The Sims 2 - T

More realistic than ever, but not for kids and tweens.

Publisher: Electronic Arts Category/Genre: Video Games - Simulation Platform: Windows Price: $49.99 Graphics: High. Just watch what happens when you zoom in on breakfast or TV. Playability: Medium. There are lots of controls to keep track of -- plus the camera can be tricky to master. Be prepared for long load times. Reading Level: 12+ Lots of clever -- but copious -- products descriptions. Release Date: 09/30/2004 ESRB Rating: T

Common Sense Note

Sims now have a driving aspiration, such as romance or fortune -- and corresponding wants and fears. As soon as a want is achieved, another one appears. You may want to talk to your kids about this: Is that an accurate portrayal? Do people tend to continue wanting more and more? What can we do about that? Also, kids all aspire to grow up -- but once they become teens they must choose a more specific aspiration. This may be a good jumping off point for you to ask your kids about their own dreams for their lives: What do they hope to achieve? What does their dream future look like? What do they consider personal success: family, fortune, even popularity?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Kate Pavao and Aaron Lazenby

This brand new version of the game breathes a new level or realism into Sims. In this graphically detailed game, you can create characters that look just like you and other members of your family or circle of friends. And you can give them aspirations, such as romance, fortune or family -- each with its corresponding wants and fears.

The aspirations expand the focus of the original game, which was mostly about earning money and buying stuff, making it even more fun to play and much more realistic: A Sim with family aspiration might want to have a baby, while his partner, who has romance aspiration, might just want some "WooHoo." Or your Sim might want to buy a bar -- or a crib for the new baby. Their fears range from being afraid of public toilets to fearing rejection from the object of their affection (a pregnant Sim may fear throwing up). Sims who fulfill their wants (and avoid their fears) are happier -- and earn points to buy special products that can make their lives better.

Sims do much more stuff, now: They can do yoga, watch the Yummy Channel on TV, or head out with a friend to go buy a magazine. They can interact with each other in more specific ways, telling dirty jokes, giving a tender kiss, or reading to a kid. They let out gassy burps, can be messy eaters -- and if they've got a baby in the house, you'll see the stink coming off those dirty diapers (Don't worry: Sims can hire a nanny, too).

This is definitely not a game for younger players. Characters can have sex with limbs poking out under the covers (or out of the hot tub) -- and even their make-out sessions get pretty steamy. And the characters can be cruel or materialistic, too; a romance-driven Sim may want to have multiple partners, and upset a partner when she gets caught in bed with another, while a fortune-driven Sim might be obsessed with buying an expensive dining room chair or getting the kids into private school. Mature players, though, will surely spend many hours developing cleaning and cooking skills, attempting to win over the headmaster -- or luring a lover under the covers.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Players can mega-make out and "WooHoo" under the covers (and in the hot tub). They can even try for a baby.
Violence While it's never too graphic, Sims can argue and fight with one another. Plus, they can catch on fire, and they do die eventually.
Language
Message
	Social Behavior Same-sex unions are OK and you can hire a male maid, but Sims can be materialistic and can have affairs.
	Commercialism The emphasis on this version is less about stuff, but material goods still matter.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Sims can buy bars for their homes.
	Educational Value