The Sims 2 Pets (Nintendo DS, PSP, PlayStation 2, Windows, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance)

common sense media says

Cuddly but unsubstantial Sims 2 add-on.


parents & educators say
  • 27% say sexual content is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this has a "Teen" rating because it builds off the original Sims 2 game, which has the same rating. Families that already own Sims 2 are probably aware of the sexual content, but families that may be contemplating buying these titles together need to be aware of the sexual situations and crude humor. Parents may want to read the reviews of the original Sims 2 games and expansions.

Educational value: There is a small amount of animal knowledge included.
Positive messages: The behavior is up to the players. Sims can act kindly or rudely. They can be mean or nice to other sims and they can be bad pet owners. It's entirely up to the player, but the game makes it funnier to act out.
Positive role models: Actually, it all depends on the player. But if someone is a bad pet owner, what kind of model is that?
Ease of play: The game is easy to pick up and play.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Characters can have sexual relations with other characters. This isn't shown graphically, but is referred to as "woo-hoo" in places like double beds.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: The Sims can drink and smoke.

More on The Sims 2 Pets

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

What's the story?
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?

Is it any good?
 

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.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: Nintendo DS, PSP, PlayStation 2, Windows, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance
Not available online
Genre: Simulation
Developer: Electronic Arts
Released on: December 5, 2006
Price: 30
ESRB Rating: T for sexual situations, crude humor

This review was written by Anise Hollingshead
 
 

Review It

 

Review The Sims 2 Pets





Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

What parents & educators say

13
Based on 11 parent & educator reviews:
  • 27% say sexual content is an issue

Most useful reviews by all members

SavviVague
teen, 16 years old
 
Good for responsible teens+
This game is not as bad as the other Sims games. Sex, violence, drinking, etc. is not as prominent in this game, as it is more based upon taking care of the animals. Besides the sexual nature and crude humor (and the fact that, unline most games, you have the option to be a bad person in this one), the prior knowledge you must have as far as what to do in certain situations, is obviously aimed at teens+. For responsible, mature teens who will not take the wrong messages from it, it is a good, even educational (as far as caring for the sick pets), fun game. I suggest you as a parent screen this game and/or read more reviews first to determine if you think your child is mature enough to play this game correctly.

abby moon
teen, 17 years old
 
love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JacobyShaddix32
parent of 3 , 7 , 9 , 13 , and 15 year old
 
good game

 
Sims 2 Pets
It's KIND OF GOOd,Because My children have it,and It has a lot of sexual stuff,But,I don't let them do it,And sometimes,Sims just choose to do it on their own,So my children cover their eyes.But what teaches kids is the PETS part because you have to take good care of your pets or else they will be taken away to an adoption center.And,It might be kind of scary,Because sims and pets can die!

barisax94
teen, 17 years old
 
Awesome Game :)
I'm 14 and I finally got the sims; as I had wanted it since I was 12. I think some of the material is a little risque; but nothing serious. I think it would not be the best game for 10 or under; but honestly it's up to parents as everyone has their own ideas of what acceptable and what's not. my friends and I love the game and play it a lot, and the 'questionable' content is very easy to avoid.

pepa158
parent of 17 year old
 
hhhh
goooooood

Simluver
teen, 14 years old
 
perfect for tweens that are mature enough
OMG!! You have GOT to be kidding me!I love the sims,and its okay for 10 and ups,but seriously,Sixteen!!?? I am Eleven and i have been playing the sims forever!

 
Love it~
I just wish my sister wouldn't of lost the memory card so I can continue playing it. I LOVE how you can make people gay if you want to. It can help people accept others.

Peenut2k7
kid, 10 years old
 
Teh Seems
WHy cant I gte a game over?

Miloub
teen, 14 years old
 
Eh, bit sexual..
Ahh, it's ok. I say 10+. Kids start to get into things to learn at 10. The game has no real education at all. And it's graphics are horrid on most game players, not to mention..it's horrid by it's own. I say if you know what your child does and if you'e ok with it and their over 10 gte them this game, anyone under 10 is a no-no

Rigbyboy
kid, 10 years old
 
11 because it has mature humor and sex which some players may not understand.
Brilliant game, but not as good as Sims 2. Sims 2 pets does contain infrequent mild sex, but you cant see any nudity, just the covers go up and down.

D-day
kid, 13 years old
 
Good
This is a fun game, I've had it for a few months and haven't noticed anything bad. As long as your a responsible pet owner and your kind to all the other people in the village, than this game has nothing wrong with it.

Bauer Power
teen, 14 years old
 
FUN!!!!!!!
This game is very fun, but not as good as Sims 2

Webkinz4ever
kid, 8 years old
 
only the consel verson is icky
only animals can woo hoo in the consel verson

Z988
parent of 19 year old
 
Greata Game
Its a very good game. Its easy to use and it teaches players about the outside world, but still manages to be fun + you can have pets.

Whee
teen, 14 years old
 
SO COOL
Yeah It's fun. I play all the time. Once I killed a whole family because of a fire.:-(

crystalmccoy345
kid, 10 years old
 

Luna95
teen, 15 years old
 
It's ok kind of frustrating well its fine by me

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
 

vote now

Will you play The Sims 2 Pets?


Already played it? What do you think?

 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors


About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age