Common Sense Media Review
By Common Sense Media
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Even more realistic, but not for kids and tweens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Based on 81 kid reviews
Kids say that this life simulation game is one of the best in the franchise, praised for its detailed gameplay, customization options, and the ability to create and manage neighborhoods. Many reviewers believe that while the game includes mild themes of romance and cartoonish violence, it remains suitable for ages 10 and up, often disputing the higher age ratings and suggesting that parental guidance is helpful but not strictly necessary.
- best in franchise
- detailed gameplay
- suitable for ages 10+
- mild themes
- parental guidance
- fun and creative
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
In THE SIMS 2, a graphically detailed version of Sims, you can create characters that look just like you and other members of your family or circle of friends. And you can give them aspirations, such as romance, fortune or family -- each with its corresponding wants and fears: A Sim with family aspiration might want to have a baby, while his partner, who has romance aspiration, might just want some \"WooHoo.\" Or your Sim might want to buy a bar -- or a crib for the new baby. Sims who fulfill their wants (and avoid their fears) are happier -- and earn points to buy special products that can make their lives better.
Is It Any Good?
Sims do much more stuff, now. They can interact with each other in more specific ways, telling dirty jokes, giving a tender kiss, or reading to a kid. They let out gassy burps, can be messy eaters -- and if they've got a baby in the house, you'll see the stink coming off those dirty diapers.
This is definitely not a game for younger players. Characters can have sex with limbs poking out under the covers -- and even their make-out sessions get pretty steamy. And the characters can be cruel or materialistic, too. Mature players, though, will surely spend many hours developing cleaning and cooking skills, attempting to win over the headmaster -- or luring a lover under the covers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether this game is an accurate portrayal of people's aspirations and fears. Do people tend to continue wanting more and more? What can we do about that? This may be a good jumping off point for you to ask your kids about their own dreams for their lives: What do they hope to achieve? What does their dream future look like? What do they consider personal success: family, fortune, even popularity?
Game Details
- Platform : Windows
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Electronic Arts
- Release date : September 30, 2004
- Genre : Simulation
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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