The Sims 4

Game simulates life, including aspects both positive and negative. Players can choose to focus on materialism, aggression, and selfish desires, or try to make their Sims worthy citizens who strive to do right by those around them. Players can learn some valuable lessons, encouraging them to sympathize with characters who face challenges such as pregnancy, parenthood, or trying to make ends meet while holding down a low-paying job. Experience -- and associated messages -- largely depends on what players make of it.

Perhaps easiest yet, thanks to detailed tutorials and less of a focus on micromanagement. Rookies will still face a steep learning curve, but so long as players don't spend frivolously and attend to the Sims' basic needs, they ought to keep progressing at a healthy clip.

Sims can wear lots of suggestive clothing, including underwear, lingerie, swimsuits, sexy or otherwise revealing outfits, such as short skirts or low-cut dresses. Sims get naked for showers, but their bodies are hidden behind privacy screens. Many social interactions focus on flirtation, hugging, kissing. Sims that are romantically inclined can make "woohoo" or "try for a baby," but the act of sex takes place entirely under covers. Players see only hearts floating above sheets.

Dozens of expansions and add-on packs encourage players to spend more money. Also, a big part of the experience is simulated consumerism, which includes purchasing and accumulating products such as furniture, appliances, and electronics. Sims who can afford better-quality products with enhanced statistics are generally in better spirits, suggesting that money can indeed buy happiness.