Mod The Sims - Am thinking about getting Sims 2? (NO EPs yet)

sunandshadow

22nd Jul 2010, 6:57 AM

The cheapest way to get started playing sims 2 is to get Double Deluxe (the base game plus the first expansion). I've heard some people have had problems installing that but it installed fine for me. The other day Amazon also had a deal where you could get apartment life and double deluxe bundled together at a discount. Each expansion does add gameplay elements, so the more you get the more game you have. But the original sims 2 is perfectly playable on its own. Personally I'd say having all the sims 2 expansions is superior to having just the basic sims 3, but having the basic sims 3 is better than having the basic sims 2. It kind of depends how you want to play though. If you're all about houses and clothing, there is way more free custom content for sims 2 than 3. But if you want to be part of the active community, the sims 3 community is growing and energetic, while the sims 2 one is declining.

HarlequinnRomance

22nd Jul 2010, 7:03 AM

Well the difference between the two makes it hard to pick,because I had to recently. Sims 2 has a lot more content,custom and EPs.The custom content can make your game a lot prettier.Sims 3 has more depth to it,with more jobs and such,and people are making more stuff for sims 3 while everybody is basically done with the EPs of sims 2.I picked Sims 3 people because will still be making stuff for it and it'll grow,just take time.Patches are basically fixes to the game that will popup when you open the launcher for the game. They aren't necessary,but some things like custom content or mods might require it.Mods are modifications in any way to the game. Might add great things to the game (but they're made my our wonderful modders here. They're great,but they can't just do some things to the game). Mods might take out annoying things in the game also.

ani_

22nd Jul 2010, 7:14 AM

sunandshadow gave good advice. Basically all EP's at one point have had a base game + ep combo pack. And I just checked the prices and at least around here they are not so bad any more. 20€ for the base game (it was 50€ when I brought it on the release date) + less than 10€ for an EP (about 30€ when new when they first came out). I guess the best thing for you is to figure out what features you want from the game to start with. If I would now have to choose, from all the EP's how to start, Season and OFB would be what I would chose.

Also TS3 prices have come down, when I first brought it it was over 60€ but now you can find it for less than 40€, Ambition is still around 35€, but at least WA I have seen already for 19€ and the first stuff pack for less than 10€.

About patches, they basically fix bugs left in the code when the base game or an EP came out.

Mods, don't worry about them. They are user made content, that changes the way things are done in the game, or fix bugs, or stop sims from doing things people find annoying. But these you will not need untill you have played with the game, and figured out what you want to change in it.

CinderEmma

22nd Jul 2010, 7:35 AM

Thank you very much :) I do like the community part, but I don't really like the sounds the expansions so far for Sims 3 at all. I mean, exploring caves? I would by Zelda if I wanted to do that. Though I'm curious what the Egyptian/Chinese furniture looks like :) Ambitions seem a bit better though.
I'm Canadian, so I'll check the prices out myself :P I THINK the base Sims 3 for Canada is about $30-40, which I'll be able to afford in a week or so. I could get Sims 2 now, but...
Do you know if there is going to be as many of the expansions as there was for Sims 2?
I think I'll pick Sims 3, because I'm tired of always being behind of the "trends" :) I can always try Sims 2 later after all if I really don't like Sims 3. It seems a lot of the complains about Sims 3 are people who were used to Sims 2.
Slightly off-topic, Ani, how could you have joined this website before the Internet was invented/widespread? I mean, 1969? :P

ani_

22nd Jul 2010, 10:11 AM

Do you know if there is going to be as many of the expansions as there was for Sims 2?

Hopefully yes, but of course nobody but the team who makes them and their bosses knows this.

I think I'll pick Sims 3, because I'm tired of always being behind of the "trends" :) I can always try Sims 2 later after all if I really don't like Sims 3. It seems a lot of the complains about Sims 3 are people who were used to Sims 2.
Yay, I play TS3 as well, and I'm completely happy with it. It's not perfect doesn't have all the items/interactions fromTS2, but overall it's a great game and very entertaining and I for one could not go back. There is more to WA than just exloring, so don't let that bring you down.

Slightly off-topic, Ani, how could you have joined this website before the Internet was invented/widespread? I mean, 1969? :P

I think there was some kind of database issue a year or so a go when everybody got their joining date resetted to that date.

Nalia

22nd Jul 2010, 10:46 AM

I think I'll pick Sims 3, because I'm tired of always being behind of the "trends" :)
Nothing wrong with being behind the "trends". What really counts is what *you* like, and not where the crowd is heading.

It seems a lot of the complains about Sims 3 are people who were used to Sims 2.
True. TS2 might look a little outdated when compared to some of TS3 features, like the open neighbourhood, an idea originated in the Sim City series really, but, in my humble opinion, it has more soul and passion when it comes to Sims' interactions. In the TS3 they added stuff that do not belong in a Sim game, like adventures [I have Tomb Raider for this, thank you very much] and turning the game into something between adventure/strategy/simulation hybrid.

If you want to see what Asian furniture look like you could get Bon Voyage EP for TS2, although the community has created a lot more realistic stuff on this category. A look at the Downloads for TS2 here will satisfy your curiosity.

One last thing: there are people on various boards who had problems with Double Deluxe. If you can afford it, try to get the regular base game instead. When and if you pick up TS2, that is.

jodemilo

22nd Jul 2010, 11:28 AM

I love Sims 2 and was fiercely loyal towards to it over Sims 3, but I'm really into many aspects of TS3 now and the only thing putting me off going back to playing TS2 slightly is all those loading screen times to be honest (although I am playing the game on my ancient desktop pc which is much slower than my lappie - where I play TS3). Otherwise, it currently wins hands down in terms of humor and custom content. I only had TS3 base game up until a few days ago when I installed World Adventures (cos I found it in a store fairly cheap) but I have to say I'm growing much fonder of TS3 now. It's hard to choose but I am sooo attached to my TS2 characters and no doubt will be flitting between both games.

In defence of TS3, I do have all the TS2 EPs/stuff packs, tons of CC and mods which make my game far more pleasurable to play, and I reckon TS3 will catch up - especially with the news of the latest EP, as well as the mods that are developing out there for the game.

I just think, if my 9 year old niece came round and wanted to play the Sims, I'd be putting the TS3 CD in - quicker loading times, more immediate playability, open neighborhood, things going on elsewhere while you're playing your active family.

Sorry, that's probably confused you ebec17. If you don't mind loading screen times, TS2 will probably be your best best to start with though. It will give you an idea of whether you'd want to purchase the other EPs (which, in my opinion, are definitely worth it) or moving on to TS3 at a later stage when prices come down.

If you can afford it though, I'd get both and play them alongside each other! :lol:

mangaroo

22nd Jul 2010, 11:47 AM

It seems a lot of the complains about Sims 3 are people who were used to Sims 2.

This. It doesn't make the complaints less valid (for instance, TS3 babies are still boring larvae and the toddlers and children are hideous, same-faced monsters), but these things would matter less to a player who hadn't become attached to the corresponding elements in Sims 2. This is true in general about the TS3 character aesthetics, the interactions or lack thereof, and the gameplay style...I wouldn't mind TS3's single-family, "lose control of the neighborhood" story progression if I hadn't spent years developing a more tightly controlled TS2 play style.

As to cost, with TS3 base, you are essentially getting the equivalent of TS2 + Seasons (minus, ironically, the weather). EPs for 3 will cost more, but that's the price you pay for playing a current game. The benefit you get is that your game is supported by the manufacturer. TS2 is eventually going to run into incompatibilities with new operating systems or hardware, and EA isn't going to patch their former money cow when they can sell you a new one and make more profit doing so.

On the down side, TS3 is frustratingly buggy. It's not necessarily buggier than 2, it's just that the community hasn't fixed quite as many of the TS3 bugs.

[Incidentally, I say all this as someone who prefers and plays TS2.]

Shoosh Malooka

22nd Jul 2010, 1:20 PM

ebec17, you're picking The Sims 3 so I'll share my knowledge to reflect your decision but provide a rebuttal.

Here is why TS3 base game is better than TS2 base game:
1. Create-a-style lets you recolor almost everything. This is a miracle feature compared to what we are stuck with in TS2.
2. Open Neighborhood means other sims are living their lives around you ( sort of ). There is only a brief load time when going between lot and neighborhood. Another gift from the heavens.
3. The Sims 3 base includes some aspects of Free Time and Nightlife from TS2.
4. Better building options and placement.

But...

Here is why TS2 with Nightlife, Free Time, and Apartment Life ( and perhaps Pets ) is better than TS3 with all the current expansions:
1. More to do. Go out and party / date. Role play interests by choosing from 10 hobby areas. Be a social butterfly between social groups and earn reputation. Have a Genie, become a vampire or witch ( or werewolf ).
2. Designing custom / celebrity sims is much less difficult in TS2 ( you still need Photoshop skills ) to craft a skin and create a sim that uses it. Or download them ( be sure to get the required meshes ).
3. Ghosts in TS2 are what they should be instead of the bland, insipid humanoids they are in TS3. TS2 sims look better than TS3 sims.
4. Some crucial patches to fix what needs it. Many small mods to tailor your game. Some brilliant mods, like omgwtfbbq by JMPescado, assault rifle by Paladin, and Gunmod's Radiance Light System by dDefinder.

If you want The Sims 3 now then you can look forward to the After Dark expansion, which seems like it will enlighten / boost the game.

tizerist

22nd Jul 2010, 1:34 PM

I recommend jumping straight in at TS3.

TS2 or TS3 with no expansions is a very empty game.
In three months TS3 will have 3 EP's. It is slowly becoming an essential game and every day it gets better.

TS2 is still good, but honestly, TS3 is nearly equal already, even at this young age.
Go with TS3.

Nalia

22nd Jul 2010, 8:45 PM

TS2 is still good, but honestly, TS3 is nearly equal already, even at this young age.
Go with TS3.

Equal? The gameplay is quite different.

CinderEmma

22nd Jul 2010, 9:54 PM

I wouldn't mind TS3's single-family, "lose control of the neighborhood" story progression if I hadn't spent years developing a more tightly controlled TS2 play style.

I'm not sure what this means? Can you explain the differences of the neighbourhoods more clearly? Because that's an important thing for me to consider.

Thank you everyone for all of the advice. I'm still very torn, but am leaning towards TS3...though the expansions in TS2 (which I'll eventually be able to afford) sound really awesome.

After Dark does sound pretty good from the little I've heard about it.

Nalia

22nd Jul 2010, 10:24 PM

To put it simply, in TS2 you can control every single family in the neighbourhood without side effects, because each household remains static during your absence, and you have to play them all in turns, if you want the Sims living them to progress in their lives and grow up/ age. In the TS3 things work differently. You are in charge of one household called "active" and there is a Story Progression crap that takes over and care of the rest households. If you play the game without mods/hacks, Pescado's and/or Twallan's namely, you will notice Sims gone missing or babies being born out of the thin air, etc.

If you are the type who likes playing a part of the game while the other part is being played by itself, then go for TS3. If you like micro-managing and you are a control freak who wants to have a saying on everything, then you go for TS2. Moreover, if you are leaning towards TS3 you should then check TS3 forum, because you will find a lot more details and info about the game. Another forum you can check is the Sims Creativity and its Sim Pictures sub-forum, to compare environment and design.

jodemilo

22nd Jul 2010, 10:55 PM

Thank you everyone for all of the advice. I'm still very torn, but am leaning towards TS3...though the expansions in TS2 (which I'll eventually be able to afford) sound really awesome.

I think you'll be happy if you go for TS3. I was just playing it now and had installed 2 custom-made worlds made by other creators, one of which is fab. From a creating point of view I find the Create A World element quite intriguing - with Sims 2 you used the pre-made terrains or terrains other creators had made but ultimately those neighborhoods were only aesthetically pleasing from the neighbourhood view, and more or less useless once you were in a lot, simply because you just play a lot and cannot "nip down the road to the shops" in an authentic way like you can with Sims 3.

If you're content just to play families in isolation, don't mind "rotating" families to keep everyone at the same age level, or want to micromanage every aspect of your neighborhood, then Sims 2 is fine.

Personally I don't mind story progression in Sims 3 (although I use Twallan's story progression mod, not the EA default one) mainly because I like to play Sims 3 from a one-family point of view. I'm interested in what goes on in the rest of the hood but I don't mind not having control over it, I find it quite entertaining actually hearing about what other people get up to.

Visually TS3 is much more enticing too. People go on about how they think sims in TS2 are much better looking, but CAS (create a sim) seems much more "pliable" in TS3 because of all the sliders. I still think my sims 2 characters are better looking, but that's not really the reason why I enjoy playing TS3.

Also, you can always get into Sims 2 at a later date if TS3 isn't really floating your boat or if you just fancy a change. In some ways playing TS2 is a much steeper learning curve simply because there's so many mods, hacks, custom content, info, tutorials for the game.

I actually bought Sims 1 complete collection about the same time as I bought Sims 2 base game and played it a couple of times. But once I played Sims 2 I just couldn't continue playing Sims 1 because of the graphic "backwardness" of the game. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it's a great game in its own terms, just wasn't really for me.

So maybe if I'd bought Sims 3 the same time as Sims 2, I might have felt the same way about Sims 2.

A.G.Doren

22nd Jul 2010, 11:54 PM

I'd like to point out that this is just a game and more than likely you'll have fun with whatever direction you chose.

I went from some minor The Sims gaming,to Urbz, and then to Sims 2 and I'm enjoying every minute of the game play.

I purchased Sims 2 Double Deluxe in January because I'd just bought my brand new mini computer (which I love very much) and $20 was all I could budget for games. At the time I figured I would go back and get Sims 3 in a couple of months. Seven months later I haven't and I have no intention of doing so for about another two years.Why?

The active lifespan of The Sims and the Sims 2 was approxiamately four years -with sims products being available for purchase in store up until a year ago and the last new expansion pack release for the Sims 2 coming out only a few months before the release of Sims 3. I figure with a life progression like this the best time to dive into the community would be at 2 1/2 years age. At 2 1/2 years age the Sims 3 community should be at its full strength- lots custom content wil be available, many bugs and issues will have patches and ready answers, there will be a variety of expnasion packs available and prices for the game itself and its expansion packs should have dropped significantly, that would make this an ideal time to buy in.

Also Sims 2 has host of expansion packs and stuff packs dirt cheap as well as an abundance of custom content. You can get the base game for ten bucks (used of course) and then with another $30 buy 3-5 expansion packs, that's just a better deal. This to me makes Sims 2 the best choice at this time.

CinderEmma

22nd Jul 2010, 11:59 PM

Very good points A. G.! Maybe I'll get Sims 3 when the Sims 2 community really starts to die out? $10 for the base game (I'm not interested in Double Deluxe, I don't really want Nightlife compared to some other EPs) is REALLY good for me, I would be able to possible get 2-3 more expansions, depending on how much I'll have. But I'm actually quite fond of the Sims 3 graphics, from the pics I've seen on this site?
But I'll probably make my decision at the store :)

jodemilo

23rd Jul 2010, 12:06 AM

I think at the end of the day the game is whatever you make it and, whichever way you decide to go, I'm sure you'll have fun :)

When I first got Sims 2 Double Deluxe, I was pretty much addicted straight away. Sims 3 was a "slow burner" by comparison, but I find both games rewarding for different reasons.

Shoosh Malooka

23rd Jul 2010, 12:19 AM

I'm not sure what this means? Can you explain the differences of the neighbourhoods more clearly? Because that's an important thing for me to consider.

This means that Story Progression was and is broken. If you play only one household for the neighborhood then it wouldn't affect you, but you will be missing out. And when you switch over to another family to play then that time you spent playing the new family counts for the computer AI playing the old family and having carte blanche over what happens to them. They could break up, remarry, have a baby without your consent, quit their jobs, die from an accident, or simply move out and disappear, evermore. *raawk* And all of this happens on some unseen decision outside of play.

After Dark does sound pretty good from the little I've heard about it.

It will be the first real expansion for TS3, but npc sims will still have pudding face and fatty town and no witches or warlocks. *squawk* Yes, there will be more mods available, but they will likely need World Adventures and Ambitions and the new patch will fix some things and break something else.

CinderEmma

23rd Jul 2010, 12:36 AM

Okay, I'm not sure where to ask this, so I'll ask here.
Where did you guys GET your used games? Because I was trying to look on Microplay's/Jumbo Video's (it's kind of the same where I live) websites, the places I usually buy used games, and I couldn't find any PC games at all...I was just trying to figure out the prices where I live for everything since that's something I need to consider. But now I'm worrying that I can't buy Sims 2 used at all, since I'm not allowed to buy things online :/ I could still get Sims 3, but I am now realizing that if Sims 2/3 are cheap enough, I might be able to get both of them and get the expansions for the one I love more. I'm sure I'll like both, which is why I'm having a hard time deciding.
I know Blockbuster sells new games, but not used I believe.
It's hard because I can't remember if Microplay has a PC section, I'm usually a game console person...but besides Sims Bustin' Out for the GC, the rest of the console sims are rather sad...

"They could break up, remarry, have a baby without your consent, quit their jobs, die from an accident, or simply move out and disappear, evermore. *raawk* And all of this happens on some unseen decision outside of play." WHAT? Does none of these mods here fix that? I could see my self-sim burning down the house :P (Note, I forgot to use the quote function for this one, regular quotes/boldness will have to do :))

mangaroo

23rd Jul 2010, 12:41 AM

ebec, I hope Nalia's and the others' answers helped to clear up what I meant about the differences in neighborhood control?

If I had never played the Sims before (to keep with the theme that starting with TS2 may create an anti-TS3 bias), I probably wouldn't have an opinion on the static vs dynamic neighborhoods. Or, more likely, the neighborhood that progresses on its own would sound more appealing. If I had started with Sims 3, I would have developed a classic legacy style of play, where I follow one heir in each generation and don't give a fig for the fate of the others...and I would have been perfectly happy with that. TS2 forced me to develop a different style of play, where I have the luxury of time to get to know every member of a family and play each one. Now that I have come to love this slow style of play, TS3's arbitrary story progression doesn't appeal to me. Note that you have the option to turn off both story progression and aging in TS3. While an absolutely static neighborhood also doesn't appeal to me, a lot of players just want to play their current household without anything changing ever.

CinderEmma

23rd Jul 2010, 12:54 AM

Thank you mangaroo. Right now, if I can FIND Sims 2, I will probably get it. Whether I get an expansion or two or Sims 3 with it, I am unsure.

A.G.Doren

23rd Jul 2010, 1:07 AM

Okay, I'm not sure where to ask this, so I'll ask here.
Where did you guys GET your used games? Because I was trying to look on Microplay's/Jumbo Video's (it's kind of the same where I live) websites, the places I usually buy used games, and I couldn't find any PC games at all...I was just trying to figure out the prices where I live for everything since that's something I need to consider. But now I'm worrying that I can't buy Sims 2 used at all, since I'm not allowed to buy things online :/ I could still get Sims 3, but I am now realizing that if Sims 2/3 are cheap enough, I might be able to get both of them and get the expansions for the one I love more. I'm sure I'll like both, which is why I'm having a hard time deciding.

I go to half.com

"They could break up, remarry, have a baby without your consent, quit their jobs, die from an accident, or simply move out and disappear, evermore. *raawk* And all of this happens on some unseen decision outside of play." WHAT? Does none of these mods here fix that? I could see my self-sim burning down the house :P (Note, I forgot to use the quote function for this one, regular quotes/boldness will have to do :))

It is for this reason that I am currently uninterested in Sims 3. What the hell am I playing for if they can literally live whatever life they want when I am not there?? This could turn out to be great fun, but at the moment I am altogether uninterested.

Its actually the style of the Sims 3 faces that appeals to me -even though they are funny faced pudding heads- I'm certain that the stylization is based off of some watercolor artist somewhere...

HarlequinnRomance

23rd Jul 2010, 1:27 AM

Thank you mangaroo. Right now, if I can FIND Sims 2, I will probably get it. Whether I get an expansion or two or Sims 3 with it, I am unsure.
Well actually,I learned that I could get 2 EPs for sims 2 and still be the same as say,ambitions.
So it's really whichever one you want.You don't know how much of a dork I looked like standing around in walmart deciding between 2 EPs for sims 2 or just one for sims 3. Was sad in my eyes.
I like many aspects of both of them.if I could put them together,it'd be the ultimate sims game.
I'd want the EPs of sims 2 and all the custom content,with people still working on it.The traits and new careers,like in ambitions for sims 3. And story progression really isn't that bad.Sometimes the people I kick outta the house end up with crazy lives when I go back to them.

And for EPs for sims 3,I suggest ambitions.Like somebody else on the thread said,if I wanted to play an adventure,tomb raiding game,I'd play Laura Croft.

CinderEmma

23rd Jul 2010, 2:12 AM

I actually kind of like the Sims 3 graphics, something about them appeals to me :) But Sims 2 graphics are pretty good comparing their age!
Good to know they sell them at Walmart, I have some pretty big ones that still might have the Sims 2 stuff :P

Yukkuri Shiteite ne

23rd Jul 2010, 2:49 AM

Garambola

23rd Jul 2010, 3:31 AM

I got many of the EPs and SPs from eBay. Someone sold a bundle very cheaply. Also I bought them used at gamestores. The very start was a double pack of Sims 2/Seasons from a big supermarket (Citymarket). That cost €19.90 at the time. (Incidentally, I just bought Sims 3 Collector's edition from there for €29.90, while in other stores just the game costs ovet €50...)

I am very happy with my Sims 2 now and will likely get into Sims 3 sometime in the future...when more interesting EPs come out and some things get fixed. :)

ani_

23rd Jul 2010, 10:49 AM

TS2 forced me to develop a different style of play, where I have the luxury of time to get to know every member of a family and play each one. Now that I have come to love this slow style of play, TS3's arbitrary story progression doesn't appeal to me. Note that you have the option to turn off both story progression and aging in TS3. While an absolutely static neighborhood also doesn't appeal to me, a lot of players just want to play their current household without anything changing ever.

I play TS3 the TS2 way. No story progression and no town aging, so having TS3 doesn't force you to play only one household even if originally that is what EA wanted us to do.

I love knowing all my families and all the sims in them and playing their lives in detail, just like I loved playin in detail all my TS2 sims. Playing one family only and letting story progression take over my hood is just not an option.

Currently I'm using Awesome, as it gives you the TS2 aging option where only the active family ages. But I'm actually planning on moving my sims to a new town, and stop using awesome all together. Awesome is great but I don't like the fact that once you use it you are married for life.

Now without awesome, my options are to check out Twallan's mod as it has some aging features, make my own none core TS2 style aging mod or just play in rotation. Have one family be the anchor family where aging is on that I play for example one week, then play other households for a week with aging off.

So the point of this little rant? Just because EA tells you this is how you have to play the game, doesn't mean you have to blindly follow.

Even without mods, you can easily play in TS2 style just by rotating the households. Sure not everything will be static in the game, the days will have changed, your Sims will be found not where you left them, but TS2 was not fully static either. There always were changes happening to the characters even if it was something as trivial and small as meeting a new Sim or having a fight. The only big change in playing TS3 the TS2 style without awesome is that their work experience has gone up/down, but this is not a deal breaker.

I think at the end of the day the game is whatever you make it and, whichever way you decide to go, I'm sure you'll have fun

I agree with this. It doesn't matter which game you choose, both are lots of fun.

Just beware of the vicious go to work -> go home -> have baby -> sleep -> go to work cycle. If you however do fall a victim of this then there is the whole "keeping the game interesting" thread to help you play outside the boundries EA tried to make for us.

CinderEmma

23rd Jul 2010, 3:23 PM

Sango_Uchiha

23rd Jul 2010, 3:28 PM

kennyinbmore

23rd Jul 2010, 3:36 PM

I'm so confused, I'm used to the gaming console versions of Sims/Urbs :/ Help?
Welcome to the Dark side :lol:

CinderEmma

23rd Jul 2010, 3:45 PM

^^Bodyshop is this program that comes with the Sims 2. It's the program that lets you recolor genetics, clothing, make-up among other things. Also, if you create sims in bodyshop, you can put them in your game, or package them and post them on sites. There is more control in bodyshop when creating sims than in CAS.
Thank you :)
Is it the same for the regular Sims 2 and the Sims 2 Double Deluxe?

And yes, I'm coming to the dark side, despite the lack of cookie offering to bribe me there :rofl:

WooHoo31

23rd Jul 2010, 5:44 PM

I'm glad you chose TS2 over TS3. :) Although, I am one of those people who played TS2 first.

Anyways, I'd suggest buying The Sims 2 Double Deluxe. It's the same price as any other TS2 game at $19.99 and you get to start off with the Nightlife EP and Celebration Stuff Pack! (Plus, it's pretty hard to find the regular base game in stores now a days, so Double Deluxe may be your only option!)

And if you're looking towards getting the University, Pets, or Open For Business EPs, then get the Collection packs of those EPs!

(University Life Collection)
(Fun With Pets Collection)
(Best of Business Collection)

These collection packs come with 2 Stuff Packs each!! And once again it's only $19.99! :D

Have fun simming!

A.G.Doren

23rd Jul 2010, 7:45 PM

I play TS3 the TS2 way. No story progression and no town aging, so having TS3 doesn't force you to play only one household even if originally that is what EA wanted us to do.

I love knowing all my families and all the sims in them and playing their lives in detail, just like I loved playin in detail all my TS2 sims. Playing one family only and letting story progression take over my hood is just not an option.

Currently I'm using Awesome, as it gives you the TS2 aging option where only the active family ages. But I'm actually planning on moving my sims to a new town, and stop using awesome all together. Awesome is great but I don't like the fact that once you use it you are married for life.

Now without awesome, my options are to check out Twallan's mod as it has some aging features, make my own none core TS2 style aging mod or just play in rotation. Have one family be the anchor family where aging is on that I play for example one week, then play other households for a week with aging off.

So the point of this little rant? Just because EA tells you this is how you have to play the game, doesn't mean you have to blindly follow.

Even without mods, you can easily play in TS2 style just by rotating the households. Sure not everything will be static in the game, the days will have changed, your Sims will be found not where you left them, but TS2 was not fully static either. There always were changes happening to the characters even if it was something as trivial and small as meeting a new Sim or having a fight. The only big change in playing TS3 the TS2 style without awesome is that their work experience has gone up/down, but this is not a deal breaker.

I agree with this. It doesn't matter which game you choose, both are lots of fun.

Just beware of the vicious go to work -> go home -> have baby -> sleep -> go to work cycle. If you however do fall a victim of this then there is the whole "keeping the game interesting" thread to help you play outside the boundries EA tried to make for us.

I knew had there had be a way around the whole story-progression thing. Whenever I asked though no one would be able to answer. With this informaiton I can now safely say that sometime in the future I will play Sims 3. :)

A.G.Doren

23rd Jul 2010, 7:59 PM

I'm still not allowed to buy online (my mom is the one with the credit card and doesn't understand that there are some trustworthy sites out there), but thank you for the advice.
It looks like I'll be able to either buy Sims 3 or Sims 2 with 1-2 EPs. I'll probably decide on Sims 2, if only for the fact that I feel like my computer wouldn't like Sims 3 nearly as much (it's new, but still not that fast). Waiting times don't bother me, and I would like to explore the world of CC, and it sounds like I might be able to create stuff in Sims 2 a bit easier.

Quick question - what is this bodyshop thing people are talking about?

Does anyone still take money orders? When I wanted to buy stuff on ebay back in the early days of the internet (god I sound old) a lot of sellers would still make money orders. You should be able to get money order at your local grocery. Or do you know anyone with a paypal account that will buy it for you?

J. M. Pescado

23rd Jul 2010, 8:24 PM

WooHoo31

23rd Jul 2010, 8:52 PM

If you're getting into things new, I'd suggest starting with TS3. You don't seem like you can manage wrestling with a dying game where information is drying up. As TS2 is over, you're going to start running into more and more dead links whenever you try to find anything, and be sorting through a wealth of confusing and outdated info.

That doesn't mean she shouldn't still get TS2. TS2 is still a really great game with great EPs and SPs and you can still get really great old and new custom content for it here on MTS2.

Nalia

24th Jul 2010, 5:22 AM

If you're getting into things new, I'd suggest starting with TS3. You don't seem like you can manage wrestling with a dying game where information is drying up. As TS2 is over, you're going to start running into more and more dead links whenever you try to find anything, and be sorting through a wealth of confusing and outdated info.
Nonsense. TS2 is not dying so fast as you make it sound. Besides, there are players scattered in blogs and sites who keep creating stuff for the game. PLUS, we *do* know where you have stored all your hacks and mods. :p :P

FranH

24th Jul 2010, 11:26 AM

You've gone to the dark side, Pescado! :rofl:
Sims 2 might not look like it's living or breathing, but as noted, there are still mods, and creations being made for Sims 2.
I've also noted one small fact: that many players of sims 3 are getting very fed up with the borkedness that comes with the game without mods and hacks (respectfully, yours in part) and the glitches from EA are not making it any easier for them to play it-so they're bolting from it to the relative safety of Sims 2.
Until EA cleans up the coding from Sims 3 totally, Sims 2 will still have it's allure. True, Sims 2 doesn't have the no loading screens and the open neighborhood, but looks are deceiving.
As for the OP, I would recommend getting single EP's if available. I've got Base, Uni, OFB and Seasons-a good combination.

CinderEmma

24th Jul 2010, 10:47 PM

WooHoo31

24th Jul 2010, 11:55 PM

*sighs*
So, at the moment, I have 2 EPs and NO base game. So my mom is searching town for the game, and I'm feeling sick and am sulking.

I can't find OFB (let alone the collection!), which is making me miffed because that and Seasons are the two must-have EPs for me!

I'll definitely get the Uni. collection thing (the only collection I could find), if only for getting the two stuff packs (my two favourite ones too!) for the price of one!

The stuff packs that come with Uni Collection are my favs too! :D I hope you find TS2 Base soon! You may have to get the Double Deluxe though which comes with the base game because it's pretty hard to find the regular Base game itself. Oh well, it's the same price, and you'll get Nightlife and a stuff pack with it! :D

CinderEmma

25th Jul 2010, 12:09 AM

Yeah, I got Double Deluxe and OFB now!!! I got the best of business collection as well, which has some nice stuff packs as well (I'm always struggling to find good kitchen/bath stuff)
All I got to do now is install and PLAY :)

Garambola

25th Jul 2010, 12:42 AM

Congratulations!

There is plenty of good bath and kitchen stuff here at this site for free. Other places like holysimoly and aroundthesims2 have also plenty of free stuff.

Have fun exploring your game and remember things don't have to be perfect all the time. :)

A.G.Doren

26th Jul 2010, 8:55 PM

Yaahhhh!!! Have fun.

WooHoo31

26th Jul 2010, 11:00 PM

Yay! :D I'm always happy to meet a new simmer, especially a TS2 simmer! Have fun!

malfoya

26th Jul 2010, 11:13 PM

My plus/minuses for TS2 and TS3:

TS2:
+ Easier to build
+ Doesn't need that much space on your computer
- Playing isn't as fun. The characters doesn't have much personality and you can get easily tired, especially if playing with a rich family!
- LOADING screen! Enough said..

TS3:
+ Playing. Seeing every neighbour grow up around you, living their lives while you live your sims' is kinda nice. And there are so many assignments and jobs for your sims to work on.
+ All the texture you can use on your clothes and furniture. There are millions of options (feels like that) when it comes to decorating, just by using the same furniture over and over again.
+ Open neighbourhood. It's nice to take a walk with your sim.
- The simmies looks weird. I almost hate their faces. The famous pudding faces.
- Building stairs.. Haven't tried the newest EP, but on the other games you can't build angled stairs (or what you call them).

As I prefer building and creating, TS2 feels so much easier for me. Meshing and texturizing on TS3 is more complicated, but you get more out of it. And of course now that I own all the EPs for TS2 I don't wanna start to collect all the TS3 ones aswell..

Yukkuri Shiteite ne

26th Jul 2010, 11:39 PM

stygia2002

27th Jul 2010, 1:13 AM

My neice wanted the Sims as a break from World of Warcraft and since Sims 3 was the newest one, she took the plunge...and hated it. It wasn't what she expected, so I bought her Sims 2 Double Deluxe and she went on to buy the rest of the EPs and stuff packs...which she loves. When my daughter-in-law decided she wanted to try out Sims, I steered her towards Sims 2 and picked up Double Deluxe, the Pets combo and Apartment Life for her. She's having a blast. That's the combination I'd recommend to anyone, but I would add that if you can afford it, Seasons adds alot to the game.

Sango_Uchiha

27th Jul 2010, 3:41 AM

[QUOTE=ebec17]Thank you :)
Is it the same for the regular Sims 2 and the Sims 2 Double Deluxe?[QUOTE]

With each expansion pack you add, a different version of Bodyshop is what you need. So whatever you installed last is what you need to use. (Example: I had NL and the I got Uni so I used the Uni Bodyshop. But then I got OFB so now I use that one.)

CleoSombra

27th Jul 2010, 4:55 AM

ani_

27th Jul 2010, 6:01 AM

Characters might not have a lot of individual personality, but I disagree with the generalized statement. Sims in the Sims 3 are really much more bland - it's very disappointing. In the Sims 3, I just had a sim cheat right in front of her boyfriend and he didn't so much as bat an eyelash, just lost some relationship points. In the Sims 2, one sim would go over and slap the cheating partner and the tramp they were cheating with.

Yep, the getting caught cheating part is really lame in TS3, I hope one of the next EP's fixed this and we get back the Jerry Springer version of getting caught cheating that we had in TS2.

But other than that, TS3 characters are much more in-depth by default than TS2 Sims. And what make them even more interesting and individual, is that the in TS2, their personalities only effected on the actions they did. While in TS3 the world also reacts to your traits. Like having stuff getting broken more often if you are unlucky, or having good stuff happen to you if you are lucky, as well as having a certain trait will effect certain skills so you have an advantage over others in certain areas.

Of course a character can only be as interesting as your imagination is wild about them, regardless of do they have the evil trait or just zero nice points.

stygia2002

27th Jul 2010, 3:34 PM

I miss the Jerry Springer aspect of the cheating partner in Sims 3 as well. That's why I still play Sims 1 and 2....in Sims 1 the offended sim only slapped the cheating partner and it was a 3 stooges cartoon slap (which was rather funny). I find the Sims 2 cheating reaction much more amusing. Sims 3 is okay, but just not as interesting...my sims take themselves way too seriously. With the EPs and new stuff I got from the Sims store I'm starting to like it more (yeah yeah, I know I said I wasn't spending anymore money on Sims 3, but I got sucked in and now am eating my words...tastes like chicken ;) ), but Sims 2 still wins hand down.

WooHoo31

27th Jul 2010, 6:04 PM

I agree. The reactions in The Sims 2 are very amusing compared to The Sims 3. I've never however had a cheating sim. I'm always playing perfect families, and even if they role the want to cheat, I still don't. Maybe I should start letting my sims do whatever they want and just watch...

GoldenSimAlex

27th Jul 2010, 7:17 PM

Don't worry about the patchs unless you play your game and find something wrong. The original game will last you months without expansion packs or stuff packs but if you do want one get sims 2 Double Deluxe and remember to look for collections instead of one expansion pack (university,OFB{open for bussiness}, and pets have one it comes with 2 stuff packs and the expansion pack). The Sims 2 double deluxe at walmart.com is 20 dollars so its a good deal and same with the collections its the price of 1 game! :rofl: