The Sims: Vacation

"Relax on Vacation Island!"

Maxis released its fourth expansion to it's popular ''Sims'' series. This new expansion, along with adding tons of new items, allows your sims to take a break from their stressful life on Vacation Island. They can visit the beach, go camping, or play in a winter wonderland. The lodging system allows them to stay in anything from a tent to a beach hotel suite.

On Vacation there are many things to do, but one of the most noteworthy is to play carnival games. Sims can collect tokens from these games, and spend them on souvenirs to take home to fill their shelves. There are many other activities to do, including building a snowman or sand castle, go snow boarding, have a picnic, go fishing, or search for trinkets with a metal detector.

Storyline - 9/10
You have complete control of the storyline of the game. You control what the characters do, you control who they interact with, you control what their house looks like. It is all about what you want them to do. Just be warned, you must keep the Sims' needs up (bladder, fun, social, hunger, etc.) if you want them to be in a good mood.

Graphics - 9/10
The graphics are basically the same as all of the previous games, allowing for a wide range detail settings that can be set for the speed of your computer. The graphics are very smooth, and allow for very realistic interaction with objects and people, including all of the brand new animations created for the sole purpose of Vacation Island.

Sound - 8/10
The sound effects for the Sims are simplified in some places, but most of the objects make fairly realistic sounds. Music is the same as the previous games, except for the new music for Vacation Island. And of course, you have to enjoy the Sim's communication. They speak in ''Simish,'' a funny mix of gibberish and English. Sound on the radio is easily customized too, as you can replace the MP3's in the game folder. Overall, the sound isn't much different than the other games, and the new sound fits well.

Gameplay - 9/10
Gameplay allows for hours of enjoyable entertainment. The original game had around 250 objects, and this expansion adds 125+ more (plus 125 for any other expansions you have,) allowing for endless numbers for your sims to do. You can also invite friends over, and build relationships. Interaction with other sims is endless, and it is enhanced depending on which expansion packs you have. Interactions include everything from fighting, tickling, and gossiping, to kissing, hugging, and dancing.

Replay Value - 10/10
The Sims has an endless replay value which is greatly enhanced if you have more expansions. There are hours of endless things to do, stats to build up, and fun things to try. Even when it starts to get boring, there are tons of more expansions and items to download online off of the Sims official site and several fansites. There are also a couple of sites out there that have programs to design your own items! The fun never ends!

Rent or buy? - Buy
There is no reason to rent the game, even if there is some place where you could rent it, as it has hours of possibilities. It is definately worth spending $30 on, and be sure to consider buying the other expansions. Remember to purchase the original game first, as you need it to load the expansion onto.

Overall this expansion adds even more stuff to do to the amazing game, The Sims. Maxis has produced another wonderful expansion pack, and seems to be starting to listen to fans. The craze of the game continues yet again...

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/21/02, Updated 08/21/02