Island Living is the most barebones expansion pack we've received so far. My favorite thing about it is the beauty of Sulani and the items. I've mainly taken a ton of pictures during my playtime. However, it hasn't gone much deeper than that. I didn't buy the expansion to take a million pictures and then wonder "what next??!" so quickly. It is very shallow gameplay-wise. At the least they could have added a handful more of interactive items such as volleyball, Frisbee, or even hammocks! I agree with everyone that said this was a game pack originally that they decided to label as an expansion pack at last minute. However, gameplay-wise, I think I've gotten more enjoyment out of Jungle Adventure!
Island Living is the most barebones expansion pack we've received so far. My favorite thing about it is the beauty of Sulani and the items. I've mainly taken a ton of pictures during my playtime. However, it hasn't gone much deeper than that. I didn't buy the expansion to take a million pictures and then wonder "what next??!" so quickly. It is very shallow gameplay-wise. At the least they could have added a handful more of interactive items such as volleyball, Frisbee, or even hammocks! I agree with everyone that said this was a game pack originally that they decided to label as an expansion pack at last minute. However, gameplay-wise, I think I've gotten more enjoyment out of Jungle Adventure!
Well JA was an adventure for sims already in your game - where as this ep is a new or different culture - nothing to do with Sims already in your game. You apparently were just looking for another gamepack with more adventure for your already played sims instead of a whole new culture and different way of life.
I can agree if you were just looking for more adventure then this pack really wasn't made for you. This is not a new vacation - it's a whole different life style for a different kind of Sim.
"Games Are Not The Place To Tell Stories, Games Are Meant To Let People Tell Their Own Stories"...Will Wright.
In dreams - I LIVE!
In REALITY, I simply exist.....
Island Living is the most barebones expansion pack we've received so far. My favorite thing about it is the beauty of Sulani and the items. I've mainly taken a ton of pictures during my playtime. However, it hasn't gone much deeper than that. I didn't buy the expansion to take a million pictures and then wonder "what next??!" so quickly. It is very shallow gameplay-wise. At the least they could have added a handful more of interactive items such as volleyball, Frisbee, or even hammocks! I agree with everyone that said this was a game pack originally that they decided to label as an expansion pack at last minute. However, gameplay-wise, I think I've gotten more enjoyment out of Jungle Adventure!
Well JA was an adventure for sims already in your game - where as this ep is a new or different culture - nothing to do with Sims already in your game. You apparently were just looking for another gamepack with more adventure for your already played sims instead of a whole new culture and different way of life.
I can agree if you were just looking for more adventure then this pack really wasn't made for you. This is not a new vacation - it's a whole different life style for a different kind of Sim.
But JA costs half the price of this one and it also come with a new culture, in fact, it is even a half skill to learn about the Selvadoradian culture and food. They have a special cultural way of dancing, special foods and drinks that you can learn the recipes only once you become knowledgeable of the culture, the foods and drinks even give you special moodlets, a special way of greeting each other, outfits, etc.
Origin ID is: AlbaWaterhouse
All my creations are CC free.
Island Living is the most barebones expansion pack we've received so far. My favorite thing about it is the beauty of Sulani and the items. I've mainly taken a ton of pictures during my playtime. However, it hasn't gone much deeper than that. I didn't buy the expansion to take a million pictures and then wonder "what next??!" so quickly. It is very shallow gameplay-wise. At the least they could have added a handful more of interactive items such as volleyball, Frisbee, or even hammocks! I agree with everyone that said this was a game pack originally that they decided to label as an expansion pack at last minute. However, gameplay-wise, I think I've gotten more enjoyment out of Jungle Adventure!
Well JA was an adventure for sims already in your game - where as this ep is a new or different culture - nothing to do with Sims already in your game. You apparently were just looking for another gamepack with more adventure for your already played sims instead of a whole new culture and different way of life.
I can agree if you were just looking for more adventure then this pack really wasn't made for you. This is not a new vacation - it's a whole different life style for a different kind of Sim.
But JA costs half the price of this one and it also come with a new culture, in fact, it is even a half skill to learn about the Selvadoradian culture and food. They have a special cultural way of dancing, special foods and drinks that you can learn the recipes only once you become knowledgeable of the culture, the foods and drinks even give you special moodlets, a special way of greeting each other, outfits, etc.
But the fact remains it was an adventure made for your present sims - not just about the new culture. Now if it was not a vacation spot that would have made it like this one perhaps. This one is all about a different way of living for a different culture. You cannot live in JA - you can only visit - your sims cannot be one of the culture of JA - it is atourist town - but your sims will never be one of them. In Lulani you play one of the people who live there and whose ancestor live there with the same values and way of life they have lived there for generation. It is a different lifestyle or was designed to be only it sounds like many simmers are just trying to play their other sims as they always have and wanting it without the history and way of life.
The main focus of JA is your pld sims doing something else but still being who they were. IL is about new sims and ways of life not being anything like your modern - present sims so naturally it does not offer much for sims looking for adventure. It;s about this way of life. Maybe too quiet and different for modern day sims in your game.
I did not bring any of my sims to the islands - I picked a user made native sim to live life as the game designed and not as my sims live in all the other worlds. It's a NEW way of life for my sim - period.
"Games Are Not The Place To Tell Stories, Games Are Meant To Let People Tell Their Own Stories"...Will Wright.
In dreams - I LIVE!
In REALITY, I simply exist.....
So I’m going to be honest. I do really like this expansion, but I can’t argue that there isn’t much gameplay or depth especially when comparing it to other expansions for sims 4. Now I have yet to try everything and have intentionally ignored the new careers because I’m playing rags to riches style which overall has been a blast. I do find myself wondering what else I can do after just two real days of playing which has never happened. I thought initially the criticism was unfair but I don’t fully disagree with it.
Now I have plans for all of my families to spend time in Sulani. I can say I have never done that before with any new world really. I have some sims I want to buy a retail lot and spend time there occasionally, I have some I want to camp on the volcano island, I have some I want to have a luxurious getaway it depends on the save. As far as new ideas of how and where I want to use this pack I have many, but the issue is I’m having to use other packs to add activities for these type saves. For example a spa or a restaurant. It just seems like there isn’t much to do that’s already there besides swim as far as things to do.
Now I am one who understands why this happened as I’m sure the ocean and the swimmable part of it took a large chunk of the budget they were given. Not to mention the clothing specific tan lines had to also be complicated considering how much clothing is is the game. I also like that they are working on other worlds and we have the ability to wade in some spots now. So I believe it’s possible we will have swimmable oceans one day.
Do I wish I hadn’t paid full price? Sort of but I’m also someone who would buy anything over 20 dollars and think I spend too much money lol. I wouldn’t say it’s not worth the expansions price tag the CAS and BB are incredible. The world is my new favorite and I want all my sims to spend time there. I’ve been inspired to build my own community lots which I’ve never attempted before. This game sparks so much creativity for me and I love that. I would say that makes it worth it. The gameplay isn’t the best but I love what we got even if I wish there was more. A lot of this stuff besides the careers I see myself using often. I just feel like the big gameplay component isn’t there and that bothers me a little. I don’t fully regret my purchase I just wish there was a bit more.
@Akl500P - very well said. I feel very similar to you. When I first saw this thread I had just spent all weekend playing, was thinking, “oh no, here we go with all the complaining again”, got into the shower and really thought about it. And it finally hit me that what people say about this series is true.
I do like the EP, I just want to love it more, I wish it had more to offer.
I agree.
Compare this pack to Jungle Adventures and it comes off like a game pack, but not as deep.
Disagree. I had much more fun with Jungle Adventure than Island Living, at least my Sims don’t disappear into a rabbit hole everywhere. And it came with two new skills while Island Living has none. Plus they did the culture there better.
You got my point backwards.
I am saying Jungle Adventures is better.
I agree which is just crazy to me since its $20 cheaper. Do they just think their consumer base won't notice? Its just odd to me that with all this criticism (most of it, not all, but most....is valid) that they wouldn't be doing everything in their power to make every pack amazing, especially given that this iteration has the longest wait between packs of any other.
Well it sounds like this pack isn't for you. Personally I love it, while I find seasons meh at best.
The only other comment I have is your use of "stolen" animations...? That argument just doesn't make sense.
I agree with you - been playing it a few days and love it. Not bored or feel things are rehashed at all. I will stay on these islands with my Sims more than go anywhere else. Great pack. Enjoying myself completely. Love the laid back feel of just enjoying nature and solitude and in between the friendliness of the island people. Such a refreshing change to me.
Many people like the "feel" of the world, that isn't the complaint......its the lack of stuff to do and actual new animations/gameplay.....thats a fact. Whether or not people like it is an opinion, but it not having a certain amount of gameplay is just a fact, whats not there isn't there. Jungle adventure has equal to or a bit more gameplay and its half the price.....
The world of Island Living is my favorite of any other world in Sims 4, but that isn't the criticism from anyone here, its the lack of gameplay in this pack. Its not even a matter of disliking the gameplay, its simply not there.
So I’m going to be honest. I do really like this expansion, but I can’t argue that there isn’t much gameplay or depth especially when comparing it to other expansions for sims 4.
Exactly, you hit the nail on the head. This is exactly what I am explaining to @Writin_Reg the feel of the pack is great, but the lack of gameplay isn't up for debate here, its just a fact (which is basically what you are saying too). What isn't there isn't there and this has so little gameplay that its baffling. I made a list on another post and its concerning how little it has. I do agree though that the world and objects/clothes/hair are absolutely amazing, which just makes this even more of a pity.
Well it sounds like this pack isn't for you. Personally I love it, while I find seasons meh at best.
The only other comment I have is your use of "stolen" animations...? That argument just doesn't make sense.
I agree with you - been playing it a few days and love it. Not bored or feel things are rehashed at all. I will stay on these islands with my Sims more than go anywhere else. Great pack. Enjoying myself completely. Love the laid back feel of just enjoying nature and solitude and in between the friendliness of the island people. Such a refreshing change to me.
Many people like the "feel" of the world, that isn't the complaint......its the lack of stuff to do and actual new animations/gameplay.....thats a fact. Whether or not people like it is an opinion, but it not having a certain amount of gameplay is just a fact, whats not there isn't there. Jungle adventure has equal to or a bit more gameplay and its half the price.....
The world of Island Living is my favorite of any other world in Sims 4, but that isn't the criticism from anyone here, its the lack of gameplay in this pack. Its not even a matter of disliking the gameplay, its simply not there.
Exactly.
The world is gorgeous. Not one person has denied that. In fact I think it would be a hell of a challenge to review this pack without praising the world and it’s beauty.
Take that away.
What do we have left?
Ocean swimming
Snorkelling
Sand sculptures
Rabbit hole jobs.
Floaties/boats
Rabbit hole activities I.e the cave and diving. sims with a tail Mermaids
My “cultural festivals” haven’t felt that interesting, different or exciting. Possibly because the one that has bonfire dancing is the same exact replica as The one from Get Together. Changing a sims name and clothes doesn’t make it culture. Where is the culture we have to learn about say as a skill? Where is a new dance? A new greeting? Even the new food is just a re skin of dishes already in the game.
And I play many games that nail certain cultures down where I can feel I am where the game
Is set, where I can feel their way of life. I don’t think Sulani does this well. But then again I don’t think San Myshuno is a great cultural experience either.
I am all for making a sim and having them live in Sulani and try and embrace island life. The above activities are fun but not sustainable for long periods. It is very disappointing that there is many rabbit holes and I think that if diving was a lot itself that would have made a difference. As it is my game play has consisted of my watching a buoy waiting for my sim to appear. I guess when my sim is under the water I’m meant to be gazing around going “This is beautiful” but instead my imagination is wanting to know what my sim is doing under there, I want to be there, I want to see the shells, I want to take their pictures. Gazing at a buoy should never ever be called game play. This isn’t an indie game, this isn’t a game just starting out, it’s almost five years old. Five years old and it’s still just meh in so many places.
So I’m going to be honest. I do really like this expansion, but I can’t argue that there isn’t much gameplay or depth especially when comparing it to other expansions for sims 4.
Exactly, you hit the nail on the head. This is exactly what I am explaining to @Writin_Reg the feel of the pack is great, but the lack of gameplay isn't up for debate here, its just a fact (which is basically what you are saying too). What isn't there isn't there and this has so little gameplay that its baffling. I made a list on another post and its concerning how little it has. I do agree though that the world and objects/clothes/hair are absolutely amazing, which just makes this even more of a pity.
I like it too, mainly for the environment, clothes, and objects.
I just had my sim have a conversation with Nalani and it seemed a little harder to increase his relationship with her.
I am wondering if it is because she's a mermaid. I love the fact that she denies being a mermaid and it makes me hope there is some payoff in getting to know this mysterious sim. So maybe this pack is just slow to open itself up?
I am having my sim try the activities, but they feel shallow. Like they are just a bunch of features to have on the list, but they aren't interrelated and build off each other for the culmination of a grand experience to be earned later. It's like a stuff pack, but with activities instead of stuff.
Activity pack with a tropical theme?
People going around saying this pack just isn't for you are annoying and it's mainly a shut up tactic.
Any pack that adds anything useful and improves the overall game is for me. It may be a small contribution, but the game itself is improved overall. It's just disappointing when your $40 gets you just a handful of useful features and immersion factors for you when the theme itself has so much more potential and we probably won't get anything else related to this theme.
I have my "vacation home", but I also have tags on every object that lets me put them up for sale because it's actually a retail lot.
And I have to phone-in daily for vacation time because my sim is not really on a scheduled vacation. And just now I clicked on the go-home icon, forgetting that It's going to take me back to San Myshuno instead of his vacation home in Sulani. Oops.
I am hoping that we do get features that will allow me to play Sulani like I want without feeling ad-hoc.
This is supposed to be an Expansion Pack, not a Game Pack.
At the rate I am going, most of the population of Sulani are going to be homeless as I use up the available lots for a spa, restaurant, a starter vacation home and a grand vacation home, and probably a full Sulani experience park with the the Island Spirits and Volcanic lot traits, generic cabins, and whatever else I can toss in there. This lot will be for my sims in all the other worlds who want to teleport over to Sulani for a weekend.
[Update]
Alright, done!
Mua Pel'am just got a tourist lot.
Somebody has to be generating the trash that is appearing in this part of the world.
Sorry Fetu, but it's snowing in Windenburg right now and my sims want some sun and surf.
Has anyone tried going on vacation in one of the vacation worlds and just visiting Sulani for all the activities, possibly returning to the rental to sleep, if necessary? I am planning to try this (might as well make the most of things) and pretending that Selvadorada is just a mountain district nearby. It’s not like we wouldn’t get loading screens going to the public beach anyway. This way it would qualify as a legit vacation for ease of taking days off, moodlets and such.
Island Living is the most barebones expansion pack we've received so far. My favorite thing about it is the beauty of Sulani and the items. I've mainly taken a ton of pictures during my playtime. However, it hasn't gone much deeper than that. I didn't buy the expansion to take a million pictures and then wonder "what next??!" so quickly. It is very shallow gameplay-wise. At the least they could have added a handful more of interactive items such as volleyball, Frisbee, or even hammocks! I agree with everyone that said this was a game pack originally that they decided to label as an expansion pack at last minute. However, gameplay-wise, I think I've gotten more enjoyment out of Jungle Adventure!
Well JA was an adventure for sims already in your game - where as this ep is a new or different culture - nothing to do with Sims already in your game. You apparently were just looking for another gamepack with more adventure for your already played sims instead of a whole new culture and different way of life.
I can agree if you were just looking for more adventure then this pack really wasn't made for you. This is not a new vacation - it's a whole different life style for a different kind of Sim.
I don't understand the "nothing to do with Sims already in your game" part. Every single pack expands on the world of the beloved Sims I've played already. When I get a new pack I look at the personalities of the Sims I already have and choose which ones fit the newest content best. I did the same with this one but the pack simply is very shallow. I agree Jungle Adventure was a completely different pack but it still has more overall gameplay to me than this Island pack. I was most definitely not looking for another game pack as that would have been 20 bucks and it is usually a given that game packs have less content because of that lower price. I just feel the developers have so many missed opportunities in this pack.
I gave up on GTW for a long time after believing adverse comments too much that it didn't have much play in it until I learned better later. I now tend to ignore them.
At the moment I love playing with a sunny world which cheers me up and by the time I'm bored I am sure Maxis will sort their problems out - or we get Realm of Magic to start all over again.
I only played JA once and decided it wasn't for me but the pack items were nice so I didn't regret buying it.
I gave up on GTW for a long time after believing adverse comments too much that it didn't have much play in it until I learned better later. I now tend to ignore them.
At the moment I love playing with a sunny world which cheers me up and by the time I'm bored I am sure Maxis will sort their problems out - or we get Realm of Magic to start all over again.
I only played JA once and decided it wasn't for me but the pack items were nice so I didn't regret buying it.
Honestly, I kind of doubt Maxis will get everything figured out, quality started going downhill with 3, even Sims 3 expansions weren't where a lot of people wanted them to be at the time, and a lot of the packs even I feel were lackluster compared to 2 or even to other EPs Sims 3 had. If it hasn't gotten better since the sim 3 days I doubt it's going to get any better under EA.
I got this image from a Discord server I'm in. I have no idea who said this and where, but I kind of agree with it.
I agree with whomever said that too. Idk when it happened, but the majority of The Sims fandom has become spineless. And for little to no reason too; one of the main excuses I've seen thrown around by people defending half-baked content from 4 is something along the lines of, "but if we don't buy TS4 then they'll never make TS5!", or even worse, "It's still in development JuSt gIvE iT tImE." I mean, c'mon guys, what a joke of an excuse! Thing is, people don't realize that if they just stopped buying the half-baked content, EA would eventually figure out they need to put more effort in their work to actually payoff on it. But no, people just keep buying and keep buying and keep buying, so whether they express disappointment or frustration later on, it still makes it seem as though TS4 is a hot consumer item. You can bet your bottom dollar that EA doesn't care if we buy it to play for a couple hours then hate it or never touch it again, they've already got their money and added another checkmark to their deceptively inaccurate "How Successful is TS4" chart. Hell, it is Stockholm Syndrome! That's proven every time we see someone saying we "should be grateful" for anything EA "decides" to give us. *insert HUGE eyeroll here*
It's so so very sad to see my favorite game series turned into such an obvious cash cow, but I think even sadder to see so many Simmers disillusioned by EA. I still remember old times in TS2 days where I'd just sit and imagine how far this game could go, what we could hope and expect to see as technology continues to evolve, how by the next iteration they could include weather or pets in the base game (because for those who don't know or forgot, TS2 originally had weather in the base game but was a tad too ambitious; it could have been in TS3 BG, but it definitely should have been in TS4 BG). I honestly thought we'd be at a point where TS2 and TS3 would finally be merged into a wonderful "Super Sims" game with added features still. TS4 could've been absolutely incredible, but alas......
I got this image from a Discord server I'm in. I have no idea who said this and where, but I kind of agree with it.
Wow, I hadn't even realised this. Honestly what an eye-opener. The fact that this EP was initially a GP is now starting to sink in. What a sham. I'm starting to think I shouldn't have paid full price for this "EP", especially since I've already found myself bored of doing the same things over and over.
I got this image from a Discord server I'm in. I have no idea who said this and where, but I kind of agree with it.
This is the first time I see it mentioned (that I can recall), the fact that only 1 of the 3 islands actually has any conservationist gameplay. I was very confused by that when I got the game. Wondering where all the litter was because I started playing in one of the other islands. I was 100% sure it would be a world thingand not a neighborhood thing.
Origin ID is: AlbaWaterhouse
All my creations are CC free.
I cringe so much when people tell me I should be "grateful" of EAs packs. Like am I not paying for them? I mean sure if they were for free, then I'd understand. But mate, if I'm dropping $50 on a pack and I don't think I'm getting good value for money then #&*# straight I'll have a complain. Don't tell me to be grateful for content I'm paying for. That's ridiculous.
That's like me telling you, you should be grateful for your house cleaner, which you pay $100/hr to clean your house. There's certain expectations when you pay for tangible things/services, and if they aren't met, there's a big problem.
You must remember EA isn't doing us a favor, they're selling us a tangible product. And when you compare these $50 packs to games which are around the same price point, you get MUCH better value by pretty much every developer other than EA.
Honestly I wish sims could swim underwater and that we could play sims like that diver in this render. Scuba diving as a rabbit whole is such a let down for me.... and snorkelling doesn't do anything? My sims just get fitness from it.
I cringe so much when people tell me I should be "grateful" of EAs packs. Like am I not paying for them? I mean sure if they were for free, then I'd understand. But mate, if I'm dropping $50 on a pack and I don't think I'm getting good value for money then #&*# straight I'll have a complain. Don't tell me to be grateful for content I'm paying for. That's ridiculous.
That's like me telling you, you should be grateful for your house cleaner, which you pay $100/hr to clean your house. There's certain expectations when you pay for tangible things/services, and if they aren't met, there's a big problem.
You must remember EA isn't doing us a favor, they're selling us a tangible product. And when you compare these $50 packs to games which are around the same price point, you get MUCH better value by pretty much every developer other than EA.
Thank you very much for saying this!
I totally understand this, but to take the analogy further I think what bothers people like me is watching people complain about everything but also continuing to pay for all the new packs. If your house cleaner failed to meet expecations, and continued to fail expectations, you'd fire them. You wouldn't complain about it for the fifth time then pay them next month for a bad job. I know not everyone buys the packs, and you're totally entitled to your opinon: you have the right to share and voice. I want you to share your opinion and tell EA what you want as a consumer even if I disagree on various points!
But start using your dollar too!
For someone who loves the game, it's hard to be sympathetic to someone who hates the packs and continues to buy them...there are people who have more packs then me and continue to complain about every one! Stop buying them, EA doesn't care about your complaints, they care about your dollar. As long as you keep buying them, they don't care that you're disappointed. They know you're gonna come back next month and buy. Of course they're gonna give you less for your dollar because they can get away with it. As much as everyone is complaining, they haven't dropped in sales. They have no financial evidence that there is anything wrong with their product.
There is ample opportunity to see what's in the pack before you buy it. With Island Living, there were loads of EA game changer play thoughs, we knew there was no hammocks, no volleyball, etc. We knew there was no diving, about the jobs, the full extent of mermaid interactions. I know I sound harsh but I'm being serious. Only way EA is going to hear your guys is if you stop paying them for it.
I don't mean to direct this at one person. This isn't a personal attack of any kind, and I know there are people who do refuse to buy and are applying these practices, but it's the most effective way to get EAs attention. Otherwise, it's like you're just hitting yourself in the face every release.
Please complain, discuss your disappointments and use your voice. But back it up with your dollar.
As much as everyone is complaining, they haven't dropped in sales. They have no financial evidence that there is anything wrong with their product.
Exactly. If they're anything like the corp I work for, literally ALL they care about are their precious numbers. If the numbers look good, they will think their product is good, even if everyone and their mother is complaining about it.
Comments
Well JA was an adventure for sims already in your game - where as this ep is a new or different culture - nothing to do with Sims already in your game. You apparently were just looking for another gamepack with more adventure for your already played sims instead of a whole new culture and different way of life.
I can agree if you were just looking for more adventure then this pack really wasn't made for you. This is not a new vacation - it's a whole different life style for a different kind of Sim.
"Games Are Not The Place To Tell Stories, Games Are Meant To Let People Tell Their Own Stories"...Will Wright.
In dreams - I LIVE!
In REALITY, I simply exist.....
But JA costs half the price of this one and it also come with a new culture, in fact, it is even a half skill to learn about the Selvadoradian culture and food. They have a special cultural way of dancing, special foods and drinks that you can learn the recipes only once you become knowledgeable of the culture, the foods and drinks even give you special moodlets, a special way of greeting each other, outfits, etc.
All my creations are CC free.
But the fact remains it was an adventure made for your present sims - not just about the new culture. Now if it was not a vacation spot that would have made it like this one perhaps. This one is all about a different way of living for a different culture. You cannot live in JA - you can only visit - your sims cannot be one of the culture of JA - it is atourist town - but your sims will never be one of them. In Lulani you play one of the people who live there and whose ancestor live there with the same values and way of life they have lived there for generation. It is a different lifestyle or was designed to be only it sounds like many simmers are just trying to play their other sims as they always have and wanting it without the history and way of life.
The main focus of JA is your pld sims doing something else but still being who they were. IL is about new sims and ways of life not being anything like your modern - present sims so naturally it does not offer much for sims looking for adventure. It;s about this way of life. Maybe too quiet and different for modern day sims in your game.
I did not bring any of my sims to the islands - I picked a user made native sim to live life as the game designed and not as my sims live in all the other worlds. It's a NEW way of life for my sim - period.
"Games Are Not The Place To Tell Stories, Games Are Meant To Let People Tell Their Own Stories"...Will Wright.
In dreams - I LIVE!
In REALITY, I simply exist.....
Now I have plans for all of my families to spend time in Sulani. I can say I have never done that before with any new world really. I have some sims I want to buy a retail lot and spend time there occasionally, I have some I want to camp on the volcano island, I have some I want to have a luxurious getaway it depends on the save. As far as new ideas of how and where I want to use this pack I have many, but the issue is I’m having to use other packs to add activities for these type saves. For example a spa or a restaurant. It just seems like there isn’t much to do that’s already there besides swim as far as things to do.
Now I am one who understands why this happened as I’m sure the ocean and the swimmable part of it took a large chunk of the budget they were given. Not to mention the clothing specific tan lines had to also be complicated considering how much clothing is is the game. I also like that they are working on other worlds and we have the ability to wade in some spots now. So I believe it’s possible we will have swimmable oceans one day.
Do I wish I hadn’t paid full price? Sort of but I’m also someone who would buy anything over 20 dollars and think I spend too much money lol. I wouldn’t say it’s not worth the expansions price tag the CAS and BB are incredible. The world is my new favorite and I want all my sims to spend time there. I’ve been inspired to build my own community lots which I’ve never attempted before. This game sparks so much creativity for me and I love that. I would say that makes it worth it. The gameplay isn’t the best but I love what we got even if I wish there was more. A lot of this stuff besides the careers I see myself using often. I just feel like the big gameplay component isn’t there and that bothers me a little. I don’t fully regret my purchase I just wish there was a bit more.
I do like the EP, I just want to love it more, I wish it had more to offer.
I agree which is just crazy to me since its $20 cheaper. Do they just think their consumer base won't notice? Its just odd to me that with all this criticism (most of it, not all, but most....is valid) that they wouldn't be doing everything in their power to make every pack amazing, especially given that this iteration has the longest wait between packs of any other.
Many people like the "feel" of the world, that isn't the complaint......its the lack of stuff to do and actual new animations/gameplay.....thats a fact. Whether or not people like it is an opinion, but it not having a certain amount of gameplay is just a fact, whats not there isn't there. Jungle adventure has equal to or a bit more gameplay and its half the price.....
The world of Island Living is my favorite of any other world in Sims 4, but that isn't the criticism from anyone here, its the lack of gameplay in this pack. Its not even a matter of disliking the gameplay, its simply not there.
Exactly, you hit the nail on the head. This is exactly what I am explaining to @Writin_Reg the feel of the pack is great, but the lack of gameplay isn't up for debate here, its just a fact (which is basically what you are saying too). What isn't there isn't there and this has so little gameplay that its baffling. I made a list on another post and its concerning how little it has. I do agree though that the world and objects/clothes/hair are absolutely amazing, which just makes this even more of a pity.
Exactly.
The world is gorgeous. Not one person has denied that. In fact I think it would be a hell of a challenge to review this pack without praising the world and it’s beauty.
Take that away.
What do we have left?
Ocean swimming
Snorkelling
Sand sculptures
Rabbit hole jobs.
Floaties/boats
Rabbit hole activities I.e the cave and diving.
sims with a tail Mermaids
My “cultural festivals” haven’t felt that interesting, different or exciting. Possibly because the one that has bonfire dancing is the same exact replica as The one from Get Together. Changing a sims name and clothes doesn’t make it culture. Where is the culture we have to learn about say as a skill? Where is a new dance? A new greeting? Even the new food is just a re skin of dishes already in the game.
And I play many games that nail certain cultures down where I can feel I am where the game
Is set, where I can feel their way of life. I don’t think Sulani does this well. But then again I don’t think San Myshuno is a great cultural experience either.
I am all for making a sim and having them live in Sulani and try and embrace island life. The above activities are fun but not sustainable for long periods. It is very disappointing that there is many rabbit holes and I think that if diving was a lot itself that would have made a difference. As it is my game play has consisted of my watching a buoy waiting for my sim to appear. I guess when my sim is under the water I’m meant to be gazing around going “This is beautiful” but instead my imagination is wanting to know what my sim is doing under there, I want to be there, I want to see the shells, I want to take their pictures. Gazing at a buoy should never ever be called game play. This isn’t an indie game, this isn’t a game just starting out, it’s almost five years old. Five years old and it’s still just meh in so many places.
Hammocks
Volleyball
Surfing
A fully fleshed out mermaid occult
Bunk beds
Hotels or rentals
More exploration and island lore
All things missing in my opinion.
I like it too, mainly for the environment, clothes, and objects.
I just had my sim have a conversation with Nalani and it seemed a little harder to increase his relationship with her.
I am wondering if it is because she's a mermaid. I love the fact that she denies being a mermaid and it makes me hope there is some payoff in getting to know this mysterious sim. So maybe this pack is just slow to open itself up?
I am having my sim try the activities, but they feel shallow. Like they are just a bunch of features to have on the list, but they aren't interrelated and build off each other for the culmination of a grand experience to be earned later. It's like a stuff pack, but with activities instead of stuff.
Activity pack with a tropical theme?
People going around saying this pack just isn't for you are annoying and it's mainly a shut up tactic.
Any pack that adds anything useful and improves the overall game is for me. It may be a small contribution, but the game itself is improved overall. It's just disappointing when your $40 gets you just a handful of useful features and immersion factors for you when the theme itself has so much more potential and we probably won't get anything else related to this theme.
I have my "vacation home", but I also have tags on every object that lets me put them up for sale because it's actually a retail lot.
And I have to phone-in daily for vacation time because my sim is not really on a scheduled vacation. And just now I clicked on the go-home icon, forgetting that It's going to take me back to San Myshuno instead of his vacation home in Sulani.
I am hoping that we do get features that will allow me to play Sulani like I want without feeling ad-hoc.
This is supposed to be an Expansion Pack, not a Game Pack.
At the rate I am going, most of the population of Sulani are going to be homeless as I use up the available lots for a spa, restaurant, a starter vacation home and a grand vacation home, and probably a full Sulani experience park with the the Island Spirits and Volcanic lot traits, generic cabins, and whatever else I can toss in there. This lot will be for my sims in all the other worlds who want to teleport over to Sulani for a weekend.
[Update]
Alright, done!
Mua Pel'am just got a tourist lot.
Somebody has to be generating the trash that is appearing in this part of the world.
Sorry Fetu, but it's snowing in Windenburg right now and my sims want some sun and surf.
I don't understand the "nothing to do with Sims already in your game" part. Every single pack expands on the world of the beloved Sims I've played already. When I get a new pack I look at the personalities of the Sims I already have and choose which ones fit the newest content best. I did the same with this one but the pack simply is very shallow. I agree Jungle Adventure was a completely different pack but it still has more overall gameplay to me than this Island pack. I was most definitely not looking for another game pack as that would have been 20 bucks and it is usually a given that game packs have less content because of that lower price. I just feel the developers have so many missed opportunities in this pack.
At the moment I love playing with a sunny world which cheers me up and by the time I'm bored I am sure Maxis will sort their problems out - or we get Realm of Magic to start all over again.
I only played JA once and decided it wasn't for me but the pack items were nice so I didn't regret buying it.
Honestly, I kind of doubt Maxis will get everything figured out, quality started going downhill with 3, even Sims 3 expansions weren't where a lot of people wanted them to be at the time, and a lot of the packs even I feel were lackluster compared to 2 or even to other EPs Sims 3 had. If it hasn't gotten better since the sim 3 days I doubt it's going to get any better under EA.
I agree with whomever said that too. Idk when it happened, but the majority of The Sims fandom has become spineless. And for little to no reason too; one of the main excuses I've seen thrown around by people defending half-baked content from 4 is something along the lines of, "but if we don't buy TS4 then they'll never make TS5!", or even worse, "It's still in development JuSt gIvE iT tImE." I mean, c'mon guys, what a joke of an excuse! Thing is, people don't realize that if they just stopped buying the half-baked content, EA would eventually figure out they need to put more effort in their work to actually payoff on it. But no, people just keep buying and keep buying and keep buying, so whether they express disappointment or frustration later on, it still makes it seem as though TS4 is a hot consumer item. You can bet your bottom dollar that EA doesn't care if we buy it to play for a couple hours then hate it or never touch it again, they've already got their money and added another checkmark to their deceptively inaccurate "How Successful is TS4" chart. Hell, it is Stockholm Syndrome! That's proven every time we see someone saying we "should be grateful" for anything EA "decides" to give us.
It's so so very sad to see my favorite game series turned into such an obvious cash cow, but I think even sadder to see so many Simmers disillusioned by EA. I still remember old times in TS2 days where I'd just sit and imagine how far this game could go, what we could hope and expect to see as technology continues to evolve, how by the next iteration they could include weather or pets in the base game (because for those who don't know or forgot, TS2 originally had weather in the base game but was a tad too ambitious; it could have been in TS3 BG, but it definitely should have been in TS4 BG). I honestly thought we'd be at a point where TS2 and TS3 would finally be merged into a wonderful "Super Sims" game with added features still. TS4 could've been absolutely incredible, but alas......
Wow, I hadn't even realised this. Honestly what an eye-opener. The fact that this EP was initially a GP is now starting to sink in. What a sham. I'm starting to think I shouldn't have paid full price for this "EP", especially since I've already found myself bored of doing the same things over and over.
This is the first time I see it mentioned (that I can recall), the fact that only 1 of the 3 islands actually has any conservationist gameplay. I was very confused by that when I got the game. Wondering where all the litter was because I started playing in one of the other islands. I was 100% sure it would be a world thingand not a neighborhood thing.
All my creations are CC free.
Thank you very much for saying this!
Honestly I wish sims could swim underwater and that we could play sims like that diver in this render. Scuba diving as a rabbit whole is such a let down for me.... and snorkelling doesn't do anything? My sims just get fitness from it.
I totally understand this, but to take the analogy further I think what bothers people like me is watching people complain about everything but also continuing to pay for all the new packs. If your house cleaner failed to meet expecations, and continued to fail expectations, you'd fire them. You wouldn't complain about it for the fifth time then pay them next month for a bad job. I know not everyone buys the packs, and you're totally entitled to your opinon: you have the right to share and voice. I want you to share your opinion and tell EA what you want as a consumer even if I disagree on various points!
But start using your dollar too!
For someone who loves the game, it's hard to be sympathetic to someone who hates the packs and continues to buy them...there are people who have more packs then me and continue to complain about every one! Stop buying them, EA doesn't care about your complaints, they care about your dollar. As long as you keep buying them, they don't care that you're disappointed. They know you're gonna come back next month and buy. Of course they're gonna give you less for your dollar because they can get away with it. As much as everyone is complaining, they haven't dropped in sales. They have no financial evidence that there is anything wrong with their product.
There is ample opportunity to see what's in the pack before you buy it. With Island Living, there were loads of EA game changer play thoughs, we knew there was no hammocks, no volleyball, etc. We knew there was no diving, about the jobs, the full extent of mermaid interactions. I know I sound harsh but I'm being serious. Only way EA is going to hear your guys is if you stop paying them for it.
I don't mean to direct this at one person. This isn't a personal attack of any kind, and I know there are people who do refuse to buy and are applying these practices, but it's the most effective way to get EAs attention. Otherwise, it's like you're just hitting yourself in the face every release.
Please complain, discuss your disappointments and use your voice. But back it up with your dollar.
Exactly. If they're anything like the corp I work for, literally ALL they care about are their precious numbers. If the numbers look good, they will think their product is good, even if everyone and their mother is complaining about it.