Lecture: The Evolution of The Sims 4 Base Game (2014 vs. 2022)

Introduction

• Launch Date: 2014
• Initial Reception: Unhappy players and bad reviews
• Purpose: Compare the 2014 base game experience to the 2022 version
• Significant Update: Pronoun update (2022)

Main Changes Over the Years

Visual Changes

• Main Menu: Numerous iterations
• Loading Screen: Several changes, significant background color changes
• World Maps:
  • 2014: Black and white, transforms to color when hovered
  • Preferred older Sims versions' 3D and free camera views
• Base Game Worlds:
  • 2014: Willow Creek and Oasis Springs
  • 2015: Newcrest (updated, blank world)
  • Icons for worlds also changed

Create-a-Sim (CAS)

• Color Swatches and Skin Tones:
  • Initial limited options
  • 2018: Added 10 new skin tones
  • 2020: Overhauled system with sliders and thousands of custom options
• Makeup: Updated for compatibility with new skin tone system
• Aspirations and Traits:
  • Added jealous, kleptomaniac traits; new aspirations
• Gender Update (2016): Choose clothing, hairstyles, walk styles, body types, voice tones irrespective of gender
• Pronoun Update (2022): Option to set custom pronouns
• Missing Toddlers:
  • 2014: None
  • 2017: Introduced; toddlers appeared older compared to previous Sims versions
• Hot and Cold Outfits for Toddlers: Introduced with Seasons pack
• Create-a-Sim Stories (2019): Generates Sim based on a series of questions

Build Mode

• Build Levels:
  • 2014: 3 above ground
  • 2015: Basements added
  • Now: 4 above and 4 below ground levels
• Pools: Added post-launch
• Hot Tubs: Added in 2020, initially part of a DLC
• Terrain Manipulation:
  • 2018: Terrain tools added
  • 2021: Water tool for ponds added
• Cheats and Debug Tools:
  • bb.moveobjects cheat added months after release
  • Debug items added years later
• Custom Stairs and Ladders:
  • Stairs update (2019)
  • Ladders introduced (2020)
• Updates Over the Years:
  • Move entire lot, custom walls, half walls, advanced roofs, bb.moveobjects, glass roofs, lighting updates, foundations with different heights, lot traits, etc.

Gameplay

• Initial Missing Features:
  • Toddlers, pools, terrain tools
• Additional NPCs and Careers:
  • Nannies, bartenders, repair people, gardeners, Tragic Clown
  • Careers: Business, athletic, freelance, custom careers
• Family Features: Family trees, family leave, monsters under the beds
• Camera and Interaction Updates: First-person camera, scared emotion, updated relationship panels (Sim profiles, sentiments)
• Miscellaneous Updates: Paid leave, freelance careers, grilled cheese aspiration, cooking together, gardening by children

Recent Features

• Neighbourhood Stories: Adds life changes for Sims (adoption, pregnancy, career changes, deaths, etc.)
• Scenario Challenges: Adds challenges with rewards

Conclusion

• 2014 Base Game Experience: Incomplete, lackluster
• 2022 Base Game Improvements: Significant updates, still some gaps
• Overall: Expansion, game, and stuff packs necessary for fuller experience

Call to Action

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