Danny's The Sims Website News

The Sims 3 Horror Trailer Released

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:48:00 EST

EA has released another movie-trailer style The Sims 3 trailer, this time for a horror film. When it's revealed what the horror is, I think it likely you'll laugh (if you can't see the video player, click the title to view this post on the website):

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: RealGamer, GameVortex, Softpedia

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:37:00 EST

Three more reviews tonight, two of which weren't actually added to the website today - unfortunately I was to busy sorting out those screenshots to post about them the previous two nights.

RealGamer rated it 9 out of 10 - "Excellent":

Overall, The Sims 3 does what it promised to do. It brings our little computer friends into 2009 with a complete revamp to game play whilst still retaining the charm of the old sandbox theme.

> The Sims 3 Review at RealGamer

GameVortex rated it 96%:

I do not know what they did to streamline the loading of the game, but it only took mere seconds to load, compared to what felt like forever before. It has successfully shed its shackles of being labeled only one thing or another.

> The Sims 3 Review at GameVortex

Softpedia rated it 8 out of 10:

The execution is nearly flawless on The Sims 3 and the range of options bewildering. Once you get into it and discover how many trait combinations there are and how many goals you can accomplish, the game will surely become more addictive than The Sims 2 with all the expansions installed.

> The Sims 3 Review at Softpedia

The Metascore stands at 86, "Generally favorable reviews", based on 61 reviews, while the ranking at GameRankings is 87.03% based on 32 reviews.
> The Sims 3 at Metacritic
> The Sims 3 at GameRankings

See Starting a Game, Buy Mode and Live Mode In More Home Made The Sims 3 Screenshots (Updated)

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:14:00 EST

Late last night and today I added 45 more new The Sims 3 screenshots that I took myself, showing such things as starting a new game, Buy Mode, Build Mode and Live Mode. Check them out on the screenshots tab (new ones added last night start at image 13, showing the main menu's options menu), and look out for even more screenshots soon.
�> The Sims 3 Screenshots

Update: I've now added another 36 screenshots to yesterday's update, covering more of Build mode, Edit Town and the Create a Sim.

See The Launcher, Options and More In My New The Sims 3 Screenshots

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:43:00 EST

If you've been hankering for screenshots of the initial loading screen, the New Game screen and the Options window in The Sims 3, then I've got you covered. Go to the Screenshots tab for some I've taken tonight of just those things and more. Also, stay tuned for more screenshots from me soon. (By the way, for some reason the in-game screenshots came out a bit dark. This must be some sort of glitch with Windows's screenshot taking abilities.)
> The Sims 3 Screenshots

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: Gamernode

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST

Once again just one review tonight.

Gamernode rated it 9.0 out of 10:

If you're a fan of The Sims, obviously The Sims 3 is a must-buy, and you've probably already had it since the day it came out. But, if you never really "got" why people played the games, The Sims 3 might give you the answer you've been seeking.

> The Sims 3 Review at Gamernode

New The Sims 3 Patch Fixes Story Progression Toggle, DVD Authentication Errors, More

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:24:00 EST

A new The Sims 3 patch has been released, fixing a few bugs including the story progression toggle not working, the babysitter walking off with babies, DVD authentication errors, freezes when cleaning out bad food from fridges and more. To read the full list of updates, go to TheSims3.com, hover your mouse over The Game, click Game Updates, then click the "Latest Update for: 1.2.7" (I would provide a direct link but the address seems to vary by country). You should be prompted to install the patch when you next open the game launcher.
> TheSims3.com

EA Unveils Marketing Deal With Dr Pepper, Includes The Sims 3
EA has unveiled a multi-million dollar marketing deal with Dr Pepper, according to IndustryGamers.

The first title to take advantage of the deal with be The Sims 3 (starting early 2010), and other titles will follow. The overall campaign will include co-branded retail initiatives as well as �unique gameplay enhancing items.� On the retail side, EA will work with Dr Pepper to put codes on more than 500 million specially marked Dr Pepper packages, which can then be used to unlock �exclusive premium downloadable content that may include one-of-a-kind beach party items or all the elements of a perfect fall tailgating party.�

> "EA Unveils Multimillion-Dollar Marketing Deal with Dr Pepper" at IndustryGamers

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: Macworld

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:56:00 EST

Just one review tonight, but that's more than we've had the last couple of days.

Macworld rated it 4^� out of 5:

The addictive, immersive, quirky and open-ended gameplay make this the best edition of The Sims to date. Pushing escapism to new heights, it�s an instant classic for anyone who as a kid played �house� or wanted to jump into someone else�s shoes for a little while.

> The Sims 3 Review at Macworld

PC Games Hardware Compares Graphics Settings In The Sims 3

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:32:00 EST

PC Games Hardware has looked at what the benefit is in reducing or switching off some of the graphics settings in The Sims 3, and produced a table, as well as some comparison screenshots.
> "The Sims 3: In-game tuning and comparison shots" at PC Games Hardware

Superguide To The Rescue!
1UP sub-site MyCheats has started a "Superguide" for The Sims 3.

Your favorite little characters that give you a god complex have returned in Sims 3. But how do you take care of them? Enter MyCheats' Sims 3 Super Guide. We're going to do our best to cover everything from creating a house to relationships to finding a job. And if you have any of your own tips to provide, feel free to sign in with your MyCheats account and contribute to the Sims 3 Super Guide.

Currently available are pages on "Creating a Sim", "Building a House", "Death, Dying, and Murder", and more.
> "The Sims 3 Superguide" at MyCheats

On the subject of guides, IGN's one is now complete. It covers creating Sims, construction, other activities, skills and more.
> "The Sims 3 Guide" at IGN

John Riccitiello Views The Sims 3 Leak As "Demo Program"

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:29:00 EST

As part of an interview with IndustryGamers, EA CEO John Riccitiello jokes that The Sims 3's leak to pirates was part of a "secret marketing campaign".

IG: Tying into this digital distribution discussion, piracy has been a big problem for this industry and EA has wrestled with the DRM issue, most notably on Spore. More recently, it was announced that Sims 3 was very heavily pirated, more so than Spore. How are you handling this piracy issue?

JR: You identified our secret marketing campaign! [laughs] That was a very large scale � concentrated on Poland and China � demo program. In the game that was pirated there's [only] one city [out of two]... and Sims 3 has a massive amount of content, and a lot of it is downloaded once you register with EA... and join the online community.

> "Interview: John Riccitiello on E3, Fighting Piracy, Metacritic and More" at IndustryGamers

Two New The Sims 3 Screenshots
I've got hold of another two The Sims 3 screenshots, showing swimming and an opportunity:
> The Sims 3 Screenshots

Fidgit Interviews MJ Chun About Religion And More In The Sims 3

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:52:00 EST

Fidgit has posted an interview with The Sims 3 producer MJ Chun. They discuss religion, laundry, homosexuality and more:

TC: You mentioned the seeds and such. How are seeds generated in the world? Is that dynamic? Or are the same seeds in the same places?

MC: There are spawners. You'll always find certain types of seeds in certain areas.

> "Homosexuality, religion, and laundry in The Sims 3" at Fidgit

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: Gamezine.co.uk

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:50:00 EST

Just one new The Sims 3 review tonight.

Gamezine.co.uk rated it 7.5 out of 10:

If you've tried previous instalments and have decided the game isn't for you, there's little here that'll change your mind � it is essentially more of the same (albeit a good deal more). However, this chapter in The Sims series, combined with the inevitable plethora of expansion packs, is likely to get fans' mouths watering.

> The Sims 3 Review at Gamezine.co.uk

Gaming Today Gives Its Impressions Of The Sims 3

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:22:00 EST

Gaming Today has posted their gameplay impressions of The Sims 3:

The game is definitely a technical evolution as I described in my impressions on Sims 3 Creation, Buy, and Build mode design mechanics, but how does it actually play after you�ve spent hours designing your Sims and their new homes.

> "Gaming Today Sims 3 Gameplay Impressions: Out with the Old in with the New" at Gaming Today

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: USA TODAY, al.com Techcetera, Game Focus, G4TV, The Straits Times Digital Life, ActionTrip, News10.net, GameShark, YouGamers, VideoGamer.com

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:05:00 EST

10 more reviews for you tonight, one of which you may have noticed was actually added to the The Sims 3 Reviews tab last Thursday. Unfortunately I was very busy that evening preparing for a trip to London so didn't manage to post about it that night, and was unable to post to the website Friday and Saturday.

News10.net graded it B:

The Sims 3, however, isn't all good as it suffers from the same problem that the previous editions do. For as addictive as the gameplay is, it can get tedious and rather dull after a while.

> The Sims 3 Review at News10.net

ActionTrip rated it 8/0 out of 10 - "Very Good":

Ultimately, if you liked the previous Sims games, you will like The Sims 3. If the series has never floated your boat, there is nothing here that will make convert you the fan camp.

> The Sims 3 Review at ActionTrip

The Straits Times Digital Life rated it 8 out of 10:

Still, The Sims 3 retains much of the charm of the previous Sims, while presenting itself as a riveting new game that boasts amazing 3-D graphics. While my Sims' productivity at work went up, mine went down, and before I knew it, a whole six hours had happily gone down the drain.

> The Straits Times Digital Life's The Sims 3 Review at AsiaOne Digital

G4TV rated it 4 out of 5:

The intriguing possibilities means Sims 3 is one of the most playable games you'll likely own on your computer -- if creating neighborhoods and watching virtual soap operas are the sort of things that interest you.

> The Sims 3 Review at G4TV

Game Focus rated it 9.2 out of 10:

Fans of the series will not only appreciate the larger changes that came with Sims 3, but the smaller ones too. Quite possibly the best Sims game yet, this is a fantastic addition to the franchise and one that no fan should be without.

> The Sims 3 Review at Game Focus

al.com Techcetera graded it A:

It's more complex, more varied, and just plain more fun. This is definitely a must-purchase for Sims fans. With the inevitable flood of expansion packs that's sure to come, it's only going to get better from here.

> The Sims 3 Review at al.com Techcetera

USA TODAY rated it 4.5 out of 5:

Between its unprecedented amount of character and home customization, myriad career and lifetime goal options and huge digital sandbox in which to play, there is enough engaging game play in The Sims 3 to keep you entertained for months.

> The Sims 3 Review at USA TODAY

GameShark graded it A-:

This game is a natural step in the evolution of the series. Now, bring on the expansion packs!

> The Sims 3 Review at GameShark

YouGamers rated it 91 out of 100:

A fine digital toy and a great purchase for the fan of the series - as long as you accept that a lot of expansion features from The Sims 2 are missing and will probably be sold to you all over again as an endless stream of expansion packs and downloadable add-ons.

> The Sims 3 Review at YouGamers

VideoGamer.com rated it 7 out of 10 - "Good":

It remains at the top of the genre almost by default, given that the few Sims-clones released to date are all so toe-curlingly awful, but in avoiding the trip to Crapsville, instead it�s taken the stopping service from Decentburg to Averagetown.

> The Sims 3 Review at VideoGamer.com

The Metascore is at 87 ("Generally favorable reviews"), based on 54 reviews. The game's ranking at GameRankings is 86.63% based on 30 reviews.
> The Sims 3 at Metacritic
> The Sims 3 at GameRankings

More The Sims 3 Screenshots
Go to The Sims 3 Screenshots tab to see another 12 new screenshots:
> The Sims 3 Screenshots

Pixie Lott Records Her New Single In Simlish

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:48:00 EST

Pixie Lott has recorded her new single in Simlish. See it being done in this video (if you can't see the player, click the title to view this post on the website):

New The Sims 3 Screenshots
Check out the Screenshots tab over on the The Sims 3 page for a massive 47 new screenshots:
> The Sims 3 Screenshots

Another Single New The Sims 3 Screenshot

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:37:00 EST

I've found one single The Sims 3 screenshot. Enjoy:

The Sims 3's Melanie Lam Interviewed

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:50:00 EST

Fragland.net have interviewed a The Sims 3 producer you probably haven't actually heard of (so not Ben Bell, MJ Chun or Grant Rodiek then): Melanie Lam.

- The best selling pc game ever is about to hit the stores, relieved the hard work is finally over?
Yes a lot of work is finally over, in fact this morning (day before official release) I was still getting e-mails about the Mac version software update that finally worked. It was really up to the last minute we were working on it.

> "The Sims 3: interview with producer Melanie Lam" at Fragland.net

IGN guide you to The Sims 3 bug solutions
IGN has posted the first part of their game guide for The Sims 3, focusing on known bugs in the game and how to work around them.
> The Sims 3 Guide at IGN

Rod Humble chats to Stuff.co.nz
"The King of Sims" (their words) Rod Humble has talked to Stuff.co.nz about The Sims:

"The darkest moment for me is before the first reviews hit. Every game that I put out, I believe it's 100, a 10 out of 10, and then I'm always disappointed when people don't agree with me and it's not maximum scores from every person.

"But with Sims 3, I was really happy. All the reviews were good. Also, seeing people play was really good as you never want to disappoint them. Their reaction was a big sigh of relief so now I can be happy."

> "The King of Sims" at Stuff.co.nz

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: Gamervision, Endsights

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:54:00 EST

Two more reviews tonight, both giving The Sims 3 the same rating.

Gamervision has rated it 9 out of 10:

It isn't hard to recommend The Sims 3 to fans of the series. It is, after all, a highly improved version of the past titles.

> The Sims 3 Review at Gamervision

Endsights rated it 9 out of 10 too:

The great soundtrack, the quirkiness, the online community, the adorable moments, the moments that make you smile and tear up, they�re all there in spades. If you dismiss The Sims 3 because it�s a bit more casual than other games, you�ll be missing out on something incredibly special.

> The Sims 3 Review at Endsights

Alice and Kev: A Story of Being Homeless in The Sims 3

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:49:00 EST

UK Games Design student Robin Burkinshaw has started a very interesting blog chronicling the lives of two "homeless" Sims in The Sims 3. Start from the beginning with the introduction at the link below, then click through to the next blog. Keep going until you've reached the latest entry, then subscribe to the RSS feed!
> Alice and Kev

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: PC Magazine, The Detroit News, The Tuscaloosa News

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:24:00 EST

Sorry I didn't post one of these yesterday, I was busy planning for a trip to London. Though if I had, I would have had only one review for you tonight. As it is, there's three:

PC Magazine rated it 4 out of 5 - "Very Good":

The Sims 3 is great for both newcomers and long-time Sims players alike. All the customization makes this the most in-depth Sims yet.

> The Sims 3 Review at PC Magazine

The Detroit News graded it B+:

The game that comes in the package is only the beginning. The strength of the franchise has always been the fan community, which has created thousands, if not millions, of personalized objects, characters, houses and even entire neighborhoods for the first two "Sims" games.

> The Sims 3 Review at The Detroit News

The Tuscaloosa News graded it B:

TS3 could definitely stand to be a bit more distinct from the other Sims games, but it offers enough change to ensure that diehard fans of the series will want to pick it up.

> The Sims 3 Review at The Tuscaloosa News

Based on 47 reviews, the Metascore is still 87. Based on 26 reviews, GameRankings' average is 87.27%.
> The Sims 3 at Metacritic
> The Sims 3 at GameRankings

Another 11 New (But Dark) The Sims 3 Screenshots

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST

If you're hankering for even more The Sims 3 screenshots, I've got you covered with another 11. They appear to be a bit dark for some reason, but you can see what's happening. As usual, you'll find them on the Screenshots tab:
> The Sims 3 Screenshots

New Poll: What theme would you like the first The Sims 3 expansion pack to have?

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 12:15:00 EST

The Sims 3 has been released, so it's probably time to start thinking about what the first expansion pack will be. And that's just what I'm asking in the latest poll! Well, what you want it to be, anyway. I've given pretty much all the themes from The Sims 1 and 2 expansion packs to choose from, or you can vote Other if there is something else you want to see. If you do choose that though, make sure you click Vote with explanation and say what it is - we want to know (you do not need to give your name or email address to vote with explanation)!

Last time, I wanted to know why no one's bothered to make use of the ability to make comments or post reviews on this website. The majority - 40% - said they can't be bothered to register or log in. I sort of wish I'd separated that option out so I know how many can't be bothered to log in, and how many can't be bothered to register. Those in the latter camp should know that you only need to register if you don't already have a Google Account, Yahoo! Account, AIM account, OpenID or NetLog, and even if you don't if you choose to create a Google Account you only need to give them your email address and choose a password.
> Poll Results

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: BigPond GameArena, AceGamez, Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald, Saffron Walden Reporter

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:02:00 EST

Four new reviews tonight, two of which are from local newspaper websites.

BigPond GameArena rated it 9 out of 10:

The Sims 3 is an excellent sequel to a series that has either innovated or destroyed PC Gaming since its first iteration, depending on who you ask.

�> The Sims 3 Review at BigPond GameArena

AceGamez also rated it 9 out of 10:

As such, The Sims 3 really is a game that keeps on giving; it's polished to near perfection and while it's missing a couple of old features, it shines in so many other areas where the series once lacked that I can only sing its praises.

�> The Sims 3 Review at AceGamez

Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald rated it a full 5 out of 5:

For our money though, this is one of the best games of the year, and will keep us diverted for a good few weeks yet.

�> The Sims 3 Review at Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald

Saffron Walden Reporter rated it 4 out of 5:

Suffice to say The Sims 3 is an astonishing game that'll keep you entertained for months or years to come.

�> The Sims 3 Review at Saffron Walden Reporter

See Lots of Views of Sunset Valley in 13 New The Sims 3 Screenshots

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:53:00 EST

I got hold of another 13 new The Sims 3 screenshots, a lot of which are nice views of what I assume is Sunset Valley. Go to the Screenshots tab to view them.
> The Sims 3 Screenshots

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: Game Positive, Hooked Gamers, Examiner.com, The Guardian

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST

Another four reviews tonight.

Game Positive rated it 4.5 out of 5 - "Positive Pick":

The Sims 3 does exactly what a great sequel is supposed to, and serves to expand the already outstanding pedigree of the Sims series.

> The Sims 3 Review at Game Positive

Hooked Gamers rated it 8 out of 10:

If the fantastic gameplay doesn�t convince you that it is worth your fifty dollars, than the sheer amount of things to do should.

> The Sims 3 Review at Hooked Gamers

Examiner.com rated it 9 out of 10:

Honestly, I can't complain. I've been playing the game non-stop and I really love what I've been able to do. I feel, though, like I've taken a step back without my pets and some extra content from expansions or add-ons that are currently missing.

> The Sims 3 Review at Examiner.com

The Guardian rated it 4 out of 5:

Sims 3 won't win many new fans, but it's easily the best in the series � which will doubtless send it storming up the charts.

> The Sims 3 Review at The Guardian

GameSpot has released a video review to go with their text one released last week:
> The Sims 3 Video Review at GameSpot

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: Game Informer, play.tm, Teletext GameCentral, Cheat Code Central, About.com, Kotaku, You?

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:51:00 EST

A massive six reviews for you tonight, one of which doesn't give a score...

Teletext GameCentral rated it 8 out of 10:

The refurbished virtual doll house doesn't look that new, but its voyeuristic charm is greatly increased.

> The Sims 3 Review at Teletext

Game Informer rated it 9 out of 10, with a second opinion rating it 9.5 out of 10:

Even with that ostensibly simple premise, the development team has crafted a remarkably layered simulation that feels like what The Sims has been trying to be from the beginning.

> The Sims 3 Review at Game Informer

play.tm rated it 85%:

The Sims 3 does, however, provide enough innovation and novelty to be worth the asking price. The relentless accumulation of minor additions ensures a major upgrade, and it's really chuffing addictive.

> The Sims 3 Review at play.tm

Cheat Code Central rated it "Must Buy" - 4.5 out of 5:

If you're a fan of the series, then The Sims 3 will deliver all that you've come to expect and throw in a ton of new ideas, even if the amount of extra toppings doesn't seem as vast.

> The Sims 3 Review at Cheat Code Central

About.com rated it 4 out of 5:

All the elements we love about Sims is there. The goofiness and quirky sense of humor is still alive and kicking. Keep an open mind and you should enjoy "The Sims 3."

> The Sims 3 Review at About.com

Kotaku don't do ratings, so you'll just have to actually read their review and make up your own mind whether they like it or not. Or just read this quote:

Whether you're a seasoned Sims fanatic or a newcomer, though, there's got to be something in this massively massive game for you. So � get cracking, get creating and remember to update the drivers on your graphics card because that persistent city requires a lot of rendering.

> The Sims 3 Review at Kotaku

If you already have the game, maybe you've got an opinion of your own to share - and I've got the perfect place. Just go to The Sims 3 page, log in with your Google Account, Yahoo! Account, OpenID, AIM Account or NetLog at the top-right if you haven't already, click the Reviews tab, scroll down to the bottom, then review away! Or, just click below, which will do most of those steps for you - just sign in using the links, then type your review once you've done that.
> Review The Sims 3!

The Metascore is now based on 42 reviews, but remains at 87.
> The Sims 3 at Metacritic

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: GameZone, Blend Games

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST

Just two The Sims 3 reviews tonight, both giving just one whole point from their top score.

GameZone rated it 9.0 out of 10:

Take the best elements of past The Sims games and add more improvements and you get an idea of how amazing The Sims 3 is and why fans will be playing it for a very long time.

> The Sims 3 Review at GameZone

Blend Games rated it 4 out of 5:

Sims 3 appears to take Sims 2 and push it up a notch, adding new twists and turns to make the game almost new again, while also embracing all of the things that made the first two version so addicting in the first place.

> The Sims 3 Review at Blend Games

Based on 37 reviews, the Metascore remains at 87.
> The Sims 3 at Metacritic

Want to Disable Story Progression in The Sims 3? Help May Be Available

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST

It seems the Story Progression toggle in The Sims 3 doesn't work, and that feature isn't always doing things that are entirely logical.

An EA staffer has posted on the official forum with some instructions for PC users to manually disable story progression until a patch is made, if you want to turn it off.

If you leave it on however, it sounds like some people are getting odd things happening such as single Sims suddenly having children and families of three moving in with a single Sim they don't know with just one bed.
> "Concerns about Story Progression" thread at TheSims3.com forum

Another EA staffer has also posted on the forum with some help if you get a Disk Authentication Failure message. The problem appears to be being caused by some specific DVD drives or Drive Letter Access applications.
> "Info on Disc Authentication Failure Errors" thread at TheSims3.com forum

See Ghosts in Yet More The Sims 3 Screenshots

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:30:00 EST

I've added another 16 The Sims 3 screenshots to the Screenshots tab, so click below to see death, ghosts, repair work and more.
> The Sims 3 Screenshots

Unfortunately the quality of these shots are not as good as I'd like because for some reason they were saved in GIF format.

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: HEXUS.gaming, Kikizo, A.V. Club

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:37:00 EST

Three new reviews tonight, with pretty good scores.

HEXUS.gaming rated it 9 out of 10:

The Sims is back, bigger and better than ever. The Sims 3 is a real high point in the series and an ideal time for anyone who hasn't played this life-sim, wherever they may be hiding, to enjoy its unique and addictive qualities.

> The Sims 3 Review at HEXUS.gaming

Kikizo also rated it 9 out of 10:

But it's The Sims to near-perfection, crafted with love, calculated to give the most enjoyment to a player and as involving, as simple to get into and as downright fun as it has always been.

> The Sims 3 Review at Kikizo

A.V. Club gave it a grade of A-:

One of the most dramatic changes is the lack of load screens. You can watch your Sims as they jog to the park or drive to work, and they can socialize with people they pass on the street.

> The Sims 3 Review at A.V. Club

CVG has published a more complete (less edited down) version of PC Gamer (UK)'s review. There isn't that much extra so if you've already read it on Games Radar there's probably not much point reading it on CVG. It does pretty much confirm the rating though - 9.0 out of 10. This is the CVG equivalent of their score, which could be either 9.0 out of 10, simply 9 out of 10 or 90% in the magazine.
> PC Gamer (UK)'s The Sims 3 Review at CVG

For those who care, the Metascore has now increased by one point to 87.
> The Sims 3 on Metacritic

Here's a Screenshot of a Picnic in The Sims 3

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:43:00 EST

I've just found one screenshot of The Sims 3. Enjoy:

Above: A nice picnic with a nice view

Specific Kind of The Sims Player? ZergWatch Explains Whether The Sims 3 Is For You

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 06:53:00 EST

ZergWatch has posted a feature giving a rating on how well The Sims caters to the various types of The Sims player, including "Create-A-Sim Players", "House Building Players", "Neighborhood Building Players", "Movie/Story Players", "Single Family Players", "Multi-Family/God Players" and "The Sims 2 Console Players":

The Sims 2 Console Players: 5/5
For people who loved The Sims 2 for PlayStation 2, X-Box, and GameCube, The Sims 3 plays very similar to those. In fact, The Sims 3 seems like a souped up version of the console Sims 2. For people who hated The Sims 2 console games, well . . . you may not like how The Sims 3 plays.

> "The Sims 3 offers a mixed bag of new and old" at ZergWatch

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: Mirror.co.uk, TotalPCGaming

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 18:52:00 EST

Just two reviews this time, giving excellent and pretty good scores each.

Mirror.co.uk gave it 5 stars out of 5:

It's a testament to the great game design of the Maxis team and the fact that, however bad it can sometimes feel, the day-to-day grind of everyday life is ultimately pretty damn fun.

> The Sims 3 Review at Mirror.co.uk

TotalPCGaming rated it 8 out of 10:

Fans of the first two games will find plenty of new content to enjoy here, with the experience becoming increasingly engrossing with every passing hour, while later stages are particularly impressive if your Sims are successful.

> The Sims 3 Review at TotalPCGaming

The Metascore at this point is 86, "Generally favorable reviews", which is the exact same score it had last time I brought it up - a good, but not fantastic one. Comparing the current score to the one's for The Sims 1 and The Sims 2 make it look a little disappointing, as they got Metascores of 92 and 90 respectfully (I'm not sure whether it would make any difference, but The Sims 2 did get 61 reviews whereas The Sims 3 has so far only got 26), putting them both in "Universal acclaim".
> The Sims 3 on Metacritic
> The Sims on Metacritic
> The Sims 2 on Metacritic

What do you think of this? Discuss now by clicking the title and scrolling to the bottom of the post (remember, you may not need to register to comment on the website - if you have a Google Account, Yahoo! Account, AIM account, OpenID or now Netlog, you can use those).

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: GameDaily, Boomtown, 1UP.com, bit-tech.net, Telegraph

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:03:00 EST

I've got five more reviews for you tonight.

Boomtown has handed it a rating of 8 out of 10:

Give it time to circulate and new content will come pouring in, but what's there is by far the best in the series, and I can say that because the advent of seamless city exploration, fully integrated character traits and less dumbfounded AI in The Sims3 would make it difficult to return to its predecessors.

> The Sims 3 Review at Boomtown

1UP.com has graded it B+:

All in all, however, the problems with The Sims 3 are easily outweighed by the wide variety of funky new gadgets, sharp additions to gameplay, and a pervasive sense that the developers had the fanbase squarely in mind throughout the design process.

> The Sims 3 Review at 1UP.com

GameDaily has rated it 9 out of 10:

With hundreds of new in-game interactions, personality traits that add a quirky change of pace and new tools to create and expanding the ways that players will communicate with fellow Simmers, The Sims may be more of an evolutionary step in the franchise's development but it's a massive step in the right direction, a new way that we recommend for anyone (Teen or older, of course).

> The Sims 3 Review at GameDaily

The Telegraph has rated it 8 out of 10:

The sheer scope of possibility is a little daunting, so it�s really to the game�s benefit that it is just so instantly addictive. If you actually had to think about the epic scale of the undertaking you are about to embark on, you�d be too scared to turn on the computer.

> The Sims 3 Review at the Telegraph

bit-tech.net has rated it 9 out of 10:

The Sims 3 is a huge game stuffed with things to do and explore, with a number of features like the trait system that breathe new life into the series. Yes, it�ll doubtlessly be exploited just like the original games and it�s more iterative than innovative, but the formula works well and just because we probably can�t recommend it to regular bit-tech readers doesn�t mean we can�t recommend it for everyone else.

> The Sims 3 Review at bit-tech.net

More The Sims 3 Screenshots
I've added another 14 new The Sims 3 screenshots. If you've already seen the ones added earlier, the easiest thing to do work from the last screenshot until you reach number 15 - then you're up-to-date.
> The Sims 3 Screenshots

The Sims 3 Gets a Remix

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 15:27:00 EST

EA has released a new The Sims 3 movie - the "Addictive TV Video Remix":

14 new The Sims 3 screenshots
I've also got another 14 new screenshots over on the Screenshots tab, including the selection of eye makeup, fighting, Sunset Valley at night, the Build Mode main menu and more:
> The Sims 3 Screenshots

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: PC Gamer (UK), D+PAD, IGN UK

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:48:00 EST

Another three reviews for you tonight, all with good scores.

IGN UK has rated it 9.0/10 - "Outstanding":

Overall, the Sims 3 is superb evolution for the franchise and an impressive, enjoyable game in its own right. EA has obviously listened to criticism and worked hard to create a title that prioritises goal-based gameplay over micro-management to deliver an experience that's constantly engaging and thoroughly immersive.

> The Sims 3 Review at IGN

D+PAD has rated it 4^� stars out of 5:

EA has done a commendable job at listening to its community and giving them what they want by way of the included movie maker, style creator and integrated online store, crafting not only a well-rounded package that bests its predecessor in every area, but a game that is, much like its virtual stars, filled with charm and character.

> The Sims 3 Review at D+PAD

PC Gamer (UK) has had it's score converted to a 9 out of 10 by Games Radar:

What EA has done is create a platform for a new generation of expansion packs and downloadable content. Depending on where they take it, this might be like �needing� to buy all your old films again on Blu-ray, or it might allow for new, exciting additions as towns expand in scope and scale.

> PC Gamer (UK)'s The Sims 3 Review at Games Radar

Rod Humble Talks The Sims With gamesindustry.biz

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:08:00 EST

GamesIndustry.biz has published a two-part interview with EA Play label head Rod Humble, focusing on The Sims. Subjects include his first memory of the series, Simlish, expansion packs and more:

Q: What's your first memory of The Sims?

Rod Humble: I can remember, I was working at Sony when number one was announced. I saw the preview for the game and I think like a lot of core gamers I just thought "What the hell is this? That doesn't make any sense whatsoever!"

> "The Sims 3: Rod Humble - Part One" at GamesIndustry.biz
> "The Sims 3: Rod Humble - Part Two" at GamesIndustry.biz

New patch for Mac version of The Sims 3
A new patch has appeared on TheSims3.com - or at least the list of changes for one has. The patch updates the Mac version's launcher to be the same as the PC version, so you probably don't need it if you have it on PC. I haven't got the game quite yet, so I'm not entirely sure how you go about downloading it, as there's no link, at least for me, on the Updates page. I would guess you either need to be logged in and product registered, or the update can only be downloaded through the game launcher. Here's a link to the Updates page anyway:
> Game Updates at TheSims3.com

The Sims 3 Launch Trailer released, plus new screenshots
EA have released a new trailer for The Sims 3 to celebrate/promote it's launch. It goes through some of the Sims you can create. Check it out on the Videos tab. You'll also find two new screenshots on the Screenshots tab.
> The Sims 3 Videos
> The Sims 3 Screenshots

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: Crispy Gamer

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:53:00 EST

Just the one new review tonight - Crispy Gamer has rated the game "Buy it" in their system where the other possible ratings are "Try it" and "Fry it":

And along the way, The Sims looks to attract a whole new generation of people interested in spying on the neighbors, decorating a home, and spending real time and money taking care of a pretend person.

> The Sims 3 Review at Crispy Gamer

Animation World Magazine looks at The Sims 3 with MJ Chun
Animation World Magazine has published an article about The Sims 3, featuring associate producer MJ Chun:

"You can create a rail-skinny Sim or athletic and heavy Sims," Chun says. "You can control the color of the Sims' roots and pick a different color for their highlights or the tips of their hair. You can sculpt their features with sliders, as well as use Create-A-Style to customize the color and patterns of their clothing."

> "Life Drama Without End: The Sims 3" at Animation World Magazine

GameLife explains how to make the most of The Sims 3 upgrades
Wired.com blog GameLife has added a post that details four things to do to make the most of The Sims 3's massive upgrades:

1. Roll Your Own Life, Then Brace for Impact

When it comes to designing your virtual citizens, Sims 3 offers an unprecedented amount of freedom. A dizzying array of sliders and color wheels lets you customize just about every aspect of your Sim, from the roots of their hair to the socks on their feet.

> "4 Ways to Make the Most of Sims 3�s Massive Upgrades" at Wired.com

MTV's Multiplayer blog has a final look at The Sims 3
Multiplayer, a gaming blog from MTV, has posted a new article on The Sims 3 - a "Final Look". From reading it, it seems to be a review in all but name.

As for the game side, play is no longer explicitly focused on managing Needs meters such as hunger, bladder and so on. The needs are still there, submerged behind several menus, but they all inform a new, constantly visible meter that indicates your chosen Sim�s Mood.

> "The Sims 3: Final Look" at MTV Multiplayer

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: NZGamer.com, PC World, Gameplanet

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:38:00 EST

Sorry this is a bit (well, a lot) late - things didn't go to plan, but here we are with another three reviews, which all gave the equivalent of the same score.

NZGamer.com has rated it an "Excellent" 9.0 out of 10:

While it is easy to look back at the Sims 2 and all of the features that were packed into the game and all of its expansion packs, and miss that breadth, the Sims 3 really has opened up the world for its denizens and given them something more unique, subtle, and surprising.

> The Sims 3 Review at NZGamer.com

PC World has rated it 90%:

Whether you're part of that base or not, it's the most inviting, gratifying version of the game that makes the utmost in everyday banality utterly seductive.

> PC World's The Sims 3 Review at MSN

Gameplanet has rated it 9.0 out of 10 too:

All in all, Maxis have done an amazing job at making the game deeper and more exciting in almost every way, and yet somehow have managed to make the game overall much more manageable and understandable.

> The Sims 3 Review at Gameplanet

New The Sims 3 Screenshots
I've got another eight screenshots of The Sims 3 - check them out on the screenshots tab:
> The Sims 3 Screenshots

New Feature at Apple
Apple has posted a feature about The Sims 3 on it's website:

As the family strolls down the sidewalk, they encounter Claire Ursine, a single pregnant woman living next door. She loves to fish, but she also happens to be a career criminal whose lifetime wish is to be The Emperor of Evil.

> "The Sims 3: Imagine the Possibilities" at Apple

Full TheSims3.com Launched
In case you haven't noticed, the full TheSims3.com has now launched, including the Exchange, Store and more.
> TheSims3.com

GameSpot Is Here To Help You Get Primed for The Sims 3

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:31:00 EST

GameSpot has released a "Primer Guide" covering the Create-a-Sim, Build and Buy Modes, caring for Sims and a Sim's life:

You'll be there every step of the way, from the day they move into their new home, acquire a job, find their true love, have kids, it's all in your hands. Now playing God isn't easy, so our Sims 3 primer will help get you up to speed with the ins and outs of life in Simville.

> The Sims 3 GameSpot Primer Guide

Latest The Sims 3 Reviews: Edge, TotalVideoGames.com, GameTrailers.com, GamePro.com

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:06:00 EST

On the day The Sims 3 starts shipping in North America, I've got another four reviews.

Edge has rated it 8 out of 10:

And also the massively enriched character generator, and how it creates a world of different shapes and sizes, if not so much personalities. But with so much movement in a game that means so much to so many, the talking points seem endless. No wonder the Sims have so much to say.

> The Sims 3 Review at Edge Online

TotalVideoGames.com has also rated it 8 out of 10:

The implementation of the city coupled with the numerous improvements to the game flow and customization, makes The Sims experience much more rewarding and enjoyable than its predecessors. Undeniably the best Sims yet, the extension beyond the home is wonderfully natural and helps to focus on the bigger things than getting caught up in the basics.

> The Sims 3 Review at TotalVideoGames.com

GameTrailers.com has rated it 9.0 out of 10:

After suffering from an oversaturation of Sims for the last 10 or so years, it�s hard to believe The Sims 3 is as good as it is. It�s unapologetically a Sims game, but it also manages to feel truly fresh. If you�ve never, ever liked The Sims, you still probably won�t get what all the fuss is about, but if you burned out on all the Sims 2�s expansion content, we urge you to give The Sims 3 a look.

They have also produced a video review.
> The Sims 3 Review at GameTrailers.com
> Video Review

Finally, GamePro.com has rated it 4 out of 5:

But The Sims 3 allows players to play the way they truly want, way more than they ever were able to do before. The Sims 3 is a must for any fan, and the new features will win over many new hearts to the Sims franchise.

> The Sims 3 Review at GamePro.com

This leaves the Metascore at 86, "Generally favorable reviews", which is good.
> The Sims 3 at Metacritic