I just really want a pack that doesn't feel like a "one and done" situation. Expansion packs have generally been better in this sense than game packs, but when I look at recent EPs, they're increasingly falling into this pattern as well. eg. Snowy Escape... I sent my sims on a holiday, did all the things, and now it doesn't feel like there's a reason to go back and do it again. Same with High School Years. Most of the game packs are like this where there's a set objective/storyline to follow and then once you've done it once it doesn't really add to ongoing gameplay. The only game packs that really breaks this mould is Parenthood, which is one of my favourites, and perhaps occult packs since they can enhance everyday playing if you're into that (which I'm not particularly).
I just really hope that whatever we get in this EP translates well to all my save files/families and enhances gameplay in dynamic ways, rather than forcing the player down a predetermined route that doesn't offer much replay value. Some of the best additions in recent packs have been new systems such as memories, likes/dislikes, scenarios, etc. because they add depth and richness to gameplay without being prescriptive. I want to see more features like this.
For a Generations type pack, that could include a midlife crisis system, better family relationships with distinctive interactions, more complex/nuanced family dynamics, etc. One of my biggest gripes with the game in general that impacts gameplay constantly is the fact that all relationships except romantic ones are represented on a -100 to 100 friendship scale which is so simplistic. There's no differentiation between friendships, sibling relationships, etc. I would love to see a system where there might be strong familial love between siblings, but there is constant bickering and rivalry as well. Or friendships that fluctuate more quickly. Even if this was as simple as having some pop-ups like, "Your brother used your toothbrush. Gross! Do you a) punch him, b) talk it out, c) just buy a new toothbrush" and an accompanying moodlet that lasts a few in game days. Anything like that would help create more dynamic and realistic relationships.
One thing I'm sure we won't ever get but that I'd absolutely love would be selectable relationship traits (beyond just the automatic ones that are assigned like 'lovebirds'). There is already an existing system for automatic relationship traits, and there are individual character traits and lot traits, so why not relationship traits? Imagine having 2 kids in a household and being able to choose different relationship traits between the mother and those kids. Maybe the son is seen as the golden child but the relationship with the daughter is strained. That would then influence gameplay outcomes and would come with specific interactions/moodlets/etc. specific to that relationship. I would absolutely love some kind of system like this to add depth and realism, but like I said, I doubt we're going to get something like this unfortunately.
The relationship trait thing has like so much potential. On one hand, I can absolutely see that being used to cause more trauma to your sims/work out your own personal traumas through the relationships you create for your Sims. Especially if there's a "golden child" bc if they exist so too do the "black sheep" and "scapegoat", oftentimes as the same person. But it would make good storytelling. Can you imagine the Disney Princess Challenge if Cinderella actually was able to a real wicked stepmother? And had the trait that caused the stepmother to autonomously treat her poorly/cue up scenarios? That'd be intense.
Or on a more healed side, you could just more accurately depict relationships. Having siblings you love but don't like. Or ones you don't know that well bc they were born after your Sim moved out, so they aren't close in age or friendship, but love exists. Versus the ones who are siblings and best friends. Or become friends as adults.
Maybe we could finally get the game to recognize that you Can in fact have more than one best friend. Because the way you are friends is different depending on the person you're dealing with. And while you might be really good friends with like 2-20 other people; the only ones who are close enough to be called your best friends are these other 3 people that are in a whole different strata from the former.
And though I very much doubt they'll get this in the game any time soon, it would work so well with defining other types of relationships. If you could define the way you love, care, and feel affection for sims better in game, then that allows for easier definition of relationships that don't fit the standard. Like Polyamorous relationships, Queer Platonic relationships, Platonic life-partnerships, and any other dynamic that the game doesn't currently allow you to work with. Because labeling your Sim a player just so they can date 2 sims, and marry one of them isn't the best workaround. And rather reductive stereotyping. Especially since the requirements for that trait, if you complete it normally, require you to be a horrible romantic partner.
Check out my posts in the Ideas corner, and see the Simsverse living inside my head.
One small thing I miss is when you would hover over another sim and under their name it would say their relationship (wife, son, brother, etc). I’d like that to return and be expanded to include step-parents, in-laws, etc. I’d also like unique interactions for specific relationships, like interactions only grandparents do to grandchildren (example: pinch cheek).
I’d also want to see funerals, or at least more of a fitting end for our sims. Perhaps retirement homes.
I’d love babywearing to be included, like in the concept art, but I don’t really see how that could be implemented. Bikes for kids, new toys, more after school activities and hobbies for all ages would also be great.
Also I’d like to second the desire for a very simple way to take a family photo that involves the entire family. Personally I’d prefer not to have to bother with having another sim take the picture- I want more “automatic” pictures like the graduation pictures, Photo Booth pictures, etc. I’d love automatic wedding pictures, even if there were always the same poses, and easy family pictures like that- that include toddlers!
As far as gameplay OBJECTS, I hope we get: --strollers
--kids' bikes
--playpens
--canes & walkers
--treehouses
--slides
--seesaws
--springy ride(s)
--baby swings
--non-activity table Kids' toys like:
--rocking horse
--toy oven
--dress up chest
--bake sale/lemonade stand
--kites
--remote control car
In terms of GAMEPLAY, ACTIVITIES, NPCs, I'm hoping for: --more afterschool activities (ballet, karate, etc)
--daycare/babysitting career
--boarding school/private school for child & teen sims
--more games for Kids-> hopscotch, hide & seek
--sleepovers
--paper boy/girl
--improved family trees
--graveyard lot type
--more animations/interactions rather than pop-up screens
I really hope that they make a dual lot type that allows your sims to have a home business like a daycare . I also hope they make a separate daycare facility where sims can physically drop off and pick up their child as well as the ability to have your sim work there and interact with the kids there. It could be for infant through child stage and end when the become a preteen / teen . Also could act as a preschool or elementary school of sorts in which you could have parent teacher conferences and field trips.
infants and toddlers to have more items like strollers, pacifiers, playmats, swings, maybe a walker for infants. Diaper changing station, more highchairs and cribs and pottys. More toys and playground equipment, Daycare to be open not just when parents to to work or leave the lot but just to be open.
Kids needs more after school activities like ballet, baseball, void critters tournament, tree house club, more playing like tag, ms Mary Mack, play make believe more playground equipment.
Teens should have a hangout spot not a lot trait, not a group formed by the player but a actual hangout spot that teens npc would frequently go to hang out we have bolba tea which I like but we need more, also sneak out but a chance to get caught by police. High School years NEEDS TO HAVE IN CLASS GAMEPLAY!!! RAISING HANDS TO ASK AND ANSWER QUESTIONS, DO LATE HOMEWORK, SLEEP, PASS NOTES, TAKE NOTES TO HELP WITH THE HOME WORK!!! DETENTION DO HOMEWORK!!! it's a school pack but where's the school part at? Career Day WHAT ABOUT UNIVERSITY DAY WHERE UBRITE AND FOXBURY COMES AND TALK ABOUT THE SCHOOLTHE FOOTBALL GAME HOW DO WE HAVE A FOOTBALL FEILD, AND RABBIT HOLE PRACTICE BUT WE DON'T HAVE A GAME LIKE IN DU??? Who thought up this pack to label it it as a school pack but took the main reason why it's a school out like...anyways
YA and A are ok.
Elders should have a cane, walker, senior citizen discount, Bingo/Myshuno night, dance night.
Family stuff have a family game night, family dinner, family reunion, family movie night.
More clothing and hair options for elders, kids, toddlers, and infants
Build/Buy:
Treehouse
Trampoline
Skateboards
Bikes/trikes for kids and tots
Outside playhouse for kids/tots
Playground equipment
Strollers
Walking canes
Gameplay:
Sleepovers
After-school activities
Private / boarding school
Kids can play tag, mary mac, cops and robbers with other kids.
Kids and tots can play peekaboo and similar games with each other and infants
Funerals
Retirement options for elders/nursing homes
Teens and kids can introduce friends to their parents
Can ask parents for their blessing for marriage
family reunions
Grandparents or other family members can babysit the kids
Parents can go on walks with their kids as a family
This isn't everything I would want in a generations pack and honestly, I don't think they would give us everything on my list either. I can see them breaking up funerals and retirement and putting them in an elder pack that comes with a nursing home and aftercare. Kind of like what they did with wedding stories.
Check out my gallery for house builds! Username: aejp24
Seeing that the dentures are coming in the bathroom clutter kit, I’m now thinking that the expansion pack won’t be generations necessarily, & will instead focus on younger sims.
infants and toddlers to have more items like strollers, pacifiers, playmats, swings, maybe a walker for infants. Diaper changing station, more highchairs and cribs and pottys. More toys and playground equipment, Daycare to be open not just when parents to to work or leave the lot but just to be open.
Kids needs more after school activities like ballet, baseball, void critters tournament, tree house club, more playing like tag, ms Mary Mack, play make believe more playground equipment.
Teens should have a hangout spot not a lot trait, not a group formed by the player but a actual hangout spot that teens npc would frequently go to hang out we have bolba tea which I like but we need more, also sneak out but a chance to get caught by police. High School years NEEDS TO HAVE IN CLASS GAMEPLAY!!! RAISING HANDS TO ASK AND ANSWER QUESTIONS, DO LATE HOMEWORK, SLEEP, PASS NOTES, TAKE NOTES TO HELP WITH THE HOME WORK!!! DETENTION DO HOMEWORK!!! it's a school pack but where's the school part at? Career Day WHAT ABOUT UNIVERSITY DAY WHERE UBRITE AND FOXBURY COMES AND TALK ABOUT THE SCHOOLTHE FOOTBALL GAME HOW DO WE HAVE A FOOTBALL FEILD, AND RABBIT HOLE PRACTICE BUT WE DON'T HAVE A GAME LIKE IN DU??? Who thought up this pack to label it it as a school pack but took the main reason why it's a school out like...anyways
YA and A are ok.
Elders should have a cane, walker, senior citizen discount, Bingo/Myshuno night, dance night.
Family stuff have a family game night, family dinner, family reunion, family movie night.
About teens, you can set any location as a teen hangout and teen npcs will hang around. I like your ideas, those are all mostly things that exist in sims3.
Sims4 really was kind of like the underperformed younger sibling standing in sims3's shadow, only getting certain things far later than was done previously.
I personally like the ‘one and done’ expansions. Go to a place, spend a bunch of time there, do everything there is to do then go back to the rest of the game again. I think Snowy Escape took about 4 months and was really fun and I like this kind of expansion a lot. It feels like getting a whole new game.
But I know a lot of people want expansions to impact any game that they are playing even if they don’t want to move to the new world or make new sims for it.
I think Growing Together will have a bit of both. There looks to be good reasons to play with the new world and make a family with all the lifestages (except maybe teens) in it but also seems like you will feel bits of it in any game there is families and that it will add a lot to most peoples game.
I’m really looking forward to this pack, I think it looks really good.
Comments
The relationship trait thing has like so much potential. On one hand, I can absolutely see that being used to cause more trauma to your sims/work out your own personal traumas through the relationships you create for your Sims. Especially if there's a "golden child" bc if they exist so too do the "black sheep" and "scapegoat", oftentimes as the same person. But it would make good storytelling. Can you imagine the Disney Princess Challenge if Cinderella actually was able to a real wicked stepmother? And had the trait that caused the stepmother to autonomously treat her poorly/cue up scenarios? That'd be intense.
Or on a more healed side, you could just more accurately depict relationships. Having siblings you love but don't like. Or ones you don't know that well bc they were born after your Sim moved out, so they aren't close in age or friendship, but love exists. Versus the ones who are siblings and best friends. Or become friends as adults.
Maybe we could finally get the game to recognize that you Can in fact have more than one best friend. Because the way you are friends is different depending on the person you're dealing with. And while you might be really good friends with like 2-20 other people; the only ones who are close enough to be called your best friends are these other 3 people that are in a whole different strata from the former.
And though I very much doubt they'll get this in the game any time soon, it would work so well with defining other types of relationships. If you could define the way you love, care, and feel affection for sims better in game, then that allows for easier definition of relationships that don't fit the standard. Like Polyamorous relationships, Queer Platonic relationships, Platonic life-partnerships, and any other dynamic that the game doesn't currently allow you to work with. Because labeling your Sim a player just so they can date 2 sims, and marry one of them isn't the best workaround. And rather reductive stereotyping. Especially since the requirements for that trait, if you complete it normally, require you to be a horrible romantic partner.
I’d also want to see funerals, or at least more of a fitting end for our sims. Perhaps retirement homes.
I’d love babywearing to be included, like in the concept art, but I don’t really see how that could be implemented. Bikes for kids, new toys, more after school activities and hobbies for all ages would also be great.
As far as gameplay OBJECTS, I hope we get:
--strollers
--kids' bikes
--playpens
--canes & walkers
--treehouses
--slides
--seesaws
--springy ride(s)
--baby swings
--non-activity table Kids' toys like:
--rocking horse
--toy oven
--dress up chest
--bake sale/lemonade stand
--kites
--remote control car
In terms of GAMEPLAY, ACTIVITIES, NPCs, I'm hoping for:
--more afterschool activities (ballet, karate, etc)
--daycare/babysitting career
--boarding school/private school for child & teen sims
--more games for Kids-> hopscotch, hide & seek
--sleepovers
--paper boy/girl
--improved family trees
--graveyard lot type
--more animations/interactions rather than pop-up screens
Cars
But most of all...
Grim Reaper Career
Zombies
Funerals
infants and toddlers to have more items like strollers, pacifiers, playmats, swings, maybe a walker for infants. Diaper changing station, more highchairs and cribs and pottys. More toys and playground equipment, Daycare to be open not just when parents to to work or leave the lot but just to be open.
Kids needs more after school activities like ballet, baseball, void critters tournament, tree house club, more playing like tag, ms Mary Mack, play make believe more playground equipment.
Teens should have a hangout spot not a lot trait, not a group formed by the player but a actual hangout spot that teens npc would frequently go to hang out we have bolba tea which I like but we need more, also sneak out but a chance to get caught by police. High School years NEEDS TO HAVE IN CLASS GAMEPLAY!!! RAISING HANDS TO ASK AND ANSWER QUESTIONS, DO LATE HOMEWORK, SLEEP, PASS NOTES, TAKE NOTES TO HELP WITH THE HOME WORK!!! DETENTION DO HOMEWORK!!! it's a school pack but where's the school part at? Career Day WHAT ABOUT UNIVERSITY DAY WHERE UBRITE AND FOXBURY COMES AND TALK ABOUT THE SCHOOL THE FOOTBALL GAME HOW DO WE HAVE A FOOTBALL FEILD, AND RABBIT HOLE PRACTICE BUT WE DON'T HAVE A GAME LIKE IN DU??? Who thought up this pack to label it it as a school pack but took the main reason why it's a school out like...anyways
YA and A are ok.
Elders should have a cane, walker, senior citizen discount, Bingo/Myshuno night, dance night.
Family stuff have a family game night, family dinner, family reunion, family movie night.
Build/Buy:
Gameplay:
This isn't everything I would want in a generations pack and honestly, I don't think they would give us everything on my list either. I can see them breaking up funerals and retirement and putting them in an elder pack that comes with a nursing home and aftercare. Kind of like what they did with wedding stories.
What does that mean?
huh? sim recognizes wider ranger of family memers like uncle/aunt, in-laws, etc, what else was it suppose to mean?
About teens, you can set any location as a teen hangout and teen npcs will hang around. I like your ideas, those are all mostly things that exist in sims3.
Sims4 really was kind of like the underperformed younger sibling standing in sims3's shadow, only getting certain things far later than was done previously.
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I personally like the ‘one and done’ expansions. Go to a place, spend a bunch of time there, do everything there is to do then go back to the rest of the game again. I think Snowy Escape took about 4 months and was really fun and I like this kind of expansion a lot. It feels like getting a whole new game.
But I know a lot of people want expansions to impact any game that they are playing even if they don’t want to move to the new world or make new sims for it.
I think Growing Together will have a bit of both. There looks to be good reasons to play with the new world and make a family with all the lifestages (except maybe teens) in it but also seems like you will feel bits of it in any game there is families and that it will add a lot to most peoples game.
I’m really looking forward to this pack, I think it looks really good.
My wants (don't expect though realistically):
Origin ID: simaddict1990
Community Center venue(for all ages)
Multi-Purpose community lots
Amusement park
No more rabbit holes-they're useless,pointless and annoying
No more pointless decor buildings-they take up space and they're completely useless.