"Versatile, Foundational Features & Flaws" - The Sims 4 For Rent Review
11.12.2023 - 13:17
/ screenrant.com
Expansion Pack adds versatile, foundational features that can be used to extremely creative ends, but a lack of cohesiveness in some areas and an epidemic of set pieces and rabbit holes hold it back from its full potential. isn't so much about outright new objectives and activities in the way DLC like or are; it instead focuses on introducing new frameworks that can be iterated upon, like the Clubs system of. Depending on a particular player's gameplay style, this may be a positive or a negative, and those who prefer more structured releases may find this one falls short.
One of the biggest critiques of 's last Expansion was that its depth felt more like that of a Game Pack than an EP, the largest form of DLC for the franchise. It's hard to say if fully avoids this same pitfall — elements like its renting mechanics and robust set of new Traits and Aspirations certainly do, but other areas like the world of Tomarang and somewhat lackluster new clothing don't. does many things right when it comes to an Expansion Pack, but often when the game is riding the high of a positive feature, it's quickly brought down again by lack of detail.
When compared to some strong CAS offerings in recent memory, it's easy to find a good portion of the options in somewhat bland and directionless. There are some beautiful Southeast Asian-inspired pieces — particularly dresses — and a handful of other standouts like an ornate tiger tattoo, some great female hairstyles, and cute toddler outfits. However, it just doesn't offer the same allure as something like the extremely diverse and stylized pieces included with the EP, often looking more reminiscent of basic base game attire.
Five new Traits and four Aspirations help relieve the sting of this considerably, though, with several fun new inclusions.Sims can now be Nosy, Generous, Cringe, or a Child of Tomarang, and Elders specifically can utilize the Wise Trait, a first for the age group. Nosy and Cringe both add a host of fun interactions, and Cringe Sims cannot die from becoming hysterical, which is a creative touch. There are two rental-centric Aspirations, Five-Star Property Owner and Discerning Dweller, as well as Seeker of Secrets — which ties into the Nosy Trait — and Fount of Tomarani Knowledge, which is based around the game's new world.
One of the most exciting parts of Build and Buy is its inclusion of several interactive objects. Standouts include a pressure cooker, a kettle — a massive upgrade from the overly-powerful Tea Magic Personal Brewer — hopscotch routes, and a marble ring. Radiators and air conditioning units function similarly to fireplaces and the thermostat, and water heaters and fuse boxes can malfunction, all of which help add to the overall rental