The Sims Vacation Expansion Pack (Windows)

Hardworking Sims can now relax on Vacation Island with THE SIMS VACATION EXPANSION PACK. Players can go with families, a friend, or alone for fishing, treasure hunting with a metal detector, or relaxing in a hot tub. You can sleep in a hotel room, a tent, or even an igloo, grill burgers or hit the buffet -- and of course you can do a little shopping, too, buying postcards for friends, toys for your pets, or a new outfit for yourself.

Unlike other expansion packs, Vacation allows Sims to not only maintain but also improve their mood levels, such as their hunger, energy, and social levels. This allows players who have the cash (it costs $500 just to go on vacation, never mind that it's $15 for a hot dog) to head out of town more often than they can go downtown for a hot date.

Unfortunately, players soon find out that there isn't a ton of variation among the different locales. Go on vacation too often, and the game grows pretty repetitive. Of course, the enterprising player can build her own dream destinations with as many heart-shaped hot tubs, half-pipes, and mechanical bulls as you want.

Overall, Vacation is well-drawn and clever, and it can be fun to see your players slip into their bikinis or alpine wear and play volleyball or start a snowball fight. Keeping track of what an entire family is doing on vacation can be difficult, but be warned that if you choose to go with a friend, you're going to be buying his hot dogs and drinks along with your own.