"Learning IS fun..."

When I first saw this on the shelf at my local game store, nothing really made me buy the game. I'd only just purchased The Sims 2, and was still getting used to it. Then 1 year later, I saw the same EP again, and thought 'why not? The Sims 2 can only get better, right?' And I was correct - The Sims 2 University was an excellent EP. Having all of the EPs for The Sims 1, I had high expectations - I expected a lot of new possibilities and opportunities - But Maxis didn't fail me in any of those places. It was full of new things to do, things to use and things to buy, and is one EP you have to pick up.

Graphics: 9/10

Unfortunately, on PCs, graphics quality is all determined by what your machine can handle - not all PCs are the same like consoles. However, even though my computer isn't a powerhouse of extreme memory and processor speeds and whatnot, the graphics are actually quite good - even with all the options on 'Low' or 'Off'.

However, to get the REAL graphics out of The Sims 2 University, you do need a good machine. I have seen the graphics in this game on a really expensive computer, and it is unbelievably realistic, from the food to the books to the interface. All of the graphics in this game are top notch, just like in the normal Sims 2, even on Low, but if you want to play the game to it's full potential, you need quite a good PC to do so.

Sound: 8/10

If you've played The Sims before, you'll know that the language is weird, random and boring after a while. For those who haven't played The Sims before, Sim language is really wacky. Random gibberish is all that ever comes out of a Sims mouth. Notices are in normal text, so don't worry about learning a second language - after all, it's your Sims who are going to college, not you.

The sound from the computers, TVs, ovens, blenders and Sims are simple and generic, and there's nothing wrong with it apart from the fact that it gets a bit repetitive.

Gameplay: 9/10

This is where The Sims 2 University shines - in it's new gameplay. Sims now have an extra life stage: Young Adult. This is when your Sim go to college. You are visited by cheerleaders, crazed sports fans, cows that pull pranks on you, and streakers (ewww). In the end, they earn a diploma, enabling them to get ahead in 1 of 3 jobs depending on the course you choose for your Sim. Along with that, there are 4 new career tracks: Show Business, Paranormal, Natural Scientist and Artist.

University aside, there are more than 125 new items (according to the box) including guitars, drums, a bubble pole, and new objects that are already listed, like beds, chairs, etc, and you buy them outside of university.

Lifespan: 8/10

And I thought I'd be playing The Sims 2 for ages without any EPs! The University EP does extend game life by quite a bit, as does any other EP for any game, but eventually, all games do get boring. This game will last you ages with all the things to do and secrets to discover.

Overall: 8/10

A great EP to get. Buy it if you love The Sims 2, or if you're bored with The Sims 2 - it brings life back to the game!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 09/18/07

Game Release: The Sims 2 University (US, 02/28/05)