The Sims 2 Pets

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Cuddly but unsubstantial Sims 2 add-on.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

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.

  • 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.
  • Actually, it all depends on the player. But if someone is a bad pet owner, what kind of model is that?
  • The game is easy to pick up and play.
  • Not applicable.
  • 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.
  • Not applicable.
  • Not applicable.
  • The Sims can drink and smoke.

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?

 

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.


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What families can talk 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?


This review was written by Anise Hollingshead
Teen, 17 years old
November 29, 2009
 
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.

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Teen, 17 years old
February 7, 2010
 
love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Adult
December 6, 2009
 
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!

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Parent of 3, 7, 9, 13, and 15 year old
November 28, 2009
 
good game

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Teen, 14 years old
March 1, 2009
 
SO COOL
Yeah It's fun. I play all the time. Once I killed a whole family because of a fire.:-(

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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 
It's ok kind of frustrating well its fine by me

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Teen, 17 years old
September 26, 2009
 
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.

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Teen, 14 years old
August 29, 2009
 
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!

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Teen, 14 years old
April 24, 2011
 
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

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This review was written by Anise Hollingshead
Platforms:Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, Windows, PSP, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Simulation
Developer:Electronic Arts
Release date:December 5, 2006
Price:$30
ESRB rating:T for sexual situations, crude humor

This review was written by Anise Hollingshead

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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