Since there isn't alot of news today, I decided to publish this post now, I saving it for later, but i guess now is as good a time as any.
When it comes to games I'm passionate about, I get very opinionated. I usually come up with all sorts of features and improvements I want to see in the next iteration. The Sims is no different. I've been playing the sims since i was 10, I played the very first one and played console versions of the Sims. Then came The Sims 2 and I suck even more time into it, the first family I ever created was, The Nids...and yes, that is the best name for a family you've ever heard. Consiting of the parents Nick Nid, Claire Nid and their two daughters Lisa Nid and Matilda Nid, and later a son Daniel Nid. Long story short, There is a lot of nostalgia for me in this franchise. So i decided to make a post, outlining my hopes and dreams for the next installment in the long running and most successful PC franchises ever.
First, I'm gonna start with the basic functions of the game, The Create-A-Sim, and The Home Builder systems. Then, I'll get into the more meatier parts of the game and gameplay, and talk about how the new emotions mechanic could revolutionize the game, if done right. Lastly, I'll go over exactly what i hope to see later on down the line for the game and some of the expansions i'd love to see and their features.
Create-A-Sim:From what I've seen from the trailer creating a Sim looks to be more intuitive the previous installments. Being able to manipulate your Sims body like clay, sculpt and refine your Sims is something that I'm incredibly excited for. But that said there are still some things I want to see. Most importantly, Height. After 3 games and several expansions we should be able to adjust height. I mean realistically of course, we shouldn't be able to turn our Sims into giants, but should be able to make some smaller or taller then others, creating more individuality between them. It would also be inserting to see how it affects genetics in the Sims.
When it comes to fashion and dressing up your Sims, there should be more choices and well better looking clothing objects. It's obvious that the business model of the franchise is to make a bare base game, and add in tons of features later on down the road. But I think when it comes to the clothing options there still should be plenty to choose from to hold you over. I also think you should be able to create your own clothes, using existing meshes in-game and add in the extra details such as pictures and words. This would allow players to easily mix and match items, to create their own unique styles.
Home Builder: The Sims 3 improved home building quite a bit, and The Sims 4 looks to improve it even further. There is still some things I'd like too see the Home Builder do. For starters I'd like to see the system be a little more intelligent for you. If you're like me, and have no talent building beautiful homes but you still end up envisioning a certain kind of house for your family, this would help greatly. First, I'd like too see them add quick templates. You simply drop a simple base/shape for your home, and then you . can manipulate the walls and size as you see fit, that way you can build off from there. I want to see the system help you make structurally sound decisions when you're building. You should be able to see suggestions of were to put walls and how to shape them, and if you like it you should be able to auto complete the structure.
When it comes to actually decorating your home, I'd like to see a ton of furniture options and styles. I believe there should be a feature that auto-suggests furnishings based on the color scheme and other furniture you've selected. For instance, say you want to create a goth style room, You place down a Gothic looking bed, you click on an auto-suggest button, and it will pull up all the Gothic like items in the store and you can easily drag and place from there or you can select an object and have it auto-design, into the color scheme you want. Say there's a couch you really like, click auto-design and it will automatically change the color-pattern for you.
It should also give you blue-prints that suggests were to place certain items. For instance, you go into the blue prints screen, you set it in were you want your living room to be, it adjusts to fit the floorplan of the living room, and then suggest were to place the couch, TV and other items that you'll need, and provide a sense of Funkshway. When it comes to decorating your yard, It should give you suggestions on where to place lawn ornaments and flora, based on the structure and design of your home. This will all guide you in building an elegant home for your Sims.
Base Gameplay:
Time In The Sims: I know The Sims are designed for casual gamers, they aren't meant to be challenging or difficult, but I do feel the Sim's day, goes by too fast. I wanted to address this first because the features I'm going to address are going to require you spending longer hours playing the game, then you otherwise would need too. I honestly think, every five to 10 seconds should be a minute in the game. I like that we were able to adjust the life span of the Sims, and that something that should make a return.
Relationships: This has always been an important part of the experience, Building long lasting relationships have always been key. But I feel that it never has evolved as much as it should have. I wanna see personalities clash and mesh in completely new and realistic ways. Relationships should not be based on, how fast you can build up points. It should be more complicated then that, the chemistry systems should return in a new way, as well as hobbies and interests, that way your Sims can engage with one another and more interesting and personal ways.
Personalities: This ties into more with Create-A-Sim, but I'd like to be able to build deeper and more complicated character types, by mixing in a wider variety of traits and having likes and dislikes, interests, and preferences. This would effect how the Sims interact with the world in a more. complicated way. The complexity would make no two Sims similar and would directly tie into the Sims emotions. The Sims prides it's self on allowing players create deep stories. This would be a revolutionary step into giving players more freedom and expression.
Careers: Ambitions for The Sims 3 was a great idea, but it didn't go far enough. I think the creators need to bring back mechanics from The Sims Online, and allow players to follow there Sims to work. Complete get rid of rabbit holes, they don't ever need to come back. Ever. You should be able to control your sims while they are working, the same way you would at home. You could even have to work spaces load up as a completely different location, if you want. As long as you can interact with your co-workers, your boss and the environment at work. Make it engaging and exciting at work, as you work hard to get promoted. Also salary and bills should be more realistic so you can actually feel rewarded when you progress in your career, If you work a desk job, you should have to interact with the computers, and go to meetings, file papers, what ever your specific job title requires. Working in the restaurant industry, requires you to take orders and fill orders from other Sims. Working as a cop should make you answer distress calls around the neighborhood. The same thing would apply to going to school.
Families: Families have always been a central part to the experience of the Sims, as well as generations and growing. I've always felt the family socialization should be in it's own category, it shouldn't share with interacting with a stranger. There should be certain decisions you make for your virtual family that effects the out come. There should be certain life altering events that effects the future of your family, that would work in partnership with each Sim's unique personality and emotions.
Stores/Shopping: Again get rid of rabbit holes!!! our Sims should have to shop at a grocery store when it's time, Our Sims should have to go clothes shopping when they want new clothes. Other stores as well, like electronic stores, and bookstores, we should have to go to these places and purchase new things and necessities.
Neighborhoods: An expansion pack in The Sims 3, made moving your Sims to a new town possible. This should already be part of the base game. But that's not all, You should be able to travel to the different towns and visit your relatives, or have family reunions were all your relatives come from various towns and visit. The Sims 3 introduced the idea of a neighborhood being living and breathing and changing, but again it needs to go further. I believe buildings should be built or torn down, new Sims should randomly move in or out, get married, have kids, get promoted, age and die in a more intelligent and sophisticated way. All this should be linked to the economic climate of the neighborhood, and what I mean is should you choose to go down the political route, the decision you make, the laws you pass or remove will seriously effect the prosperity of your neighborhood and thus your Sims. It shouldn't ever be barren, but it should seriously effect the size and the speed of the way your neighborhood grows. This way it feels organic and you'll never run out of Sims too meet.
You should be able to create your own neighborhood without having to use the Create-A-World tool, just pick from different templates, pick a size and then populate from there.
Seasons,weather,Holidays and pets, should all be included in the base game, I don't care. Do it, pick different expansions then. Use your brains.
Expansions:
The Sims model is based on Expansions, so we can pretty much assume that there will be some, however here is my idea for one expansion in particular, that MUST happen. For the sake of arguments let's just call it The Sims 4: Making It Big.
Now this expansion pack takes you on a journey to reach the top of the entertainment industry. Acting/Directing/Producer, Singing/Bands//Record Producer, Fashion/Photography, TV Production/News Blogging/Youtubeing( The Sims equivalent), or Voice Acting/Video Game production. All these career options would be open to you, as you move into this bustling LA clone, in the Sims universe. These industries all interact with each other in certain ways, but it's your job to build up your own persona and make it big and be adored by millions of Sims everywhere.
As an Actor- As an actor it is important that you build up your charisma and drama skills, it's important to network with other Actors and Directors and Producers. Act professional and take auditions as you can get them of course the dream is to make millions while acting in big blockbusters, but all that in good time. Take commercials, join TV shows, give interviews and keep yourself in tune with the latest trends, to keep yourself current. Use social media and build up that fan base!
As a director- When you choose to be a director, you can completely avoid the hassle of being likable and personable, although you still have to be professional, and friendly with your peers. Hard work is required, as well as dedication. Your tech skills need to be at peak. Start small, but blow away your competitors and superiors, to earn yourself a spot among the Elite, get enough hits under your belt, and soon finding work won't be struggle
As a Producer- Producing requires just as much charisma as business knowledge. It's important that you follow the trends that sims are yearning for, and harness that. Find a screenplay, pitch to a studio, if they love it, you receive a budget and the go-ahead to bring the necessary talent together. Producers might not get as much love as Actors or Directors, but you take pride in knowing that you had the skills to bring the project to life. Get enough hits, and soon movie studios all over will be coming to you as their movie guru.
As a Singer- As a solo artist you don't have to deal with the hassle of band mates, But the road to fame is a lonely one. Build up your skills, write masterful songs, perform engaging shows and eventually you can hit the big time. Get an agent, sign a record deal, pick your producers, write and record albums, select singles, and watch as your songs lite fire to the charts. Pick the kind of artists you want to be, the kind of music you want to make and tour the world. Be sure to interact with your fans and work hard. Get offers to star in movies or guest star on a TV show. Give Interviews and live TV performances.
As a Band- Bands may have an easier time getting noticed, but that isn't to say they're easier to manage, each Sim is different and may react different to certain situations. If you can over come this then it won't be hard for your band to become megastars. Give interviews, Use Social Media, write/record albums and tour. Choose your image and your music, and like the money roll in.
As a Record Producer- Record producers bring the magic to live in the studio it's up to you to deiced which kind you wanna be. A social butterfly, or quite recluse. Whatever the case, record labels and artist rely on your music magic to make them a success. It may be difficult to be recognized, but once you dominate the music charts, then artist will flock from afar to use your talents.
As a Fashion Guru- You'll be paying your dues for quite a while, keep your eyes peeled and pay attention to the trends, once you're name is on the rise, you can the set your own fashion trends, work with actors, artist etc, and have your name plastered all over the world. soon enough every sim around the world will have your name in their wardrobe.
As a Photographer- Not everyone looks at photographers with such grace and love as other celebrities, but your job is no less important. Whether your taking pictures, for the celebrity news, movies, fashion designers, Actors, or Singer/Band. They all require your services one way or another, and to have your name attached to something huge is special. Not every Sim is that special. Prove your the cream of the crop and get your name known among the community and rake in the dough.
As a TV Producer- As a TV producer it's your job run a gripping program. If you run a news station it's your job to hire the anchors, and decide what news stories get told. You have a lot of power, in your hands. Don't abuse it. As a drama producer it's your job to hire the writers and talent write the story arcs, and keep viewers hooked, becoming the most popular television show on TV should be your dream goal, and is attainable with right choices.
As a News Reporter- Do your research and your investigations, be firm in your delivery and break the biggest and darkest secrets celebrities have to offer. You have the power to destroy careers or uplift them, it's all in your hands. Choose wisely.
As a Internet Celebrity- Being famous on the internet is a thing! get in on the ground floor, blog about celebrities, video games, fashion , music and get your blog known, once it's famous enough you'll be able to cut deals with companies to have adds and sponsorship placed on your blog, and make thousands. Make Vlogs, Sketches, or Lets plays of video games, run your own news show on there Sims's popular video sharing site. Build up a following viewership, cut a deal and with the site to split the AD revenue and make big bucks. Heck do both!. Reach out to your peers and make videos with them and build an even bigger reputation for yourself.
As a Voice Actor- You may not be getting interviewed and millions of followers, but having you voice on something that millions of people love feels great.work hard, be charming. Soon your voice will be featured on nearly everything.
As a Video Game Producer- Sims love games, and if you love games..why not make them! Become your own boss, design the games Sims adore, hire voice actors, the team and secure rights for movie deals. soon everyone will know your name!
Other Jobs:
Movie Studio Boss: You have investors and shareholders to please and universe of Sims dying for the next big thing. Work with producers and bring some of the best films cinema has to offer, make millions and live in the lap of luxury.
Screen-writer- Whether your writing the next big film, or the next big tv show your job is important. Keep that writing skill High and watch as your words come to life on the big screen, take work when you can and make some big bucks, it's a tough job but you can handle it.
Agent- your job as an agent is extremely important to celebrities. Find fresh talent and groom them for success. Cut them the best deals and launch a megastar's career, your name will be in the history books!
Researcher/Research Firm- Being a researcher isn't easy, and running a from is even harder. But your job is important to all the big wigs...go out and collect the freshest data and share them with Record Labels, Movie Studios, Fashionistas. Provide the most useful data and soon your firm will become the go-to place for all information regarding the current trends.
Record Label Boss- Its your job to find the hottest musical talent. Work with their agent on a deal and plan the artists schedule. Being successful is all in your hands, and if you mess up, they could just give you the boot or lose the business entirely
TV Network Boss-As the head of a TV station it's your job to pay close attention to the ratings, schedule and produce programming and select were advertising goes. Become the leader in Prime-Time television. It's important and it's no glamorous but the pay off is worth.
Well there you have it, all my ideas for The Sims 4, yes It's long, and I know I had a lot more information on the expansion pack. But it was important to get out all my ideas in one place.
What do you think about my ideas? Is it something you would want to play? Comment Below! I would also like to hear some of your ideas.
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