it seemed no different from my Sims 2 game with a graphics card.
Build mode is off during the storyline play – but in freeplay there is build mode and the CAS that we all know, for you to create new sims and dress them and get them ready for their adventures of your making. Users can start with freeplay or play Riley or Vincent’s stories. Completing Riley’s and Vincent’s stories will unlock all of the new reward objects, making them available in Free Play to purchase in the rewards bin. Also, once either story is completed, each becomes ‘Free Play’ allowing the player to continue playing Riley or Vincent as they want.
So who is this game for? Well, if you have the full game and EPs and they run well on your system, it’s unlikely this game will be of interest to you. On the other hand, if your built-in graphics card isn’t up to running the game and all the eps, you might find this version a way to get your sims fix. Some of your friends, moms, aunts, uncles, or cousins who find the original game a bit too complex might enjoy this somewhat easier to play game. And if you really have wanted Sims 2 on your laptop, but your laptop hasn’t cooperated, this might be the answer you’re looking for. Do check the system requirements posted on the EA Life Stories site.
When you think of Sims Life Stories, just remember that it is a separate game. While it’s also called “Sims” - it is part of the Sims product line, just as Sims games for various consoles are specialized games. Expected to ship Feb 2007.
Maxis has launched a new site for the games at http://thesimsstories.ea.com/
Want to discuss Sims Life Stories? Click here for the forum.
Over on the Sims2 BBS, Gugas1990 posted about finding the new seasons icon! A lovely little brown leaf
PT Gamers has put up their Life Stories article and have included over 400 screenshots from the game. Check it out here!
Last, but not least - if you are interested you can check out the Maxis/EA Official LifeStories Press Release
Along with Seasons information cropping up, comes stuff about Life Stories. Screenshots have been posted by thesims2.cz and what’s more - the first trailer for the game has been found!
Cynamite.de was the site to discover this and although the site is not in english, the trailer is - so what are you waiting for? Go watch it now!
The official site has updated with a number of screenshots from the upcoming expansion pack. They look great and include kids warming themselves by a fire, a snowman, ice skating and being cold!
Thanks to KKai for bringing this to my attention. Earlier today I posted box art from just one of the life stories boxes - there are to be three of them and you can see all three boxes at the end of this post. Though according to the official site, the release of Life Stories (first in the Stories series of stand alone sims games) will be in February 2007 and not on January 22nd as noted earlier.
It’s their life, but it’s your story!
Are you new to The Sims or know anyone who is? This is the game for them. The Sims Life Stories is the first release in an all-new, standalone product line called The Sims™ Stories. Play through all the great moments of your Sim’s life in this easy-to-play, laptop-friendly version of The Sims. In the new and engaging directed Story mode, you take your Sims through a unique and entertaining storyline full of romance, conflict and dramatic twists. In open-ended Classic mode, you create Sims and then choose how they’ll fulfill their dreams through life’s biggest moments. Stay connected by using your own IM and email while playing.
Read the entire article here on the official site
If you’re still wondering what the box for the upcoming Life Stories looks like, wonder no longer. Set to release Jan 22/07 this standalone sims game is laptop friendly and should run much smoother on older systems that struggle with the current sims 2 games.
Well boys and girls, the inteenimater is finally released for public consumption! Download your copy from the inteenimater site!
The long-awaited patch for bodyshop has been released by Maxis today. A nice little surprise especially this close to Christmas.
This patch allows the Body Shop that came with The Sims 2 Pets Expansion Pack to be compatible with previous Expansion Packs.
Yesterday, the next EP was officially announced on the Sims2.com along with a very colourful seasons ad on the front page!
Experiencing all four seasons for the first time - from seasonal activities to all-new outerwear for unpredictable weather - is guaranteed to provide a whole new level of excitement for your Sims! Not only will your Sims experience the seasons changing in winter, spring, summer and fall, but each season will deliver unique benefits, impacting your Sims relationships, mood, skills, careers and more. And be sure to dress your Sims appropriately for the weather — freezing, sunburn and other unexpected weather effects can occur!
While the article is fairly short and doesn’t cover much that we didn’t already know, it’s worth a mention.
New activities such as building snowmen, ice skating, and playing games like Marco Polo in the pool have been added, and a fresh new wardrobe including summer dresses and ear muffs will keep Sims looking sharp.
IGN has done an article on the Top 25 Videogame Franchises. It rankes the sims franchise as #9 on this list.
Brainchild of Will Wright, the Sim franchise has proven one of the most influential in gaming history. It began in 1989 with the release of SimCity. The Sim games challenged players intellectual, rather than testing their dexterity. These were rare games that could not be won or lost, merely experienced. Eventually, Sim left the realm of the inorganic and tackled simulating normal life. When EA released The Sims in 2000, it became an instant hit and became the best-selling PC title of all time. Wright’s design ingenuity created a powerful franchise that continues to be among the most popular in gaming.
As was announced with the release of Pets, the next EP for Sims 2 is Seasons. I got a sneak peek at Maxis and actually got to play the game. After the tour, we went to a large room that had computers along the walls, and a central seating area with two large screens in the front. We were treated to an introduction of the expansion on the big screens. And then we got to play!
Seasons gives the Sims more fun and varied interactions at home; unlike many of the other EPs, your Sims don’t have to go to a different location for most of the new activities. Each season brings new outdoor options, and I had a great time exploring, there was a lot to see.
There are additions to the summer activities our Sims already enjoy – including new rounded pool edges and pool walls, a slide, and a game to play in the pool. Have fun playing catch, throwing water balloons, or chasing fireflies. Beware of sunburn!
Now Sims can garden – year round with a greenhouse, if you wish. There are plots where various vegetables can be grown, and then put into the refrigerator for future consumption. Plant fruit trees, and then create energy drinks and other potions with the fruits of your labors.
Sims can also head over to the lake and go fishing, and bring some tasty fish back to add to the food choices in the fridge. The more they fish, the better they’ll get at it, earning fishing badges. Mmmmm, fresh grilled fish.
Enough of the fair-weather activities, winter brings it’s own fun with snowmen, snowball fights, snow angels, ice skating, and if you’re lucky, a visit from a new npc. The Sims will automatically bundle up in their new outdoor wear as they go in and out of their homes. When snow falls, it slowly accumulates in layers on things – not just on the ground (where you Sims might find themselves up to their knees in snow), but also on fence posts and other surfaces. This behavior will work for both Maxis content and custom content, with no changes required! Thanks to the team for thinking about our custom content!
This EP also includes 6 new careers, so if your Sims are looking for some new jobs, they’ll be very happy. The careers are: Journalism, Education, Gamer, Adventure, Music, and Law. Each career also has its own career reward item, so go for the gold.
(The Seasons EP is expected to ship Feb 27, 2007.)
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See Our Gallery for More Screenshots and Info from Seasons
Read Part 2 below for more gameplay details
This is part 2 of our article on the Seasons Expansion Pack.
For those of you who want even more details about the gameplay, here you go!
The pattern for the seasons can be set for a particular neighborhood, so if you want to create a constant winter wonderland, or mimic the weather of California with spring, summer, summer, fall, or have a tropical island where it’s only spring and summer, it’s your choice. Not all the weather is nice – while the Sims will love jumping in puddles, there’s also the danger of lightening strikes, and I have heard that there’s also hail.
Your lots can end up with different seasons on them because of gameplay timing, but when you go to your lot, the lots around it will look correct for the season that is current to that lot. So if it’s winter, all around you will see winter, etc. In addition to changing trees, the game uses overall color of the sky and lighting to create the mood the season; spring has more of a bright green to it, fall is more orange in tone.
What the Sims are wearing will matter; the classification is simplified so as to be compatible with all the custom clothing we’ve created. For instance, swimwear and underwear are assumed to not offer much protection from the cold. There is a new category of clothing – outerwear, and the Sims will automatically change as they go in and out of their homes during cool weather. (this option can be turned off). One of the effects of this change is that a Sim can go out in the snow under-dressed and freeze and need to be revived.
With the clothing change comes an option many have been wishing for: Hairstyles can be individually customized based on the outfit the Sim is wearing – so they can have their hair up for formal occasions, wear a warm hat with their outerwear, and have bed-hair in their pajamas, and so on.
To allow your Sims more time in the great outdoors, their needs decay more slowly while they are outside. This means less bathroom runs in the middle of play. They will also get special boosts during certain seasons – friendship in the summer, skill building in the fall, family in winter, and romance in spring.
There are more features that players have been wishing for: Click on the mailbox to pay all the bills. You will also find new furniture, including a new country kitchen set with sweet accessories. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and taken out by all ages, and then further leftovers can be put back into the fridge. How nice to be able to prepare a big meal and then have the leftovers to quickly access at another time.
There are other surprises that await you in the Seasons EP, including a new breed of Sim, which you’ll find snapshots of in our gallery. I will admit when I first heard about Seasons, I was not sure how much “weather” would have to offer. Everyone had fun playing with the game, and even though I tried, I was not able to fully explore every season that day. Seasons is simply fun. The Seasons EP is expected to ship Feb 27, 2007.
Discuss this on our forums
See Our Gallery for More Screenshots and Info from Seasons
And this is what the box of the next expansion is going to look like! As you can see here the image comes from the EA Store itself.
Also worth noting - Maxis has said they are working hard on Pets patches. They hope to have one addressing the bodyshop compatibility issue out by the end of the year and one addressing the plethora of gameplay issues out in the new year.
Life Stories has been officially announced by Maxis! It seems that there’s going to be three titles with the first coming out January 2007. They will be Life Stories, Pet Stories and Castaway Stories.
Are you new to The Sims or know anyone who is? This is the game for them. The Sims Life Stories is the first release in an all-new, standalone product line called The Sims™ Stories. Play through all the great moments of your Sim’s life in this easy-to-play, laptop-friendly version of The Sims. In the new and engaging directed Story mode, you take your Sims through a unique and entertaining storyline full of romance, conflict and dramatic twists. In open-ended Classic mode, you create Sims and then choose how they’ll fulfill their dreams through life’s biggest moments. Stay connected by using your own IM and email while playing.
Read the entire article and FAQs here!
And finally, you can enjoy some official Pets bloopers