With the 3rd expansion for The Sims 2, Open For Business, the Maxoids gave us something absorbing but nevertheless very complex and intricate. This expansion relied more on changing the way that the game can be played instead of adding a lot of new objects and decor specifically relating to the subject of the expansion.

With this 4th expansion, we have been provided with new creatures and a lot of specific items relating to the subject of Pets and although it changes the game somewhat, it does it in a way that is easily learnt and can be identified with by almost every player. I would hazard a guess that only a small percentage of TS2 players run their own business in the real world and also hazard a guess that a very large percentage of TS2 players have or at one time have had their own pets. Personally, I grew up with shelties. Also, I find it very easy to understand Pets, train them and teach them whereas I am yet to get a business above Level 5 and make a profit.

Both are excellent expansions and add a lot to the game in different ways, but I would say this EP will appeal to more players and especially the younger players. This expansion has reintroduced us to ground covered before in the "Unleashed" EP for TS(1). It has also transformed this ground into something the majority of players can identify with. Already, the community is busy making skins of their own cats and dogs. Here at TSZ, Starrats has been working very heard creating new breeds and recolours, one of which you can see on the right and MissWendy has included a pet bed as part of her latest Simplicity Bedroom Set and with 826 Howling Lane has begun a small series of werewolves and their subgenuses.

I have very much enjoyed working through the different aspects of this expansion in order to review it. I am sure I have not mentioned everything, but I hope that there is enough it the past pages for you to make your own mind up. I am very grateful for the help that I have had along the way. Although I am learning more every day about this expansion and believe it could perhaps need a patch to clear up some of the bugs, my TS2 gameplay is never going to be the same again.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to go and see a Sim about a dog.

Dag dag!