
Jobs, which traditionally simply removed sims from play for a number of hours, have been spiced up with the addition of "chance cards" which describe a work-related dilemma and allow the player to choose how the character should react. In a broad sense, this means guiding them in keeping the house clean, meeting and befriending the neighbors, finding work, and addressing their eight basic Needs such as Hunger and Fun to remain healthy and happy.Įvery character has his or her own personality sliders that indicate how nice, physically active, playful, neat, and outgoing they tend to be, and they can also study up on fundamental skills like cooking and mechanical repair to gain skill points and improve the quality of their own lives. The basic premise of The Sims 2 has the player taking omniscient control over a household and directing the semi-autonomous inhabitants in coping with their daily routines. Gameplay SimDwayne's eight needs on display. It retains the same concept of open sandbox-style gameplay and emergent storytelling found in its predecessor, albeit with a major overhaul of virtually every aspect of the underlying mechanics. The PC version of The Sims 2 is not only the first version released, but also the only one which enjoys access to free downloadable content, fan-made mods, and the record-setting seventeen expansion packs that have followed.

Despite the fact that every version bore the same title, these console versions were heavily modified to suit the limitations of their respective platforms. The game was first released for the PC in September of 2004, with ports to multiple consoles arriving in late 2005.

Each sim has a distinct personality and set of goals, and typical gameplay revolves around acquiring a job, developing relationships with other characters, and managing a spectrum of personal needs and desires to help them fulfill their dreams. The Sims 2 is the first full-fledged sequel to the popular "life simulation" franchise in which players furnish the homes and supervise the lives of virtual inhabitants known as sims.
