2008 Woodie Awards
The Sims 2 Expansion Pack: Keg Parties and Communal Showers
Kristen Bussanich
Issue date: 4/6/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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One thing every Sims addict is constantly awaiting is the next expansion pack. Every fan of the series always wants something more, something bigger, and something better. These pieces of software appear on store shelves periodically, and they can only be used after having already installed the "base game" The Sims 2. The Sims 2 has just come out with its first expansion pack, and (for now) the addicts have their fix.
The Sims 2 University Expansion Pack (EA Games, PC, $34.99) is an excellent addition to the ever-growing Sims universe. Perhaps the biggest change is the introduction of an entirely new age group, young adults. When your Sim reaches this very special time in his or her life, a choice is presented. Grow up and face the harshness of the real world, or take some time to spend your parents' hard-earned money, and try to better yourself.
There are three ready-made college campuses to choose from, and it is also possible to generate your own from scratch. In fact, it is entirely possibly to completely replicate just about any real-life college campus. A campus is set up just as a regular town. Students live in a dorm or possibly a residence if they have enough money. Others, if they choose, can rush the on-campus sorority or fraternity, and live in a posh Greek house.
The detail given to the college social life is both amusing and entertaining to watch. Sims now have an assortment of pranks at their disposal, from hand-shake buzzers, to setting off dorm sprinklers, to launching water balloons. They can also participate in "typical" college pastimes, such as streaking across the quad or throwing a keg party.
Each Sim can choose from eleven different majors, each with certain career paths attached to them. The natural choice for a drama major, for example is a career in show business. Philosophy majors, on the other hand, tend to follow the slacker career track. While not required to choose the directly corresponding occupation, the individual would take more time to advance along a different vocational calling.
The Sims 2 University Expansion Pack (EA Games, PC, $34.99) is an excellent addition to the ever-growing Sims universe. Perhaps the biggest change is the introduction of an entirely new age group, young adults. When your Sim reaches this very special time in his or her life, a choice is presented. Grow up and face the harshness of the real world, or take some time to spend your parents' hard-earned money, and try to better yourself.
There are three ready-made college campuses to choose from, and it is also possible to generate your own from scratch. In fact, it is entirely possibly to completely replicate just about any real-life college campus. A campus is set up just as a regular town. Students live in a dorm or possibly a residence if they have enough money. Others, if they choose, can rush the on-campus sorority or fraternity, and live in a posh Greek house.
The detail given to the college social life is both amusing and entertaining to watch. Sims now have an assortment of pranks at their disposal, from hand-shake buzzers, to setting off dorm sprinklers, to launching water balloons. They can also participate in "typical" college pastimes, such as streaking across the quad or throwing a keg party.
Each Sim can choose from eleven different majors, each with certain career paths attached to them. The natural choice for a drama major, for example is a career in show business. Philosophy majors, on the other hand, tend to follow the slacker career track. While not required to choose the directly corresponding occupation, the individual would take more time to advance along a different vocational calling.