With news about apossible re-releaseof the originalSimsalong withThe Sims 2, it’s no wonder gamers are buzzing with excitement. The first two entries in the legendarySimsfranchise are some of the most well-loved games of all time, and it’s easy to see why.
But, if you’ve never playedThe Sims 2, you may be wondering what makes it so special. Well, have no fear because we’re here to tell you why it’s the superiorSimsgame. Here are ten reasons whyThe Sims 4just can’t compare to the second game.
Ten Things about The Sims 2 that make it better than The Sims 4
Staying in Hotels
Sims have always been able to enjoy vacation since the first game, but with the variety of vacation worlds only growing, you’d probably think thatThe Sims 4has the best vacations in the franchise.
Well, you’d be wrong, and that’s thanks to the hotel system inThe Sims 2. Unlike the fourth game, where you can only stay in rentable homes, in the second game, you’re able to check into a hotel room. Hotels are a major part of travel in the real world, so not having them inThe Sims 4is a major missed opportunity. Luckily, you can still enjoy them in the second game.
Using Drawers and Cooking Utensils
Sometimes, it’s the small things that make the biggest difference. While not an active interaction, whenever Sims cook at counters in their home or on other lots, they’ll actually open the drawers on counters and pull utensils from them to use. They’re not just flat textures.
Things like this makeThe Sims 2feel much more dynamic and alive than the fourth installment. Cooking inThe Sims 4doesn’t feel nearly as alive.
Creating a New World
Don’t have a premade world in-game that you think fits the town you want your Sims to live in? InThe Sims 2, that’s not a problem. You can make an entirely new world from scratch, from choosing the name to what terrain you want.
Not having the ability to create a world inThe Sims 4after enjoying it in an older game is just disappointing. You’re limited on freedom, and suddenly, the premade worlds just feel so inferior.
Placing New Empty Lots
Speaking of freedom in world-building, you know what’s not fun aboutThe Sims 4? Running out of lots to build and live on in town.The Sims 2triumphs over this once again by letting you place new empty lots anywhere.
These lots can be any shape and size and be placed wherever you want. Your world can be filled with houses and buildings like a true city instead of premade set dressing.
One-sided Relationships
Something that’s remained exclusive toThe Sims 2is the unique relationship system. Instead of Sims feeling the same about each other, one-sided relationships are completely possible.
Maybe one Sim thinks that the two are the best of friends, while the other can’t stand them. Or perhaps a Sim has a major crush on another, but their feelings simply aren’t returned. It makes for much more interesting storytelling,
Mental Breakdowns
Also known as Aspiration Failures, following your Sims’ dreams isn’t just a suggestion inThe Sims 2; it’s a necessity. If their Aspiration Bar gets too low from not fulfilling their wants, Sims quite literally have a mental breakdown and requires a shrink to come cure them. Each different Aspiration even has different warning signs that they’re close to Aspiration Failure.
This feature adds some challenge to the second game, whereas many timesThe Sims 4feels frustratingly easy. It takes more than just being fed and clean to keep a real person happy, so why would Sims be any different?
Grocery Shopping
I can’t lie; it’s very convenient to walk up to your refrigerator and purchase all the ingredients you need to make your meal. But it’s not very true to life, and that’s somethingThe Sims 2understands. So, that’s why you can go grocery shopping.
Yes, it’s true that you can purchase from grocers at stands in the fourth game, but unfortunately, many of us don’t have access to that in real life. So, it’s much more realistic (and aesthetically pleasing) to take our Sims to a grocery store and pick up everything they need.
Burglars
Coming back to our point ofThe Sims 4being too easy,The Sims 2has another challenge: burglars. These baddies clad in stripes will break into your Sims’ home, take something valuable like the TV or something unrealistic like a bed, and make off into the night.
It adds more challenge to the game and, in my opinion, more excitement. There’s nothing like screaming at your screen to make the cops show up faster to beat up the bandit.
Cutscenes
Major life moments inThe Sims 2are much more memorable, thanks to the addition of cutscenes at certain life events. From having a baby to growing up, the second entry in the series makes those special moments all the better.
Sadly, this feature was cut inThe Sims 3and hasn’t been seen since. And no life event has felt as magical since.
Social Workers
Being a bad parent has consequences. However, it feels much more realistic inThe Sims 2than inThe Sims 4. Unlike the newer game, where neglected children simply disappear in a puff of smoke,The Sims 2has a social worker come knocking on your door to retrieve the child themselves.
Once again, this adds realism and grit to the game, somethingThe Sims 4is sorely lacking. Everything adds up, and all of these missing features just prove howThe Sims 2is simply better thanThe Sims 4.
