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The Sims 2 Pets

(2006, Computer Software - Simulation, Rated T, Play it on: Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, PSP, Windows)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Cuddly but unsubstantial Sims 2 add-on.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–14

The good stuff

  • Ease of play:

    The game is easy to pick up and play.
  • Educational value:

    There is a small amount of animal knowledge included.
 

What to watch out for

  • 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.
  • Role models:

    Actually, it all depends on the player. But if someone is a bad pet owner, what kind of model is that?
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • 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 an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The Sims can drink and smoke.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of The Sims 2 Pets was written by Anise Hollingshead

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.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • 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?
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More on The Sims 2 Pets

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. Close

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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Publisher’s Details

Released on 12/5/2006, price $30, not online enabled
ESRB rating: T (for sexual situations, crude humor)

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about The Sims 2 Pets?
  •  I think this game is

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  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

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See all 43 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    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.

  2. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message

    • My highlights are:
    • Easy to play

    hhhh

    goooooood

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    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!

  4. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Good role models
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    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.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 5 and give it 4.0

    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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