Common Sense Media Review
By Mark Raby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
First Sims game in 3-D is still intended for older players.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
The Sims 3 (3DS)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Based on 11 kid reviews
Kids say the game allows for creativity in house design and character relationships, but opinions vary on its appropriateness for younger audiences due to some suggestive content, making it better suited for teens and older. While some enjoy the unique gameplay aspects and find it engaging, others criticize the controls and graphics, deeming it a frustrating experience compared to other versions of the franchise.
- creativity in design
- age appropriateness
- mixed gameplay experience
- poor controls
- graphical issues
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
THE SIMS 3 is all about letting players mold their own story. They can create an avatar and act out a virtual life however they see fit. If they have dreams of becoming a millionaire, they can dedicate themselves to acquiring the best possible job. If they would rather focus on meeting people and starting a family, they can do that too. Most every facet of life -- including going to the bathroom -- is part of the game. The 3DS edition is the first 3-D entry in the franchise, making the real-life simulation as realistic as possible.
Is It Any Good?
The 3DS version of The Sims 3 is not only visually revamped to make use of 3-D effects, it also packs in new features. Players can literally put their own face on their Sim avatar by taking a picture with the system's built-in digital camera, and can wield more control over the surroundings by using the built-in motion-sensing feature to create earthquakes or blowing into the microphone to create "stink storms." Players can trade Sims with other people in real life, allowing them to take the social aspect in the virtual Sims world and bring it to the actual world. Tweaking the game's features for the 3DS system makes it a valuable entry to the platform's list of launch titles, and anyone who is a fan of the franchise should enjoy it.
Online interaction: Players can trade their Sims with other people -- including strangers -- in StreetPass mode.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what avatars can tell us about ourselves. How is your Sim the same or different than you?
Families can also discuss the kinds of activities and jobs in which their Sims engage. Are they the same or different than what you are interested in?
Game Details
- Platform : Nintendo 3DS
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Electronic Arts
- Release date : March 27, 2011
- Genre : Simulation
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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