The Sims 3: Generations

Game review by Mark Raby, Common Sense Media
The Sims 3: Generations Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 15+

New expansion better simulates the aging process.

Mac, Windows 2011
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Parents say

age 11+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 16 reviews

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  • The Sims 3: Generations Game: Screenshot #1
  • The Sims 3: Generations Game: Screenshot #2
  • The Sims 3: Generations Game: Screenshot #3

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Sims 3: Generations is an expansion pack for The Sims 3. Players must have a copy of the Sims 3 game in order to use this product. In addition to new items for players to decorate their virtual houses with, this expansion adds new layers to the way the Sims characters age. Their tastes evolve and the way they interact with others changes. It has a positive message that suggests one can do whatever one sets one's mind to, regardless of age. Parents should also note that Sims can now throw bachelor and bachelorette parties, and make "woohoo" -- the Sims version of sex, which isn't shown, but rather implied -- in tree houses and the shower.

Community Reviews

Smileyface5351
Smileyface5351 Adult
February 3, 2012
age 11+

Fabulous!

My children LOVE this game! I bought it for them and they LOVE it! They are old enough to be mature for this game and that's it! It shows absolutely nothing inappropriate and it shows children the up's and down's of growing up! I believe there is really nothing to be worried about in this game, you raise your children, get a job, decorate, become a billionaire you find your own path in this game! And if your children are mature enough like my daughters, it's fine! No drinking, smoking, or language applicable which is so nice to know! I believe the rating is for the concern of having children, and the death of old age in this game. My children have played Modern Warfare before and I think it is MUCH worse than this game. There's so much cussing and violence, but this game has none applicable. From the creators of my-sims which my daughter used to play on her D-S this is much like it, but more detailed. Like I said YOU choose the path and can avoid anything explicit which is VERY minor in this game. This is also very similar to Virtual Family's which is also a life simulator game where you get a job, have children, and get married. I just think the sims 3 is more detailed and more fun.

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What’s It About?

THE SIMS 3: GENERATIONS expansion pack takes a deeper look at the way humans change as they get older. It is the latest step in the Sims franchise to try to emulate the highly complex nature of human interaction. When they first start exploring the world, Sims spend a lot of time dreaming and imagining things. Teenage Sims, meanwhile, have the ability to be studious or troublesome. As they approach their golden years, Sims spend more time reflecting on the life they've had. The expansion pack also introduces several new items to keep the process of building and upgrading your house as fresh and interesting as possible.

Is It Any Good?

The Sims 3: Generations is one of the most interesting expansion packs in the Sims franchise because, unlike most, it actually goes back to the drawing board and reinvents the way the virtual characters behave. Most expansion packs simply add new items or new features, but don't examine the core dynamic in the way Sims interact with one another and with themselves. Some of the changes are subtle, and it may not be as exciting as some of the other expansion packs, but there are some very interesting new concepts like "life events," celebrations for milestones in a Sim's career, and a "Memories" system that keeps track of everything a Sim has accomplished in the virtual world.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how much they have changed over the years. Do you think the game accurately reflects how people change as they age? Does it help you better appreciate how people might be inclined to feel as they grow older?

  • Discuss whether Sims 3 expansions do a good job of keeping the experience fresh. Was the expansion pack worth the extra money?

Game Details

  • Platforms: Mac, Windows
  • Available online?: Not available online
  • Publisher: Electronic Arts
  • Release date: May 31, 2011
  • Genre: Simulation
  • ESRB rating: T for Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence
  • Last updated: August 30, 2016

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