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63%
PROS
A couple of laughs, fun at first, easy to start, cool interactions and objects.
LOWS
Some laggy servers, monthly service charge, no speed settings, no storyline or any purpose.
OVERALL
The Sims Online might take the Sims into the online world, but Maxis did a half ass job of making the game any good
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C'mon. You knew it was coming. I mean think about it: when was the last The Sims was not being sold on a game shelf? Yea... I can't remember either. It's pretty sad isn't it? You would've thought that Maxis would've just stopped and relaxed, but no, they had to push further. They had to make an online game. They just had to. And on top of that, they make you pay for it monthly! Yes that's right. Monthly. So sit back in your Aeron chair all you Sims fans, and get ready for a bumpy ride, because the Sims are moving out of their homes and into the online world.
You start off very typical by having your Sims move into one area, which could be very populated or vacant. Now boys and girls, we start the wonders of a Sim's social life!
This time the main focus is interaction. Not management. This is a big change for the traditional Sim game, because usually you are too focused on cleaning up piss or feeding a dog to check out your Sims interact with one another. Some Sims will start businesses, (such as night bars, candy/flower stores, etc) or some some would rather wander around their village. The businesses that your Sim can start are all very varied, and will provide a few good times to write down in your Sim's bio.
Social life definitely plays a huge factor. An AIM type messenger is used to allow players to communicate with one another. This means that everything must be typed out. Shorthand is used often, so you have to learn exactly what g2g, brb, ic, and lol mean.
Having the ability to type has its ups and downs.
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For one, you can say anything that your heart desires, aside from curses which are blocked. But one bad thing is that many people will abuse this power. Racial slurs and harsh terms will be open for type, as long as players are willing to accept being kicked off EA servers. Some people may not be able to deal with a 'meanie' who won't cooperate when you ask him if you can live in his house or which way the bathroom is.
Other people might say The Sims Online is a great way to meet new people. I feel, however, that too many people are just looking for a few jokes and laughs with Sims Online, and the whole 'meeting people' purpose has been defeated. You won't be able to sit in front of your computer for 24 hours just typing to people about nonsense. It is just not... fun.
When you do have 24 hours to spare, you will probably be working on your Sim's skills. These things range from musical to artistic traits, but you will usually be watching your Sims instead of controlling them while the time goes by. This is basically because there are no speed settings in the game, so you won't be able to be done with a painting in 1 minute.
You might be saying, no speed settings? My Sims will have to be in bed for 72 hours! But no, EA has let the Sims 'recharge' themselves faster, so everything you do will be done quicker then in the single player games.
Overall, The Sims Online really gives us little to talk about. A monthly service charge, semi-laggy servers, and no real purpose creates a game that even Will Wright should be disappointed with.
