The Sims 4has enjoyed consistent success for over a decade now, but the lingering issues in its approach are becoming more frustrating with every expansion. Although the years of support have brought it ahead of past Sims releases in some regards, it can still be underwhelming compared to whatThe Sims 3offered. The more time passes, the harder it becomes to excuse the areas where it falls behind, and failing to ever address one problem could hold the game back forever.
At this point,Sims 4expansions are primarily sold on the merit of their core gameplay features, which usually manage to hit on things that players feel the base experience is missing. Recent expansions likeLovestruckandBusinesses and Hobbieshave fleshed out core aspects of daily life, and even the more whimsical promise of living life as afairy inEnchanted by Natureis similarly built on mechanical additions.Worlds, on the other hand, haven’t been getting as much love, and their underwhelming nature is one of the game’s biggest caveats.
Sims 4 Worlds Are Still Lacking, Even After So Many Expansion Packs
A Key Aspect Has Been Criminally Neglected
WhileThe Sims 4has plenty of worlds after the release of so many expansion packs, it doesn’t have plenty that are as good as they could be.A proper world in theSimsisn’t just window-dressing, but a place that offers interesting and diverse opportunities. Heading to a coastal town should offer a radically different experience from a city full of skyscrapers, and making them as distinct and robust as possible is one of the best ways to enhance the eternal playability ofThe Sims 4.
Unfortunately,worlds often feel like an obligatory afterthought. It only makes sense for appropriately-themed new worlds to arrive in expansions, but I’d be surprised if many people were investing in expansions because of the worlds themselves at this point.Businesses and Hobbies' addition of Nordhavenis charming, but it’s a small world with few lots and limited interactivity. At this point, it’s standard for aSims 4world to feel stunted in scope and opportunities.
As Gameplay Improves, We Need More Focus On Fleshed-Out Worlds
Worlds Are Essential To The Sims 4 Experience
With expansions fleshing out so many ofThe Sims 4’s core mechanics,it’s past time to start bringing the worlds up to speed. More interesting building opportunities, a wider variety of unique rabbit holes, and simply larger maps could all greatly enhance the experience. While new worlds to explore arrive with reasonable frequency, it would be nice to be able to spend months or years in one place without getting tired of it.
Worlds aren’t the only area whereThe Sims 4could still use some improvements, but they might be the aspect capable of making the biggest difference. I’m not holding out too much hope that EA and Maxis will start bringing worlds up to speed in the new future, but I’d certainly be happy if they did.
