The Sims 4: For Rent expansion pack feels more like a game pack to me, and I’ve discovered more reasons to skip this expansion pack than to buy it.
Why I’m Not Buying The Sims: For Rent
Delayed Arrival of Rental Units
The For Rent expansion kinda feels more like a game pack than the big expansion fans were hoping for.
Adding Rental Units feels like something that should’ve been in City Living from the start.
Instead of beefing up existing packs like City Living and Eco Lifestyle to have these rental features for free, EA went for a whole new expansion.
This kinda feels like they’re tweaking old stuff instead of bringing in something new.
Like many Simmers, I, too, get the impression that EA is drip-feeding content.
But hey, maybe most of their resources have been diverted to The Sims 5, and they don’t have enough left to focus on The Sims 4.
Loading Screens Breaking Immersion
A big downside is those annoying loading screens when you’re trying to visit units in the same neighborhood.
Getting hit with a loading screen every time you try to visit a rental unit is a real immersion-breaker. It’s like a sudden interruption to the flow of the game.
It pulls you out of the moment, and suddenly, you’re not living in your Sims’ world. You’re waiting for a screen to load.
This is a major deal-breaker for many players, myself included.
I’m scratching my head, wondering why EA hasn’t just gone for an open lot system to keep things flowing smoothly, like we all love.
Lack of Intriguing Drama
If you’re all about the drama in The Sims, the secrets in For Rent might not quite hit the spot. They’re a bit on the mild side, leaving you wishing for more drama and chaos.
The current secrets are kind of tame, not exactly what you’re after if you’re looking for Sims with more intense and controversial storylines.
I’m a drama enthusiast when it comes to my Sims gameplay. The secrets that my Nosy Sims may stumble upon are just too harmless for my liking.
I was genuinely hoping for more jaw-dropping revelations, you know, like Sims cheating on their spouse or pulling off schemes to sabotage their colleagues’ promotions.
I crave those juicy secrets that can make my Sims genuinely feel ashamed of their actions.
What do we get instead? Just harmless tidbits of info.
Here’s an example:
Feeling Bleak in Willow Creek
You know what, I’m just so tired of hearing everyone talk about Willow Creek all the time. It’s always “Willow Creek this” and “Willow Creek that!” I can’t stand it anymore! I hate Willow Creek!
I’ve spent way too much time there. But to me, even one minute is too long. It’s just so… willow- y. And way too creek-y. You know that “grass is greener on the other side” saying? What if the grass in Willow Creek is a little too green? Ever think about that?!
Who cares?!
Rabbit Hole Activities – Again!
Relying on rabbit hole activities, especially in the Tiger Sanctuary, can be a real downer. Sure, the sanctuary is a cool addition, but not being able to explore it directly feels like a missed opportunity for some real immersive gameplay.
For players like me, who want more hands-on experiences, especially given the price tag, rabbit holes just don’t cut it.
Now, about the Tiger Sanctuary – why not make it a more integral part of the game?
Picture this: Sims interacting with tigers, soaking in the game lore straight from these majestic creatures.
I’m not up for spending a good 20 minutes reading a novel that ends up having little impact on my game or Sims.
EA seems to be putting more effort into adding cultural references, which is cool if that’s your thing.
But for me, it’s all about the gameplay. I’m here for the real-life Sims drama.
That’s the kind of meaningful gameplay I’m after – not just narratives that barely leave a dent in the game and my Sims.
Small Lots and World-Size Disappointment
The world and lot sizes in For Rent are a bit of a bummer many Simmers.
I was hoping for something more on the scale of Windenburg, you know?
Now, here’s the thing that’s got us scratching our heads, myself included: are the worlds getting smaller because of tech issues?
Is the game engine feeling the squeeze with all the content pouring in from a ton of DLCs?
I’m just here wondering if our Sims are getting a bit crowded in these downsized worlds.
Wrapping It Up
To sum it up, The Sims 4: For Rent is stirring up some mixed vibes. I want more drama and I’m feeling a bit limited in the gameplay.
Those loading screens popping up when we’re just trying to switch to a different rental unit? Yeah, not winning any popularity contests.
Whether we’re wishing for juicier secrets, more hands-on fun in the Tiger Sanctuary, or just a bigger Sims world to roam around in, the message is loud and clear from the player crew.
While For Rent has some cool bits, it’s not entirely hitting the sweet spot for those of us looking for a deeper and smoother Sims experience.
What are your thoughts on the new For Rent Pack? Yay or nay? Share your opinions in the comments below.