The Sims 2: Glamour Life Stuff

The Sims 2 is a huge game franchise. It originated on the PC as just The Sims and added on six expansion packs until the Sims 2 was launched with better graphics and game play. The Sims have also expanded to consoles. This is a stuff pack adding on new items rather than more game play. Before I continue, however, I am going to mention a little but about The Sims 2 for those who are not familiar with it. If you are familiar, feel free to skip the next paragraph.

The Sims 2 (and the original version) is a God-Sim or people management game. There are no levels to complete, you set your own target for the sim or just try and meet their needs and aspirations and keep them happy. Sims have different personality aspirations such as wanting marriage and children, a promotion, more money or many lovers. It is up to you if you want your Sim (who is played as part of a family unit that you create either at the beginning or by getting them to marry and have children) to achieve their aspirations or whether you want to set your own goals for them. The game has much more to it than can be mentioned here, as this is not the right review, so I will move back onto the Glamour Life Stuff pack.

This is a Stuff Pack as opposed to an expansion pack (like University, Nightlife or Open For Business) and does not add anything to the game other than new outfits, furniture of accessories. Other stuff packs include Christmas Party Pack and Family Fun Stuff. You need to have the Sims 2 installed on your PC in order to play this game, though it is not obligatory to have any of the expansion packs or other stuff packs. You also need a 1.0 Ghz processor and an additional 1BG free hard disk. Once you have installed this disc it is the one you will use to play your game with from then on (or until a new expansion pack is installed). It is advised that you back up your existing game in case you should wish to uninstall this pack for any reason.

For a RRP of £9.99 you don’t actually get a lot. The disc is in a yellow and purple DVD case with the distinctive white and green Sims 2 logo across the top and some pictures of the new items contained within and announcing ‘60 Glamorous Items’ on a mock sticker. Inside the case is a 16 page brochure with installation instructions, game tips (which are nothing new to experienced players) and pictures of a few of the new items.

The disc itself it straight forward to install and takes just a few minutes. Once installed it can take you straight to the game where you can find the new items which are kept with your existing items of the same type in the menu, they are not kept separately. The items include some new room sets for the bedroom, living room and dining room, plus some interesting Pop Art and sculptures. There are also new light fixtures, rugs and a stereo. Most of the new clothing is evening wear, although there are a few day outfits and silk pajamas. There is also a fur coat for the ladies. There are a few teen outfits but not children’s outfits. Um…that is about it. Not a great haul when you consider that some fan sites share outfits and furniture they have created themselves for free (although I have had problems installing these so don’t tend to bother). This does seem a bit greedy of EA (Electronic Arts – the game’s manufacturers) to try and get even more money out of loyal fans of the game and then offer them very little content but with millions of people across the world playing it, I am sure they will continue to do well and be a regular money spinner especially if they carry on releasing two or three a year in addition to the expansion packs.