I often buy things and then forget I've bought them. Usually non-perishable items, although I had a nasty incident with some chicken breasts that I forgot about once. I've got PC games that are still in their cellophane wrappers and CD's as yet unplayed. Its a trait I should probably look to cut down on, particularly in these troubled times in which we find ourselves.
I went for a stroll into my hometown, Chester, on Saturday to buy something to forget about. I thought I should treat myself to a new computer game, but was unsure of what to buy. A friend had told me I should get 'The Sims 3', although I misheard and thought she had said get 'The Sims', free.
After an altercation with the HMV security guard, I purchased the recommended item for a rather costly £34.99, although I had seen it priced up to £40 in some outlets (Zavvi - no wonder they're in administration). Is £34.99 too much to pay for a computer game? Its certainly a high price, despite the games newness, and would require a great deal of justification. I will
move onto this later. Incidentally, I also purchased some home-made garlic French bread from the Continental Market. This is currently sitting untouched in my kitchen.
I work in a call centre and haven't gone to work today, as I have lost my voice after a suffering a cold. My mum, an exceptionally naive woman, thinks I have swine flu and should take a trip to the doctors. Despite the fact she is a nurse, I am not going to follow her advice. We are talking about a woman who still believes my local baker is named Victoria Sponge, and the lady who runs the sweet shop is called Annie Seed. Also, my doctor is rude and antipathetic - I once told him I'd get more sympathy going to a doctor with a bone through his nose than one the NHS churned out. But the real reason, I'm not going to the doctors is because I am already addicted to this game.
I have had the most wonderful weekend, despite getting through an expensive box of 80 tissues. Before any presumptions are made, this was due to my cold, not over-indulgent onanism. I have created all of my friends and family on my game and we live on the same street.
Let me tell you more about the product itself. The packaging is most-simplistic, with no real information as to what the game actually is. This is undoubtedly due to the success of the brand, in that anyone who would purchase the game, would theoretically know what the genre of the game was about. The front of the case has lots of pictures of 'Sims' faces (Sim meaning simulated person). I like the front because it reminds me of an activity that I occasionally partake in with my aforementioned mother - watching 'Songs of Praise' to see if we can see any people who look like people we know. It also states that the product is for people ages 12+, which is about right, as your Sim can sometimes turn violent or randy.
There is an instruction manual inside, which is rather brief, considering the new concepts and aspects to the game that regular gamers may be unaware of, besides new users.
Installation took rather a long while - about 20 minutes to be precise, although I was using the Internet at the same time. It took me a while to get used to the new game interface, having previously being used to its predecessor, but once I became used to it, I found it relatively simple to use.
I then went about creating my first character - me. The thing I like about the new version, is that you can make your 'Sim' look like anybody you like, with great attention to detail. My character is identical to me, although I couldn't quite get the hair right, so I look not too dissimilar to Louis Theroux. They can also be as fat or as thin as required which I like, as on the previous version, the obesity of the character wasn't all that large, and was huge advantage when it came to creating my mother.
Each 'Sim' now has his/her own unique personalities, and, I have to say, my 'Sim' has my eccentricities down to a tee. Although I have never done this to my knowledge, my 'Sim' went to the supermarket in his dressing gown (which is identical to my own) and walked home eating a raw onion. He has a job within law enforcement, but lives with one of the biggest gangsters going. I am only 2 days into playing it, but we have already slept together! Who knows where this will end up?!
As I am still new to this version of the game, my knowledge about what can potentially happen on it is rather limited, which is one of the endearing aspects of the game. Perhaps I should have written this review after I'd spent more time playing it. However, for fans of the genre it is completely unquestionable that you shouldn't buy this game. If you can wait, I would recommend leaving it for a few months, as the price will soon reduce. Its addictiveness has increased tenfold on the previous games, in my opinion, and I have a feeling that the garlic bread in my kitchen will be covered in mould before I get round to binning it. Let's hope my voice isn't quite back to normal tomorrow...
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
The game that first opened up the world of video games to a wider audience is back, going ... more
beyond being just a virtual dollhouse to a complete interactive neighbourhood. The basic concept is still the same though, as you create your own computerised ...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
The game that first opened up the world of video games to a wider audience is back, going ... more
beyond being just a virtual dollhouse to a complete interactive neighbourhood. The basic concept is still the same though, as you create your own computerised ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.94 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
The freedom of The Sims 3 will inspire you with endless creative possibilities and amuse ... more
you with unexpected moments of surprise and mischief! Create millions of unique Sims and control their lives. Customize their appearances and personalities. Build ...
Advantages: Very entertaining with its charming functions.Tools are easier to use than ever.Bags of Content Disadvantages: Poor with add-ons. Be prepared to pay for additional content. Minor pathfinding issues
bethanamax1 08.06.2009 (08.06.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Sims 3 (PC)
Advantages: Still very addicting, and a great seamless neighbourhood. Goodbye loading screens! Disadvantages: Still quite 'basic' whilst we wait for all those inevitable expansion packs.
GemmaC25 28.08.2009 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Sims 3 (PC)
exceptional by (5%):
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