The Sims 4

The term "You get out what you put in" is best defined by playing the Sims 4. It's an enjoyable game that fans will without a doubt love, but minor idiosyncrasies spoil what fun, can be gained from the experience.

80%Game Brain Score

gameplay, graphics

stability, monetization

88% User Score Based on 98,036 reviews

Critic Score 71%Based on 32 reviews

Platforms

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About

The Sims 4 is a single player casual role playing game with fantasy, romance and comedy themes. It was developed by Maxis and was released on November 17, 2017. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

"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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

88%

Audience ScoreBased on 98,036 reviews

gameplay537 positive mentions

stability1.1k negative mentions

The Sims 4 offers extensive customization options and encourages player creativity, allowing for unique storytelling and character development.
The emotional depth of the game enhances player connections to their Sims, making for engaging and immersive gameplay experiences.
The vibrant graphics and cheerful atmosphere contribute to a visually appealing and enjoyable life simulation experience.

The aggressive monetization strategy, including numerous microtransactions and high-priced DLCs, detracts from the overall enjoyment and accessibility of the game.
The game is plagued by bugs and stability issues, leading to frequent crashes and a frustrating experience for many players.
Core gameplay can feel repetitive and lacking depth compared to previous titles, with essential features often locked behind paywalls.

gameplay
2,226 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
68%
8%
The gameplay of "The Sims 4" has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its extensive customization options and building mechanics, while criticizing the core gameplay for being repetitive and lacking depth compared to previous titles like "The Sims 3." A significant number of players feel that essential gameplay features are locked behind expensive DLCs, making the base game feel incomplete and often requiring mods to enhance the experience. Overall, while the game offers a fun and creative outlet, its reliance on additional purchases and the presence of bugs detract from the overall enjoyment of the gameplay.
- “Every DLC is worth it and adds hundreds of hours of possible gameplay.”
- “The core gameplay is solid, the building tools are fantastic.”
- “The gameplay is fun but paying $1,400+ for the full experience is beyond stupid.”
- “The gameplay is severely lacking compared to the previous sims games, and the only way to enjoy it is if you spend a fortune on ridiculously overpriced DLC where most of them aren't worth the money even when on sale.”
- “The gameplay gets so boring after a while and there's really nothing else to keep you hooked after maybe a good little while.”
- “The base game is fairly limited and the content packs, while they provide more content, they don't truly expand on that limited base game, don't add depth of gameplay.”
graphics
1,139 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
61%
4%
The graphics in "The Sims 4" have received mixed reviews, with many players praising the vibrant, cartoonish art style and improved character animations compared to previous iterations. However, some critics argue that while the visuals are appealing, they lack the depth and realism found in earlier games like "The Sims 3." Overall, the game is noted for its aesthetic charm, but concerns about outdated graphics and reliance on expansion packs for content persist.
- “The graphics are stunning, and the attention to detail is impressive.”
- “The graphics are bright and inviting, while the animations bring sims to life with personality and charm.”
- “The game's graphics are impressive, with detailed character designs and beautiful environments that make the game world come to life.”
- “Not to mention this series hasn’t changed its graphics or animations in like 15 years.”
- “Shame that the graphics quality has not improved over the years.”
- “The only significant improvements upon the last game is the graphics and character creation, both of which are to be expected, nevertheless.”
stability
1,122 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
1%
98%
The stability of "The Sims 4" is widely criticized, with players reporting a plethora of bugs and glitches that persist even after numerous updates. Many users express frustration over the game's frequent crashes, unresponsive actions, and the introduction of new bugs with each expansion pack, which are often seen as overpriced and lacking in content. Overall, while some players find enjoyment in the game despite its issues, the consensus is that its stability remains a significant concern, detracting from the overall experience.
- “So far, it's bug free and smooth on my old laptop.”
- “Runs great, even on Steam Deck.”
- “Great game, it's mostly bug free.”
- “Even as I jest, the game is a buggy mess, and due to the age of the code without any updates or rehauls, and all the packs, the game itself cannot handle its own content anymore.”
- “The game is incredibly buggy despite near constant updates and patches.”
- “This game is a buggy mess that EA clearly half-assed and overpriced, with a minimum of $1500 for a majority of the expansions.”
story
1,032 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
74%
6%
The story aspect of "The Sims 4" is largely defined by player creativity, allowing users to craft their own narratives and character arcs within a sandbox environment. While the game offers some quests and scenarios, many players feel that it lacks a cohesive, engaging storyline, relying instead on the imagination of the player to create unique experiences. Overall, it serves as a platform for storytelling and character development, though it may not satisfy those seeking a structured narrative.
- “The Sims 4 is a fantastic life simulation game that offers endless creativity and storytelling possibilities.”
- “The game emphasizes storytelling, encouraging players to create narratives as they guide their sims through life’s ups and downs.”
- “With its vibrant graphics, in-depth customization options, and open-ended gameplay, The Sims 4 invites players to create and control their virtual lives, making it a sandbox for creativity and storytelling.”
- “If you're looking for a story-driven game, then this is like the worst place to look. Though there can be plot elements, generally speaking, the plot is unexciting and mostly unexplored.”
- “The game is not worth the time and energy as most of the storylines get messed up due to bugs.”
- “The emotional system of Sims is clever, adding more depth to interactions and storytelling, but some AI behaviors can still feel repetitive.”
humor
849 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in "The Sims 4" is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the game's chaotic and unpredictable nature that leads to hilarious situations, such as Sims catching fire while cooking or engaging in absurd interactions. Many reviews mention the enjoyment derived from creating quirky characters and the comedic potential of various glitches and bugs, which often add to the overall fun rather than detract from it. Overall, the game is described as a delightful mix of creativity and humor, making it a source of endless entertainment for players.
- “Between the complex building and customization abilities and the hilarious hijinks my sims get into, I'm never bored playing this game.”
- “Sims constantly catching fire (this is actually pretty funny, they are so bad at cooking lol).”
- “It's hilarious to make your original characters in here and then watch them do things and interact with each other and get to play god with them.”
- “This is a hilariously unfunny joke.”
- “With that being said, as a whole project, it's an unfunny joke.”
- “This joke has lasted long enough, it is not funny.”
monetization
503 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
21%
75%
The monetization strategy of The Sims 4 has been widely criticized as excessively aggressive and exploitative, with many players labeling it a "cash grab." Reviewers express frustration over the numerous microtransactions, high prices for expansion packs, and pervasive in-game advertisements, which detract from the overall experience. While some enjoy the game, they often feel that significant content is locked behind paywalls, making it difficult to fully enjoy without spending substantial amounts of money.
- “Despite its strengths, The Sims 4 is heavily criticized for EA's aggressive monetization strategy.”
- “The game itself is pretty good, but the monetization is some of the worst I've seen outside of a gacha game.”
- “For fans of life simulators, The Sims 4 offers hours of fun, but its monetization model may put off those seeking a more complete experience without paying for extra content.”
- “The Sims 4's monetization is a self-perpetuating exploitation machine built on the same group of people.”
- “EA's monetization model is frustrating and predatory, and it’s hard to ignore how much content is locked behind paywalls.”
- “This game is a cash grab incarnate; nothing fun comes from playing it unless you buy the packs, which cost more than the game itself used to cost.”
optimization
226 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
60%
13%
Overall, "The Sims 4" is generally well-optimized, running smoothly on a variety of systems, including lower-end PCs, though performance can suffer with extensive DLCs and mods. While many players appreciate the improved performance compared to its predecessor, "The Sims 3," they still report occasional bugs, glitches, and inconsistent performance, particularly with larger households or complex builds. Despite its accessibility, some users express frustration over the game's optimization issues and the impact of numerous expansions on overall performance.
- “The game runs smoothly on most systems, offering a visually pleasing experience with detailed character animations and realistic interactions.”
- “The game has received several patches and optimizations over the years, improving stability and load times.”
- “It runs smoothly on my PC, even with everything turned up to max. I have a middle-of-the-road Acer gaming laptop, by the way.”
- “In theory, I love this game, but after so many years, it's still so terribly optimized.”
- “Absolutely horrible unoptimized experience that froze my computer and broke my operating system before even being able to log in to the useless EA account it demands.”
- “This game has so many glitches and performance issues; in its current state, with certain DLCs, it can just make the game unplayable.”
music
226 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
72%
4%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its upbeat and immersive qualities that enhance the gameplay experience, while others find it repetitive and annoying over time. Many users enjoy the incorporation of Simlish versions of popular songs, but some express disappointment in the overall soundtrack compared to previous titles in the series. Overall, the music is seen as a pleasant backdrop for gameplay, though it can become tiresome for extended sessions.
- “The cheerful soundtrack and sound effects add charm and atmosphere, enhancing the life simulation vibe.”
- “The music is upbeat and fun, and it changes depending on what your sims are doing.”
- “The vibrant art style and soothing soundtrack enhance the immersive experience, while the thriving modding community extends the game’s lifespan.”
- “But this game is fun, the music can be a bit annoying after a few hours of playing.”
- “The music is pure psychological warfare.”
- “The music is terrible.”
grinding
180 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
42%
56%
The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and repetitive, often leading to a sense of monotony in gameplay. While some players find enjoyment in the meticulous tasks akin to farming simulators, many express frustration with the lack of depth and the need for constant micromanagement, suggesting that the experience can become overwhelmingly grindy without the aid of mods or expansions. Overall, the game offers a mix of fun and frustration, with grinding being a significant part of the experience.
- “This game has made me view life simulator games in a calmer and not farming vibe.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “A bit grindy... sometimes.”
- “It is truly unfun and extremely tedious to play; you are fighting the game to just do what you want it to do.”
- “Moreover, the gameplay can be quite tedious and feels like grinding most of the time.”
- “After a while, managing the same things all the time becomes tedious.”
emotional
158 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of The Sims 4 is a standout feature, with players expressing deep connections to their characters and the game's narrative possibilities. The improved emotional system enhances gameplay by making Sims more expressive and relatable, leading to both heartwarming and heartbreaking moments. Despite some frustrations with AI behavior and the game's monetization practices, many players find the emotional depth and storytelling capabilities to be uniquely engaging and impactful.
- “What really makes The Sims 4 special is the emotional pull.”
- “The emotional depth of the Sims, conveyed through expressions and interactions, adds a layer of immersion, making players feel more connected to their virtual characters.”
- “Players can become deeply invested in the lives of their Sims, forming emotional connections as they guide them through various milestones and challenges.”
replayability
114 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
54%
5%
The Sims 4 is widely regarded for its high replayability, largely due to its open-ended gameplay, extensive customization options, and a vibrant modding community that enhances the experience. While some players note that the base game can feel limited without additional DLC, many find that the numerous expansion packs and community-created content significantly enrich the game, allowing for endless storytelling possibilities. However, the financial investment required for these expansions can be a drawback for some players.
- “If you’re looking for a warm, endlessly replayable comfort game, The Sims 4 is exactly that.”
- “The Sims 4 is a deeply engaging, endlessly replayable experience that caters to both casual players and hardcore storytellers.”
- “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.”
- “Compared to all previous Sims games, this really doesn't hold up to replayability.”
- “The game has absolutely zero long-term objectives, no consequences, and virtually no replay value.”
- “The replay value is low because it feels very monotonous and repetitive with every household you play.”
character development
52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
56%
6%
Character development in "The Sims 4" is highly praised for its extensive customization options, allowing players to create unique characters and narratives. Many users appreciate the emotional depth and realism that enhance gameplay, although some express a desire for more diverse features and options. Overall, the game is recommended for those who enjoy character design and creative expression, despite some criticisms regarding the limitations of certain aspects and the cost of additional content.
- “The game's emphasis on emotional depth and character development adds a layer of complexity and realism that sets it apart.”
- “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 character development, fashion, architecture, or the extensive communities that have evolved around The Sims, there is something in its open-ended scope of possibility that sets it apart from any other simulation game.”
- “The prices are a bit much for DLC, so it's best to jump on them when they're on sale, and the customization is a bit lacking with character design compared to previous titles, but otherwise it's a pretty good game.”
- “I find most entertainment in the character design personally, because I can find the rest of the gameplay a little bit lackluster with no goals or plans, so the scenarios are very helpful for someone like me.”
- “It needs more character development.”
atmosphere
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
58%
16%
The atmosphere of The Sims 4 is widely praised for its cheerful soundtrack, well-crafted sound effects, and vibrant music, which collectively enhance the game's life simulation experience. Players appreciate the calming and creative environment, allowing for exploration and personal storytelling, while the inclusion of diverse elements adds to its inclusive charm. However, some users note technical issues that can disrupt the immersive experience, suggesting that while the atmosphere is engaging, it is not without its flaws.
- “The cheerful soundtrack and sound effects add charm and atmosphere, enhancing the life simulation vibe.”
- “If you’re after a game that combines creative freedom with a calming atmosphere, The Sims 4 is a must-play.”
- “Vibrant music, character dialogues, and environmental sounds immerse players even deeper into the game and enhance the atmosphere.”
- “I recommend getting the DLCs free because the price is higher than the atmosphere.”
- “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.”