Parents' Guide to

The Sims 3: Island Paradise

By Mark Raby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Expansion pack adds underwater exploration, resort building.

Game Mac, Windows 2013
The Sims 3: Island Paradise Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

  • The Sims 3: Island Paradise Game: Screenshot #1
  • The Sims 3: Island Paradise Game: Screenshot #2
  • The Sims 3: Island Paradise Game: Screenshot #3

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 1 parent review

Math Teacher
Math Teacher Adult
August 28, 2013
age 10+

Math Teacher review

am a math teacher and I looked at the game and started playing it and I found it was great game for kids. Instead of watching tv or being on facebook or insatagram kids should play this. It's a real life game with NO weapons! It's get's them ready for life! You can even design houses in this game and there's a lot of cool things that help get your kid perpared for life so I suggest buying this game for your child.

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What’s It About?

THE SIMS 3: ISLAND PARADISE is an expansion pack for the computer game The Sims 3. It's a robust expansion that adds more than just a slew of new items and outfits for the game. It also adds several new gameplay aspects to the experience, including the ability to dive to the bottom of the ocean floor, manage an island resort, and travel the sea by boat. Players can search for hidden treasure, but must avoid sharks and other underwater hazards that come their way. They can create their own houseboats, mingle with island natives, and even come across mermaids and other fantastical creatures.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (5):

As far as expansion packs go, The Sims 3: Island Paradise is more than adequate. The amount of new and unique items that players can use to decorate their virtual homes is vast, and the additional gameplay elements really do help to enhance the experience. Allowing Sim characters to dive underwater and explore a brand new kind of environment is enough to breathe new life into The Sims 3. The level of detail that players can delve into when customizing their island resort -- and the satisfaction they receive from achieving a higher "star rating" -- makes it compelling and worthwhile to really sink your teeth into this expansion pack. Anyone who is already playing The Sims 3 and is looking for a way to expand their gaming experience should be happy with this product.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the consumerism associated with the Sims brand. Do you think the expansion packs are worth the extra money? Does it help expand the game, or does it just make you feel compelled to buy so you can unlock new features that aren't necessarily worth it?

  • Does this expansion pack make you want to venture out on an island vacation in real life? Why or why not?

Game Details

  • Platforms: Mac, Windows
  • Subjects: Hobbies: building, collecting, fashion
  • Skills: Responsibility & Ethics: fiscal responsibility, Self-Direction: self-reflection, time management, work to achieve goals
  • Available online?: Not available online
  • Publisher: Electronic Arts
  • Release date: June 25, 2013
  • Genre: Simulation
  • ESRB rating: T for Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence
  • Last updated: January 18, 2022

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