17.1.2007

The latest entry in the Sims series, Sims 2 Pets, tries to shake things up by adding lovable animals into the mix. Not a surprising move, really, considering the series has always tried to emulate real life, albeit in its own funny way. Serious fans, or those just up on industry news, may know all about the PC expansion pack to the Sims 2 which added pets. It came out a while ago, but Sims 2 Pets for consoles (Cube, PS2) is a different beast altogether.At the start of the game, for instance, you have the option to choose a pre-built home, complete with human and animal inhabitants, or move into a new lot. The first option lets you start playing immediately while the latter takes a little more time and effort.But that's what the Sims has always been about anyway, right? Without patience and perseverance, you'd get nowhere in the Sims 2 Pets, much like in previous iterations in the series. Still, the option to use an existing household, of which you can choose several types (old lady with cats, married couple with dogs, etc) is a great option to have.As is the norm with the series, you get a slew of options when you decide to start from scratch. You can choose how many people you want in the family and decide each person's gender. From there you cycle threw an obscene amount of customization options, such as body shape, skin tone and clothing preferences. Each section has several choices, so you can make whatever kind of person you want in terms of aesthetics. Afterward, you define two unique attributes, known as Aspiration and Personality. Aspiration is your sim's primary goal in life, and you can pick from among wealth, family, creativity, knowledge and popularity. What you choose has lasting implications -- it decides what you spend your time doing throughout the game.Then it's off to selecting pets. You add them the same way as human family, only you select a dog or cat, depending on what you want. You can also choose both - just remember every new pet you create will crave attention and gobble up your time. The first step is to select a breed or mix of breeds. Them, just like humans, you can morph a pet's body to suit your tastes. You can also define a pet's personality and sift through dozes of accessories like collars, hats and other such craziness. The process of defining your pets and Sims is one of the game's highlights. Not only is it fun, but the interface is clean and very easy to use, letting newcomers set all the different attributes with relative ease.After the "birth" of your Sim family, or after you "move in" to an existing one, the game actually starts. And here's where things get a little complicated in terms of how to rate a game in such a long-running and beloved series. You see, Sims 2 Pets does many things well, far better than in previous Sims consoles games, in fact, but the overall experience feels dated. You still need to manage every person in your family, making sure their needs (hygiene, hunger, energy, etc) are met, and that's fine - but some gamers have done this two, three or maybe five times before in other games. The whole affair is leaner, true, it controls far better and grants improved control over the gameworld and characters living in it, but this time it just doesn't feel like that's enough.Now, for all you new people, this will feel like a very worthwhile Sims package. Not only do you get all the features from previous Sims console games, but also score the pet's package. Speaking of, here's what you get with that: each pet acts like a Sim human, meaning they have wants and needs. You can't control them, however; all you do is influence their behavior through instruction, praise or discipline. Actually having pets in the household is fun since they come with well-animated and funny actions. They sing, play dead and look a whole lot like Scooby Doo while they're doing it. At the same time, it's just like real life - you need to spend time cleaning after them and making sure their needs are met.This makes the game a little more difficult than before, if you decide to control every character. You do have the option to run everyone on autopilot, but what's the fun in that? Still, say you decide to let the game run all the humans - they won't pay any attention to the animals save mop up their piss. This means your pets will ultimately get depressed and sleep all day in their own messes with flies buzzing around everywhere. Moral of the story is that pets can be fun, even virtual pets, but you need to make time for them or they'll turn into furry furniture before your eyes.One of the cooler aspects of Sims 2 Pets lets you take your furry critters into a quaint town square. Here, you can mingle with other pet owners and let your pets socialize with other animals. What's more, you can visit a number of different pet-oriented stores. There's a bakery and accessory store, for instance. But you can't spend simolians, which you earn by sending your human Sims to work in one of ten careers. Instead, you earn pet points by completing animal-centric activities back at home. However, if you don't have enough pet points and still want to buy that igloo dog house, you can head to the local ATM and convert simolians to pet cash. The more your visit a particular store, the bigger it gets, and the more stuff you can buy.Closing CommentsThe Sims 2 Pets improves upon its console predecessors in every way imaginable. The formula is definitely getting old, though, so long time fans will have limited interest. As far as newcomers go, there's plenty to see and do. The addition of pets, not to mention enhancements to the interface and overall performance, makes the Sims 2 Pets a worthwhile investment in terms of time and money.

17.3.2007

Your Sims can share a lifetime with their pets.Choose from dozens of dog and cat breeds, or customise features for a unique petCross different breeds to create designer pets or make new onesYour Sims can encourage and discipline pets, training them to shake, play dead, and moreNow your Sims aren't the only ones bringing home the bacon! Skilled pets can earn a livingYour Sims' pets are members of the family and share all of life's great momentsShare your favourite Sim pets with other The Sims 2 Pets players through the exchange.The lowdown:After years of trying to create less complex, mini-game orientated spin-offs it seems EA are now keen to see the PC and console The Sims games converge.This new iteration is an expansion pack on the PC but a full price, stand alone game on the consoles. As the name subtly hints the main addition to the game this time round is a number of four-legged friends, plus fish and birds (although it's really cats and dogs that get most of the attention). You can also create your own personalised pet via a complex customisation tool that's just as versatile as the one for humans and on the PC version you can even send your four-legged friend to work!Most exciting moment:On the PC this is a perfectly welcome but very narrow expansion. However the full price console version is actually a considerable improvement on the original with an easier-to-use interface, better artificial intelligence and even reduced loading times.Since you ask:The next PC expansion pack is called In Season and seems to be roughly analogous to The Sims expansion On Holiday, in that it'll focus on exterior objects and locations. It's not yet clear whether there'll be a console version.The bottom line:Finally, The Sims is made to work on consoles!-HARRISON DENTManufacturer's DescriptionGet your paws on The Sims 2 Pets Expansion Pack! From scampering puppies to cuddly kittens, add a new furry or feathered friend to your Sims' lives. Choose from dozens of the most popular dog and cat breeds like Dalmatians or the American Shorthair. Or create a unique cat or dog by modifying their body shape and facial features, choosing specific colours and markings, and more. Decide on a personality - smart, sweet, silly, or sloppy.Your Sims can teach their pets tricks, take them for a romp in the park, and countless other things as they share their lives with their pets. But keep one thing in mind - your Sims' pets have minds of their own. Don't be surprised if cats scratch the sofa, dogs dig holes in the garden, pets sleep on your Sims' bed, or worse. Expect the unexpected.Key Features:Sims Have PetsYour Sims can share a lifetime with their pets. Sims can adopt dogs, cats, birds, and more.Create-a-PetChoose from dozens of dog and cat breeds, or customise features for a unique pet and then pick their personalities.Pets Have GeneticsCross different breeds to create designer pets or make new ones and register them to appear in Create-A-Pet as a unique pedigree.Sit, Spike, SitYour Sims can encourage and discipline pets, training them to shake, play dead, and more. Unruly pets might dig in the yard, claw the sofa, topple the trash, or surprise their Sims in other ways, but Sims can change their pets' ways with the right training.Pets Have CareersNow your Sims aren't the only ones bringing home the bacon! Skilled pets can earn a living from three career tracks - Show Business, Security, and service - and work their way up through five job levels.Friends for a LifetimeYour Sims' pets are members of the family and share all of life's great moments whether it's kids training puppies, teens playing fetch in the park, adults watching TV with their cats, or elders enjoying a sunny day in park with their long-time companion.5 stars if i could i would give it even more!!!!Buy this!!!!!!

18.3.2007

Great graphics and pc cd!After years of trying to create less complex, mini-game orientated spin-offs it seems EA are now keen to see the PC and console The Sims games converge. This new iteration is an expansion pack on the PC but a full price, stand alone game on the consoles. As the name subtly hints the main addition to the game this time round is a number of four-legged friends, plus fish and birds (although it's really cats and dogs that get most of the attention). You can also create your own personalised pet via a complex customisation tool that's just as versatile as the one for humans and on the PC version you can even send your four-legged friend to work!Most exciting moment:On the PC this is a perfectly welcome but very narrow expansion.However the full price console version is actually a considerable improvement on the original with an easier-to-use interface, better artificial intelligence and even reduced loading times.Since you ask:The next PC expansion pack is called In Season and seems to be roughly analogous to The Sims expansion On Holiday, in that it'll focus on exterior objects and locations. It's not yet clear whether there'll be a console version.The bottom line:Finally, The Sims is made to work on consoles!-HARRISON DENTManufacturer's DescriptionGet your paws on The Sims 2 Pets Expansion Pack! From scampering puppies to cuddly kittens, add a new furry or feathered friend to your Sims' lives. Choose from dozens of the most popular dog and cat breeds like Dalmatians or the American Shorthair. Or create a unique cat or dog by modifying their body shape and facial features, choosing specific colours and markings, and more. Decide on a personality - smart, sweet, silly, or sloppy.Your Sims can teach their pets tricks, take them for a romp in the park, and countless other things as they share their lives with their pets. But keep one thing in mind - your Sims' pets have minds of their own. Don't be surprised if cats scratch the sofa, dogs dig holes in the garden, pets sleep on your Sims' bed, or worse. Expect the unexpected.Key Features:Sims Have PetsYour Sims can share a lifetime with their pets. Sims can adopt dogs, cats, birds, and more.Create-a-PetChoose from dozens of dog and cat breeds, or customise features for a unique pet and then pick their personalities.Pets Have GeneticsCross different breeds to create designer pets or make new ones and register them to appear in Create-A-Pet as a unique pedigree.Sit, Spike, SitYour Sims can encourage and discipline pets, training them to shake, play dead, and more. Unruly pets might dig in the yard, claw the sofa, topple the trash, or surprise their Sims in other ways, but Sims can change their pets' ways with the right training.Pets Have CareersNow your Sims aren't the only ones bringing home the bacon! Skilled pets can earn a living from three career tracks - Show Business, Security, and service - and work their way up through five job levels.Friends for a LifetimeYour Sims' pets are members of the family and share all of life's great moments whether it's kids training puppies, teens playing fetch in the park, adults watching TV with their cats, or elders enjoying a sunny day in park with their long-time companion.A masterpiece.You gotta buy it!5 stars!For definate,just buy it andenjoy yourself!:):):):)!!!!!!!

13.4.2007

I cant believe people gave this a one star,well egnore them this was fantastic!!!Get your paws on The Sims 2 Pets Expansion Pack! From scampering puppies to cuddly kittens, add a new furry or feathered friend to your Sims' lives. Choose from dozens of the most popular dog and cat breeds like Dalmatians or the American Shorthair. Or create a unique cat or dog by modifying their body shape and facial features, choosing specific colours and markings, and more. Decide on a personality - smart, sweet, silly, or sloppy.Your Sims can teach their pets tricks, take them for a romp in the park, and countless other things as they share their lives with their pets. But keep one thing in mind - your Sims'

6.6.2007

Get your paws on The Sims 2 Pets Expansion Pack! From scampering puppies to cuddly kittens, add a new furry or feathered friend to your Sims' lives. Choose from dozens of the most popular dog and cat breeds like Dalmatians or the American Shorthair. Or create a unique cat or dog by modifying their body shape and facial features, choosing specific colours and markings, and more. Decide on a personality - smart, sweet, silly, or sloppy.Your Sims can teach their pets tricks, take them for a romp in the park, and countless other things as they share their lives with their pets. But keep one thing in mind - your Sims' pets have minds of their own. Don't be surprised if cats scratch the sofa,

22.10.2006

I have to say I was pleasently suprised with this expantion pack. The animals are so cute and very realistic looking and there are so many to choose from. There are small dogs such as the Chihuahua, large dogs like the Rottweiler and unusual more dogs like the Keeshond. You can even make your own cat or dog and completely customize its looks, and register a new breed. There are 3 career tracks your pets can go into, and as as they get promoted you can unlock some nice features such as a crazy new coat colour or pattern.The cats and dogs start life as a kitten/puppy, then become adults, then elders. Its exciting waiting for the baby pets to grow into adults and develope their appearence,

10.2.2007

I have purchased Sims 2, nightlife, university, open for pets, glamour and pets. I am only twelve but my view has changed since I first played.When I first installed I had a little trouble and the sim 2 would not fit on my screen properly. I had to teach myself everything from the manual. But now I have a great fitting screen and everything works. Remember to always install sims 2 first, you don't want to put on the expansion packs on first, to realise you can't play it.The game has recieved great reviews because of it's high graphics and it also makes you work hard mentally. Many sims and have fun, this is the way to enjoy it. A full worth while reason to spend money, suitable for seven years of age and over.

30.10.2006

I like most simmers was chomping at the bit for this EP to be released, I've had it now just over a week and yes, the pets make it a great new exciting experience.You can choose in dogs from a huge selection of breeds from Great Dane to Chihuaiua or whatever they're called meaning you have two sizes of dogs, the little itty bitty handbag dogs to huge guardians. (only problem is you can't do a Paris with them and carry the little ones around unless they're puppies which is a let down)Cats there is a wide selection too from fluffy persians to slinky siamese.The new objects are mostly to do with the pets bar a few new building tools, but they are pretty nice all the same. Oh and like the vampire addition in Nightlife,

9.4.2007

I think that Sims 2 Pets was the best ep so far. I mean, it was fun, and I am a serious pet addict and also Sims lover. This is a far improvemant on the original Sims game ep Unleashed, which was basically the same idea. When you buy this game, you get new furniture, pets, and if it is your first expansion pack you get the chemistry between Sims. If you have certain turn ons/offs, then whovever has the turn ons, you get a chemistry with them. The chemistry is measured by lightning bolts, 3 being the best. You also get inventory, which is where your Sims can carry things around with them, wherever they go. All in all, I think this was the best ep yet, and if you are ne to the Sims gaming,

8.4.2007

I was so excited about Pets coming out, and when I got it at Christmas I almost exploded. So:- Creating the pets is fun, especially choosing the ears for dogs (my personal favourite, sad I know. You can choose over 20something breeds of well known breeds and a few perculiar ones. OR you can create your own from scratch.- Interacting with your pets is good too. You have to train them so that they don't wee on the furniture, sleep on your beds, destroy your setees and so on. That's pretty fun.- You can also breed them, but so far all my pupies have been plain white and all the same shape. A bit weird and disppointing.- AND you can either buy or adopt dogs and puppies. Which is very kind,

13.4.2007

Sims 2 pets, i can't tell you, i LOVE it! It's soooo addictive, seriously i have to be told cheaper to the dozen to get off the computer. I love it so much i've evn put it on the laptop. Before you buy this remember that it is an extension pack. You cannot download this game until you have purchased the Sims 2, (this counts to all sims extension packs.)One star is taken off for my 'fun' because my sims have just awkward personalities and are difficult to boss around!Even if you are not at all into animals its still great. You get to create them/name them/choose personalities, play with them, feed them, bath them... ect. Its the COOOOOLEST no joke! i promise!O and i'll give you one cheat for the game,

27.12.2006

I immediately loved this game from the first time I played it. Not only does it have all the usual items and things to get involved with from the sims 2 (and any extra expansion packs you may own), but it has the added bonus of pets! But it doesn't stop their, your personalised pups and pussy cats can earn their own keep, by having jobs. In these jobs you can get your pets promotions by teaching them certain commands. By reaching these promotions, your pets can get really pampered, because items such as clothes, collars and toys get unlocked. It's great because they're not impossibly hard to gain! I have only had this game for a few days and I'm sure their is plenty more for me to discover.

23.10.2006

This extension pack is great! You can create your own breed of pet, change the markings, colour, shape etc, so if you wanted, you could make little replicas of your own pets! The expansion comes with some new community lots such as a pet shop, a pet retreat, and a pet park. The accessories that you can get for your pets is good, although more would obviously be welcome!So whether you fancy a dog, cat, womrat etc this is the game for you!p.s. Did I mention that other cool bits include: you can breed your pets to get little puppies, kittens etc, choose to give your pet up for adoption (awwwww!), train your pet and choose them a career of their own so they earn their own simoleons,

28.1.2013

Firstly, this is an expansion pack so therefore (as stated) needs the sims 2 base game to run. You will find poorer reviews mentioning disapointment when this needed the base game...Anyway, I really like this game, brilliant fun! It's worth the money and one of my favourite EPs- I own, nightlife, open 4 buisness, seasons and freetime (seasons being my least favourite). The only problem I had with this game was the fact that whilst you can still use the 'maxmotives' cheat for pets, they are hard to keep your eye on, and I sometimes struggle to keep them under control. But with a little training they are wonderful. At first, pet creation can be hard,

1.4.2008

when i bought the sims 2 pets i didn't think that it would be anyhere near as good asa the sims 2 unleashed. how wrong was I? it adds a completely new side to the sims as the flexibility with chosing pets is splendid. i had no idea over how many breeds you could choose and you can even create your own. you can also get loads of new doors, floors etc and there are loads of unlockables to gain throughout. you can also train your pets and give them coreerers of their own and even scold or praise them.it can be a little difficult to get the hang of but after a while it is easy. i count it as money well spent. also, breeding your pets has never been so easy and the puppies and kittens are quite adorable.

The Sims 2: Pets (Add-On) (PC) - Reviews

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