Parents' Guide to The Sims 2 Pets

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Common Sense Media Review

By Anise Hollingshead , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Cuddly but unsubstantial Sims 2 add-on.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 10+

Based on 8 parent reviews

age 10+

Based on 11 kid reviews

Kids say the game is enjoyable and fun, particularly for teens and responsible older children, but it features mature humor and themes that may not be suitable for those under 10 years old. While some players appreciate the game's focus on pet care, others express concern over its sexual content and overall graphics.

  • mature themes
  • responsible play
  • fun experience
  • age recommendations
Summarized with AI

What's It About?

THE SIMS 2 PETS is yet another expansion in the crowded Sims 2 world, giving Sims 2 players the ability to add pets to their families. These pets are cats, dogs, fish, birds, and womrats (fictional rodents similar to guinea pigs). Along with the pets, other new items in this expansion include toys, buildings, and accessories for the pets.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 8 ):
Kids say ( 11 ):

Unlike the Sims, these pets cannot be directed. They serve more as an added method for Sims to improve various areas of their lives through their interactions with the pets. The Sims can train, play, feed, and take care of their pets in myriad ways. The more the Sims interact with their pets, the more the pets evolve.

These pets are not only cute and sociable; they can also be moneymakers. Sims can earn money through their pets by hiring out their services for careers such as acting, or by selling them. However, the money earned is relatively small. This is an entertaining addition to the Sims 2 world, but the $30 price tag seems a little steep considering the small amount of actual content.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about pets and caring for them. Does this game reinforce any behaviors of good pet owners? Why did you choose a particular pet to play this game? How are the pets' behaviors similar to real pets? Different? Why do you think the Sims pets evolve the more you interact with them? Do you think giving extra attention to real pets makes them smarter?

Game Details

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