The last Double Deluxe download is now available! This object download contains tables, fountains, wallpapers, and more!
Sims News
2 Oct 2003 - 23:00
26 Sep 2003 - 23:00
Hello everyone.
We are in "stealth mode" as we create the first The Sims 2 website. If you would like to post a link to your Sims 2 fan site, please go to http://thesims.ea.com/us/index.html?frame_src_content=chat/links/index.html and select the Sims 2 category.
Last but not least, we have opened the asset vault once again to give you another glimpse of The Sims 2.
Check out our film strip of the teen party demo:
In addition, you can see an exclusive first shot of the custom content tool interface below. The asterisk you see in the screen will serve to identify player created content in the game. Note that this is a work in progress but we wanted you to be the first to see what we have cooking:
I hope you enjoy the latest information. Stay tuned for further details!
Cheers,
Luc
25 Sep 2003 - 23:20
Thank you to everyone that showed up at our chat event with Makin' Magic Associate Game Designer, Jenna Chalmers. We have posted the chat transcripts for those of you that couldn't make it.
MaxisKitty (Sep 25, 2003 6:00:19 PM)
Hello and welcome to the Sims chat with Jenna Chalmers! She is a designer on the Makin' Magic expansion and ready to answer questions you have about the upcoming game.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:00:58 PM)
Hi all. Thanks for coming 
Scary69 (Sep 25, 2003 6:01:30 PM)
Can only certain Sims use magic or they all have to use magic???
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:01:30 PM)
All Sims have magical power inside of them. But before they can really use their magic, you must add a "wand" to their inventory. You can get them a wand from new objects like the "Wand Charger"
Iamabbw (Sep 25, 2003 6:02:33 PM)
Will the dragon count as a family member like the dogs and cats?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:02:33 PM)
No. The dragon is an independant spirit. He is not a full-fledged family member.
Zsky2 (Sep 25, 2003 6:03:47 PM)
Hello, what will making rollercoasters in Makin' Magic be like?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:03:47 PM)
We wanted to give you pieces to play with...so that you could build your own rollercoaster...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:04:37 PM)
you will have various track pieces....and also larger "ride" pieces.
nathan7056@aol.com (Sep 25, 2003 6:04:54 PM)
how do you live in magic town.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:04:54 PM)
Magic Town has three residential lots.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:05:20 PM)
In order to move there, it will cost you simoleons and magicoins....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:05:36 PM)
you earn magicoins by performing magic in magic town.
kitkatbarish (Sep 25, 2003 6:06:05 PM)
What are some of the new skins?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:06:05 PM)
Personally, i LOVE the new skins in this pack...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:06:36 PM)
in create-a-sim we did a bunch of stuff from different periods of time...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:07:24 PM)
in addition, there is a spell called "Shed Your Skin" which lets you completely change the look of your sim for a limited period of time.
Irishlass (Sep 25, 2003 6:08:49 PM)
If we have The Sims: Unleashed, will out pets be able to do anything magical?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:08:49 PM)
If you have Unleashed, you will have an extra spell to cast on you pet. 
NiGhT_PhOeNiX (Sep 25, 2003 6:09:26 PM)
will there be breeds of dragons? or differnt colors of the dragon?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:09:26 PM)
When you buy the dragon egg....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:09:44 PM)
you have to take proper care of it.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:09:53 PM)
depending on how well you do....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:10:15 PM)
you will get a well-behaved dragon.....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:10:34 PM)
or...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:10:38 PM)
not
Iamabbw (Sep 25, 2003 6:10:53 PM)
Can sims get attacked by the bees from the beehive?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:10:53 PM)
yes.
skppy1225 (Sep 25, 2003 6:11:50 PM)
What are MagiCoins used for?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:11:50 PM)
Magicoins are use for buying some of the magic ingredients for spells and charms as well as buying lots in Magic Town.
pic620 (Sep 25, 2003 6:13:21 PM)
I like my old house can i move my old house to magic town?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:13:21 PM)
No sorry. Just like moving to a new lot in the old neighborhood, you can't take it with you.
AlmoANDKelbel (Sep 25, 2003 6:14:26 PM)
Will every family have their own spell book?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:14:26 PM)
No. The family shares the information in one spellbook.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:14:47 PM)
This is helpful in unlocking all the information in the spellbook.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:15:33 PM)
it would be a pain to have each family member have to unlock it all.
buschnut (Sep 25, 2003 6:16:40 PM)
What are the bubble-like lizard toys in some of the sreenshots?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:16:40 PM)
That is the kids "charm maker"....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:17:05 PM)
Kids use it to combine ingredients and make spells.
vampiress_kittycat (Sep 25, 2003 6:17:58 PM)
Who are some of the new characters we will see ?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:17:58 PM)
Magic Town has lots of new characters...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:19:01 PM)
for example you buy some of the ingredients from a Fairy and others from a Vamipress
siggyb2too (Sep 25, 2003 6:20:26 PM)
Are there any spells for kids and their grades? Mine are ready for Military School. 
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:20:26 PM)
There is a spell where the kids can send a "clone" to school in their place....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:20:53 PM)
which i guess means they could stay home and study
shortcakejermz (Sep 25, 2003 6:21:39 PM)
will there be ghosts in magic town?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:21:39 PM)
One of the stages, the "spook show", has a spell that musters up some ghosts....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:22:10 PM)
if your skill is high enough....you may even get them to dance for you.
ShrimpandSeafood (Sep 25, 2003 6:22:51 PM)
Does every mixture of ingredients make something?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:22:51 PM)
No. You will have to use your spellbook to learn how to mixthe ingredients.
Zsky2 (Sep 25, 2003 6:23:23 PM)
I have seen some mushrooms in the screenshots, can sims pick mushrooms?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:23:23 PM)
Yes they can. Mushrooms are a magic ingredient,
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:23:42 PM)
all you have to do is figure out how to get them to grow
MaxisLucky (Sep 25, 2003 6:24:05 PM)
What are the recommended system specs? Win 98/XP/2000 450 MHz processor or faster with 128MB RAM 1.3 GB free hard drive space
rymndchn (Sep 25, 2003 6:24:38 PM)
Are the spells that children can make, different to the ones that adults make?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:24:38 PM)
Yes. They have some similar ones...and unique spells too.
Guest (Sep 25, 2003 6:24:56 PM)
Do you keep MagiCoins in your inventory?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:24:56 PM)
Yes.
Guest (Sep 25, 2003 6:25:49 PM)
What happens if one of the family members move out....how do they get the spells?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:25:49 PM)
Each family member holds their own spells in their own inventory.
ShrimpandSeafood (Sep 25, 2003 6:26:08 PM)
Will the Genie from Livin' Large get updated with Makin' Magic?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:26:08 PM)
Nope. The genie is magical enough as he is
The_Gunman (Sep 25, 2003 6:26:23 PM)
Hello Maxis Jenna,Will there be any spells to make more money?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:26:23 PM)
Of course!
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:26:51 PM)
Rain of Riches will create tresure on your lot that you can sell or enjoy...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:26:59 PM)
of course, if it backfires.....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:27:06 PM)
you get....Rain.
GeishaGreen (Sep 25, 2003 6:27:19 PM)
Can dragons cast magic spells?
Rtraf (Sep 25, 2003 6:27:28 PM)
Can children use magic to make a play mate?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:27:28 PM)
Yes. They sure can!
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:27:50 PM)
wait
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:27:56 PM)
Dragons. no.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:28:01 PM)
Kids yes
GeishaGreen (Sep 25, 2003 6:28:42 PM)
What use are the pink flamingo ladies?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:28:42 PM)
They will help entertain your guests.
SimStash (Sep 25, 2003 6:29:02 PM)
About how many spells are in the game?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:29:02 PM)
Oh goodness....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:29:08 PM)
two.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:29:12 PM)
just kidding
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:29:21 PM)
there are tons!
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:29:44 PM)
depends also on what you count....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:30:09 PM)
some people will enjoy the backfire as much as the positive outcome...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:30:18 PM)
so thats like two speels for the price of one
cameron (Sep 25, 2003 6:31:10 PM)
Can you make a living off of magic? Or will you still need a job?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:31:10 PM)
Magic does not replace your career...but since you can create money, you may not be interested in going to work any longer....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:31:35 PM)
like the kids...you can send a clone to work in your place...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:32:00 PM)
Even though you don't *need* a job...you will still want to work on those skills...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:32:13 PM)
especially logic, mechanical, and cooking.
MMfan (Sep 25, 2003 6:32:35 PM)
Can dragons eat toadified sims?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:32:35 PM)
Would we do that...
thesiddog (Sep 25, 2003 6:33:21 PM)
I know this is off topic but...Your name is Jenna Chalmers, I saw a building in Sim City4 called Chalmers Inc. or something like that. Was it named after you?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:33:21 PM)
Yup. lots of the building in SimCity are named after people at Maxis.
equusgirl (Sep 25, 2003 6:34:00 PM)
Hey MaxisJenna, what's the dragon like? And how do you make it a nice dragon?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:34:00 PM)
THe dragon is SUPER cute. Make a nice dragon by taking good care of him before he hatches!
Irishlass (Sep 25, 2003 6:34:44 PM)
I've heard there's a spell that can make you famous... is this true?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:34:44 PM)
Yes. if you have Superstar, you can give yourself a fame boost!
Aa ServoPro.com visit ronalchn (Sep 25, 2003 6:35:37 PM)
Do gnomes and pink flamingos who are turned into garderners and hostess' permanent?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:35:37 PM)
No. It is a temporary change.
winie143 (Sep 25, 2003 6:36:50 PM)
Will the sims get to plant new things in their gardens?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:36:50 PM)
There is a new "vine plot" you buy in build mode...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:37:36 PM)
then you can purchase a grape or elderberry sprig in Magic Town and come home and plant it.
MMfan (Sep 25, 2003 6:38:52 PM)
Hi MaxisJenna,are there spells to teleport a sim?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:38:52 PM)
There is an "ability" you can earn that gives you the power to telepot yourself around the lot....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:39:00 PM)
Very helpful!
Guest (Sep 25, 2003 6:39:31 PM)
do nice dragons look different than mean dragons?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:39:31 PM)
Yes, they are a different color.
shortcakejermz (Sep 25, 2003 6:40:36 PM)
whats the use of the snakes, i saw some in the screeshots
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:40:36 PM)
The snakes are a backfire for "Shed Your Skin"....get it? 
Irishlass (Sep 25, 2003 6:41:58 PM)
Is there a spell that you can cast to conjour up food?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:41:58 PM)
Yup. Its called "Horn Of Plenty"...but if it backfires....watch out for plenty of horny toads
Qwertyuiop2k11 (Sep 25, 2003 6:43:02 PM)
Jenna how in the world do you keep up with all these questions? 
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:43:02 PM)
YOu should see all the ones i Can't keep up with
SEKhorselover (Sep 25, 2003 6:43:24 PM)
How many dragons can you have in one family?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:43:24 PM)
Lots
Qwertyuiop2k11 (Sep 25, 2003 6:44:02 PM)
Can you make your Sims live in a haunted house?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:44:02 PM)
We did alot of new cool creepy architecture...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:44:22 PM)
stairs, windows, doors...wallpapers...etc///
jfade (Sep 25, 2003 6:44:34 PM)
What types of vines can they plant?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:44:34 PM)
grapes and elderberries
gamegirl815 (Sep 25, 2003 6:45:23 PM)
what do u mean by "ability"?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:45:23 PM)
as you cast more and more magic, things start to grow on your lot...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:45:42 PM)
one of the things that might grow is a "magic crystal"...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:46:25 PM)
these crystal have the power to bestow you with magical abilities...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:46:49 PM)
like being able to teleport yourself or put out fire ...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:47:08 PM)
which is particularly helpful if you have a "bad dragon"
SiMan (Sep 25, 2003 6:47:40 PM)
Does the skeleton have a difference with the robot of livin' large?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:47:40 PM)
well...for one....its cheaper...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:48:19 PM)
but the skelton maid doesn't perform all the services the robot does either.
Poisoned Kandy (Sep 25, 2003 6:50:08 PM)
can two dragons have babies.....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:50:08 PM)
No. sorry.
Joe_The_Coffee_Man (Sep 25, 2003 6:50:28 PM)
In the screenshot there is a machine, and it looks like you put your mood crystal thing in it. What does this thing do? Is it a mood changer?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:50:28 PM)
Hmmm....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:50:41 PM)
i think you are think of the "charms"
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:51:09 PM)
the magic charms you make are in the shape of the "plum bob"
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:51:28 PM)
they are different colors for different charms
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:51:49 PM)
(the plum bob is the green thing above the sims head)
anamo52 (Sep 25, 2003 6:52:42 PM)
do you need unleashed to have the pet dragon?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:52:42 PM)
Nope! You don't need Unleashed. You buy the dragon egg from the Vampiress in Magic Town
Bronco907 (Sep 25, 2003 6:53:00 PM)
what does the butter churn and the gargoyle bench do?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:53:00 PM)
BUtter churn is a skill object that makes....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:53:06 PM)
butter
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:53:21 PM)
butter is also and ingredient
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:53:50 PM)
the gargoyle bench makes gargoyles....kinda like the gnome workbench...
Guest (Sep 25, 2003 6:55:14 PM)
Makin' Magic looks much more detailed than the other packs. was there a different art team for this one?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:55:14 PM)
Some of the art team members were the same. But much credit goes to Bob King who drove the art for Makin Magic.
Adam Lachlan (Sep 25, 2003 6:55:59 PM)
MaxisJenna, the previous Sims games have come with excellent music. What is the music for Makin' Magic like?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:55:59 PM)
The music for this pack is some of my most favorite we've ever done
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:56:31 PM)
its kinda gypsy carnival-y...kinda european circus-y
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:56:55 PM)
hard t o describe.... but VERY cool
MMfan (Sep 25, 2003 6:57:00 PM)
Are there 'marry me' spells?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:57:00 PM)
Yup.
Bronco907 (Sep 25, 2003 6:57:33 PM)
Can only one person ride the rollar coaster at a time or can many people ride at a time?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:57:33 PM)
yes.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:57:49 PM)
One sims per car....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:58:11 PM)
but once the car leaves a particular section, the next car can start...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:58:35 PM)
so more than one sim can be on the entire coaster at a time.
Matt (Sep 25, 2003 6:58:52 PM)
Do you need to have Unleased to plant that garden thingy?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:58:52 PM)
nope
ShrimpandSeafood (Sep 25, 2003 6:59:29 PM)
Whats your favorite objects Jenna?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:59:29 PM)
I like the new skill objects....the spinning wheel and beehive and stuff...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:59:59 PM)
i also love the new kitchen collection and the new bed is beautiful!!!!!
ShrimpandSeafood (Sep 25, 2003 7:00:39 PM)
What does the spinning wheel do?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:00:39 PM)
Makes Golden thread. (and is a mechanical skill object)
MaxisLucky (Sep 25, 2003 7:01:02 PM)
We're getting to the end of the chat - We'd like to thank you all for coming and particularly our guest Maxis Jenna.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:01:25 PM)
SHall we take one more?
MaxisKitty (Sep 25, 2003 7:01:46 PM)
send in your best question
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:01:51 PM)
heh
ShrimpandSeafood (Sep 25, 2003 7:03:02 PM)
Can you make a spell that will make this chat last longer?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:03:02 PM)
i wish
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:03:16 PM)
ok... ONE more
Qwertyuiop2k11 (Sep 25, 2003 7:03:58 PM)
Can you make a spell so we can have a chat every week?
MaxisKitty (Sep 25, 2003 7:03:58 PM)
we will be having chat events every thurs at 3
MaxisKitty (Sep 25, 2003 7:04:14 PM)
spell granted
Qwertyuiop2k11 (Sep 25, 2003 7:04:47 PM)
Will there ever be chats like this for TS2 or SC4?
MaxisKitty (Sep 25, 2003 7:04:47 PM)
yes
Matt (Sep 25, 2003 7:04:55 PM)
when will it be released?
MaxisLucky (Sep 25, 2003 7:04:55 PM)
We have not announced a release date for Makin' Magic yet. Stay tuned to thesims.com for announcements!
Always_Smile (Sep 25, 2003 7:05:03 PM)
over all, is Making Magic the best Sims game out of all of them?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:05:03 PM)
To be honest, i had TONS of fun making this expansion pack. ...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:05:24 PM)
The new location, skins, objects, music....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:05:46 PM)
i LOVE the look of the stuff we did for this pack...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:05:58 PM)
plus the new gameplay...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:06:32 PM)
collecting the ingredients and mixing the spells...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:07:22 PM)
This is my favorite pack we've done!
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:07:41 PM)
Thank you guys soooo much for your great questions!
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:07:55 PM)
I hope we can do this again sometime!
MaxisLucky (Sep 25, 2003 7:08:54 PM)
Thanks for coming everyone. Look for the chat transcipts posted on thesims.com soon!
25 Sep 2003 - 23:20
Thank you to everyone that showed up at our chat event with Makin' Magic Associate Game Designer, Jenna Chalmers. We have posted the chat transcripts for those of you that couldn't make it.
MaxisKitty (Sep 25, 2003 6:00:19 PM)
Hello and welcome to the Sims chat with Jenna Chalmers! She is a designer on the Makin' Magic expansion and ready to answer questions you have about the upcoming game.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:00:58 PM)
Hi all. Thanks for coming
Scary69 (Sep 25, 2003 6:01:30 PM)
Can only certain Sims use magic or they all have to use magic???
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:01:30 PM)
All Sims have magical power inside of them. But before they can really use their magic, you must add a "wand" to their inventory. You can get them a wand from new objects like the "Wand Charger"
Iamabbw (Sep 25, 2003 6:02:33 PM)
Will the dragon count as a family member like the dogs and cats?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:02:33 PM)
No. The dragon is an independant spirit. He is not a full-fledged family member.
Zsky2 (Sep 25, 2003 6:03:47 PM)
Hello, what will making rollercoasters in Makin' Magic be like?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:03:47 PM)
We wanted to give you pieces to play with...so that you could build your own rollercoaster...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:04:37 PM)
you will have various track pieces....and also larger "ride" pieces.
nathan7056@aol.com (Sep 25, 2003 6:04:54 PM)
how do you live in magic town.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:04:54 PM)
Magic Town has three residential lots.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:05:20 PM)
In order to move there, it will cost you simoleons and magicoins....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:05:36 PM)
you earn magicoins by performing magic in magic town.
kitkatbarish (Sep 25, 2003 6:06:05 PM)
What are some of the new skins?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:06:05 PM)
Personally, i LOVE the new skins in this pack...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:06:36 PM)
in create-a-sim we did a bunch of stuff from different periods of time...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:07:24 PM)
in addition, there is a spell called "Shed Your Skin" which lets you completely change the look of your sim for a limited period of time.
Irishlass (Sep 25, 2003 6:08:49 PM)
If we have The Sims: Unleashed, will out pets be able to do anything magical?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:08:49 PM)
If you have Unleashed, you will have an extra spell to cast on you pet.
NiGhT_PhOeNiX (Sep 25, 2003 6:09:26 PM)
will there be breeds of dragons? or differnt colors of the dragon?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:09:26 PM)
When you buy the dragon egg....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:09:44 PM)
you have to take proper care of it.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:09:53 PM)
depending on how well you do....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:10:15 PM)
you will get a well-behaved dragon.....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:10:34 PM)
or...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:10:38 PM)
not
Iamabbw (Sep 25, 2003 6:10:53 PM)
Can sims get attacked by the bees from the beehive?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:10:53 PM)
yes.
skppy1225 (Sep 25, 2003 6:11:50 PM)
What are MagiCoins used for?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:11:50 PM)
Magicoins are use for buying some of the magic ingredients for spells and charms as well as buying lots in Magic Town.
pic620 (Sep 25, 2003 6:13:21 PM)
I like my old house can i move my old house to magic town?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:13:21 PM)
No sorry. Just like moving to a new lot in the old neighborhood, you can't take it with you.
AlmoANDKelbel (Sep 25, 2003 6:14:26 PM)
Will every family have their own spell book?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:14:26 PM)
No. The family shares the information in one spellbook.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:14:47 PM)
This is helpful in unlocking all the information in the spellbook.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:15:33 PM)
it would be a pain to have each family member have to unlock it all.
buschnut (Sep 25, 2003 6:16:40 PM)
What are the bubble-like lizard toys in some of the sreenshots?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:16:40 PM)
That is the kids "charm maker"....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:17:05 PM)
Kids use it to combine ingredients and make spells.
vampiress_kittycat (Sep 25, 2003 6:17:58 PM)
Who are some of the new characters we will see ?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:17:58 PM)
Magic Town has lots of new characters...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:19:01 PM)
for example you buy some of the ingredients from a Fairy and others from a Vamipress
siggyb2too (Sep 25, 2003 6:20:26 PM)
Are there any spells for kids and their grades? Mine are ready for Military School.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:20:26 PM)
There is a spell where the kids can send a "clone" to school in their place....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:20:53 PM)
which i guess means they could stay home and study
shortcakejermz (Sep 25, 2003 6:21:39 PM)
will there be ghosts in magic town?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:21:39 PM)
One of the stages, the "spook show", has a spell that musters up some ghosts....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:22:10 PM)
if your skill is high enough....you may even get them to dance for you.
ShrimpandSeafood (Sep 25, 2003 6:22:51 PM)
Does every mixture of ingredients make something?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:22:51 PM)
No. You will have to use your spellbook to learn how to mixthe ingredients.
Zsky2 (Sep 25, 2003 6:23:23 PM)
I have seen some mushrooms in the screenshots, can sims pick mushrooms?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:23:23 PM)
Yes they can. Mushrooms are a magic ingredient,
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:23:42 PM)
all you have to do is figure out how to get them to grow
MaxisLucky (Sep 25, 2003 6:24:05 PM)
What are the recommended system specs? Win 98/XP/2000 450 MHz processor or faster with 128MB RAM 1.3 GB free hard drive space
rymndchn (Sep 25, 2003 6:24:38 PM)
Are the spells that children can make, different to the ones that adults make?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:24:38 PM)
Yes. They have some similar ones...and unique spells too.
Guest (Sep 25, 2003 6:24:56 PM)
Do you keep MagiCoins in your inventory?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:24:56 PM)
Yes.
Guest (Sep 25, 2003 6:25:49 PM)
What happens if one of the family members move out....how do they get the spells?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:25:49 PM)
Each family member holds their own spells in their own inventory.
ShrimpandSeafood (Sep 25, 2003 6:26:08 PM)
Will the Genie from Livin' Large get updated with Makin' Magic?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:26:08 PM)
Nope. The genie is magical enough as he is
The_Gunman (Sep 25, 2003 6:26:23 PM)
Hello Maxis Jenna,Will there be any spells to make more money?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:26:23 PM)
Of course!
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:26:51 PM)
Rain of Riches will create tresure on your lot that you can sell or enjoy...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:26:59 PM)
of course, if it backfires.....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:27:06 PM)
you get....Rain.
GeishaGreen (Sep 25, 2003 6:27:19 PM)
Can dragons cast magic spells?
Rtraf (Sep 25, 2003 6:27:28 PM)
Can children use magic to make a play mate?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:27:28 PM)
Yes. They sure can!
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:27:50 PM)
wait
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:27:56 PM)
Dragons. no.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:28:01 PM)
Kids yes
GeishaGreen (Sep 25, 2003 6:28:42 PM)
What use are the pink flamingo ladies?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:28:42 PM)
They will help entertain your guests.
SimStash (Sep 25, 2003 6:29:02 PM)
About how many spells are in the game?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:29:02 PM)
Oh goodness....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:29:08 PM)
two.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:29:12 PM)
just kidding
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:29:21 PM)
there are tons!
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:29:44 PM)
depends also on what you count....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:30:09 PM)
some people will enjoy the backfire as much as the positive outcome...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:30:18 PM)
so thats like two speels for the price of one
cameron (Sep 25, 2003 6:31:10 PM)
Can you make a living off of magic? Or will you still need a job?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:31:10 PM)
Magic does not replace your career...but since you can create money, you may not be interested in going to work any longer....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:31:35 PM)
like the kids...you can send a clone to work in your place...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:32:00 PM)
Even though you don't *need* a job...you will still want to work on those skills...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:32:13 PM)
especially logic, mechanical, and cooking.
MMfan (Sep 25, 2003 6:32:35 PM)
Can dragons eat toadified sims?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:32:35 PM)
Would we do that...
thesiddog (Sep 25, 2003 6:33:21 PM)
I know this is off topic but...Your name is Jenna Chalmers, I saw a building in Sim City4 called Chalmers Inc. or something like that. Was it named after you?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:33:21 PM)
Yup. lots of the building in SimCity are named after people at Maxis.
equusgirl (Sep 25, 2003 6:34:00 PM)
Hey MaxisJenna, what's the dragon like? And how do you make it a nice dragon?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:34:00 PM)
THe dragon is SUPER cute. Make a nice dragon by taking good care of him before he hatches!
Irishlass (Sep 25, 2003 6:34:44 PM)
I've heard there's a spell that can make you famous... is this true?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:34:44 PM)
Yes. if you have Superstar, you can give yourself a fame boost!
Aa ServoPro.com visit ronalchn (Sep 25, 2003 6:35:37 PM)
Do gnomes and pink flamingos who are turned into garderners and hostess' permanent?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:35:37 PM)
No. It is a temporary change.
winie143 (Sep 25, 2003 6:36:50 PM)
Will the sims get to plant new things in their gardens?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:36:50 PM)
There is a new "vine plot" you buy in build mode...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:37:36 PM)
then you can purchase a grape or elderberry sprig in Magic Town and come home and plant it.
MMfan (Sep 25, 2003 6:38:52 PM)
Hi MaxisJenna,are there spells to teleport a sim?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:38:52 PM)
There is an "ability" you can earn that gives you the power to telepot yourself around the lot....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:39:00 PM)
Very helpful!
Guest (Sep 25, 2003 6:39:31 PM)
do nice dragons look different than mean dragons?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:39:31 PM)
Yes, they are a different color.
shortcakejermz (Sep 25, 2003 6:40:36 PM)
whats the use of the snakes, i saw some in the screeshots
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:40:36 PM)
The snakes are a backfire for "Shed Your Skin"....get it?
Irishlass (Sep 25, 2003 6:41:58 PM)
Is there a spell that you can cast to conjour up food?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:41:58 PM)
Yup. Its called "Horn Of Plenty"...but if it backfires....watch out for plenty of horny toads
Qwertyuiop2k11 (Sep 25, 2003 6:43:02 PM)
Jenna how in the world do you keep up with all these questions?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:43:02 PM)
YOu should see all the ones i Can't keep up with
SEKhorselover (Sep 25, 2003 6:43:24 PM)
How many dragons can you have in one family?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:43:24 PM)
Lots
Qwertyuiop2k11 (Sep 25, 2003 6:44:02 PM)
Can you make your Sims live in a haunted house?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:44:02 PM)
We did alot of new cool creepy architecture...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:44:22 PM)
stairs, windows, doors...wallpapers...etc///
jfade (Sep 25, 2003 6:44:34 PM)
What types of vines can they plant?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:44:34 PM)
grapes and elderberries
gamegirl815 (Sep 25, 2003 6:45:23 PM)
what do u mean by "ability"?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:45:23 PM)
as you cast more and more magic, things start to grow on your lot...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:45:42 PM)
one of the things that might grow is a "magic crystal"...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:46:25 PM)
these crystal have the power to bestow you with magical abilities...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:46:49 PM)
like being able to teleport yourself or put out fire ...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:47:08 PM)
which is particularly helpful if you have a "bad dragon"
SiMan (Sep 25, 2003 6:47:40 PM)
Does the skeleton have a difference with the robot of livin' large?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:47:40 PM)
well...for one....its cheaper...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:48:19 PM)
but the skelton maid doesn't perform all the services the robot does either.
Poisoned Kandy (Sep 25, 2003 6:50:08 PM)
can two dragons have babies.....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:50:08 PM)
No. sorry.
Joe_The_Coffee_Man (Sep 25, 2003 6:50:28 PM)
In the screenshot there is a machine, and it looks like you put your mood crystal thing in it. What does this thing do? Is it a mood changer?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:50:28 PM)
Hmmm....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:50:41 PM)
i think you are think of the "charms"
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:51:09 PM)
the magic charms you make are in the shape of the "plum bob"
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:51:28 PM)
they are different colors for different charms
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:51:49 PM)
(the plum bob is the green thing above the sims head)
anamo52 (Sep 25, 2003 6:52:42 PM)
do you need unleashed to have the pet dragon?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:52:42 PM)
Nope! You don't need Unleashed. You buy the dragon egg from the Vampiress in Magic Town
Bronco907 (Sep 25, 2003 6:53:00 PM)
what does the butter churn and the gargoyle bench do?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:53:00 PM)
BUtter churn is a skill object that makes....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:53:06 PM)
butter
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:53:21 PM)
butter is also and ingredient
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:53:50 PM)
the gargoyle bench makes gargoyles....kinda like the gnome workbench...
Guest (Sep 25, 2003 6:55:14 PM)
Makin' Magic looks much more detailed than the other packs. was there a different art team for this one?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:55:14 PM)
Some of the art team members were the same. But much credit goes to Bob King who drove the art for Makin Magic.
Adam Lachlan (Sep 25, 2003 6:55:59 PM)
MaxisJenna, the previous Sims games have come with excellent music. What is the music for Makin' Magic like?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:55:59 PM)
The music for this pack is some of my most favorite we've ever done
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:56:31 PM)
its kinda gypsy carnival-y...kinda european circus-y
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:56:55 PM)
hard t o describe.... but VERY cool
MMfan (Sep 25, 2003 6:57:00 PM)
Are there 'marry me' spells?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:57:00 PM)
Yup.
Bronco907 (Sep 25, 2003 6:57:33 PM)
Can only one person ride the rollar coaster at a time or can many people ride at a time?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:57:33 PM)
yes.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:57:49 PM)
One sims per car....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:58:11 PM)
but once the car leaves a particular section, the next car can start...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:58:35 PM)
so more than one sim can be on the entire coaster at a time.
Matt (Sep 25, 2003 6:58:52 PM)
Do you need to have Unleased to plant that garden thingy?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:58:52 PM)
nope
ShrimpandSeafood (Sep 25, 2003 6:59:29 PM)
Whats your favorite objects Jenna?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:59:29 PM)
I like the new skill objects....the spinning wheel and beehive and stuff...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 6:59:59 PM)
i also love the new kitchen collection and the new bed is beautiful!!!!!
ShrimpandSeafood (Sep 25, 2003 7:00:39 PM)
What does the spinning wheel do?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:00:39 PM)
Makes Golden thread. (and is a mechanical skill object)
MaxisLucky (Sep 25, 2003 7:01:02 PM)
We're getting to the end of the chat - We'd like to thank you all for coming and particularly our guest Maxis Jenna.
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:01:25 PM)
SHall we take one more?
MaxisKitty (Sep 25, 2003 7:01:46 PM)
send in your best question
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:01:51 PM)
heh
ShrimpandSeafood (Sep 25, 2003 7:03:02 PM)
Can you make a spell that will make this chat last longer?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:03:02 PM)
i wish
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:03:16 PM)
ok... ONE more
Qwertyuiop2k11 (Sep 25, 2003 7:03:58 PM)
Can you make a spell so we can have a chat every week?
MaxisKitty (Sep 25, 2003 7:03:58 PM)
we will be having chat events every thurs at 3
MaxisKitty (Sep 25, 2003 7:04:14 PM)
spell granted
Qwertyuiop2k11 (Sep 25, 2003 7:04:47 PM)
Will there ever be chats like this for TS2 or SC4?
MaxisKitty (Sep 25, 2003 7:04:47 PM)
yes
Matt (Sep 25, 2003 7:04:55 PM)
when will it be released?
MaxisLucky (Sep 25, 2003 7:04:55 PM)
We have not announced a release date for Makin' Magic yet. Stay tuned to thesims.com for announcements!
Always_Smile (Sep 25, 2003 7:05:03 PM)
over all, is Making Magic the best Sims game out of all of them?
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:05:03 PM)
To be honest, i had TONS of fun making this expansion pack. ...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:05:24 PM)
The new location, skins, objects, music....
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:05:46 PM)
i LOVE the look of the stuff we did for this pack...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:05:58 PM)
plus the new gameplay...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:06:32 PM)
collecting the ingredients and mixing the spells...
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:07:22 PM)
This is my favorite pack we've done!
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:07:41 PM)
Thank you guys soooo much for your great questions!
MaxisJenna (Sep 25, 2003 7:07:55 PM)
I hope we can do this again sometime!
MaxisLucky (Sep 25, 2003 7:08:54 PM)
Thanks for coming everyone. Look for the chat transcipts posted on thesims.com soon!
25 Sep 2003 - 23:10
GameSpot.com has the third installment of The Sims 2 designer diary. Lucy Bradshaw and Charles London discuss emotions in The Sims 2.
The Sims 2 Designer Diary #3
Maxis' vice president of PC development Lucy Bradshaw and creative director Charles London discuss the many moods of the sims.
The Sims was a surprise hit when it was released in 2000. No one thought a strategy game that lets you control the lives of little computer people, also known as "sims," could possibly be as addictive or as popular as it has proven to be--except maybe the game's developer, Maxis. Now, Maxis is hard at work on the sequel, The Sims 2. The game will not only let you control your sims' lives, but it will also let you follow their development from birth to adulthood to senescence. In this edition of The Sims 2 designer diaries, Lucy Bradshaw, vice president of PC development, and Charles London, creative director, explain exactly how moods and emotions will affect the way sims live, act, and feel in the sequel.
Putting Sims in the Mood
By Lucy Bradshaw and Charles London
VP PC Development/Creative Director
Let's face it: Mood is everything. Think about your own life. Do you remember feeling like everything in the world was an exciting adventure, even taking out the trash, just because you finally kissed that person you had a crush on forever? Have you ever been in a terrible mood because you were hungry? Or so tired that everything around you seems drab and irritating? Moods color all of our perceptions. It's the thing that makes us unique as a species.
Bringing that same dimension to The Sims 2 is the goal of the design team. Before The Sims 2, mood was just a bar on an interface. It was hard to tell, just by looking at a sim, what mood he or she was in. A sim could get slapped or kissed and walk away as if nothing had happened. That's not an accurate illustration of mood. Mood is indicated by such things as bouncing when you're happy or sagging a little when you're sad.
But why is mood so important? Anyone who plays The Sims knows that, in their world, mood is everything. It's what determines whether your sims will go to work, chat with other sims, build skills and interests, or fall in love. Whether you're a human or a sim, your mood encompasses much more than just how thirsty you are or how much fun you've had. It's a reflection of your personality, memories of the past, and hopes and dreams for the future. We're bringing a realistic representation of all these factors to your sims in The Sims 2.
Until now, sims have lived "in the moment." They had no real sense of context because they had no recollection of what had come before in their lives. Giving the sims memories--and the impact they have on their moods--is key to the new game. Memories are, in essence, a collection of life moments that shape how we respond to new experiences and how we view the world. And this will also be the case in The Sims 2. A sim who has accumulated a lot of happy memories is going to be in a better mood. By contrast, a sim who is carrying around a lot of emotional baggage will be in a bad mood. Players have direct control over both scenarios and can work to change them. As we design the game, we're trying to form a landscape of events that players can explore to gain insight as to what makes their sims tick. This gives sims personal histories that really matter.
Nothing More Than Feelings?
These days, The Sims 2 design team spends a heck of a lot of time inventing memories that are relevant to a sim. For example, in The Sims 2, not only will a sim remember if he or she was jilted by a lover, but another sim who witnesses the event will also remember it, and will be able to share it with their friends. After the breakup, the jilted sim might still be reeling from heartbreak. A friend who "heard it through the grapevine" can lessen the pain with a simple pat on the back. However, salt can also be poured on the sim's wound when he or she sees his or her old flame with a new love. It's this type of context that introduces surprises, crazy successes, and failures to the game--along with a dynamic new strategy.
The development process can be both fun and disturbing during design sessions, particularly on subjects like memory. Locking the "final" memory and [list of memorable moments] for sims in The Sims 2 isn't a straightforward or easy task. There are lots of obvious examples, like a "first kiss." After that, it's incredible how quickly everyone's ideal memories and moments lists differ. During the development process at Maxis, we ended up sitting around in a room writing lists of memories on a white board. You learn a lot about each other during this type of meeting. After a coworker mentions something like "first time locked in an elevator" or "puked in public," the memory lives on and it stays burned into your brain when you run into him or her later on in the hall. After we get over the initial trauma of "sharing," it's all about "sim-ifying" our favorite moments and adding them to the game.
Memories not only affect the mood of the sims in The Sims 2, but, over the course of their lifetimes, they also affect a sim's personality. In The Sims 2, each personality is unique. You will be able to recognize a shy sim from an outgoing sim immediately. His or her body language, autonomous choices, and unique interactions all become more pronounced in the extremes of mood. For example, a shy sim is apt to daydream or talk to houseplants to meet his or her social needs, whereas an outgoing sim will work the room and chat incessantly. [And to be a bit more imaginative], ultraneat sims clean everything in a house in seconds when their moods are elevated, while ultramean sims [deplete] the moods of other sims when theirs are in the basement. The possibilities are intriguing and endless. In The Sims 2, we want to uncover the hidden amusement that lies at the edges of our sims' personalities.
We're continually struck by how our journey to good sim designs is often through modeling ourselves and then abstracting the findings into something that players can experiment with and enjoy. Sims need to feel alive, genuine, and true. Above all, and if we have done our job correctly, sims need to surprise the players. When that comes together, you know it immediately. That feeling and knowledge that we have "nailed it" is our benchmark. We begin to see these little beings move around their world, and, one day, we find ourselves believing. When moods start showing through in The Sims, players start believing. They suddenly care deeply about their sims because the sims care too. In the last few weeks here at Maxis, these little guys have finally started to wake up. It's pretty cool.
25 Sep 2003 - 23:00
The second Double Deluxe download is now available! This object download contains baskets, Samurai Armor, and more!
25 Sep 2003 - 23:00
The second Double Deluxe download is now available! This object download contains baskets, Samurai Armor, and more!
18 Sep 2003 - 23:20
Get your first dose of Double Deluxe content! This object download contains 6 objects + Asian walls and floors!
18 Sep 2003 - 23:20
Get your first dose of Double Deluxe content! This object download contains 6 objects + Asian walls and floors!
18 Sep 2003 - 23:10
"We have seen The Sims 2, and it rocks."
We have seen The Sims 2, and it rocks.
The Sims 2 is the follow-on to The Sims, released in 2000. The Sims and The Sims 2 are "people simulators" that could also be characterized as twisted interactive dollhouses.
You create Sims and build houses for them. To sustain themselves and furnish their pads-as well as toys ranging from TVs to disco dancefloors to keep themselves entertained-Sims need to get jobs. When they're at home, you monitor your Sims and keep them happy by making sure that they eat, sleep, remain entertained, go to the bathroom (no, we're not making this up), and socialize. But the Sims sometimes have minds of their own. Leave them unsupervised, and you might return to find they've committed all sorts of mayhem, up to and including burning down the house.
The Sims is the bestselling PC game history. And while video games are normally the terrain of adolescent and postadolescent males, The Sims has drawn a huge following among women, particularly teen age girls.
We recently got a tour of The Sims 2, due out for the PC in early 2004. Our first impression is that The Sims 2 should be enough to make you turn off "The Bachelor," "Temptation Island," and "American Idol" for what amounts to a far more entertaining variety of interactive reality TV.
Lucy Bradshaw, a Maxis product-development executive, and Tim LeTourneau, the game's producer, touted qualities of the new game that focus on Sims having what amount to life spans. You create a Sim, and it passes on its DNA when it reproduces (again, we're not making this up). Sims experience "life's big moments," such as a first date or first kiss or getting married or divorced.
Oh, and the graphics are now in full 3D-and boy, are they pretty.
LeTourneau jollied in showing off a Sims 2 scene in which Teeny, a teenage Sim, had her friends over for a party and maneuvered one of the boys into her first kiss.
LeTourneau instructed Teeny to walk over to the boy and flirt, only to have her ambition thwarted by her baby brother, who crawled over to the pair to cry and hunger. Teeny then went to the kitchen to give her brother a bottle and returned to the object of her desire. When she got her wish and the kiss happened, she was momentarily enveloped in a swirl of stars and hearts to indicate that one of life's big moments had occurred.
Moments later, Teeny's parents showed up from work to bust the shindig up. The entertainment value of the scene was enough to make "Joe Millionaire" pale in comparison.
Bradshaw showed off Sim creation tools that will allow players to create radically customized characters by manipulating everything from facial features to personality features (the latter can also be influenced by events that happen to Sims once game play begins).
"It's all going to mix in to make it a really emergent system," Bradshaw said.
If all of this seems like a lot to take in and manage, rest assured that the interface seemed clean and the controls easy to learn. Still, all of this realism and control will come at a price. To run The Sims 2, you're going to need a brawny, late model PC with a beefy video card.