Get ready to “Pop Your Collar!” An expansion pack that avid Sims fans worldwide were anxious to play, The Sims 3 Pets has knocked the spots and stripes off previous instalments of Pets in the Sims series. I think the majority of Sims fans would agree that a family doesn’t feel complete without a pet. EA finally grants our wish, to create man’s best friend, or in some cases…their worst enemy. I’ll be sharing some information with you regarding The Sims 3 Pets. Will you be purchasing this purrfect addition to The Sims 3? Is it a title worth getting your paws on? It’s time to find out!
Players are able to create cats, dogs and horses in The Sims 3 Pets. The ‘Create-a-pet’ tool allows the players to customise their pet in unique and intricate ways. With numerous breeds to use as templates, the player has the ability to create their perfect pet! Whilst creating your pet, you are able to alter the colouration of their coat and markings, which is divided into separate layers. In regard to customisation, you are also able to adjust the size and length of various body parts of your pet. With literally hundreds of different ways to customise your pet, there are no limitations to what you can create.
In terms of the animations of the pets, they are the most authentic of The Sims series to date. The attention to detail regarding the pets’ appearance is truly remarkable. Facial movements convey the emotions of the pets in an extremely intricate way. Whatever emotion your pet is experiencing, your Sims will know about it. Pets are also extremely vocal in The Sims 3. An example would be that if the food bowl is empty, a pet will vocally inform a Sim of the situation.
Similar to Sims, pets also have traits in The Sims 3 Pets. When creating your pet, you have the opportunity to select three unique traits for your pet. Pets have the ability of obtaining additional traits through various activities in their daily life. An example of this is, if a pet were chewing a rug, and they were disciplined for doing so, they eventually earn the ‘non-destructive’ trait.
Unlike past instalments of this expansion in The Sims series, pets are unable to get a job. Pets are able to participate in activities that on occasion prove to be useful to Sims. Cats and dogs are able to develop the hunting skill. Eventually, they are able to sniff out collectibles, which sometimes possess immense value. Horses are able to provide transport across the town for Sims. Horses also have the opportunity to develop skills in racing and jumping.
Pets play an integral part in the lives of Sims in The Sims 3. Having played The Sims series for a number of years, I feel the interaction with pets has greatly improved since the earlier instalments. Sims autonomously interact with pets regularly, unlike in past instalments where I feel interactions had to be prompted by the player. The interactions will vary depending on how your Sim is positioned. An example would be that some interactions are only available when a Sim is holding the pet. To unlock additional interactions, Sims are required to develop a relationship with pets. Sims are able to become ‘best friends forever’ with their pets. Depending on the strength of the relationship between a pet and Sim, the pet may react in various ways to interactions. Obviously, a strong relationship score provides a higher success rate for an interaction.
Pets have three life stages: baby, adult and elder. Each life stage varies in duration, the baby stage being the shortest and the adult being the longest. Depending on what life span you select in the options, the duration for all three of these life stages will vary. Pets are unable to die from anything other than old age. I for one am thankful they did not include pets being able to die through starvation or drowning. As I adore animals, I would be extremely upset to see them suffering within The Sims 3. I also feel it would be extremely inappropriate to the younger fans of The Sims series.
As an avid fan of the franchise, I know people will feel I’m being extremely biased with my opinion of this title. Truth be told, The Sims 3 Pets is the first expansion pack where I’ve felt there’s nothing I could criticise in any way. This may be owing to my profound love of both the franchise and animals, but I have gained the most enjoyment of the series from this expansion. Unless you’re an avid fan of the concept of The Sims, this game will not sway you to play this game. Fans of the franchise who were a tad undecided on this title, really should give it a go. The Sims 3 Pets brings a lot to the lives of your Sims. I think any fan can appreciate that. So what are you waiting for? Get your paws on this beautiful title, that will even get your real life pets’ tails wagging!
10/10
Many thanks for reading,
Hannah
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