The Sims 2: Free Time

Free Time isn't exactly a paradigm shift for The Sims 2, but it's a substantial improvement for players new to the game. Rookies to the series often find themselves spending all of their time simply trying to keep their Sims washed and fed, but thanks to the new hobbies exclusive to this expansion, it becomes easier for Sims to start enjoying themselves right away. As they become experienced with their hobbies, they start to enter the "zone," which allows them to spend more time enjoying themselves and less time worrying about relieving their bladders or getting some shuteye. The Lifetime Aspiration Meter is an equally compelling addition. It helps focus your Sims' activities by providing goals, and results in rewards that further increase your Sims' spare time. Other adjuncts, including the ability to take friends with your from one stage of your Sims' lives to their next and improved parenting skills (no more guessing what the crying baby needs), sweeten the pot enough to make this expansion a very worthwhile Sims 2 add-on.

Of course, now nearly four years old, the core game is starting to show its age. The Sims are still pleasant enough to look at, and their animations are just as funny as ever, but the game's inanimate objects -- including furniture, houses, and outdoor terrain -- are beginning to look quaint compared to similar objects in other PC games. The good news is that the minimum hardware requirements are now so low that almost any computer purchased in the last couple of years can run the game very well. Still, as far as graphics are concerned, next year's release of The Sims 3 can't come fast enough.