The Sims 2 University - T
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that the Sims in this game are college students who drink, have sex -- and even streak around their dorm and town (in addition to going to class and studying, of course). Players can also use their influence to pressure their peers to pull a prank, or even kiss another character.
Families who buy this game may want to talk about how it matches their own expectations (or experiences) of college. This game, like so many other movies, presents college as a wild, adolescent time; do you think that's accurate? Why do you think most people go to college? Do you think it's more about the academics, growing up into a mature individual -- or the last free time of your life?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kate Pavao
The Sims are out of the house and off to college! Choose one of three institutions, say goodbye to the folks, and get ready for a new life of hanging out in the halls, drinking coffee, and attempting to pledge a sorority or fraternity. Oh yeah, and studying, going to class, and writing term papers, too. You've got to declare a major, and good grades do earn you Simoleans, but the academics just provide a theme here. You don't see your Sims when they are in class, and you can still make the grade without doing your term paper. Really, the game is about balance: Whether you're living in a dorm, frat, or your own pad, you've got to keep your Sim bathed and fed and still try to find time to study, make friends, hit the gym, and work toward meeting your personal aspiration.
As always, it's the amount of options that make this game so fascinating -- and addictive. In this college version, you can flirt with your professor, work in the dorm cafeteria, and even streak down the halls. You can send email, chat online with other friends, tutor your friends, study with your dorm mates, throw a party, decorate your room, go for a swim, get food poisoning, shoo away the school mascot, etc., etc.
Players may get frustrated by how long it takes to make friends, or have enough energy to hit the town. There is fun stuff to do outside of your dorm -- you can run on the treadmill at the gym, buy new outfits at the shopping center, or study at the library -- but you have to make sure your energy and hunger levels are high enough before heading out (going out is draining!) and this can take several Sim days.
And other familiar glitches still exist here: If you're eating and go to answer the phone, you may leave the food on the floor. If you are talking to a friend, but go to get something to eat, there is no guarantee that your friend will sit at the table with you. How awkward to be sitting and eating, while your friend sits and eats at another table!
In the end, this game is probably best enjoyed by college students or alums, who will get the joke when student Sims play hacky sack, do the school cheer, or try to impress the Greeks. This expansion pack requires THE SIMS 2 to play.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSims can have flirt, make out, have sex -- and even streak naked. |
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ViolenceCharacters pull pranks, argue, and fight. Plus, you can die. |
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Social BehaviorSims need to study and go to class, but the college life presented here is also about pulling pranks, having parties, and trying to make friends with Greeks. |
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CommercialismNo actual products, but you can shop, earn and spend money. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoYou can drink coffee, and drinking alcohol and smoking drugs are implied. |
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