The problem with expanding a long-standing series like The Sims is if there aren't major improvements, increased depth of gameplay and new, exciting features introduced with each release or add-on then the dedicated fan-base will become bored, jaded and leave in droves.
But if the
game gets too big and complicated, then newcomers will be frightened off by the daunting prospect of not knowing what to do.
So every now and then, developers are faced with the huge decision of pruning the game back to the core so it can begin the building process all over again.
Hardcore fans are left crying into their Doritos and Mountain Dew, but at the same time a whole new legion of future loyal customers are introduced to the series. This is what I believe EA Games and Maxis have done with The Sims 4.
Gone is the freedom to roam a whole city, the ability to jump on a bike and cruise around sightseeing. The Sims 4 confines you into manageable chunks of real estate. When you try to venture outside of that predefined space, you're faced with a loading screen, and again if you want to return. This gets particularly grating if you want to keep an eye on several family members.
Although the game looks fantastic (with an amazing character creation) and provides many moments of real entertainment due to new interactions between Sims, the stripped-back structure doesn't provide the feeling of purpose or fulfilment that The Sims 3 did.
Sims fans should probably stick to a fully kitted-out version of The Sims 3 for their fix, while those wanting to be introduced to The Sims in a fun and accessible way will find that The Sims 4 will provide just that.
