When EA Games released The Sims 2 in 2004 for PC, it became an instant success. Immediately after its launch, it received rave reviews from critics and gamers alike. Since then, EA has released many expansion packs for Sims 2 and its successors, Sims 3 and Sims 4.

However, the follow-up games have slowly lost the same excitement and critical acclaim garnered by their predecessor. No entry in the series has earned the praise and love that The Sims 2 did. EA has faced critique from reviewers and gamers alike and was named the "Worst Company in America" by Consumerist two years in a row. Despite all this, The Sims franchise has soldiered on, and Sims 2 has become a true cult classic.

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The Sims 2 Playing With Dog

Sims 2's expansion packs set the bar for future installments of the series. The eight expansion games, including Sims 2: University, Sims 2: Pets, and Sims 2: Seasons, were far cheaper, offered more items and clothing, and contained more gameplay opportunities. The average Sims 2 expansion pack in 2004 averaged around $20 to $30, gradually lessening in price the farther from the game's release they went to market. Today, one can buy an expansion pack for around $5, or the entire series for approximately $20.

In comparison, Sims 4 expansions cost anywhere from $40 to $55. The higher prices make sense as Sims 4 is the newest installment. However, EA frequently places games on sale for more affordable prices. More important than the prices are the common critiques that these packs have a tendency to fail to truly expand on the in-game experience -- the very purpose of an expansion pack.

Some commenters also discuss the lack of scope in expansion packs, including items. Expansion packs like Sims 4: Get Famous or Sims 4: Eco Living have been criticized for containing a smaller world with a lack of new content in comparison to others. Only fan favorites such as Sims 4: Cottage Living and Sims 4: Parenthood have lived up to their expectations.

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Sims 2 also has surprisingly better loading times than games like Sims 3 and Sims 4. While Sims 3 contains an open world, thus requiring more time to load more locations, Sims 2 requires loading only when leaving the home lot. Sims 2 also contains plenty of settings that allow loading to pick up speed, including lessening the detail of reflections in mirrors, how many neighboring lots can be seen beside the in-play lot, and the quality of the Sims themselves.

A Sims 4 dream marriage

The designs of the Sims are more likable and personality-based in Sims 2 compared to other games. The simple models allow Sims to emote in more exaggerated, cartoonish ways. While Sims 4 has every previous game beat in terms of customization, Sims 2 is still able to keep the Create-A-Sim window fairly straightforward but allows the player to add more personality.

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Additionally, Sims 2 allows players to customize their star sign and personality traits on a scale from 1 to 10. These include traits like shyness, cleanliness, and grouchiness, as well as a space to identify turn-ons and turn-offs, affecting the way Sims react to romantic partners, friends, and strangers.

A variety of small details allow Sims 2 to have more personality in comparison to other Sims games. This includes subtle facial expressions when Sims pass by or interact with one another, including scowling or grinning depending on their relationship, personality, and preferences. The game also leaves room for Sims to create subtle, uncontrollable reactions, such as swooning around Sims they find attractive or cheering to themselves when reminiscing about a positive memory.

EA has created a massively successful and beloved franchise thanks to the original The Sims and its sequels. However, no entry holds a candle to the detail-oriented, expansive, and creative experience that Sims 2 can offer players.