Still going strong after so many years of additions.
The initial release itself is a solid game. There are vast improvements over the original sims. Everything from graphics, sounds, game play mechanics, even stability has been improved. Yet the true value in the sims just isn't in purchasing the core module; it's selecting the various add-ons and even mods in the modding community that allow you to truely appreciate all this game has to offer. For those just starting out, play the core game for a few weeks before shelling out all the money for the add-ons. Here's a run down of what you can expect in Sims 2.
Graphics: 9
Surprisingly you don't need the most advanced and state of the art graphics card to appreciate what maxis has created. Even with running the game on the lowest of all settings and all the fun extras turned off, the game STILL looks much better than the original and even better than some of the "state of the art" eye candy games that seem to come out now. However, if you have the processing speed, video RAM and a good amount of memory on board your computer, you will quickly enjoy the added crisp textures and amazing light effects that are produced. Granted all the extras do come at a hit to gameplay speed, but when you find what you want and are willing to live with the set backs you get used to it.
Gameplay: 9
As in the original Sims, you play out the lives of Sim people here too, no hugh change. You will find the quirky pathways, problems with Sims running into things and each other, and the usual Freewill option that can cause more headaches than fun. But despite all this, the improved viewing angles (it's totally 3D allowing for vantages from 360 on the horizon and nearly 45 on the verticle), item interactions, easy to use interface and sim menus, and many other improvements makes the gameplay so much more addicting and enjoyable. Sound: 9
I was very surprised and impressed with the sound quaility here. The music, voices and various other sounds throughout the game are all very well done.
Value: 10
The replay value is what makes this game stand out. There's just so much to do in the intial release. And if you add on expansions you will only find more things to play with and suck away your free time. This game can get addicting, so if you tend to get immersed in new games, make sure you have a few weeks left open for days of simply playing with your sims.
Tilt: 10
I got addicted to the sims long ago when my wife and I first started dating. Her biggest mistake was probably introducing me to the Sims since now I waste the majority of my free time on it. However, this game is great for couples and even families (albiet keeping children under the pre-teen age away from this might be best because of the sexually oriented matrial that can come up in it) to get imersed in together. My wife and I both will design houses, create faimlies, and will play entire neighborhoods. The Sims can easily become a good introduction to a signfant other who has always looked at your gaming habit in distaste.
When it comes to expansions, Maxis does not dissapoint. Here's just a quick run down and what you can look for to expand the Sims 2 (reviews can be found for these games, but I doubt I'll ever find time again to write a review for any of these). As of September 2006 this is what you can find:
Sims 2 University: Adds another life span to your sim as they go to college which does make for some interesting sims lifetimes.
Sims 2 Nightlife: Adds Group and dating options, and most importantly CARS. These little items can change your whole sim experience if you like traveling to other lots.
Sims 2 Open for Business: Adds the ability to run your shops. If you ever wanted to earn hundreds of thousands of simoleons and just be filthy rich, the way to do it is in here.
Sims 2 Pets: This is slated for October, but I placed it here simply because of what I know pets did for me in the original game: Pets can simple make the every day living in a home so much more interesting. If home life is just not interesting anymore or if you just want to add your own bundle of fluff into the vitrual world, here's how you cna do it.
There is also three additional items packages you can find: Sims 2 Holiday, Sims 2 Family Fun, and Sims 2 Glamour Life. These litle packs essentially add more clothes, items and a few fun extras to your game. Granted you can also add mods to the sims 2, just be forwarned that even the programmers suggest being very careful with mods since the sims does crash easily with custom material. The Sims 2 has a lot of life left in it. And while it will eat away at your free time and eventually your wallet, the gaming experience is well worth it if you do get immersed into your games.