The Sims 3: Island Paradise
By Mark Raby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Expansion pack adds underwater exploration, resort building.

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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?
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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