THE FIRST EDITION of life simulation game The Sims was released in 2000.
Since then it has become one of the most successful video games series of all time. It’s an open-ended game, where nothing really happens, but it was the most addictive thing since Nutella sandwiches.
Of course, The Sims is still going strong today. But it’s more the old days, even back before expansion packs, that we remember fondly. So if you remember this…
Then let’s take a trip down memory lane…
1. You know the joy of building mode
And by “joy” we mean utter torture. Build! BUILD! NO I DON’T WANT THE WINDOW THERE!
2. And not being able to afford things
The Formica kitchen table was a concession to your distinct lack of Simoleons.
3. Unless you used “Rosebud !;!;!;!” or “Klapaucius”
Ah, yes, the money cheats. They changed everything. If you were a Sims 2 person, you probably used “kaching” or went for broke and just did “motherlode”. Sure, it removed the competitive element of trying to advance in school or your job, but you could get so much STUFF. Worth it.
4. Or else you went for the pre-made houses and families
But you never went for the pre-made Sims. That’d be boring. (And they often had terrible personalities. Who wants a mean neat freak?)
And remember the Goth family?
5. But some people prided themselves on their design skills
The windows on the house HAD to be even. And stairs placement was crucial.
6. The music was almost the best part
Go on. Give it a play, for old time’s sake.
7. You were amazed by the expansion packs when they first arrived
If you were a Sims purist and just had the first game, you won’t know of the wonders that came next. The Sims 2 had expansion packs like Pets, University, and Sims 3 had Ambitions, Generations and World Adventures.
8. You either really cared about advancing in your job…
You wanted to be a success, damn it!
9. …Or you really didn’t care what your Sims got up to
You just wanted to mess with them and have them make fun of people.
10. Fires happened
Stupid Sims can’t even make their stupid hamburgers without setting your lovely kitchen ablaze.
11. As did robberies
That thief always looked so smug. Stupid smug thief.
12. Not to mention the Grim Reaper coming knocking
Hands up who deliberately killed a Sim? Be honest, you’re among friends here.
13. The health bar was all-important
And, frankly, spawned amazing and simple Halloween costumes.
14. Sims lost control pretty frequently
Stamping their feet like little brats. Wetting themselves. The works.
15. It was a life in which you could afford a gardener and a maid
And a repairman to fix the dishwasher that the Sims inevitably broke.
16. Glitches were gas
The Sims being a bit buggy actually just made it better.
17. Hamburgers never looked so good
And that pizza? Sure don’t talk to me. Gorgeous looking.
18. Until they turned into lumps of rubbish
So much rubbish.
19. The Sims introduced you to all manner of famous paintings
It was a lot of people’s first introduction to Mondrian. The Sims getting their bit of culture actually ended up with YOU getting your bit of culture.
20. And taught you some basic “Simlish”
Sounds kind of like Swedish, when you think about it.
And in later years, they even had high profile stars doing their hits in Simlish. Yes, really! Check out Katy Perry singing in the Sim’s native tongue.
21. Admit it…
You messed with your Sims occasionally.
Ever put them in a pool, make them swim, then remove the stairs so they just had to swim around forever? Or lock them in a room until they just gave up? And then SOLD THEIR URN?
Yep. Classic.
22. Time would speed by way too fast in the game sometimes
And your Sim would lose their job or miss the school bus or wet themselves. They were forever wetting themselves.
23. And in real life…
Ever lost an entire day to The Sims? Yep. That happens.
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