If you already own The Sims 2, by Aspyr Media, and are looking to liven up
the action, check out The Sims 2 Nightlife, a new expansion pack that adds a
number of new options.
If you’re not familiar with the game, The Sims 2 lets you take control of
virtual people—called Sims—as you try to help them fulfill wants and needs,
seek gainful employment, decorate homes, meet friends and lovers, raise
families, even grow old and die. It’s like being God and an overbearing
mother-in-law all at once.
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The Sims 2 Nightlife
The Sims 2 Nightlife opens a new downtown area where your Sims can go
clubbing, visit the bowling alley, and more. Sims can also now buy their own
cars—
everything from a pickup to a sports car, depending on their preferences—
instead of carpooling everywhere.
The expansion pack changes how the romantic proclivities of your Sims are
determined—adding aspects such as compatible personality traits, common life
aspirations, and even astrological signs. A new Pleasure Seeker life
aspiration
makes your Sims want to experience the finer things in life. Activities such
as going on dates, being invited to parties, and having gourmet meals amps
up this life aspiration and makes your Sims better people.
Nightlife also adds vampires to the mix. You can turn your Sims into
vampires by seeking out the Grand Vampire who stalks the streets at night.
Like
vampires in the movies, though, Sim-vampires face certain doom if exposed to
sunlight. Fortunately, the Gypsy Matchmaker has potions and curatives that
will
restore your mortality.
Sims can now maintain a personal inventory. So instead of leaving everything
back at the house, they can take stuff with them—useful when moving into new
digs, or for holding on to a keepsake for a Sim-girlfriend or boyfriend. The
expansion pack also adds nifty new objects for sale—everything from a DJ
booth, to a poker table, to a coffin (just thing for a restive vampire).
Sims are very social creatures—maybe a bit too social, in fact. I found it
hard to keep my Sims from developing instant, lasting friendships and romantic
connections with everyone they met. And while that’s certainly a nice
fantasy, it doesn’t make for very challenging gameplay.
The bottom line
If you’ve already tried The Sims 2 and don’t like it, The Sims 2 Nightlife
won’t change your mind. But the new Pleasure Seeker aspiration and the
addition of cars, vampires, and objects certainly add some flavor to this
perennially popular series.
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