Introduction
The Sims 2. The sequel to the biggest PC game ever, and it already sold over 1 million copies within just 10 days. But are you still not sure whether to buy it or not? We've listed a bunch of reviews here from different sites. From games sites to news sites - many have played and reviewed the game. Below you can find a quote from those reviews, and if applicable also the score they gave the game. Click the site's name to read the review. Note that The Sims Zone is not responsible the opinions and expressions in the quotes and reviews linked to, nor are we affiliated or endorsed with any of these sites. If you do want our opinion, then read our in-depth review written by Andy. If you prefer a quick overview, his first impressions might be more suitable for you. Once you decided to buy it, make sure you order it from our shop.
"As before, you should steer clear if you can't enjoy a game unless it offers a focused experience, clearly-defined goals and an actual ending. But those who hope to express themselves through their gaming, tell their own stories, or just goof around without any pressure to accomplish anything but what they choose will find literally hundreds of hours of entertainment in The Sims 2."
Final score: 9.0 out of 10
Final score: 9.0 out of 10
"So was the massive conversion to the new 3D engine successful? Absolutely. If you didn't enjoy the original titles then The Sims 2 may not persuade you to jump in on the action, however for the fans (and there are plenty of them), The Sims 2 is absolutely a must buy, featuring some much needed updates saving what could have become a very dated series quickly. The new 3D engine and all the goodies that come with it delivers the series into the world of cutting edge PC gaming, and whilst a lot has not changed from the original titles, if you went from an original Sims title to The Sims 2, then back to the original title again, the experience would probably be best described as traveling back in time (which, by the way, EA have not made an expansion pack about yet!). When it comes down to it, you either love The Sims or you hate it - for the lovers, this is Sims gaming bliss, and for the critics, well, I have a feeling a lot of you out there will be installing The Sims 2 on your PC, making sure its presence is kept a highly guarded secret."
Final score: 90 out of 100 / A
Final score: 90 out of 100 / A
"Dad, are you going to let him talk about me like that? Dad? Why do you have a can of unleaded gasoline? Eww! Don't throw that - Dad! STOP! DAD?! DAAAD!!!"
Final score: 87 out of 100
Final score: 87 out of 100
"Of course, at night I still hear my girlfriend playing the only computer game she'll touch, long after I've lost interest. Maybe it is a girl thing, and in an industry dominated by shooters and scantily clad elf-maidens, that could be the exact thing PC gaming needs right now."
Final score: 8 out of 10
Final score: 8 out of 10
"It was around this time, when my sim wasn't looking, that I slowly, carefully stepped away from the computer. You will have great difficulty doing the same."
Final score: 3.5 out of 4
Note: This article can be found on many (American) newspaper sites.
Final score: 3.5 out of 4
Note: This article can be found on many (American) newspaper sites.
" This amazing game closely parodies real life and has humour, drama and massive amounts of variety. If you are even vaguely interested in The Sims, this is a must-buy. It's so polished it is a solid candidate for game of the year."
Final score: 5 out of 5
Final score: 5 out of 5
"Those who are new to the title will spend a lot of time getting used to the whims of these little people and figuring out how to control them, but what is guaranteed is that every player's experience will be different, just like life."
Final score: 9 out of 10
Final score: 9 out of 10
"These concerns, while not minor, are overwhelmed by all that is great in a game that may well be the definitive "just one more turn" title. The Sims 2 is huge, and yet it is composed of thousands of little moments and delicate touches, like the actual chess games Sims play against each other; the slovenly, splayfooted gait and poor posture of untidy Sims; the nighttime spooning of a slumbering couple; the brilliantly animated cops-and-robbers games kids play; the stolen moments of warmth between parents besieged by rampaging toddlers. The Sims 2 is as big as life and as consuming. At heart, and with heart, it is a masterpiece."
Final score: 5 out of 5
Final score: 5 out of 5
"The net result is a game with more variety and more believable characters. There are 13,000 different animations that can illustrate the outcomes of the choices the Sims make. Sims can have nervous breakdowns, gossip about events they've witnessed and even refuse to do things the player suggests that are out of character."
Final score: None Given
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Final score: None Given
Note: Registration may be required to read this review
"In ‘Game of Life' there were no big battles or hybrid aliens or weapon of mass destruction, yet it still managed to entertain. On the same token, I could mention a hundred movies, which feature no hardcore violence yet still manage to entertain. So, if Doom 3 is the pinnacle of Sci-fi Horror and Medieval: Total War is an epic war-piece, then The Sims 2 must be the ultimate romantic comedy."
Final score: 9 out of 10
Final score: 9 out of 10
"If you enjoy engaging in office politics or family squabbles, this is might be a much better alternative that does far less harm to others."
Final score: 9 out of 10
Final score: 9 out of 10
"Of course, it's still an electronic dollhouse. The Sims defined that genre, and The Sims 2 redefines it in such a manner that there may never be a finer electronic dollhouse ever created, but the flaws intrinsic to the genre still exist. You have to create your own fun, you have to decide what your endgame goals are, and you're firmly pitted in the role of the writer for this crazy sitcom. If that lack of structure and definition isn't for you, neither is this game. If, however, you find that appealing, or you were a fan of the original, you'll be very pleased with this sequel."
Final score: 90%
Final score: 90%
"We guess, ultimately, that's where EA could make their dollars from the next half dozen expansion packs that will all sell bundles, but for now we're guessing that most people will just be happy that the sequel does a fabulous job of enhancing everything that the first generation did. Tampering with a winning formula has never been characteristic of EA, but still - there's a whole lot more Maxis and EA could do to give the game a much wider appeal. For now we're happy to have dabbled in The Sims 2; it's a thoroughly charming package rammed with possibilities. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to those that have so far resisted its charms, and for the real fans it'll be a dream come true, but whether we'll stick with it is another matter. Ask us when the inevitable expansion hits..."
Final score: 8 out of 10
Final score: 8 out of 10
"The Sims 2 manages to meet any sort of expectation I had for it. Maxis has put any insane amount of detail into each and every crevice throughout the game, and it's this attention to detail, given the huge scope of the game, that really shines. Your favorite time-sucker is back again, with more to do, more to watch, and a far prettier graphics engine. If you liked the original, then don't even hesitate for a moment to pick up the Sims 2. If you weren't a fan of the original, or never played it, then you owe it to yourself to give this game a try too. You won't be sorry."
Final score: 5 out of 5
Final score: 5 out of 5
"When all is said and done, The Sims 2 is a lot of fun but it may not appeal to the more hardcore among us. Undoubtedly most people can find at least a little enjoyment while playing the game, if nothing else by building the houses or walling in sims they made to resemble people they hate. Other than the more unsavory side of sim-life, most people will find the game entertaining. Bottom line is that if you liked The Sims, you’ll love The Sims 2, otherwise stay away."
Final score: 85%
Final score: 85%
"The Sims 2 is definitely an improvement over its predecessor, along with all of its expansions. When fans bought the original game, they were taking a risk when it came to replayability, however from what we’ve seen, The Sims 2 offers a heap of replayability, and then there are all the expansions to look forward to. With all new features, increased graphics, gameplay, and options, there is no feasible reason why you should not purchase this game if you ever enjoyed the original."
Final score: 95%
Final score: 95%
"Overall, this game is not so different that The Sims fans won’t be able to get the hang of it quickly enough and you can let your imagination run free with the amount of stuff you can customise. A really good sequel..."
Final score: 9 out of 10
Final score: 9 out of 10
"In short, The Sims 2 is a fun, open-ended game that allows for a lot of experimentation, customization, and creativity. Even after playing the game for many hours over the past week or so, I'm sure there's still a lot that I haven't yet experienced in the game. If you liked the first Sims game, I'd definitely recommend getting this one."
Final score: 9.8 out of 10
Final score: 9.8 out of 10
"If you were hooked on the original Sims in a big way, then The Sims 2 is sure to please. Much of the gameplay is the same. You are still able to control the lives of your Sims in any way you choose. You can get them jobs, train them in different skills, and help them build relationships with other Sims. The difference now is that your Sims will become old and will eventually die, so it becomes important to have children in order to pass on genetic traits and continue playing. This new, more goal oriented style of play might pull in people who were previously unsure about the Sims series. It is definitely a must-have game for people who like toying with life."
Final score: 4 out of 5
Final score: 4 out of 5
"Overall, I highly recommend The Sims 2 to any fan of the original. Buy this game if your PC can handle it - see my recommended specs."
Final score: 93%
Final score: 93%
"So what's the bottom line in this game? If you have never played The Sims before and want to give it a try, then this, rather than the original, is the game for you. It is truly an updated version for modern systems. If you are an avid Sims player and want to migrate to the next dimension then, again, buy this game, but be prepared for it to not have the scope of the original for a while yet. If you never liked the original and want to know if this version will be any better and different then you might want to think twice."
Final score: 4 out of 5
Final score: 4 out of 5
"All things considered, if you liked The Sims, you'll probably love The Sims 2, so go out and buy it straight away. On the other hand, if you've tired of the concept, there's not much here that will change your mind. For the moment, The Sims 2 is a terrific upgrade to what's obviously been a very successful franchise, but if a third evolution is to continue captivating audiences, it needs to take the Sims well outside of their houses and strolling down the streets of Sim City."
Final score: 9.0 out of 10
Final score: 9.0 out of 10
"All in all, The Sims 2 is more of a refinement of the original game than an exciting new offering. While that’s not a bad thing, per se, it’s lacking the innovation that enticed people to play the game in first place. Still, it’s a solid, well-rounded sequel and well worth another trip to the dollhouse."
Final score: B+
Final score: B+
"The Sims 2 guarantees hours of entertainment. Even people who weren't interested in the original title might have some interest in giving its sequel a try."
Final score: None Given
Final score: None Given
"Without the hook of pulse pounding action, Sims 2 relies on the complexity of running another person's life to provide the play within the game. At first the slow pace can be trying for action junkies, but after a short bit of time you find yourself playing just a little bit longer to finish that last task or to reach another goal. Pretty soon the sun has come up, your alarm clock is ringing and you need to shower before catching a ride to work. And I am not talking about your character this time. The game is addictive. It allows you a chance to play out an enormous amount of "what ifs" that could apply to you own life. This is a marvelous hook. It is sort of a Star Trek holodeck on your PC. Now there is an idea. Next time I will make a character bent on writing the perfect sci-fi television series or maybe writing the ultimate video game or I could become a doctor. No! This time I will become all knowing and discover the secrets of the aliens living in the desert. Oh wait, I could become a ghost hunter... the possibilities seem endless."
Final score: 4 out of 6
Final score: 4 out of 6
"There's plenty more to praise, but the best way to sum it up: The Sims 2 includes everything from the first game and its expansion packs, and it does it all exponentially better than ever before. It's no longer about potential and a great concept; it's now about the stellar execution. The Sims have truly arrived -- make room for them on your hard drive."
Final score: 9 out of 10
Final score: 9 out of 10
"Considering that The Sims 2 offers both the original gameplay of the first game along with the new aspiration system, larger house building, and better character customization options, it contains a good-sized chunk of interesting things to do. However, you may still find yourself wishing there was even more to The Sims 2, especially if you've played through the original game and its expansions. Hopefully future updates and community contributions will fill things out. While it seems that The Sims 2's most significant additions will be most compelling and beneficial to those that were already great fans of the previous game, it's still a pretty accessible game that now offers more focused gameplay, if you want it. In short, The Sims 2 successfully took just about everything that was great about the first game and brought it up a notch, and while you might wish that the sequel had gone a notch or two higher overall, it's still a great game in and of itself."
Final score: 8.9 out of 10
Final score: 8.9 out of 10
"It's hard to pinpoint exactly what made the first game such a smash success, but it was probably a combination of what's listed above. By all objective means of measure the sequel has it beat: it's deeper, has more flexibility, it's more engrossing, and it's even easier to modify and expand. But there's something else here as well, something that can't be measured. Sims 2 is simply a lot of fun. It's hour after hour of creative entertainment. Such an open-ended toy might not suit everyone's tastes, but for many people this will be the most entertaining program available for their PC."
Final score: 5 out of 5
Final score: 5 out of 5
"With all the arguments about videogame violence in the mainstream press, it's always pleasing to note that the biggest-selling modern PC game has been non-violent. Quietly rolling onwards with a highly accomplished project of sophisticated and emotive gaming, The Sims 2 looks set to ensure that it stays that way."
Final score: 8 out of 10
Final score: 8 out of 10
"The Sims 2 is a fantastic answer to the original game, delivering just the right amount of tuning to perfect Will Wright’s vision without messing too much with the original formula. This game will make Sims fans ecstatic and may even attract some new ones with its improved look and sound and easier to maintain population."
Final score: Recommended Buy
Final score: Recommended Buy
"How do you follow up to arguably the most popular and most accessible game of all time? You create the Sims 2. The move to 3-D, with a few additions to the massive catalogue of items you can purchase in the game, would have probably been enough to satisfy fans of The Sims. But Maxis and EA refused to rest on their laurels, refining and improving all that we loved, fixing what we didn’t, and adding enough new aspects to the game to make it feel new, while maintaining that Sim charm. Take away all of the hype, hyperbole, and this game’s celebrated lineage, you are still left with what can only be considered a masterpiece of gaming."
Final score: 9.4 out of 10
Final score: 9.4 out of 10
"Let's face it; there's a little bit of pervert in all of us. We love to look at people and the ways that they interact with others and I feel that this is the very reason that the franchise has been so successful. It's a tedious look at life but there's something undeniably charming about the voyeuristic aspect of the game. To see the characters we created interacting with other characters really reminds me of what it's like to have a child or pet. How the Sims react and behave is truly a reflection on the type of person and parent you are. And no matter how many iterations of the Sims comes out, Maxis continually raises the bar and puts the gaming world on notice. Yes, there's nothing else like it out there but when one company already has it perfected, why even try to compete? Just watch out though because once the game digs its claws into you it'll own your life. If you want to buy the game give your friends an early notice, because they won't be seeing you for a long while."
Final score: 9.4 out of 10
Final score: 9.4 out of 10
"Easily the best computer game of the year, "The Sims 2" will not disappoint."
Final score: None Given
Final score: None Given
"But Sims 2 is a game about sex only if that is the game you want to play. And in the game I want to play, Alice wants to make out with her next-door neighbour."
Final score: None Given
Final score: None Given
"It's hard to pinpoint exactly what made the first game such a smash success, but it was probably a combination of what's listed above. By all objective means of measure the sequel has it beat: it's deeper, has more flexibility, it's more engrossing, and it's even easier to modify and expand. But there's something else here as well, something that can't be measured. Sims 2 is simply a lot of fun. It's hour after hour of creative entertainment. Such an open-ended toy might not suit everyone's tastes, but for many people this will be the most entertaining program available for their PC."
Final score: 9.4 out of 10
Final score: 9.4 out of 10
"The Sims 2 remains outrageously addictive, and the new gameplay elements have spruced things up enough that those that stopped playing The Sims a few years back would be well served to pick up the sequel. Gamers that wanted more freeform control, as well as those requiring greater focus to keep them interested will be happy to find augmentations in both directions. Dedicated fans of the original may be pestered by the pesky notion that the sequel doesn't add enough to their already bloated Sims collection, but most will be kept too busy to care, for the most part. Charming, unselfconsciously mundane, and exquisitely tailored, The Sims 2 fits like a toasty mitten."
Final score: 8.8 out of 10
Final score: 8.8 out of 10
"So, you're now probably wondering whether that period of life-controlling addictiveness is enough of a reason to buy The Sims 2. If you're an absolute devotee of the first, and you've gone out and bought every expansion pack, chances are you're going to buy this anyway. If you're new to the series, again it's probably worth a bash - The Sims 2 is, after all, a lovingly crafted and very well put together piece of software. However, if you've played the first and got bored of it relatively quickly, the best advice is to steer clear, as there simply isn't enough substance here to keep anyone expecting a constantly evolving challenge satisfied. That's The Sims 2's main problem, really - it may just about be different enough from its predecessor to be worthy of its description as a sequel, but it's pretty obvious that the reason it's lacking in substance is that a fair bit of content has been held back for the inevitable torrent of expansion packs. And that, my lovelies, is a little bit cheeky."
Final score: 8.1 out of 10
Final score: 8.1 out of 10
"I really enjoyed Sims 2. If you enjoyed the first title, this is a must-buy. But if you're like me, a first-person shooter fan that's not really convinced that this game is up my alley, let me remind you that you can kill them if you don't like them. Oh, yeah, and keeping them alive is fun, too. The Sims 2 is an addictive virtual ant farm filled with creatures that are just as fun to kill as keep alive."
Final score: 90% A-
Final score: 90% A-
" It doesn't bring anything radically new to the formula, but The Sims 2 has enough enhancements, twists and tweaks to make it one of those rare sequels that outdoes the original in every way."
Final score: None Given
Final score: None Given
"From the sadist to the social scientist, The Sims 2 gives you an infinite sandbox to play in - minus the lumps of cat poop."
Final score: 4 out of 5
Final score: 4 out of 5
"Why? This it the game you can play the conventional way... or make your own story and play it out. Because of the open-ended playing ability, you can play over and over, reinventing your aspirations and desires. Simply put, The Sims 2 will be a great addition to any collection, from casual to hardcore gamer; offering a little something for everyone."
Final score: 8.6 out of 10
Final score: 8.6 out of 10
""Sims 2" has so many options, from building custom homes to shooting home movies of your sims' lives. If you try "Sims 2," take it slow. Smell the sim flowers."
Final score: 4.5 out of 5
Final score: 4.5 out of 5
"Starting up The Sims 2 is slow, since there's so much information to load, and the system requirements are high. But we found it just as addictive as the original. Now bring on the expansion packs."
Final score: 4.5 out of 5
Final score: 4.5 out of 5
"All in all, while The Sims 2 is no longer a game about “nothing,” its “something” is deep enough, varied enough, interesting enough and most importantly fun enough to justify its purchase for just about everyone from soccer moms to first person shooter addicts. There is so much to do, and the game offers nearly infinite replay value especially when you add in the sure-to-be-strong community into the mix."
Final score: 9.4 out of 10
Final score: 9.4 out of 10
""The Sims 2" is plagued by the same time-passage problem found in the original. It shouldn't take 15 minutes to answer the door if you're sitting upstairs reading a book.
Aside from that, "The Sims 2" is a sensation."
Final score: 3.5 out of 4
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Aside from that, "The Sims 2" is a sensation."
Final score: 3.5 out of 4
Note: Registration may be required to read this review
"So that's the game, but the question is, was it worth the 4 year wait? In a word, yes. The Sims 2 is what everyone wanted The Sims to be, the graphics are great, Sims get a couple of days off work and school for socialising and brushing up on skills, everything is fully customisable from the houses to the Sims themselves and the aging system coupled with the aspiration system just makes The Sims 2 more addictive than ever and what's more, they no longer take 1 hour to use the toilet and no longer need to go to bed at 17:00 in order to get up for work in a morning! If you're a fan of the original, you will love this, if you hated The Sims first time around, chances are you will hate this one too but on the whole Maxis have done an excellent job of creating a successful sequel to the best selling PC game of all time."
Final score: 8.8 out of 10
Final score: 8.8 out of 10
"Instead of giving generic praise to a fellow Sim, you decide what aspect of his personality to reward. Will you tell your Sim teen he's doing an OK job at school, even though he's messy at home? Become a parent with a good-looking Sim partner, or a smart one? Sacrifice love for money? These are the nuances of "The Sims 2.""
Final score: None Given
Final score: None Given
"Although it includes some of the magic that made the first so amazing, the novelty has worn off. Those that spent many long hours in front of their computer screen will find the same core gameplay they loved, but really there is nothing new to entice them to spend many more in the same place."
Final score: None Given
Final score: None Given
"But for those wanting a little escapism from their gaming experience, sending a Sim to the toilet for the third time in an hour may cut just a little too close to the bone."
Final score: 4 out of 5
Final score: 4 out of 5
"Sims 2 will be loved and hated in equal measures and it's very difficult to think of another game that splits gamers so much. There's a distinct lack of events in the game, yet it offers so much. It completely bi-polarises players, and if your ideal game is one of out-and-out chaos, action, and fighting, then it may not come as a surprise to you to hear that Sims 2 may not be the game for you. If however, you've spent your days playing the original and would like to take your Sims life to the next step, then get Sims 2 because you will not be disappointed. If you haven't played the original, but you played that cult 90s toy, the Tamagotchi, then this will introduce you to life simulators as they really should be made. Although there have been attempts to recreate that "Sims" feel, only the sequel manages to capture and enhance the essence of the original. With time and effort, Sims 2 will be thoroughly rewarding as you witness the continued growth and expansion of your Sims Family."
Final score: 8 out of 10
Final score: 8 out of 10
"Though I enjoyed The Sims 2 very much, I'm just at the point where I've played this game too damn long. If there was anything as too much success I think Maxis has achieved it. The question for gamers is this? Is The Sims 2 really for you? If your someone who played The Sims for a few hours, then came back and realized that getting a job and making relationships isn't for you, then the answer is no. If, however, your somebody who can't get enough sim life and bought at least half of the expansion packs, then the answer is yes. Go out, grab a copy, and enjoy your fake lives. "
Final score: 7 out of 10
Final score: 7 out of 10
"I highly recommend The Sims2 not only to fans of The Sims, but also to those of you who have never experienced the pleasure/stress of bossing a little Sim around. This is an excellent time to jump on the Sims bandwagon."
Final score: 9.6 out of 10
Final score: 9.6 out of 10
"On top of all that, the game is simply beautiful to watch. Everyone looks so absurdly real, you will be addicted to your second family, or families, in no time. But please don't forget your real family outside the screen."
Final score: None Given
Final score: None Given
"People who hated the original Sims won't like this one any better, and anyone expecting a brand-new game designed from the bottom up may be disappointed with the familiarity. People who loved the original game so much that they bought all the expansions might be let down as well: A lot of the material from the expansion packs didn't make it into The Sims 2. If you wanted spiral staircases, dozens of career tracks and a pet dog, you're going to have to wait (and probably shell out some cash to boot) for the inevitable expansions. For those who haven't yet given the Sims franchise a try, or those excited at the prospect of an excellent upgrade to a groundbreaking game, The Sims 2 surpasses the original."
Final score: None Given
Final score: None Given
"Naturally, if you despised the first game, you'll hate this one as well. The Sims 2 doesn't change the theme so many love or hate; rather, it builds on the successes of the original. If you were a fan of the original game, there is little doubt you will like this one as well. While it still suffers some of the same micromanagement issues as the first one, The Sims 2 is a stronger game than its predecessor. It's addicting as hell, too. The first test run kept me up until 2 a.m."
Final score: 8.4 out of 10
Final score: 8.4 out of 10
"The Sims 2 is a very noteworthy sequel to what is already the best-selling PC game of all time. However, I believe Maxis could have included a few more items and ideas rather than wait for the first expansion pack release. Even with that misfortune, The Sims 2 is the type of game that almost anyone can enjoy. I, myself like the house-building features, but a friend of mine is fonder of living out the lives of a virtual family. Either way, The Sims 2 will undoubtedly continue on the success of its predecessor, and it will because it's a solid, well-made and addictive game."
Final score: 8.4 out of 10
Final score: 8.4 out of 10
Written at 03:19 2004n Friday 1 October 2004 by ChEeTaH.
Last updated at 16:53 2004n Saturday 9 October 2004.
Last updated at 16:53 2004n Saturday 9 October 2004.
