How could the Sims franchise not be successful? After all, it did for little girls playing with their Barbie dolls what Command and Conquer did for little boys and their GI Joes.<\/p>\n
It is arguably the most successful PC game franchise to date, still scoring highly in global monthly PC game sales charts five years after its release.<\/p>\n
We therefore cannot ignore the sequel, as it will most probably be the biggest selling PC game of 2009. Furthermore, although we are not massive Sims fans, we will admit that the games are by no means bad. In fact, they are really quite good, and if the premise of controlling a miniature avatar’s life, from its career path to basic hygiene appeals to you, then you are probably already a fan of The Sims.<\/p>\n
So what can we expect from the Sims 3? <\/strong><\/p>\n Well, from what we can tell, the game will build on the gameplay mechanics of The Sims 2, update the visuals and offer a number of cool new innovations. Character customization <\/strong><\/p>\n As is to be expected, Maxis is promising a deeper take on character customization than before, both in terms of aesthetics as well as character traits.<\/p>\n Where previous Sims games allowed players to distribute a set amount of points across different character traits, players will now be able to allocate 5 specific character traits to their Sim, with over 65 different traits to choose from.<\/p>\n Players will also have far more freedom when customizing their Sim’s appearance.<\/p>\n Child Sims will start out with just two character traits, but will develop more as they age. The character traits will allow for Sims with far more specific behavioral tendencies than the generic point distribution system could ever deliver.<\/p>\n AI improvements<\/strong><\/p>\n As can be expected, Maxis has worked on developing the artificial intelligence that will govern the behavior of various Sims. Hopefully this should make interacting with different Sims, most notably when AI controlled Sims visit your home, a less chaotic affair. One world<\/strong><\/p>\n Previous Sims neighborhoods have been divided up into different and separate areas. This means that when players want to visit a mall for example, they have to wait for various loading screens. <\/p>\n The Sims 3 does away with this annoying system, providing players with one fluid world, meaning there will be no loading screens or interface interferences. Sims will be able to simply get in their car and drive to their destination.<\/p>\n Change the world around you<\/strong><\/p>\n Maxis has told the press that gamers will be able to redesign their surroundings in The Sims 3. For example, players will be able to add custom finishes to the objects in their homes. In an interesting move, Maxis will also allow players to customize public locations such as post offices and parks.<\/p>\n Film it<\/strong><\/p>\n Maxis claim that The Sims 3 will ship with a powerful video creation and editing tool. This means that like in The Sims 2, players will be able film their Sims’ activities. An easy YouTube video upload feature will be tied into the video creation application.<\/p>\n The Sims is currently scheduled for a June 5 release on PC.<\/p>\n
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