The Sims 4
- June 18, 2020
- EA Maxis
- 68h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on PS Store"The Sims 4" is a life simulation game where players can create and customize Sims, build and design homes, and control their Sims' lives. With various neighborhoods to explore, players can meet other Sims, go on adventures, and manage their Sims' careers and relationships. The base game is free to download, offering numerous options for building, styling, and playing with life.
Mac OS
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
Cloud
NVIDIA GeForce NOW
PlayStation
Tablet
Xbox
Reviews
- gameplay947 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "The Sims 4" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a significant lack of depth compared to its predecessors, "The Sims 2" and "The Sims 3." While the game offers extensive customization options and improved building mechanics, the core gameplay often feels repetitive and shallow, heavily relying on expensive DLCs to enhance the experience. Players frequently recommend using mods to address gameplay shortcomings and add more engaging elements, as the base game alone can become monotonous without additional content.
“The gameplay is undeniably fun, with improved graphics and smoother gameplay compared to its predecessors.”
“It shines in areas like character customization and building mechanics, offering players endless possibilities to create and shape their sims' world.”
“The gameplay itself is incredibly engaging, with a plethora of activities and interactions to explore.”
“Although the game got considerably better with updates since then, if you expect a gameplay experience similar to TS2 or TS3, with lore, and Sims with actual realistic personalities, memories, and relationships, TS4 will be a huge disappointment, because there is none of that in TS4 Sims.”
“The gameplay is fine but you need to explore more if you have all the DLCs, though it pales in comparison to previous games.”
“The gameplay itself gets a bit boring after a while.”
- graphics564 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics in "The Sims 4" are widely regarded as a significant improvement over its predecessors, particularly "The Sims 3," with many players praising the vibrant art style, detailed character customization, and smoother animations. However, some critics argue that while the visuals are appealing, they do not compensate for the game's perceived lack of depth and content, leading to a sentiment that the graphics are the only standout feature in an otherwise underwhelming experience. Overall, the game is visually impressive but often criticized for its reliance on expensive DLCs to enhance gameplay.
“The graphics are beautiful, gameplay is incredibly smooth, and gallery options are such an amazing feature!”
“From the moment I launched the game, I was captivated by its beautiful aesthetics, intricate details, and immersive gameplay.”
“The graphics are bright, colorful, and full of detail, with a wide range of customization options that allow players to create truly unique sims.”
“You have eyes; the graphics are horrifically dated.”
“The only significant improvements upon the last game are the graphics and character creation, both of which are to be expected; nevertheless, the gameplay is lacking.”
“Overall a major downgrade from the sims 2 and 3 apart from visuals, so if you would like a slightly better looking sims game that falls short in every department but the visuals, this game is for you.”
- stability451 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 98 % negative mentions
The stability of "The Sims 4" is widely criticized, with players reporting frequent and severe glitches, loading issues, and game-breaking bugs, particularly after updates and new DLC releases. Many users express frustration over the game's ongoing instability, which often requires extensive troubleshooting and can lead to lost progress. Despite these issues, some players find the game enjoyable and charming, attributing the bugs to the game's quirky nature, but overall, the consensus is that the game remains a "buggy mess" that detracts from the overall experience.
“Runs great for me, even with 5k+ mods installed.”
“What made me choose TS4 over TS3 was the optimization where I experienced less FPS drops and no freezes overall.”
“Clean gameplay, no glitches so far.”
“This game is a buggy mess of low quality everything - it looks bad, it plays bad, it feels bad, it is bad.”
“The thing I like least about this game is that every time it updates, it's a huge broken mess and you have to do quite a bit of troubleshooting to even get your game to start.”
“The game is incredibly buggy, and expansions just mean new bugs replacing the old bugs.”
- humor442 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The humor in "The Sims 4" is widely appreciated for its chaotic and unpredictable nature, allowing players to create absurd scenarios and laugh at the antics of their Sims. Many users find the game's glitches and quirky interactions to be a source of entertainment, often leading to hilarious outcomes. Additionally, the ability to customize characters and use mods enhances the comedic experience, making it a fun and engaging life simulation game.
“The humor in The Sims 4 comes from the unpredictable chaos that ensues when you give your sims free will.”
“In conclusion, The Sims 4 is the game that lets you play god in the most hilarious way possible.”
“This game keeps me laughing with its quirky humor.”
“I wasted so much time building a house; it's not funny.”
“The game is so buggy it's not funny. The more they add, the more it causes trouble. Sure, mods don't help, but really, without mods, the game is downright boring.”
“It's not funny once it becomes normal.”
- story422 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The story aspect of "The Sims 4" is largely characterized by a lack of a predefined narrative, with many players noting that the game offers minimal built-in storylines compared to its predecessors. Instead, it encourages players to create their own stories through character customization and gameplay, which can be both liberating and challenging. While some enjoy the freedom to craft unique narratives, others miss the richer storytelling elements found in earlier versions of the game.
“The Sims 4 is a great game; it's a blend of creativity and storytelling, and you can almost do anything you'd do in real life.”
“The Sims franchise has always been about creativity, storytelling, and escapism.”
“With its intuitive gameplay, extensive customization options, and engaging storytelling tools, The Sims 4 continues to captivate players and deliver an unparalleled experience.”
“Unlike Sims 1 and 2, which had stronger story narratives, Sims 4 suffers from a lack of meaningful storylines, making the gameplay feel forced and less engaging.”
“The base game is dry and there's practically no stories to play out except the same old 'family in a suburban town' narrative.”
“It's a shame that The Sims has moved away from being a character simulator to a building simulator, as the game now lacks a cohesive story or character connections.”
- monetization211 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 81 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of "The Sims 4" has drawn widespread criticism, with many players labeling it a blatant cash grab due to the excessive number of overpriced DLCs and aggressive in-game advertising. Users express frustration over the high costs associated with obtaining a complete experience, often exceeding $1,000, and the perception that the game prioritizes profit over player satisfaction. While some enjoy the base game, the overwhelming sentiment is that the monetization tactics detract significantly from the overall experience.
“The game itself is pretty good, but the monetization is some of the worst I've seen outside of a gacha game.”
“While I enjoy these games, I hate the monetization that EA forced upon us.”
“Predatory monetization aside, the game is a blast and I have had years of fun with it (and the franchise as a whole).”
“This game is a blatant cash grab that has no care for its players and simply wants to get us to spend as much money as possible on it.”
“To get the 'complete' experience, you're looking at spending hundreds of dollars, which feels like a cash grab from the developers.”
“The real issue is the aggressive monetization strategy.”
- music105 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The music in "The Sims 4" has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its modern and diverse tracks, while others feel it lacks the liveliness and cohesion found in "The Sims 3." Critics argue that the DLC music often feels disjointed and more like a collection of generic tracks rather than a cohesive soundtrack that enhances gameplay. Overall, while some find the music relaxing and enjoyable, many express disappointment, citing it as a weaker aspect of the game compared to its predecessors.
“The game's vibrant graphics and lively soundtrack added to the overall experience.”
“I also really like the Simlish version of actual songs in the game!”
“The graphics are high quality and the music is catchy, making it a great game to play for hours on end.”
“Even The Sims 3’s soundtrack sounds much more lively, leaving room for the player to think about how and what part of the game they want to discover and enjoy.”
“The music for the DLCs in The Sims 4 feels much more pack-based, rather than focusing on the whole game’s vibe itself, making the vibe of the whole game all over the place and scrambled.”
“The music is terrible.”
- optimization90 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that it runs smoothly on most systems, particularly on the Steam Deck, and performs better than its predecessors, The Sims 2 and 3. However, some users report significant performance issues, especially when using numerous mods or expansion packs, leading to inconsistent frame rates and lag. Overall, while the game is generally considered well-optimized, it still suffers from bugs and performance hiccups that can detract from the experience.
“The game runs smoothly on most systems, offering a visually pleasing experience with detailed character animations and realistic interactions.”
“It runs smoothly and has great interactions in-game.”
“Unlike the Sims 3, Sims 4 is extremely well optimized.”
“If it weren't for their constant stream of nonsense, this game would be a 6/10, a significant downgrade from the far superior Sims 2 and Sims 3 (the 3rd Sims only held down by the fact it's an optimization nightmare).”
“$1000 worth of DLC and none of it is optimized, or worth the price.”
“An unoptimized bare base game that is a platform for overpriced and oftentimes buggy catalog of DLC.”
- grinding84 mentions
- 4 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 54 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight that grinding in the game can be excessively tedious and time-consuming, often requiring players to invest significant effort into repetitive tasks to progress. Many users express frustration with the lack of engaging content and the slow pace of gameplay, suggesting that without mods or expansions, the experience can become monotonous and boring. Overall, while some find enjoyment in the grind, it is frequently described as a major drawback of the game.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Unbelievably tedious.”
“The Sims 4 relies on making the player addicted to grinding pointless stats that barely change how the game goes, and once you have mastered all your skills and gotten ungodly amounts of money, players will very quickly realize the lack of content in the game.”
“The day-to-day gameplay is either extremely tedious or just grossly boring.”
- emotional58 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, often feeling joy, nostalgia, and even sadness as they guide their Sims through life events and milestones. The ability to create and nurture families, alongside the game's detailed emotional dynamics, fosters a sense of investment and attachment, making the experience both heartwarming and occasionally heartbreaking. Despite frustrations with the game's mechanics and the company behind it, many find solace and comfort in the wholesome, customizable gameplay that allows for both lighthearted fun and meaningful storytelling.
“Players can become deeply invested in the lives of their sims, forming emotional connections as they guide them through various milestones and challenges.”
“I love it very dearly because I grew up on The Sims 1-2 and this game hits home on an emotional level; I mean I've already filled up the town of Newcrest with homes and sims.”
“One of the things I've found immensely satisfying about the game, especially in the last year with quarantines and other things going on, is that if you get invested in your characters, there's a decent emotional payout.”
- replayability45 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The Sims 4 is widely praised for its high replayability, attributed to its open-ended gameplay, diverse customization options, and a steady influx of updates and expansion packs that enhance the experience. While some players note that the game can become repetitive without additional content, many find that mods and downloadable content significantly enrich the gameplay, making it virtually limitless in replay value. Overall, players enjoy the ability to create unique stories and households, ensuring that each playthrough can feel fresh and engaging.
“The game's replayability is virtually limitless, thanks to its open-ended nature and the constant stream of updates and expansion packs that introduce fresh content and gameplay mechanics.”
“I like the replayability of Sims in that there are so many different combinations of households and items, as well as potential storylines.”
“There's a lot of replayability value in this game due to how different your sim can be each time.”
“It was vaguely amusing at first, but it lacks the replay value and whimsy of its iconic predecessor.”
“Hours of replayability but at a huge financial bloodletting.”
“Sims 4 Strangerville: not a bad idea but zero replay value once you've been through it once.”
- character development22 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
"The Sims 4" excels in character development, offering extensive customization options that allow players to create diverse and intricate characters. While the gameplay itself may be less engaging for some, the game's robust character design tools and the ability to use mods enhance the overall experience, making it a must-have for fans of character creation and world-building. However, some players feel that the game could benefit from deeper character development features.
“At its best, 'The Sims 4' offers an expansive sandbox for creativity, from intricate character design to architectural freedom in building dream homes.”
“Whether you're drawn to the character development, the fashion, the architecture, the interior/landscape design, the doll-play aspects, or the extensive and deep-rooted communities that have evolved around The Sims, there is something in its open-ended, seemingly endless scope of possibility that sets it apart from any other simulation game.”
“Very fun, extremely detailed in character design, and lots of things to do.”
“It needs more character development.”
“Would recommend, but the character designing takes patience.”
“11/10 character design and you can add CC and mods that's high tier.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is described as calm and enjoyable, ideal for relaxing play sessions, with an emphasis on creativity and self-directed fun due to the lack of a set narrative. Players appreciate the inclusive elements, such as LGBTQ+ representation, but some report issues with bugs and erratic character movements that detract from the overall experience. While the music and character interactions contribute to a unique vibe, some feel that the game's atmosphere has stagnated, leading to a loss of interest.
“This is the kind of game you play on a rainy day and you are just chilling at home enjoying the calm atmosphere while life goes by.”
“The whole atmosphere of the game, namely the music, the sims' now totally erratic movement patterns, facial expressions, and occupations led to a gaming experience where each and every one of your sims lives an entire life as a hipster.”
“The whole atmosphere of the game, namely the music, the Sims' now totally erratic movement patterns, facial expressions, and occupations led to a gaming experience where each and every one of your Sims lives an entire life as a hipster.”
“I really like that they have LGBTQ+ flags and the options to make them stand to pee or sit; I really appreciate the inclusive atmosphere that The Sims 4 gives off. However, there are a few bugs with the Sims walking into walls, and I've seen Sims 4 livestreamers who make build streams complain about the random crashing.”
“Love the ease of play, creativity, and drama-free atmosphere.”
