"Your Sims will get the most out of University!"

Of all the simulation games out there, The Sims has got to be the best. After enjoying a long time at the top, The Sims 2 came out. This marvelous game became a top seller quickly, as well. But when people also think of The Sims, they can think of expansion packs. Many expansion packs were released for The Sims, each with slightly different abilities, though most were gimmicky (*cough Vacation *cough*) and added very little to the core game play. This is where University is different. Not only do we have a new age group to enjoy, but this age group brings whole new experiences, which is exactly what the title of the expansion pack means, University.

Upon creating a young adult, he or she is thrust into a campus of your choosing with colourful personalities and dormitories stretching from practical to wacky. A young adult does not officially take a job, as class will take up most of your time. You must strive to help your Sim pass each semester by studying, writing reports and doing assignments. There are also some other methods that are less, well encouraged. This brings in the next feature, influence. Any Sims can have this and it is very useful. Hungry, but don't want to cook? Tired of living in a dump, and don't want to hire a maid. Or do you want to see your rival get the pranking of a lifetime? By accomplishing wants with a blue border, you gain influence points, and the more that you have, the more outrageous things you can get others to do for you.

University isn't just a place to kick back and get a major in though. You can travel about campus and meet individuals and maybe get some hours in working at the coffee shop.

After your four hard years and if you graduate, a diploma will be yours. This allows you to get better jobs and not always start at the bottom of the tank. Some new careers are Natural Scientist, Artist and Show Business. With new careers come new career rewards such as an item that can bring your loved ones back from the dead (for a price of course!).

Graphics wise, things haven't changed a bit, which is a good thing. The graphics are the same as in Sims 2 and it suits the game.

The big technical improvement is sound. Now radio station will have people singing in "Simish" and it doesn't end there. Get some buddies together and form a band, freestyle on the streets for money or just bang away on your new drums all night. These new additions make the Sim universe more believable that you are in this world and the added instruments and guaranteed to pull people in.

The only problem with The Sims 2: University is the loading times. Even on a high-end PC, going from place to place can be excruciatingly slow. After a few loads though, the game picks up.

The Sims 2: University doesn't make any technical progress but it sure is a heck of a lot of fun. Maxis used their time well adding a staggering amount of new content, enough to even bring those who have tired of Sims 2 back into the game. A nine out of ten is an ideal score for an expansion this good.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/18/06