Each trait also influences your Sim’s ambitions, whether it be their overall aim in life – create a friendly, family-oriented Sim and chances are they’ll want be to be surrounded by family – or their less important, dynamic desires, like the bookworm’s occasional craving to read the latest best-seller. And rather than rely purely on the six ‘Needs’ sliders to determine your Sims’ happiness (reduced from the series’ usual eight, Sims aficionados will immediately notice that the ‘Comfort’ and ‘Environment’ sliders have been given the elbow), other everyday events also play a part in your Sims’ overall happiness; get a promotion or have a child and your Sim will remain on a high for a certain period of time. Because, after all, the key to happiness isn’t just about having a wee.

But The Sims has become much more than a simple virtual dollhouse; it’s now a virtual dollcity. Now a fully-fledged open-world rather than a set of disconnected houses and hotspots, scrolling back the mouse wheel reveals the world at your Sims’ feet, a world filled with places for your Sims to go, people to meet and things to do. It adds a key and, more importantly, natural component to the series; a living, breathing world that matures alongside your Sims (or not, depending on whether you turn off the ageing options). The Sims is finally a life simulator, rather than a mere family one.

Obviously life outside of your Sims’ residence is nothing new to the series, but though wholly familiar, it manages to feel entirely fresh; the open world setup making the whole game feel more cohesive (and thus, more involving) than ever before. Each of the buildings throughout the town offer something slightly different, whether it’s the opportunity to buy new books (which in turn can be used to learn new recipes or skills), visit the theatre to watch the latest movie or simply socialise at Central Park. Most can also act as an area of employment for your Sims; when Harry Ramsbottom goes to work in the morning, he’s not just disappearing off the map to a non-existent area, he’s commuting to a visible workplace, joking with co-workers and brown-nosing the boss – all actions determined by yourself, of course. Meanwhile, the odd social event, like a weekend workout in the park, fulfilling a task assigned by a friend or interviewing the snitch in time for deadline day evokes a certain Animal Crossing-vibe, and adds a more traditional (and admittedly, much-needed) objective-based structure to the series. Indeed, we feel that it’s only a matter of time until The Sims makes the jump into real-time altogether.

But until then, EA still has some niggles to iron out. Pathfinding problems, though much improved, still raise their ugly head from time to time, while having to endure your Sims’ sleep cycle remains as tedious as ever. The series’ renowned Needs system still feels overly restrictive too, stopping Sims from performing certain actions should their mood be anything less than ecstatic. Honestly EA, we’ve had enough of managing our Sims’ bladders now. The odd strange design decision as well, like phoning the cops to report a burglary only to be awarded with a hefty fine for wasting police time, feels at odds with the game’s grip on reality, as does the occasional abnormal behaviour of individual Sims. Eyebrows were raised when one particularly evil Sim was, strangely, the only Sim at our birthday party to bring us a present. And where are the pets or seasonal changes introduced to the series via expansion packs years ago? Saved for the inevitable flood of Sims 3 SKUs, no doubt.

Regardless, The Sims remains as hopelessly addictive as ever, admirably upholding the series’ reputation as the ultimate sandbox game. 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.

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