Parents' Guide to The Sims 3

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Simulation Games
The Sims 3 Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Carla Thornton , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Riveting, complicated simulation game reflects life.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

  • The Sims 3 App: Screenshot #1
  • The Sims 3 App: Screenshot #2
  • The Sims 3 App: Screenshot #3

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 4 parent reviews

 

 

See all 4 parent reviews
age 11+

Based on 26 kid reviews

Kids say the app is enjoyable and allows for self-expression, but many point out significant limitations compared to the original game, including restricted gameplay and lack of content. While it features life lessons and simulations like job dynamics and relationships (including inappropriate elements), some reviews suggest it's more suited for older kids and could be seen as repetitive or lacking depth over time.

  • fun and educational
  • inappropriate content
  • limited gameplay
  • suitable for older kids
  • repetitive elements
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 26 kid reviews

Privacy Rating Warning

  • Personal information is sold or rented to third parties.
  • Personal information is shared for third-party marketing.
  • Unclear whether this product displays personalised advertising.
  • Data are collected by third-parties for their own purposes.
  • User's information is used to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
  • Data profiles are created and used for personalised advertisements.
Learn more about our privacy ratings

What's It About?

The Sims 3 is a "life management" simulation game. Players control virtually every aspect of a virtual character's life from taking care of hygiene to facilitating job searches and decorating an entire home. Called a Sim, the character can grow up to be a successful business person with a mansion, or a less-driven individual who stays at home all day, or anything in between. The app is designed to be a fun and insightful way to see how everyday decisions can have an impact on someone's life.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 4 ):
Kids say ( 26 ):

The Sims 3 is worth its big price tag. A wide range of personality traits lets you create a simulated person with all-too-human flaws. If your Sim has anger issues, don't be surprised if she gets into a skirmish. Move your Sim through a picturesque 3D hamlet and 73 possible life goals from shopping to relationships. This game has great graphics and is often funny or surprising but rarely boring.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Ask teens about the kinds of choices they make on a daily basis. Pick a day for you and your teen to make a note of your choices and the consequences (positive, negative, and neutral). Reflect on the choices together.

  • Encourage teens to practice smart money management in real life, even if they make different kinds of decisions in the app.

App Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

The Sims 3 Poster Image

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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

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