Sims 2 is a great experience and a huge improvement from Sims 1.
The new aspiration meter thing put into the game is a great addition and gives you something more to do. Watching your sims through generations and generations is great to see. And the create a player is so in depth, you can create almost anyone you want. My only complaint about Sims 2 is that once you reach the top of your carreer, have bought the huge mansion and are living the high life, it gets boring. There is nothing to do when you are the bigshot, because you have accomplished everything you wanted. They should add in some sort of element you can do once you complete your life goals.
Gameplay: Gameplay was great and very very addictive, theres so much to do to advance or make your sim better. But once you reach the top of your carreer and have the money rolling in this category really suffers.
Graphics: Graphics are good for 2004, but with the new games they are just decent. But with all the gameplay elements this is understandable.
Sound: Sims is not known for its sound, because there really isn't any. But the music really fits and the sound effects they do have are good I guess.
Value: Awesome replay value because this game is pretty much never ending, there is no story , and you can experiment so many different ways.
So in the end its a great game with lots of depth, with the flaw of nothing to do once you get older.Lots of fun and very addictive.