GameNow Review

The Sims 4 review

6.7Critic average / 10
86.3%Steam positive reviews · 201K
No player reviews yet

Release date
Developer
Maxis, The Sims Studio
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Genres
life simulation game, video game with LGBT character
Systems
PS4 · Windows, macOS · Xbox One
Image credits

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At a glance

The Sims 4 offers a solid foundation with its improved graphics and emotional depth, but its stripped-down content and performance issues may disappoint long-time fans. It's best suited for players who are willing to invest in additional DLC packs to enhance their experience.

Full review ↓

What works

  • Improved graphical quality and detailed character animations
  • Enhanced emotion and multitasking systems
  • Intuitive interface and streamlined building mode

What doesn’t

  • Missing features and content compared to previous titles
  • Frequent glitches and performance issues, especially in console versions

GameNow review

The Sims 4 review: A Mixed Bag of Simulations

The Sims 4 received mixed reviews upon release, praised for its improved graphics and intuitive tools but criticized for missing features and frequent glitches. Critics and players noted the game's stripped-down content compared to previous titles, though many appreciated the emotion and multitasking systems.

Review updated ·

This summary reflects the cited sources, which may describe earlier versions. The update date does not confirm a new playtest or the current patch.

Gameplay and Systems

Critics and players noted that The Sims 4 lacked several features present in earlier titles, such as swimming pools and toddler Sims, which sparked backlash from the community. The game's emotion and multitasking systems, however, were praised for adding depth to the gameplay. Some reviewers felt that the base game was too skeletal without additional DLC packs, while others found the new Create-a-Sim tool to be a significant improvement. The game's performance was mixed, with some players experiencing frequent loading screens and glitches, particularly in the console versions.

[1] [2]

Presentation and Audio

The Sims 4 was commended for its improved graphical quality and detailed character animations. Critics noted that the visual and audio design was a step up from previous entries in the series, enhancing the overall immersion. The game's intuitive interface and streamlined building mode were also highlighted as positive aspects, although the omission of certain customization tools like the 'Create-a-Style' feature was a point of contention.

[1] [2]

World and Story

The game's world and story elements were generally well-received, with players appreciating the expanded emotion system and the ability to express a wider range of feelings through their Sims. The base game's narrative was seen as somewhat limited, but the potential for future expansions and updates was viewed positively by many players. The inclusion of LGBT characters was also noted as a significant step forward for the series.

[1] [2]

What works

  • Improved graphical quality and detailed character animations
  • Enhanced emotion and multitasking systems
  • Intuitive interface and streamlined building mode
  • Inclusion of LGBT characters

What doesn’t

  • Missing features and content compared to previous titles
  • Frequent glitches and performance issues, especially in console versions

Verdict

The Sims 4 offers a solid foundation with its improved graphics and emotional depth, but its stripped-down content and performance issues may disappoint long-time fans. It's best suited for players who are willing to invest in additional DLC packs to enhance their experience.

Sources

This review was drafted with AI assistance from the sources listed here, then checked automatically so that no source text is copied. Scores from outlets are facts recorded on Wikidata.

Source publications: wikipedia.org

  1. The Sims 4 — Wikipedia (en) en.wikipedia.org · CC-BY-SA-4.0
  2. 模擬市民4 — Wikipedia (zh) zh.wikipedia.org · CC-BY-SA-4.0

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