The Sims: Livin' Large

"The Sims are movin' on up!"

The enormously popular Sims has spawned an expansion pack. In this extension of the original, which by the way is required to play Livin' Large, you will have the opportunity to buy loads of new furniture for your sims, watch as they interact with new NPCs, and create new families in a second neighborhood.

Gameplay: 10/10
The Sims: Livin' Large plays just like the original. You've been given supreme authority over your sim and you have the ability to decide whether they will meet that special somebody and live happily ever after, or whether something more sinister will befall him or her. Remember in the original Sims when one of your favorite sims was accidentally burned alive? Well, never again do you have to worry! Because in Livin' Large, you have the opportunity to plead with Death, provided there is someone to vouch for the deceased. Depending on the outcome of a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors, Death will return the sim to life completely, deny a second chance, or restore the sim to a life as a sickly-looking zombie. Another new feature to Livin' Large is the Tragic Clown. This brooding fellow will come along when your sims are feeling especially down-and-out. He will attempt to cheer them up, but mostly succeeds only in keeping them up late at night. He will leave when your sims mood improves, if that's even possible with him around…

Graphics: 9/10
Livin' Large still has the same look about it as its original. The charming graphics of The Sims make a return. I find the visuals to be extremely pleasing and they suit the game perfectly. I thoroughly enjoy the fact that the graphics have a sort of cartoony feel to them. They match the atmosphere and attitude of the game perfectly.

Sounds: 10/10
If I had to choose a specific aspect of The Sims that I would call my favorite, I wouldn't have to think twice. For me, the music is absolutely incredible. I can't get enough of it. I've never played a game where the music has had such an impact on me as this. The instrumentals in the Buy/Build Modes and the songs on the radio make me wish Maxis would release a sound track.

Replayability: 9/10
If the original Sims has gotten bland and repetitive, Livin' Large will fix that problem for you. There are so many new aspects to the game that will keep you coming back for more. And if you're one of those who thought you were addicted before, think again because you will experience a whole new level of obsession if you play this.

Overall: 9/10
Livin' Large is an excellent expansion pack. It brings with it many more options for your sims while still retaining that simplistic charm of the original. If you are a fan of The Sims, this is absolutely a must have game.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/28/06