It is no secret thatThe Simsis one of the biggest video game franchises in existence. Since its inception in 2000,The Simsseries pioneered the life simulation genreof video games and continues to be the top game in that category.
Starting as a subseries to the wider Sim series mainly composed of SimCity games,The Simshas released four main base games, with many expansion packs and stuff packs in between. While most simmers are primarily familiar with the main entries, it is worth knowing thatThe Simsfranchise has many spin-off gamesthat go beyond the typical life-sim, sandbox-style gameplay of the main series.
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The Sims Online
Shortly after the success ofThe Sims, EA and Maxis developedThe Sims Online, a massively multiplayer online game set in theSimsuniverse. In the game, players are offered online play with others via PC. There were twelve cities for a player to choose from, and they must train necessary skills to unlock interactions and careers. WhileThe Sims Onlinesaw some success, online gaming was still in its infancy back then, though EA has been consideringbringing back online multiplayer inThe Sims. Unfortunately,The Sims Onlinewas surrounded by controversy due to players setting up virtual brothels and exchanging WooHoo for Simoleons.The Sims Onlinewas later rebranded asEA Landbefore it was permanently shut down in 2008.
The Sims Bustin' Out
In 2003, Maxis releasedThe Sims Bustin' Outfor consoles and handheld devices such as Game Boy Advance and N-Gage. It is worth noting that while both the console and handheld versions share the same title, both versions had some differences in story and gameplay. Unlike most entries inThe Simsfranchise,The Sims Bustin' Outdeparted from life simulation and introduced adventure gameplay.
The Urbz: Sims in the City
A sequel toThe Sims Bustin' OutcalledThe Urbz: Sims in the Cityin 2004. Like its predecessor, the game was released to consoles and handheld devices, with each version featuring a different story and gameplay. However, it is worth noting that the console version ofThe Urbz: Sims in the Cityis more immersive than its handheld counterpart. The game is set in Urbzville, divided into nine districts. The game’s primary objective is to build up one’s reputation with other Sims to gain fame and advance to other districts.
The Sims 2: Castaway
In 2004, the main series saw the release ofThe Sims 2,which introduced massive improvements compared to its predecessor.The Sims 2even features several Easter eggs and referencesthat are easy to miss. Similar toThe Sims, The Sims 2saw enormous success resulting in the release of numerous expansion packs and the spin-off gameThe Sims 2: Castaway. InCastaway, players take the role of a group of Sims shipwrecked and trapped on a deserted island known as Shipwreck Island. The game’s main objective is to find other Sims, explore other islands, and eventually get rescued.
The Sims Stories
Next up isThe Sims Stories, a lineup of games developed to be the laptop-friendly versions ofThe Sims 2. Throughout its lifespan, EA and Maxis released three titles underThe Sims Storieslineup:Life Stories, Pet Stories,andCastaway Stories. Each title follows the same pattern where players perform specific tasks for the game’s main story to unfold. It is worth remembering that the stories featured inThe Sims Storiesdon’t blend into the overall plot of the main franchise.The Sims Storiesalso features a Free Play mode with no story to fulfill, making it a watered-down version ofThe Sims 2.
The Sims Medieval
The first and only spin-off gamebased on the same engine asThe Sims 3isThe Sims Medieval. As its title suggests, The Sims Medieval puts players in a medieval setting, though it is essential to know that it is not simplyThe Sims 3in the medieval period. Instead,The Sims Medieval’sgameplay revolves around the premise of building a prosperous kingdom by fulfilling certain quests and objectives. In the game, players must switch between several Hero Sims, consisting of monarchs, priests, wizards, knights, and many others. In 2011,The Sims Medievalreceived an adventure pack titledPirates and Nobles,making it one of the most successful spin-off games inThe Simsfranchise.
