Amazon.com Review

"It's about nothing." --George Costanza, Seinfeld

Rarely has a game had so much hype: the cover of a national newsweekly, articles in every newspaper from L.A. to New York, comments that The Sims Online--or TSO for short--will save PC games from console-game encroachment. The Sims earned such attention because the concept was brilliant. The Sims was less a game and more a fun software toy, with no way to win. The Sims Online follows the same formula. Unlike other online games, TSO was specifically designed to not have traditional rewards such as gold, power, or magic items. There are no levels to attain, or princesses to rescue. Instead, players take joy in little victories--maybe your Sim cooperates with others, and all four of you manage to bake a pizza without burning it and then sell it. Or maybe you throw a party, and all the cool kids show up and have a good time. The core reward for playing the game is nothing... nothing more or less than the joy of playing.

Unlike the original Sims, where you created a number of Sims and controlled them all as a god, in TSO you create and control only one Sim at a time. This is a significant change, as you can't direct one Sim to perform a time-consuming task and then switch to another Sim until the task is complete. Instead, if you want your Sim to do anything in the game, you have to watch him do it in tedious real time (the fast-forward button, so vital in the original Sims, is gone). For example: when your Sim is sleeping, you have to sit and watch him sleep for the five minutes it takes him to refresh. This real-time aspect is excruciating. The game designers probably thought that a group of ten people, while watching their Sims work out in an exercise room together, would alleviate the boredom of watching Sims pump virtual iron by striking up a conversation (the chat aspect gets a lot of comment from TSO designer Will Wright). The problem is that unlike a chat room, where a topic or passion is already shared by everyone in the room, the only thing a player has in common with other folks in TSO is that everyone is watching their Sims power up. Such basic commonality doesn't spark quality conversation. The best you can hope for is some idiot inevitably commenting "nice grunt" or making some other silly sexual innuendo (often with *%$^@*# fake words generated by the much-needed obscenity filter).

If you're willing to put in the time, there's still the issue of paying month-by-month to access your Sim. For this reason, word of mouth, which caused The Sims to rocket from obscurity to the Best-Selling PC Game of All Time, is working against TSO. Casual game players loudly criticize the idea of paying for both a game and a game service, despite the fact that many of these same players are comfortable shelling out hundreds of dollars for cable, magazines, TiVo, and other monthly subscription-based entertainment services. The overall trend toward pay-per-month-of-play service is generally accepted by the hardcore gamers who play dynamic online adventure games like EverQuest, where gamers can see their monthly tribute at work in the form of fancy new spells and labyrinths. But TSO is a quietly suburban diversion for mostly casual gamers, filled with objects that are mundane by design. In TSO, you putter, you work out, you chat with others in the real world via your avatars. To put it another way: you live a slightly zanier version of everyday life, and frankly, that costs a lot already.

TSO still has the core elements that made the first game a classic: obsession with the minutiae of daily life, amusing content from the game designers, and the mind-bending thing that happens when you've been playing too long--that the real world starts to look exactly like The Sims. (Couch shopping caused that surreal "Is it Sims, or is it real?" experience for a friend.) TSO may still prove to be the Goliath the media predicted it would be thanks to the nature of ever-changing online games. Ironically, the monthly fees that bother so many new TSO players will pay for the improvements those same players crave. For example, EA plans to release new functionality that will allow players to design clothes and objects (a big hit with players of the original Sims).

TSO is fluid, and the game reviewed as it is at launch may be very different from TSO in a year, when the designers are able to respond to player requests. Even until that time, there are good things about this game. When your character is "greened up," dressed in disco finery and looking to hit it lucky with the dice, TSO can be a blast. But the tidal wave of hype may have done more harm than good for a game that has a simple, Seinfeldish heart. --Jennifer Buckendorff

Pros:

• Gameplay similar to The Sims
• Wide variety of social interactions, including a deep menu of dance moves
• Persistent online world lets you share the Sims experience with others

Cons:

• Lack of fast-forward feature is a drag
• At launch, too few in-game money-making opportunities
• At launch, game world seems empty--there's not enough to do
• Players of The Sims, used to easy money through cheat codes, may balk at having to actually work for in-game cash

Reviews (212)

3/10- Still Not Good
Ok I played it during the summer and might I say its the worse expiernence ever.I do have to say this game "HAS POTENTAL"The game designers can make it work.They just need to get off their lazy ass and create something desent. Short and simple well wait another year to probally go back

Sims Online is really fun...
I was pleasantly suprised when I played this game, normally I am more of a RPG guy, but this ame is crazy.A lot more creative than I was expecting.I loved it...getting it for the kids as an x-mas gift...

Making Magic vanising items
Has anyone have the same problem as me?After installing Making Magic, my iguanas and love birds dissapeared. I have also lost the ability to go to the comunity lots. Please e-mail me if there is a solution

It's much improved now
Many many changes have been made since the inital release.This should've been the version that was initially rolled out.More changes to come!

Mindless Chatroom with a few game elements thrown in!
TSO was and still is HUGE disappointment. Its merely achatroom with a Sims theme and ITS NOT WORTH the cost. I recently cancelled after foolishly paying for months of what is essentially a giant Sim Chatroom with some game elements thrown
to give the casual player the false assumption that they are playing an actual game when in fact they're only participating in an interactive chatroom.

Why can't Electronic Arts spend more time on making a really good game or two, rather than making a below average to horrible animatedchatroomthat has little to offer? ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Fun but hard to find a date
This game is quite fun! You are able to do the most stuff with it. It is the first time that Aspyr came up with the concept to get the Sims 'out of the house'.
However, I have played this game for hours on end and still haven't been able to get a loving relationship. Its quite hard. Maybe I am doing something wrong.

IT COOL BUT HARD!!!
I thought that it was really cool taking yours sims on a date!! It is a little hard for them to fall in love but you well really enjoy seeing it if you do get it!!!! After that you can get married!! And then you can adopt or have a baby after you fall in love! But it is really hard work to get a baby or even get married. A lot of kissing and hugging! Make sure to take a lot of pictures!!

Memory Hog
Neat idea - get the Sims out of their houses and have them interact.The only problem?This is a HUGE memory hog!It's fun but make sure you have enough free memory to run this.

HOT HOT HOT !!!!
I would have to give this four stars instead of five stars coz after a while it gets a bit boring.
In Hot date,your sim can kiss in different forms(peck on the cheek to a hot firey kiss)and can also play around in bed.
The bad bits about this are some of the stuff that you would do on a date is cut out.For example,you don't always take people out to resturuants,what about the movies?
A good thing about it is that you can design a shop,park or resturuant,but if its a highly excusive posh resturuant people just turn up in jeans and a t-shirt,not all fancy.
At first this was really fun,but now,not so much

Beware if you have an older system
Beware--despite the fact that my computer apparently met the system requirements for this software, it crashed my computer upon installation and I had to pay a repairman ... to restore my system.I've since heard that other people have had similar problems with this software--but when I called Aspyr for technical support (before calling the repairman in desperation) they said they'd never heard of such a thing--it must be a coincidence (!). ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Sex and aliens. That's really all that was missing from the amazingoriginal edition of The Sims, and the expansion Livin' Largedelivers these new treats to liven up your beloved Sims existence.

New characters (including a gladiator and Xena-like warriors), and, moreimpressively, new decorations are the reasons to buy this game. Thefurnishingsare mostly grouped by theme, with the medieval dungeon option the mostauthoritative of the bunch. (Little Cassandra Goth has been longing toread by torch light all along.)

Our personal favorite is the futuristic theme, with an optional, butexpensive,maid/gardener robot to take care of the fabulous modern furnishings. ClearlytheSims team has been doing its research over at Herman Miller, and you'll have abright red, flowing-foam sofa to show for it.

But it wouldn't be The Sims if only good taste prevailed. Bring on themai tais with a tiki-heavy islander theme. There's also a startling collectionof carpeting and objects best grouped under the design ideal we call "dementedclown."

The attention-getting rarities include: a lame fortune-telling ball (ouradvicemostly centered around hiring a maid), a voodoo doll for hexing roommates,and agenie who delivers as much bad as good (dead plants, anyone?). And, yes,there'sa vibrating bed to give your Sims the spice they've been missing.

While the expansion didn't blow us away, it did provide more of the humor andnovelty true Sims die-hards will appreciate. With even more attentiontodetail than the original offering, EA deserves Sims-like applause forthis edition. --Jennifer Buckendorff ... Read more

Reviews (250)

Livin' It Up
Livin' Large wasn't bad, but I worship it compared to Vacation as it's got variety. Livin' Large has new items concentrated in the different ways of construction of a house. Lots of new doors, windows, wall textures and roofs are added as well as decoration items to go with the theme. I use the medieval theme a lot! It even includes the Love Bed, abduction of Sims are now possible through frequent use of the telescope, and Grim Reapers appear to decide the fate of your close-to-dead Sim who you can only save by beating it to a game of Stone-Papper-Scissors (cute).

Livin' Large definately enhances the game, and it's absence would affect the game greatly unlike some other expansion packs I could mention.

The Most Underated Expansion Pack
Although Livin' Large is not my favorite expansion pack, I think it is the most underated.What would we do without the telescope, chemistry set and guitar?I loved all the wacky items that Maxis added and the medieval theme.If you have the sims deluxe edition don't worry about buying it... Livin' Large is included.

Ehhh... it's ok
Actually this is a great installment, but my favorite is House Party. What's great about Livin' Large is mostly the items. New items include a robot, love bed, and a lot more. Like all the other expansion packs this one more neighborhoods. I would suggest you just wait for Sims 2 to come out instead of buying more expansion packs.

execelent
i think this game is excelent because it is fun and funny.

Great sim expansion
Now I only gave it 4 stars since I know other expansions are better. I truly love this game since I am a sims fanatic And there are great websites for thisgame such as simmerville on yahoo This is a great expansion Such i only have this expansion but I have played all other expansions But I strongly suggest this game if you love sims games!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Product Description

Create your Sims. Design their personalities, skills, and appearance. Control their lives and guide your Sim's relationships and careers. Personality and good looks give each Sim a unique appearance and lifestyle. Choose careers, make friends, fall in love, argue with the neighbors, or shoot hoops in the backyard.The Sims Livin' Large Expansion Pack makes The Sims twice the game it used to be! A bunch of new game elements, social interactions, interesting and unique characters and skins will create tons of cool new experiences for you and your Sims.

• Move your Sims into a pre-build house or build your own from the ground up.
• Create dozens of original Sims or re-create yourself, your family, and your friends.
• Explore 50 New Jobs and 125 New Characters.
• More Neighborhoods and Building Styles.
• Includes Both The Sims and The Sims: Livin' Larg Expansion Pack

Features

• Combines the hit The Sims with the first expansion pack, Livin' Large
• Build a simulated neighborhood and run--or ruin--the lives of the people that live there
• Unlimited open-ended game play allows you to help your Sims develop and mature
• Livin' Large adds five new career tracks and 125 new objects
• For 1 player

Reviews (4)

Why Haven't You Bought This?
My first question to you is... why haven't you bought this game already? It is absolutely so addictive, it may become illegal! While it gets tedious having to make your Sim use the toilet every morning, this game is so incredibly fun. You control every single aspect of your Sim. It is so amazing! I think you only become satisfied when you have created the family of your dreams. Of course, you absolutely have to get one expansion pack or else it becomes boring. I'd recommend Hot Date or Unleashed. Have fun!

Disappointing at best, but still mildly entertaining
First, I'm a Sim fan, and while the game can get quite boring, I'm still having fun so far. The reason I gave this 3 stars is that I was SORELY dissapointed by the small amount of "extras" that was provided. Aspyre Media has a nice racket going with these "Expansion Packs"All that was added was a few more jobs and the furniture, tiles and wallpaper added was a JOKE. It's not nearly as much fun as it would be if I could actually make my houses look different rather than using the same non-matching wallpaper, or the same two couches.Again, the furniture is appalling!Not much to choose from.

For example, there are three or four different types of tubs. Why not several differents type of showers, phones, dining tables, children's beds, TV's and kitchen tables and chairs? Why no clocks?

Also, people like the maids are poor too because sometimes she didn't even clean up everything, though sometimes that's funny as well as frustrating.The Sims is very popular, and I understand why, but I also understand why a lot of people complain about it as well. Aspyr Media has A LOT OF KINKS STILL TO WORK OUT!

Again, without at least one expansion pack The Sims is almost not worth playing.I have a Mac and it's been getting slowafter the installation of Livin' Large, so I'm only going to install one more Pack then I'm done.I don't want all the Packs and I don't think they're worth the money. I think getting them used is the best bet, mainly because they're only of mininal fun. I want another pack just to get more items to play with. What they provided is a J.O.K.E.

Some of the new things that come withthis pack is not even fun, like the stupid clown that follows you around and cries and wakes you up, or the 'evil twin' that can be made from the science table. WTF? Stupid and frustrating, NOT FUN OR FUNNY.

Instead of giving us 10,000 lots, how about more items to build our houses with? More items to go inside? Please?Who's building on all those lots anyway?

The one tip I have for those who complain about keeping their Sims happy (energy, bathroom, comfort, etc.)When you first get a family, or whoever, make friends and let them get their "work skills" like cooking, body, mechanical, etc. before they get a job.That way, when you get a job, you don't have to work like mad to get them some charisma and body and all that, which takes away from any social life you want them to have.

For the last time, I recommend you get this used, or play at a friends house first.If possible, buy the, I believe, Deluxe pack that gives you three games at once.After getting The Sims you'll want an expansion pack, believe me.I still enjoy the game, but I'm glad I didn't break the bank for it (for mac),The fun won't last forever.It's something that I play, put away for weeks and come back to.

Now, I'm waiting for Zoo Tycoon 2 for Mac.:)

Fantastic game!
This combo pack has been so much fun already! I was disappointed that the Mac version is so much more expensive than the PC version, but I really wanted to own this game, so...

This is not an exciting game by any means, but it is extremely addictive as you sit and watch your Sim toast the stove for the third time. You'll get all sorts of warm fuzzies as you watch your Sims fall in love and make friends.

This is a quality game--where else can you legally slap a clown?!

This is a great game!
This game is great! I bought it a couple of days ago, my friend said that it was a pretty cool expansion pack, so I tried it out at her house. Turns out, it is soooo cool. ... Read more

Features

• An amazing lineup of create-and-control games in one package
• The Sims: design your house and populate the neighborhood
• SimsCity 3000 Unlimited: create every detail of an urban metropolis
• SimTheme Park: build an entire park and manage guest experiences
• The Sims Online: transform yourself into whatever you want to be

Reviews (5)

False Advertisement
All,

My son recently purchased The Sims Collection. I was with him when he placed the order so that I could handle the CC info.

This game clearly states in the ad that it will work with Windows 98/me/XP. NOT TRUE.

We received the game and upon installation,The Sims and Theme Park lock up his system (he has XP). I went on line and found that others have had the same problem.

I emailed Amazon to see if they will accept a return although their policy on software indicates they will not.

This is nonsense. Not everyone is a "techie" or a full time "gamer", You rely on the information provided by the COMPANY YOU ARE BUYING FROM.

Beware of one sided deals. With Amazon, they will suck you in with low proces..but then,...You buy it, you own it. If it doesn't work, tell your kids to deal with it and buy them another from someone that can accurately describe the products they sell and know the difference between 98/ME and XP.

Ben Holstein

bad
this game sucks.
this game sucks.
this game sucks.
this game sucks.
this game sucks.
this game sucks.
this game sucks.
this game sucks.
this game sucks.
this game sucks.
this game sucks.

Sounds like a pretty good deal to me!
This pack sounds really good to me. It contains many good games in it. Anyone who is interested in at least one of the games, should buy this anyway!! I play "The sims" (one of the games included in the pack) and its wonderfull!A point I should mention - Sim City and Sim Theam ParkDONT WORk on XP!! (and as you notice, its half of the pack). Even if i cant use two of the games, I would still buy it. The Sims is A GREAT GAME!!!!

Great! especially the sims online!
I just got this and i was esspecially ecited to try The Sims Online. So i did, i tried the game and it is so cool! Ive met so many people and i am having a blast! The other games are ok, but The Sims Online is deffinatly my favorite. Even though you have to pay 10$ a month, i think once you try it you will realize it is very well worth it!

About the games in this pack.
Originally written 11-22-2003:I'm a huge fan of the sims and recommened that people should try playing it, however there are seven expansions for this game that have been released and now you can't find the second two expansions alone because Maxis has bundled the original and the first two expansions together for something like $50.If you want the sims I suggest you do that, though in the near future they will probably combine more expansions together.That and The Sime 2 is set to be released in the early Spring of 2004, with much better graphics and an overall updated appearance and better gameplay, no more Sims 1 expansions will be realeased as they are going to start expanding Sims 2 eventually.

As for the Sims online, I never got into that, even though I'm a huge sims fan.The reason being that you pay the money for the game and get, at the time of realease, a free two months to play online.But, after this time you have to pay like $10 a month to use it, since you have to play online and you have to pay to do so.

I have Sim Themepark and played it for a couple of months, it was actually quite fun, the graphics could have been better, but all in all it was decent, but once you play all the way through and buy everything it loses its luster and gets old pretty fast.

I haven't played this version of SimCity, but have played other versions.I always got a kick out of playing it but once again it gets old pretty fast.A lot of the time after you've played it for a while, I at least, started making disasters happen just for some excitement.Again, I haven't played this version and the newest version (not this one) looks really great, with better graphics and all, even expansions to the game.

Overall, I'd say that if you know that you really want SimCity or Sim Theme Park and you are inserested in seeing what the sims is and not wanting to really expand it that much and you don't want to just wait for the Sims 2 release then by all means get this.Don't buy it for Sims Online unless you are willing to pay the money every month for the ability to play it.

Overall I think for $40 this ain't that bad, the games are on the old side now but are generally still fun, excluding Sims Online (though I've heard that's all in what you make of it, but you still have to pay to play).

Since you can get the updated versions of these game now for like this price my final word is that if you are getting this because you like one of the games then forego getting this and get the better newer version of that game.But if you want to try them out then go ahead.

I hope this helps someone decide on whether to buy this bundle. ^_^

***UPDATED 04-17-2004:Well I've come back and looked at this again recently and see that they've lowered the price.For $20 I guess that makes it a little better.It's seems bargain basement compared to the $40 it was at.I still say that if you are just getting this for one of the games then get the updated versions, but if you just want to try these all out then go for it.$20 is hard to pass up for 4 games.Though you still have to remember you have to pay $10 a month to play sims online.*** ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Toga party, anyone? Now your Sims can do that and more withThe Sims: House Party Expansion Pack, which makes it easier thanever for characters from The Sims to make friends and quicklyrise to the top ranks of their professions.

They'll need all the extra money they make from promotions to pay forall the cool goodies included in this expansion. Party themes rangefrom Wild West campfire cookouts to Hawaiian luaus and room-shakingraves, with plenty of objects provided to keep guests entertained.There's a costume trunk to guarantee everyone will be dressed for theoccasion, and it's even possible to hire a caterer to keep the food anddrink flowing. If you're really lucky, a famous star may pop in for aguest appearance. Every party is packed with surprises, and theinclusion of extra neighborhoods ensures there's always a bash to plan.This is one expansion that no fan of The Sims should be without.--T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• More than 100 new objects and characters
• Guaranteed social interactions can really help a Sim's career
• Great music and fun themes
• Plenty of surprises

• Takes time away from real parties

Reviews (22)

Let's parrr-tay!
Party on!

I haven't played "House Party" that much yet.It was a hassle trying to install this game.I had to send the game disc to Aspyr to get me a new version because it wouldn't install.

Last night, I spent around 6 hours building a new house with House Party.In this game, you get 100+ new objects, larger variety of floors and walls, new characters and skins, and 3 new neighborhoods (8 in total (80 lots)).With how much I've played, I like it.A new staircase in HP is a teleporter that teleports you to the second or first floor.It's cool.Another cool thing about The Sims is that you can add your own mp3s to the game, so then your sims can "rock [their] body" to the "music."

Sims gone wild!!!
The sims is a great gamebut with x-packs(Like house party) it's better.House party has many new features for example the regular things like wall paper, floor tiles ,and new fences.But they have some uncommen things such as a recycled pay phone(garenteed to be disease and germ free)There is also light up dance floors and a hula girl lamp that really hulas! You can also call your niehbours(If you have niehbours) and have a house party(duh!) You can style your house to be a hawien louaw or even a texan roadio complete with a mechical bull! There is all so a visiting mime(much like the sad clown in livin' large)and special celeberty guest Drew Carry. Oh yeah I almost forgot, speaking of Livin' Large you should istall it before House party and House Party before Hot Date. Because alone they are good but together they are better. I like house party because it lets you go out ,get down ,and be crazy with the Sims!
Ihope my review was helpful and now that you are done reading it go on and buy house party for mac.
signed,
califonia girl!

Someone sent us a defective game!
We ordered a used copy of Sims House Party and someone sent us a defective game! My friend has it though and it's very fun!

Great!
This game is a whole lot of fun. It adds a lot more to the other 2 Sims games. It gives you something else to make your Sims do. Without this game, the Sims would not be the same for me. It did make my computer a tad slower but not anything that greatly impacted my gameplay. I think this game is a must if you have the Sims. I STRONGLY recommend having any of the 4 expansion packs for the Sims because otherwise it is not as fun. I am sure you would like this game if you liek the Sims!!!

Great!
This game is a whole lot of fun. It adds a lot more to the other 2 Sims games. It gives you something else to make your Sims do. Without this game, the Sims would not be the same for me. It did make my computer a tad slower but not anything that greatly impacted my gameplay. I think this game is a must if you have the Sims. I STRONGLY recommend having any of the 4 expansion packs for the Sims because otherwise it is not as fun. I am sure you would like this game if you liek the Sims!!! ... Read more

Features

• Learn the tips and tricks you need to keep your Sims happy and successful
• Control a life through every aspect -- get them a good job, build their social life, and give them a happy home
• See the consequences of every choice you make for them -- whether it's quitting their job or not bathing them for a week
• Discover secrets and tricks that add a whole new spin on the world of the Sims!

Amazon.com Review

Sex and aliens. That's really all that was missing from the amazing original edition of The Sims, and the expansion Livin' Large delivers these new treats to liven up your beloved Sims existence.

New characters (including a gladiator and Xena-like warriors), and, more impressively, new decorations are the reasons to buy this game. The furnishings are mostly grouped by theme, with the medieval dungeon option the most authoritative of the bunch. (Little Cassandra Goth has been longing to read by torch light all along.)

Our personal favorite is the futuristic theme, with an optional, but expensive, maid/gardener robot to take care of the fabulous modern furnishings. Clearly the Sims team has been doing its research over at Herman Miller, and you'll have a bright red, flowing-foam sofa to show for it.

But it wouldn't be The Sims if only good taste prevailed. Bring on the mai tais with a tiki-heavy islander theme. There's also a startling collection of carpeting and objects best grouped under the design ideal we call "demented clown."

The attention-getting rarities include: a lame fortune-telling ball (our advice mostly centered around hiring a maid), a voodoo doll for hexing roommates, and a genie who delivers as much bad as good (dead plants, anyone?). And, yes, there's a vibrating bed to give your Sims the spice they've been missing.

While the expansion didn't blow us away, it did provide more of the humor and novelty true Sims die-hards will appreciate. With even more attention to detail than the original offering, EA deserves Sims-like applause for this edition. --Jennifer Buckendorff ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Cool!
I've played Livin' Large for a week now.Remember that review I gave on the first Sims game?I said that I didn't think it was addicting.Yeah right!It's 5:25am, and I haven't gone to bed 'cause I was playin' "Livin' Large."I can't wait to install House Party! :)

In the first Sims game, you got 10 lots.In this game, you get 40 extra lots!That's 50 in total!Lots are places you buy to put houses on, in case you haven't figured that out alreay.I'm sharing this game with my brother, so we would get 25 lots each.I already used up around 8 of them.My brother's only used 2.

The Sims Livin' Large comes with 5 new careers (Slacker, Journalist, Paranormal, Hacker, and Musician), more building styles, 125 new items, and new characters.You must install the first Sims game before playing Livin' Large.

The Sims are livin' large!

A bit disappointing
The pac was not as good as I thought it would be.Push come to shove I'd buy it again.Thing is I never even bother to have a party anymore. It's just not that much fun.By the time you get everything set up your Sim is too tired anyway.Your best bet is to #1 skip work that day and set up everything before you invite the guests. If the guests would interact more it would have been more fun. But maybe I just didn't give it a fair enough shake. Anyway the pack is worth getting just for the extra decorating stuff, skins etc.. One piece of advice, don't purchase the magic lamp or the crystal ball. The magic lamp apparently lets loose "cockroaches" that begin as "flies". The annoying little buzzing they make drove me insane. They sound exactly like the flies that gather when a Sim leaves out a plate. The only way to get rid of them is to evict everyone from their houses and tear them down. The darn crystal ball starts leaving these annoying little messages on the phone. Trust me just don't get these two going cause you WILL regret it.

Could it get any more annoying that this?
I must admit that this expansion adds what it promises. i will spare you a listing of what's new and improved and get straight to the point of what is new but makes the game unenjoyable - at least under certain conditions. I have one word for you: Clown! Now, I like playing this game as much as anyone but when my Sims get visited by that annoying Clown I have to turn the computer off and leave the game be. It makes me want to uninstall the expansion altogether. You can't ask the Clown to leave (cause it won't) and your Sims live get forced into interactions that I don't want them to have at all and that add nothing to gameplay except frustration. Fortunately, however, the Clown only appears if certain requirements are met. Nonetheless, I keep thinking that I must be missing something with this game. it just does not seem addictive to me. while I find myself playing such games as Age of Empires even years after purchasing them, I am getting fairly tired of the sims after only a few weeks. So, I have created nice families or singles, I have made them work out, read, or build up their charisma, i even created a house full of criminals. I have bought all there is to buy, have build various houses of all sorts of sizes and designs, I have had wild parties, and made many friens, and now i simply don't know why I should ever return to the game.

This game is alot different than the other games!
This game is the best of the best Sims games there ever were.
There is one thing wrong. I had to get my cousin a birthday present for her birthday. She had all the Sims games exept for one which is this game. All the stores I went to they did not have it. So I went online to [a website]and they did not sell it on the internet. So I went to Amazon.com and they had it. I am also missing this game which I am in great need of it. I have all of them exept for one which is Livin' Large. This is my one concern about this item. Once the Deluxe Edition came out some stores did not carry this item in there stock. So I was very mad at that point.

So cool! So cool! A must have! A must have!
Hiya folks! ( ALERT! ) This game is awsome! It is for parents and kids age's 10 + up! Very very good! In this game game there are o' lot more furniture, clothing, and alot of other cool things. This game is also tight becuz when ur sims die they can be brought back 2 life if you win rock, paper scisors with the Grim Reaper. Other funny characters are: The depressed clown, The Genie of the lamp and the $15,000 robot who cleans, repairs, and gardens ur flowers. The bad things about this game are just some little insects crawl around the floor, so ur sims have to go over a spray em'. Hehe! Also, ur sims can catch a strange sickness and quickly die from it and i think it is contageous. You know there sick if they cough and stuff. ( I still didn't find a cure from that, also i know beacause both my sims died from that.) Overall this is an awsome game everyone should have! ... Read more

Reviews (29)

diamonds in the rough....
Everything said about this game is true...it's a giant chatroom, an addictive game, and a total ripoff, but I've met some really cool people by playing this game, which makes it worthwhile.Whenever they're online, we have a lot of fun playing...most of the time we're laughing our heads off at people who take this game so seriously and can't distinguish game-life from real-life (it's just a GAME people!).

But seriously, one of my friends can't get out much to socialize with other people in real-life because she's recovering from chemo, so she plays the game to have a bit of fun and meet other people online to do everyday things that she normally can't do regularly, so it's cool in that respect.However, I'm giving it 3 stars because unless your friends are online at the same time you are, it's one heckuva boring game and it's fee is pricey, but hey, the fun I have on here is worth the 33 cents/day. :p

Gamers: Don't Waste Your Time And Money
The game itself is a remarkable accomplishment in itself. However, there are a few things you should know before investing your time and efforts.

Parents should be aware that there is alot of gang symbolism involved in the communites these days. Part of building up your character includes obtaining special actions when you choose to make a new friend. If someone decides to make you an enemy, you lose these special actions and friendship links. The bad players that join these gangs do so for the sole purpose of making enemies to rob people of their special actions. Maxis and EA has lost all control of this and people are leaving the game rapidly. If you unknowingly move into a neighborhood these people don't like, you can be hit to the point of losing all of your friendships.

The other drawback is that in order to be a popular property you have to keep visitors coming in and staying. If you work hard enough you can be a top property. However, several of the players (mostly the online gangs) buy several accounts and keep non-roommate characters at their properties constantly. If you want to pay for four or five accounts and do this, you have a chance of achieving this game goal. Unfortunately, an honest player will never have a chance to make most of the game goals.

Aside from this, the actual technology behind the game is short of amazing. There are some graphic and system glitches, but nothing major.

One Big Fat Chat Room
download IRC and save yourself some money. I was irritated that I had to call and cancel my subscription instead of being able to do it online.
I Love the Sims, and own all the expansion packs and all the console games, but this game falls short.

MEET MAXIS! MEET YOUR FRIENDS!
This game is an excelent way to meet friends, or even a mate! Many people have gotten married after meeting in this game. Yes, there are some bad aspects of the game, but MAXIS is dealing with them and they're nowhere near as bad as they are said to be.

Check out the largest Real Life party for players of the game
www.internationalsimcon.com . You can meet the people who make this game, and ask them questions, as well as meet your friends!

One big popularity contest
I've played The Sims Online for over a year now. It gets worse and worse all the time. The only reason I keep it is because I have one friend that I can only get in contact with through the game. There is too much drama, people take it way too seriously. And "mafia" families are everywhere trying to con everyone out of simoleons or ruin reputations of innocent sims. I would not recommend this game to anyone!! ... Read more

Book Description

The Sims Online is a virtual world built from the imaginations of thousands of players like you--an unpredictable, living, alternate online reality where you are both spectator and participant.

In this world, you have your own plot of land to do with as you please. Create a house, coffee bar, dance club, museum, or whatever else you can imagine. Explore the neighborhoods around you and meet scores of Sims along the way. Build a network of friends from around the world to enhance your power, wealth, reputation, and social standing. Be a peacemaker or pest, casanova or matchmaker, recluse or party animal. In this open-ended online world, you choose your role, your attitude, and your destiny.

• Get real... ridiculous: Create and customize your Sim to be just like you, or someone else.
• Speak for yourself: Meet, flirt with, and get to know other Sims through chat, instant messages, and over 60 new expressive gestures.
• Build a home and a livelihood: Build your dream home, the trendiest boutique, or the hottest neighborhood hangout around.
• Be roommates and colleagues: Develop a network of friends, go into business with your housemates, improve the neighborhood, or open a hoppin' club.
• Live life online to the fullest: Select from over 500 new items and skins, designed for online play. And choose from almost all items and skins from the other Sims games.
• Life is what you make of it: Let your imagination run wild. Choose your online role and play your way in this unpredictable, infinite, online world.

This limited Charter Edition includes:

• 3 free months of play time, a $20 value (regular edition has 1 free month of play time)
• Sims face magnet: 25 Sims faces and a small frame that says "Today I am..."
• Sims music CD
• Sims twisty block key chain (contains four Sims in 3 segments each)
• 4-color manual with development team signatures
• Charter Member certificate

Reviews (31)

Not very Sim-ish
I believe "The Sims" taps into our control freak nature. Most of the fun of the game is being able to control the little Sims, build their houses, have them interact with others, etc.

The fun of the online version is completely dependent on other players. The money your Sim (and only one Sim) makes gets sucked up immediately. The "spend money to earn money" philosophy of the single-player version is abandoned. You can't build much of anything, much less furnish a place, and the buildings you find resemble HP -- party after party with no home life interaction like sitting down to dinner with spouse and kids.

As the others say, it is a glorified chatroom. The majority of relationships in TSO were formed early in beta-testing and to get in on a relationship, a house, etc. at this point will be very difficult. In other words, there's no fun to be had.

If you want a new Sims adventure, the only way to go is Sims2.

BEWARE!!!!
I got this game for Christmas when it first came out and for about a year i loved it.Then once after a update that i had to download it i could no longer access my account.I conteacted tech support MANY times to NO avail.The told me the problem was on my end...but that wouldnt explain why i couldnt log into the game after i could get part way in.They even had me download and reinstall and what-not.BUT..i still could not get in.I tried for 3 months..paying the 12 bucks a month and not being able to play the game.I am not the only person who has had this problem either.Beware this game.Its very fun..until you can't play it anymore and cannot get tech support.

BORING
i have played the game for less than a year... and i am bored sick...i am not paying 10 bucks a month for a chat room that only people talk to certain people. than you get ignored. sorry not worth it in my opinion.

This game can mess up your real life...
If you have a life, be careful about buying The Sims Online. Don't let the bad reviews fool you, this is a good game. I almost did not buy The Sims Online because of it being called "A chat room that costs $10 a month." If it was boring as some say, would 100,000 people play this game? Nope.

This game will take away time from your real life. You might lose friends, your job and social life. My online friend is even trying to get The Sims Online just to chat with me!

Making your Sim is much easier than ever! No more of the boring clicking arrows to see all the outfits/heads. They are now thumbnails. You can make a human Sim or make a bear, (polar, brown, or black bear) alien, even a robot. Bears, aliens, and robots cannot do anything humans can't. Don't worry about bears mauling you! You cannot set any personality. After all, you are the one controlling everything he/she does. That is right, no more "free will." But don't worry, your Sim's moods drop three times slower.

This is not just a big animated chat room. You can build a house, skill center, or park, whatever you want! You do not have unlimited money, you must work for it. Your first instinct as a The Sims player is to look in the paper for a job. Say goodbye to carpools and then zooming off to work. You now have to skill (it takes several real life hours but good people make it fun) then make money on a job object. Some are easy but slow. Others, you must work with others. You can also find people looking for a maid or repairman. Anything you do for making money is fun. Almost.

There is now a "death" feature in the game. Your Sim can die from electrocution, drowning, and starving. Don't worry, you can get revived or stay a ghost. Being a ghost is fun for a while but gets boring after a while.

There are also clothing racks. You can now buy your Sim new clothes from daywear, PJ's, lingerie, swimwear, and formal outfits. Very fun when you get bored with your Sim's clothes.

There is a lack of economy in The Sims Online. Everywhere you go has free food, showers, even beds and hotel rooms at times. However, players are working on an economy. Another thing is a new program called "HUD" that allows people that have an extra [$$] lying around to get a size 8 lot. Making money is boring when everyone is away from the game. It is annoying when you are playing in the middle of the night or some other time for those outside of the US when the servers go down for maintenance. The Social meter is sometimes annoying if you are staying at your house waiting for people to come. Those are the only bad things about The Sims Online.

As for graphics, it is better than The Sims slightly. There is a new and better looking UCP (Universal Control Panel) and buy/build modes. Other than that, same graphics as the 3 year old game.

The sound is pretty good. It is sometimes funny when your Sim sings in the shower. I like the music but to others, it is repetitive and annoying. There is less of the famous gibberish that Sims make. There are user-made radios that some listen to.

As for the bonus stuff with the Charter Edition, you get a certificate, 2 more months free, a key chain, a magnet, and a soundtrack CD. The CD has some nice music on it. All of it from the game. The colored manual with hot keys is very convenient.

Overall, this game is very fun. Like I said, do not listen to the bad reviews. People that love the game would rather play than write a review. Maxis/EA is now offering a free 14 days to play. Before buying The Sims Online, you should go to ...(the official website) to download and play for 14 days free to see if you like it before you buy the game. It is better than paying [$$] for a game you don't like.

Another Life
in this game you have another life. its fun when you can create your own charachters. you can make him or her look like a polar bear or an alien, and best( whitch cant get inside anywhere!), a clown. also the sims online taught me alot of new things. i also got to play poker at a casino thing. it was cool.you can also chat but they will say weird things you never heard. also i got to go in jacuzzis and go to weddinngs. i am ten but in the game i told them that my real life age was 21! this game is fun. BUY IT! ... Read more