Video Game Reviews
Title: The Sims Vacation
Review rating: ***
Platform/console: PC
Release date: March 2002
Genre: Simulation
Players allowed: 1
ESRB rating: T (comic mischief, sexual themes, mild violence)
Production company: Electronic Arts
Sims Vacation continues the trend of great expansion packs
to The Sims (PC). The main reason why people want to play
the Sims is to escape their lives and have some fantastical
fun with their projected self without being hassled with real
world issues. Therefore, game designers choose not to put
more realistic options like crime and limiting the vacation
time which would take the fun out of the game. Don’t
worry about your job back home because you’re not limited
to how much vacation time you have – another fantastical
perk!
Other elements might give you minor problems. Don’t
expect things to be quiet or privacy because people are always
around and most places don’t really close. This element
seems to be in place to limit the length of vacations so your
Sims eventually get uncomfortable and go home.
This game wisely builds on the freedom you have to do whatever
you want in varied environments with dynamic characters. You
can be a total slacker as long as you have the money to fund
your fun endeavors. You can play ‘devil’s advocate’
and test situations making them worse or better. You can make
your experience it as safe or as dynamic as you want.
You can acquire items to your collection which continues a
materialistic element in the original Sims and the following
expansion packs that may or may not bother you. Unlike the
other expansion packs, Sims Vacation gives you the option
to stay overnight. A great title full of special codes and
“easter eggs” and a satisfying purchase especially
if you have at least one of the other expansion packs, Livin’
Large, Hot Date, Unleashed or House Party.
Review by Michael Siebenaler
© Electronic Arts
®
