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MONSTER

The Sims 4

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Sims 4
Item: The Sims 4
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2014

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Third Person Perspective, Simulation, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableSep 2, 2014

PlatformPC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperMaxis

Overview

Unleash your imagination and create a unique world of Sims that's an expression of you! Explore and customize every detail from Sims to homes, and much more with The Sims 4. Life, and Sims, are yours to control. Customize your unique Sims, design their homes & take them on wild adventures through celebdom, romance, holidays and more.

Elsewhere

6.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Sims 4 dazzles with deep customization and innovative features like multitasking and emotions, making interactions feel more alive. However, it stumbles with clunky console controls and a repetitive gameplay loop, leaving long-time fans yearning for missing content from earlier versions. While it retains charm, the game’s flaws hinder its potential, appealing mainly to dedicated fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of The Sims 4 has received a mix of praise and criticism from various reviewers, highlighting some significant positive aspects. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and Game Revolution commend the game for its deep customization options, allowing players to create Sims with varied traits and aspirations, leading to engaging storytelling and social interactions. Additionally, the introduction of new features such as multitasking and an emotions system has been celebrated for enhancing the gameplay experience, making interactions feel more dynamic and realistic. The improved Create-A-Sim and Build Mode, noted by Softpedia and Gamer.nl, have also been recognized for their user-friendly interfaces, which allow players to modify characters and homes more intuitively. However, despite these positive elements, many reviewers have pointed out substantial drawbacks that hinder the overall gameplay experience. Critics like GamingTrend and TrueAchievements express frustration with the control schemes on console versions, describing them as clumsy and unintuitive, which detracts from the enjoyment of building and managing Sims. Furthermore, some reviewers, including CGMagazine and InsideGamer.nl, highlight issues of repetitiveness and a lack of depth, suggesting that while the core gameplay remains engaging, it can become tedious over time. Additionally, the absence of certain features from previous installments, such as toddlers and swimming pools, has disappointed long-time fans, as noted by Gaming Nexus and Gamer.no. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while The Sims 4 introduces several innovative features and improvements, particularly in character creation and emotional depth, it is marred by control issues and a sense of repetitiveness. Many reviewers, including Game Informer and Trusted Reviews, agree that the gameplay retains the charm of previous titles but suffers from clunky mechanics, especially on consoles. The game is seen as a familiar yet flawed experience, appealing primarily to dedicated fans of the series, as highlighted by Game Spew and God is a Geek. Ultimately, while The Sims 4 has made strides in certain areas, it still faces significant challenges that prevent it from achieving its full potential as a life simulation game.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Sims 4 features a vibrant, cartoonish visual style praised for its whimsy and improved animations, but suffers from technical issues like frame-rate drops and graphical glitches. Critics also lament limited customization compared to previous games and frustrating controls on consoles. Overall, while it captures the series' charm, it falls short on performance and depth, suggesting a need for future enhancements.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of The Sims 4 is mixed, with several positive aspects highlighted by critics. Many reviewers appreciated the game's cartoonish style, which fits the whimsical tone of the series. CGMagazine noted that the characters' cartoonish aesthetic adds to the game's silliness, while InsideGamer.nl praised the cartoonesque visuals as enhancing the overall experience. Critics also acknowledged the improvements in character animations and the detailed environments, with Gaming Nexus emphasizing that the revamped visuals make Sims feel more alive and realistic. Additionally, the Build Mode received commendations for its user-friendly interface and extensive customization options, as highlighted by both God is a Geek and IGN. However, the criticisms surrounding the graphics and visual design are also significant. Many reviewers pointed out technical issues such as frame-rate hiccups and graphical bugs, which detract from the visual experience. Hardcore Gamer mentioned constant frame-rate issues and occasional freezing, while Metro GameCentral noted random graphical glitches that mar the otherwise impressive visuals. Critics also expressed disappointment with the limited customization options compared to previous installments, with Digital Spy stating that the options felt somewhat anaemic compared to The Sims 3. Furthermore, the console versions faced challenges with controls and interface issues, as pointed out by Game Informer and TrueAchievements, leading to frustrations in gameplay. In summary, while The Sims 4 boasts a vibrant and engaging visual style that resonates well with its audience, it is marred by technical shortcomings and a perceived lack of depth in customization options. Critics like IGN and Softpedia highlighted the game's visual updates as a strong point, yet many others, including Game Informer and TrueAchievements, pointed out the restrictive controls and user interface issues on consoles. Overall, the consensus indicates that while the game successfully maintains the charm of its predecessors, it struggles with performance and depth, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Sims 4's sound design and music earn mostly positive reviews, praised for emotional immersion and a cheerful soundtrack. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and Everyeye.it highlight its effective integration into gameplay. However, concerns linger about the soundtrack's lack of memorability, occasional intrusiveness, and technical glitches, suggesting it falls short of earlier titles in originality and consistency. Overall, it's enjoyable but needs improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

78%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The overall sentiment regarding the sound design and music of The Sims 4 is predominantly positive, with several critics highlighting its effective integration into the gameplay. Eurogamer Italy commends the sound design for its ability to reflect the emotions of the Sims, which enhances the immersive experience. Similarly, Everyeye.it appreciates the cheerful soundtrack, noting that it significantly enriches the gameplay. Critics like Ragequit.gr also affirm that the sound design meets expectations for a major production, indicating a solid foundation in quality. Moreover, Softpedia points out the varied soundtrack that complements the action on screen, while USgamer acknowledges the pleasantness of the music, despite likening it to muzak. However, there are notable criticisms that temper the overall enthusiasm. Impulsegamer expresses disappointment, stating that the soundtrack lacks the memorability and distinctiveness found in earlier Sims titles. Multiplayer.it raises concerns about the music becoming intrusive due to frequent emotional shifts in the game, suggesting that while the music fits the gameplay, its execution can be distracting. Additionally, Softpedia mentions that the soundtrack can feel generic at times, indicating a lack of uniqueness in some musical elements. The Digital Fix also points out technical glitches with the music, which, while not directly addressing the overall sound design, highlights potential issues that could detract from the experience. In conclusion, while the general consensus among critics is that The Sims 4 features a sound design and music that are enjoyable and fitting for the game, there are significant caveats to consider. The positive remarks from critics like Eurogamer Italy and Everyeye.it are balanced by concerns from Impulsegamer and Multiplayer.it regarding the soundtrack's memorability and the potential for it to become intrusive. Overall, the sound design and music in The Sims 4 seem to provide a satisfactory experience, but with room for improvement, especially in terms of originality and consistency.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Sims 4 shines on PC with optimized performance and minimal bugs, but console versions—especially on PS4 and Xbox One—struggle with serious technical issues like glitches, freezes, and frustrating controls. Critics agree that while the PC experience is smooth, the console versions are plagued by frustrations that significantly detract from gameplay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of The Sims 4 varies significantly across gaming platforms, with notable positives for both PC and console versions. On PC, several critics, including Everyeye.it and Game Revolution, praised the game's optimization and stability, highlighting smooth performance and quick loading times. This is a marked improvement over previous titles in the series, with Game Revolution noting minimal bugs and crashes. Similarly, InsideGamer.nl pointed out that the game runs well on PS4, indicating moments of technical stability that enhance the overall experience. Critics like Game Informer also mentioned that while there are bugs and control issues on PS4, the overall experience remains smooth. However, the negatives are pronounced, particularly for the console versions. Many reviewers, such as CGMagazine and GamingTrend, reported serious issues on PS4, including bugs, glitches, freezes, and frustrating controls that hinder gameplay. Metro GameCentral echoed these sentiments by discussing stuck menus and long load times, which detract from the experience. On Xbox One, the situation appears even more dire, with TrueAchievements and Trusted Reviews highlighting severe technical problems like disappearing saves and game-breaking bugs. The overall sentiment is that while the game has its moments of stability, the technical performance on consoles is riddled with issues that can severely impact gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that The Sims 4 is more stable and optimized on PC, where players can enjoy a smoother experience with fewer bugs. In contrast, the console versions, particularly on PS4 and Xbox One, suffer from significant technical shortcomings that lead to frustration among players. Critics like IGN and God is a Geek have noted that the controls and menu systems are particularly problematic on consoles, which, combined with the reported bugs, creates a less enjoyable experience. Therefore, while there are positives to be found in the game's performance, particularly on PC, the technical challenges on consoles overshadow these strengths, resulting in a mixed overall sentiment.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Sims 4 boasts addictive gameplay and extensive creative options, attracting players for hundreds of hours. Critics praise its engaging core mechanics and community challenges, enhancing replayability. However, concerns arise over console limitations, lack of new content, and the need for costly expansions, which can diminish the experience. Overall, while it offers significant entertainment potential, replay value is heavily dependent on platform and available expansions.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of The Sims 4 is mixed, with many critics highlighting several positive aspects that contribute to its appeal. For instance, COGconnected notes that the game can "steal hundreds of hours of your life," emphasizing its addictive nature and the potential for extensive gameplay. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and TheXboxHub also commend the game for its variety of creation options and long-term goals, such as maxing out skills and maintaining multi-generational families, which can enhance replay value. Additionally, IGN mentions the enjoyment derived from building and guiding Sims' lives, indicating that the core gameplay remains engaging. The community-created challenges and the open-ended nature of the game, as pointed out by Twinfinite and 3DJuegos, further enhance its replayability by allowing players to explore endless possibilities. However, several reviewers express concerns about the limitations and shortcomings of The Sims 4, particularly in its console versions. Game Informer and Meristation highlight that the console editions feature less content than their PC counterparts, which can detract from the overall experience. Gamer.nl points out that the base game offers little new content after some playtime, which may lead to a feeling of monotony. Critics like InsideGamer.nl and Destructoid mention that the need to repurchase expansions can negatively impact replay value, especially for players who feel the base game lacks depth. Moreover, Metro GameCentral raises issues with frustrating controls and technical problems that could hinder replayability, suggesting that these factors may limit the game's long-term appeal. In conclusion, while The Sims 4 offers a wealth of creative possibilities and engaging gameplay experiences, critics are divided on its replay value, particularly across different platforms. Many agree that the game has the potential for significant enjoyment, especially with future expansions, as noted by Digital Spy and Eurogamer Italy. However, the limitations in content and features, especially in the console versions, as discussed by Game Informer and God is a Geek, may leave some players feeling underwhelmed. Overall, the consensus suggests that while The Sims 4 can provide hours of entertainment, its replay value is heavily influenced by the availability of expansions and the platform on which it is played.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

21%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

74%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The reviews for The Sims 4 reveal a mixed sentiment, with several critics acknowledging the game's strengths. Many reviewers, such as Eurogamer Italy and Gaming Nexus, praise the engaging gameplay and enhanced social interactions, highlighting improvements in character depth and emotional mechanics. Critics like SpazioGames and Gamer.nl note the game's addictive nature and enjoyable gameplay, suggesting that it has the potential to captivate both newcomers and series veterans. Additionally, some reviewers appreciate the intuitive design and user-friendly features, as mentioned by Multiplayer.it, which contributes to a more seamless gaming experience. However, the criticisms of The Sims 4 are numerous and significant. Many reviewers express disappointment with the lack of content and depth compared to its predecessors. Critics like TrueAchievements and Metro GameCentral highlight the clunky controls and technical issues on console versions, describing them as frustrating experiences. The sentiment that the game feels incomplete is echoed by multiple reviewers, including Game Revolution and Digital Spy, who point out that the reliance on DLC and expansion packs for a more fulfilling experience detracts from the base game's value. Furthermore, several critics, such as XGN and GameOver.gr, mention that while the game attempts to innovate, it ultimately feels like a step back from The Sims 3. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while The Sims 4 has its merits, it falls short of expectations, especially for long-time fans of the series. The game is often described as enjoyable yet lacking in content, with many reviewers recommending the PC version over the console ports due to better performance and features. Critics like CGMagazine and Game Informer emphasize the need for improvements in controls and content, suggesting that potential players may want to wait for future updates or expansions to fully appreciate the game. In summary, The Sims 4 is seen as a mixed bag—offering engaging gameplay and some improvements, yet hampered by technical issues and a perceived lack of depth.

TL;DR

The Sims 4 receives mixed reviews, praised for engaging gameplay and social interactions, but heavily criticized for lacking content and depth compared to previous titles. While some find it addictive and user-friendly, others lament technical issues and an incomplete feel, especially on consoles. Critics suggest waiting for updates or expansions to truly enjoy the game, as it falls short for series veterans despite its merits.

MONSTER

Reviews

149 reviews found

Gaming Nexus

Sep 8, 2014