The Sims 3

AllAboutTheGames.co.uk ( )

It's difficult to explain why this game's such a huge time sink. Whichever way you play it (and let's face it, only weirdos play the game like they live their own lives, surely?) there's tons to do. So live a lot, not a little - what's the point in giving you such a huge toybox to play in if you just play with the toys you've already got.

Armchair Empire, The (9.5 out of 10)

Refined and enhanced, the personalities of Wright’s Sims are more and more realistic, bringing his Sims one step closer to being a honest-to-goodness, true simulation of a living, breathing human being. The Sims 3 is pure simulation gaming fun, and the ultimate God game today.

YouGamers (91 out of 100)

A fine digital toy and a great purchase for the fan of the series - as long as you accept that a lot of expansion features from The Sims 2 are missing and will probably be sold to you all over again as an endless stream of expansion packs and downloadable add-ons. As a game, things tend to get just as repetitive as your average daily grind in real life.

Pelit (91 out of 100)

Neljän vuoden pitkä odotus on viimein ohi: Sims 3 on kaupoissa. Pelin uudistuksista on puhuttu paljon, ja merkittävimmäksi niistä nostettiin pelielinympäristön muuttuminen kokonaiseksi pikkukaupungiksi. Fanit olivat syystäkin innoissaan.

Gameplay Monthly (A-)

Ah, Sims 3… a title that’s been lingering on the minds of Sims-veterans for ages. A lot of people are running around lately screaming that the game sucks, but I would like to argue that fact- Sims 3 is the best Sims game to date.

GameSpot (9 out of 10)

So what is it that makes The Sims 3 even more addictive than its predecessors? It's partially due to the deft handling of rewards; it doles out new social options, new aspirations, and the possibility of better furniture and wood flooring at a slow but even pace, which keeps you tied to your computer for hours at a time. It offers the element of surprise, showing off its abundant charms through funny social interactions that make you want to be part of the improved virtual community. Although it could have offered even more right out of the box, there's still an awful lot of content here, and it's bound to put a smile on almost anyone's face.

Peliplaneetta.net (90 out of 100)

Sims 3:n laajennusten suhteen voidaan toki olla varovaisen luottavaisia. Vesi virtaa Tammerkoskessa ja EA julkaisee taatusti myös kamalia Kamasettejä. Mutta uusi peliydin mahdollistaa myös pelin aiempaa monipuolisemman muokkaamisen laajennusten yhteydessä. Ainakin teoriassa kolmoseen voidaan saada peliä aiempaa radikaalimmin muuttavia ja uudistavia laajennuksia. Niitä odotellessa...

D+PAD Magazine ( )

Regardless, The Sims remains as hopelessly addictive as ever, admirably upholding the series’ reputation as the ultimate sandbox game. EA has done a commendable job at listening to its community and giving them what they want by way of the included movie maker, style creator and integrated online store, crafting not only a well-rounded package that bests its predecessor in every area, but a game that is, much like its virtual stars, filled with charm and character.

UOL Jogos ( )

"The Sims 3" é um jogo que refina a mecânica bem sucedida de "The Sims 2" e acrescenta inúmeras novas possibilidades de personalização e distribuição de conteúdo. Os fãs de longa data encontrarão aqui uma experiência de jogo perfeita, que se manterá fresca e inovadora durante anos a fio. Infelizmente, isso vem ao preço de fácil acesso ao game, que ficou mais complicado para iniciantes entenderem e dominarem. Ainda assim, "The Sims 3" possui atrativos o bastante para convencer boa parte daqueles que encontrarem dificuldades a se dedicarem ao game.

Girl Gamers UK (9 out of 10)

This game is so deep, interesting and amazing that I don't think I can put it all in one review. All I will say is that you have to invest in a great amount of time for this game. Which means you do get drawn into the game and you do spend hours playing it. I don't think I can find any fault with this game, apart from a few mild graphical problems I encountered. It's an excellent game and well worth buying. You do so much with your character, you work your way up the career ladder, explore some great and exciting places and meet some nice, strange and frankly odd people during your stay, but it's well worth it.

GamersGlobal (9 out of 10)

Die Sims 3 ist ein mehr als würdiger Nachfolger geworden. Es gibt viele Neuerungen, obwohl sich das Prinzip eigentlich nicht verändert hat. Und das ist auch gar nicht schlimm, da der Spieler trotzdem wieder Stunde um Stunde im umfangreichen Editor herumbastelt und neue Sims erstellt, oder einfach verrückte Beziehungskonstellationen ausprobiert. Und trotz der Nähe zum Vorgänger fühlt sich in Die Sims 3 alles etwas passender und stimmiger an, was besonders an den kleinen Neuerungen im Hausbau liegt.

GamingBolt (9 out of 10)

A good thing about the game is that you don’t have to have a high-end PC or Mac to run this game. If you have a fairly new PC, then most likely it will run on it with it looking even a little better than its predecessors. And why should you pick this up? It is the Sims. It is always good with some great new features. Even though I think there should be more content to come with it…it is still a great game and shouldn’t be missed. Go buy it. It will make you happy.

Games TM (9 out of 10)

Our initial Sim quartet wound up dead from electrocution, bereaved, insane and horrible respectively and still we had a blast. That's how good a job EA has done in Maxis's absence, somehow turning life's tragedies into entertainment. And one thing's for sure - we won't be fiddling with any electrical wiring any time soon. Y'know, just in case.

GameSpy ( )

And while fake lives and urban planning can keep me busy for days, The Sims 3's online features look pretty promising as well. The options to upload your creations and share them with the online community, buy new stuff in the Sims Store (for real Earth dollars, of course), create and edit your own movies, and download other custom creations should mean plenty of longevity, though ultimately it all depends on how active the community gets. In any case, the Sims 3 team's given us a plenty of reasons to keep coming back, the inevitable cavalcade of expansion packs notwithstanding.

Thunderbolt Games (9 out of 10)

As it stands, Sims 3 is a gallant return to form and takes a direction that breathes new life into a formula that is fast reaching a decade old. Time will tell how many expansions will be released and what new locations will be offered to explore and socialise in, and indeed whether the Sims Store will be a success; it certainly brings the series into line with EA’s current business plan of offering premium content on the side. On it’s own, there’s hours and hours of fun to be had designing homes, meeting other sims, developing a career and having a family. How you do it is up to you.

Jeuxvideo.com (18 out of 20)

Il aura fallu patienter près de cinq ans avant de pouvoir enfin poser les yeux sur les Sims 3 mais le jeu en valait vraiment la chandelle. Entre la liberté dont on dispose à présent pour explorer une ville entière, le réalisme saisissant avec lequel se comportent nos personnages au quotidien, les innovations de gameplay respectant l'esprit de la série et les possibilités de customisation infinies qui s'offrent à nous, cette simulation de vie éblouissante risque bien de scotcher encore une fois des millions de fans devant leur écran. Qu'on s'en réjouisse ou qu'on le déplore, le phénomène Sims n'est donc pas près de s'essouffler dans les années à venir.

Game Positive (4.5 out of 5)

The greatest achievement in The Sims 3 comes not in its gameplay or presentation. Instead, the overall package makes it stand out as a great sequel. The customization options within the game are accessible to anyone, and the open neighborhood creates a genuine sense of community, as characters age and grow alongside your sim. These two factors alone will provide months of enjoyment to just about anybody, and the well-realized gameplay and presentation only serve to sweeten the pot. The only real drawback is that you have to pay real money for all of the downloadable content on the EA Store.

GameStar (Germany) (90 out of 100)

Wer mit den Sims noch nie etwas anfangen konnte, wird sich durch Teil 3 kaum bekehren lassen. Neueinsteigern sei gesagt, dass das Spiel trotz seiner Niedlichkeit ganz schön komplex ausfällt, weil viele Anzeigen zu beachten und viele Funktionen zu erlernen sind. Lassen Sie sich davon nicht abschrecken! Je länger man spielt, desto eindrucksvoller zeigt sich, was für eine immense Vielfalt, Abwechslung und Detailverliebheit in Die Sims 3 steckt. Das Familienleben samt Sim-Editor und Hausbau entwickelt einen kreativen Sog, dem man sich schwer entziehen kann. Die gelungensten Spiele sind meist die, denen man nicht anmerkt, wie viel Arbeit und Sorgfalt in ihnen steckt. Die Sims 3 gehört dazu. Auch wenn EA die Serie wieder bis zum Geht-nicht-mehr melken wird: Ich wünsche diesem wunderbar sympathischen Spielspaß-Meisterwerk den Erfolg, der ihm gebührt.

games xtreme (9 out of 10)

All in all, I would consider the Sims 3 a great purchase for anyone who is a fan of the Sims already or those wanting to take their first steps in the Sims universe, in what is probably the best game so far in the series.

4Players.de (89 out of 100)

Mehr als je zuvor bietet Die Sims 3 eine nahezu unheimlich motivierende Mischung aus interaktiver Seifenoper und Lebensrollenspiel, bei dem man selbst die Missionen festlegt. Selbst nach Stunden und Aberstunden begegnen einem immer noch überraschende Situationen und man entdeckt immer wieder etwas Neues. Ganz zu schweigen von der Community-Einbindung, die zwar nicht so nahtlos integriert wurde wie in Spore, die aber alternativ zum kostenpflichtigen Sims-Shop von EA für einen steten Strom an neuen Inhalten sorgt. Der Weg ist das Ziel und dieses Stück Software-Kunst liefert nur die Knetmasse, aus der man beinahe gottgleich sowohl die Straße als auch die Hindernisse für seine Figuren formt, die ihnen von der Wiege bis zur Bahre (und danach) begegnen können.

PC Games (Germany) (89 out of 100)

Einen großen Schritt nach vorne macht die Serie mit dem dritten Teil nicht. Sims-Spieler erwartet kaum Neues, einzig die Charaktereigenschaften sind innovativ. Bevor das jetzt zu negativ klingt: Was sollten die Entwickler an dem an sich perfekten System ändern? Lieber weniger, denke ich mir. Denn manche Ideen in Die Sims 3 wirken etwas bemüht, so zum Beispiel das Inventar oder die nicht begehbaren Geschäfte. Das Grundprinzip des simulierten Lebens funktioniert aber prächtiger denn je, ist liebevoll in Szene gesetzt und wird sicherlich wieder massenhaft Spieler begeistern.

AusGamers (8.8 out of 10)

Devotees of the series might have a big decision in making the financial leap into The Sims treadmill of expansion packs, despite the changes; will the experience be new enough for them? Hard to say, but newcomers will find a game that engrosses, is hard to fault in polish, and will definitely suck up a significant portion of real-world life.

GameSpot (Belgium/Netherlands) (87 out of 100)

Wat is het toch dat De Sims 3 nog verslavender maakt dan zijn voorgangers? Het is deels de soepele manier waarop met beloningen wordt omgegaan. Je krijgt een flinke dosis extra sociale opties, nieuwe wensen en de mogelijkheid om betere meubels en houten vloeren te kopen op een rustig en regelmatig tempo. Daardoor blijf je uren achtereen aan je scherm geplakt. Af en toe wordt je verrast door de uitgebreid aanwezige charme en de grappige sociale interacties die je laten wensen dat je onderdeel uitmaakt van deze virtuele gemeenschap. Hoewel het nog veel meer direct na installatie had kunnen bieden, is er genoeg content, en zal het gegarandeerd een glimlach op ieders gezicht toveren.

Mana Pool (8.6 out of 10)

The best that can be said for the Sims 3 is that it adds more to the franchise than the Sims 2 did, leading it forward in exciting new directions. While far from perfect, it delivers mostly a positive experience.

Absolute Games (AG.ru) (86 out of 100)

Новичка, впервые увидевшего цифровых homo sapiens, The Sims 3 увлечет надолго. Фанаты серии могут заскучать без университета с кампусом, сезонов года, отпусков, туристических зон и домашних животных. Кое-что Electronic Arts перетащила из второй части (мобильники, инвентарь, личный транспорт, рыбалка, садоводство, коллекционирование, детские площадки…). Прочее, похоже, попадет в аддоны или магазин The Sims Store, торгующий нулями-единицами за настоящую валюту. Какими бы золотыми ни были ручки народных умельцев, забросавших службу The Sims Exchange тоннами барахла, они вряд ли напишут программный код для погоды, малого бизнеса и ручных обезьян.

GameNorth (85 out of 100)

Even though The Sims 3 changes many fundamental elements to the game, and even adds lots of new ones, it feels like the exact same game as Sims 2. If you’ve never had the pleasure of running your own virtual household, then I would highly recommend this game. However, if you’ve already spent countless hours on The Sims 2, then much like the annual sports titles, this entry is not worth the full price tag.

Good Game (8.5 out of 10)

Sims 3 has everything a sims fan will want but will it attract a new crowd? I'm not so sure but I enjoyed my time with the Sims 3, it was just a little shy of remarkable I’m giving it 8.5/10.

Jeux Vidéo Network (17 out of 20)

Les Sims 3 creuse toujours un peu plus la voie de la cohérence et de la crédibilité. Plus que jamais vivants et attachants, ces être virtuels restent malgré tout indépendants et imprévisibles, offrant aux fans des centaines d’heures de jeu, en attendant les inévitables extensions.

Play.tm (85 out of 100)

Of course, the jaded cynics will protest that EA are purposefully missing a few tricks - pets and university spring to mind - so that they can sell them as expansions later down the line. Which, to be fair, is probably partially true. The Sims 3 does, however, provide enough innovation and novelty to be worth the asking price. The relentless accumulation of minor additions ensures a major upgrade, and it's really chuffing addictive.

ComputerGames.ro (85 out of 100)

The Sims 3 is addictive. And you don’t have to be a seven-year-old or a house wife to enjoy playing “Creation”. Most people don’t find enough meaning in reality and the system of desires offered by The Sims 3 is enough for physical existence to temporarily make sense. After all, if God plays The Sims, why shouldn’t we?

Good Game (8.5 out of 10)

I’m never really been a Sims guy, but you can see they’re giving the fans what they want, and learning the keyboard shortcuts makes the game 10 times more fun. I’m giving it 8.5/10 also.

Game Observer (84 out of 100)

A streamlined experience that gives players more time to micromanage Sims with loads of features, though many extras have been purposely omitted to milk the legions of loyal fans.

Gameplay (Benelux) (83 out of 100)

De Sims 3 brengt tal van verbeteringen aan in de spelformule, maar had nog net iets vernieuwender mogen zijn.

Giant Bomb ( )

A lot has changed in The Sims 3, but for all the technical refinements, gameplay additions, and online integration, it still scratches the same basic itch that its predecessors did, though it arguably does it with an improved effectiveness. EA has done a terrific job of listening to what the existing players wanted while also making a more inviting experience, which is an impressive balancing act indeed.

Game 2.0 (8 out of 10)

Συνολικά θα έλεγα πως το Sims 3 δεν είναι μια πραγματική συνέχεια στη σειρά, παρά ένα Sims 2 με μερικές σημαντικές προσθήκες, απαραίτητες για να αναζωογωνήσουν το ενδιαφέρον του κοινού. Αλλά μέχρι εκεί. Δεν υπάρχουν ιδιαίτερες καινοτομίες, ούτε πιστεύω πως τα πέντε χρόνια που πέρασαν από την κυκλοφορία του Sims 2 ήταν άξια υπομονής. Ίσως για αυτό να φταίει το γεγονός πως δεν ήταν η Maxis αυτή που ασχολήθηκε με το παιχνίδι, αλλά η EA Redwood Shores. Θα δούμε στα expansions…

Jeuxvideo.fr ( )

L'intégration de nombreux traits de caractères, de souhaits « au quotidien » et d'objectifs à long terme renouvelle complètement l'intérêt d'une simulation de vie qui finissait par tourner un peu en rond. On regrette qu'en termes de contenus, Les Sims 3 ne puisse soutenir la comparaison avec les innombrables extensions du précédent opus, mais ce n'est pas non plus le même budget et Electronic Arts ne manquera de toute façon pas de proposer pléthore de nouveautés pour Les Sims 3. À son tour, il donnera un peu l'impression de devenir une « pompe à fric » et on ne manquera pas de se sentir un peu floué par ces extensions « pas obligatoires, mais presque » pour entretenir la flamme. Reste qu'en l'état, Les Sims 3 promet déjà de nombreuses heures d'un jeu plus riche et plus abouti que ses prédécesseurs : il ne s'agit pas d'une révolution, mais d'une refonte qui mérite que l'on s'y attarde.

JeuxVideoPC.com (16 out of 20)

En bref, Les Sims 3 ne se pose pas comme le volet qui pourrait révolutionner la série. L’expérience reste néanmoins extrêmement immersive et les petits être virtuels plus réalistes que jamais. Si les amateurs retrouveront sans grande difficulté leurs repères dans ce troisième épisode, il faudra un certain d’adaptation pour les nouveaux venus malgré une interface très intuitive permettant aux plus jeunes de s’initier au roi des simulateurs de vie. On ne peut malheureusement que montrer du doigt les oublis volontaires d’un contenu que l’on était en droit d’attendre. On passera pour cette fois, Sunset Valley a assez de divertissements à offrir pour nous occuper pendant quelques bons mois. Les Sims 3 reste une excellente valeur sûre pour les fans et, sans surprise, ne plaira toujours pas à ses détracteurs.

Total PC Gaming (8 out of 10)

Fans of the first two games will find plenty of new content to enjoy here, with the experience becoming increasingly engrossing with every passing hour, while later stages are particularly impressive if your Sims are successful. But with so much scope for development, it’s likely we won’t see the game reach its full potential until a few quality add-ons make their inevitable appearance over the coming months and years.

That Gaming Site (8 out of 10)

An improvement on the franchise, but could benefit from less technical issues.

Cheat Happens (8 out of 10)

The Sims 3 is a fantastically deep yet incredibly accessible addition to an already accomplished series. From the robust creation engine to the customizable personality traits – there’s something for just about everyone here. While it won’t do much to change the minds of the series’ doubters, The Sims 3 is an incredible experience that combines its core gaming element with a strong sense of community to form an almost social networking medium. Those looking for a game they can really dig in and devote some time to will need to look no further than The Sims 3.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (8 out of 10)

It's the raft of minor additions like that which mean, despite a few pulled punches, that The Sims 3 is a broad and ridiculously charming game that manages to significantly expand upon its critical formula without ever becoming overwhelming. It's that much closer to what a Sims player has always wanted from The Sims: to create themselves, and their friends, and then set them loose upon the world. It's both more of a role-playing game than it's ever been before, and more of a design game than it's ever been before. It may suffer a few glaring compromises, but it's an essential play for anyone with an interest in what videogames can achieve outside of a targeting reticule.

Blend Games ( )

The above review is based on just a few days of playing it (a few hours a day) and I know I've only begun to scratch the surface of what this game has to offer. There are career paths I have yet to explore and dozens of traits I'm eager to familiarize myself with. I was hooked on the first Sims game and again on the second one when that came out. From the looks of it, Sims 3 will be no exception to this trend. One of the things I love most about these games is that due to the number of personality, job, relationship options and overall general scenarios, the game constantly changes. Sims 3 appears to take Sims 2 and push it up a notch, adding new twists and turns to make the game almost new again, while also embracing all of the things that made the first two version so addicting in the first place.

Hooked Gamers (8 out of 10)

If you didn't understand all the buzz about The Sims 2, then The Sims 3 likely won't change your mind, but if you are a fan, then The Sims 3 is everything you could possibly want in a Sims game and more, despite the rather limited content. If the fantastic gameplay doesn't convince you that it is worth your fifty dollars, than the sheer amount of things to do should.

JeuxActu (15 out of 20)

Les Sims, on adore ou on déteste ! La troisième version du hit d'Electronic Arts ne changera pas la donne, car elle ne remet jamais en question ses solides fondations. Les fans, qui constituent de toutes manières un public conquis d'avance, ne seront absolument pas dépaysés et se féliciteront de l'arrivée d'options de personnalisation plus poussées, et de l'absence totale de chargement pour passer d'un quartier à l'autre. Les joueurs plus circonspects face au concept "bac à sable" regarderont avec un certain intérêt l'arrivée des petites quêtes appelées opportunités. Mais cela ne sera absolument pas suffisant pour les convaincre totalement. Peut-être un Sims 4 avec un vrai scénario ou un mode en ligne y arrivera-t-il un jour...

2404.org PC Gaming (7.5 out of 10)

So, the ultimate question lies in whether you’ve every played a sims game before. If you haven’t, then The Sims 3 serves as an excellent primer. Then again, The Sims 2 stock full of great expansion pack content. Then again, The Sims 3 has immense potential as upcoming expansions start rolling into high gear. And that’s what you’re really buying: A game of potential. The Sims 3 is screaming for massive expansions that will persist throughout your sims’ lives. It’s the kind of thing that no other Sim game will ever be able to provide and if that’s enough of a reason, then go nuts, buy a promise.

Gamekult (7 out of 10)

Au final, si Les Sims 3 se révèle être la simulation de vie la plus aboutie, elle ne révolutionne pas le genre, même avec le quartier ouvert, ses nombreuses activités ainsi que le fait que tous les habitants vieillisent en même temps qui enrichissent pleinement l'expérience de jeu. Malgré tout, Les Sims 3 ressemble un peu trop à une "base", une base solide certes, mais une base tout de même, qui ne pourrait révéler son potentiel qu'une fois complétée par l'habituel cortège d'extensions thématiques. Certes, ce nouvel épisode apporte son lot de nouveautés et aborde la vie des Sims d'une façon à la fois plus pertinente et plus intéressante, mais a-t-on encore envie de jouer au même jeu ? Car le but est le même : créer sa famille de Sims, la faire travailler et la divertir.

GamesVault (7 out of 10)

Osoby posiadające dwójkę wraz z dodatkami na pewno poczują spory niedosyt, a może i nawet niechęć do gry spowodowaną dość ubogim arsenałem przedmiotów czy rodzajów pracy.