The Sims Pet Stories

''The Sims Stories'' is a series of video games from ''The Sims'' series released between 2007 and 2008, based on a modified version of ''The Sims 2'' game engine. The modified game engine is optimized for play on systems with weaker specifications, such as laptops. As such, its system requirements are lower than that of ''The Sims 2'', but it can still be played on desktops.

The series was aimed to cater to three groups of players: players who wish to play ''The Sims 2'' on their laptops (which usually have lower specifications); players who wish to engage in other activities such as instant messaging while playing the game; and players who are new to the franchise. Titles in this series are categorized as "laptop-friendly" since they do not require a dedicated graphic card.

In addition to a freeplay Classic mode with open-ended gameplay, the games contain a structured, linear Story mode where players are required to complete a series of goals to progress in the storyline, similar to console entries in ''The Sims'' series. While ''Life Stories'' and ''Pet Stories'' each contain two separate stories, ''Castaway Stories'' contains one story that is double the length of any one story in the first two games.

As an introductory series, major features are removed or modified from those in ''The Sims 2'', possibly to simplify gameplay. For example, fears are completely removed in all three games, and the elder life stage is completely removed in ''Pet Stories''. Officially, the save files from this series are not compatible with the main ''The Sims 2'' games. However, players have experienced success in adapting some files. Three games in this series were released.

''Life Stories''

''The Sims Life Stories'' is the first game in ''The Sims Stories'' series. The pack bears similarities to the console ports of ''The Sims'' games. In Story mode, it begins with the problems of Riley Harlow and Vincent Moore. Rewards are unlocked as set goals are achieved. In the open-ended Classic mode, the player creates Sims and then chooses how they will live their life, akin to typical ''The Sims'' gameplay. ''Life Stories'' was released for Microsoft Windows in February 2007, and Mac OS X by Aspyr Media later in 2007.

The game begins in Story Mode with Riley's life story as she moves from SimCity to Four Corners to start a new life with her Aunt Sharon. A second story follows the life of Vincent, a millionaire who is searching for true love. After both stories are completed the gameplay continues in the open-ended Classic mode, which is similar to ''The Sims 2''. The towns in which Riley and Vincent live are also available to play when their stories are finished.

Aspyr released another port of ''Life Stories'' for macOS on December 3, 2015, to the Mac App Store. After the announcement of macOS Catalina dropping support for 32-bit apps, Aspyr removed the port from the Mac App Store on June 17, 2019.

Gameplay

''Life Stories'' uses the same engine and gameplay mechanics as ''The Sims 2''. In addition to the open-ended freeplay mode from ''The Sims 2'', ''Life Stories'' features two pre-defined scenarios. In each scenario the player takes control of one of two protagonists and is tasked with accomplishing various goals in that character's life. The game features significant use of scripted sequences to create pre-defined dramatic events and situations.
There are three neighborhoods to play – one for each of the two stories, as well as a freeplay neighborhood.

Several objects from various ''The Sims 2'' packs are made available in ''Life Stories'', such as the bowling alley from '' The Sims 2: Nightlife'' and pool table from '' The Sims 2: University''.

Reception

''Life Stories'' received "average" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. ''IGN'' praised the low system requirements but criticized its inability of allowing players to make their own stories. ''4Players'' gave it 74%. ''Gamekult'' gave the game five out of ten, saying that the game "offers a rather unoriginal approach to the world of ''The Sims'': the objectives to be met and the following story may innovate a little on what the series has usually offered us, utall of the gameplay and the actions carried out remain far too close to ''The Sims 2'' to truly impress."

''Pet Stories''

''The Sims Pet Stories'' is the second game released in ''The Sims Stories'' series, released for Microsoft Windows in June 2007, and for Mac OS X by Aspyr Media on September 9, 2007. Aspyr released another port of The Sims Pet Stories for macOS on December 17, 2015, to the Mac App Store. After the announcement of macOS Catalina dropping support for 32-bit apps, Aspyr removed the port from the Mac App Store on June 17, 2019, though it still remains available to play for users on older versions of macOS who previously purchased the game.

Features

''Pet Stories'' challenges Sims to care for and train pets, similar to '' The Sims 2: Pets''. Much like its predecessor, this game is optimized for laptops and features both story and free play modes. Players can also raise and train pets in the game like ''The Sims 2''.

In this game, two new stories are introduced, Best in Show and Midnight Masquerade. The first story features Alice, a woman who faces financial problems and is about to lose her home. So she enters her pet Dalmatian into a local dog show to try to earn enough money to save her house. The second story is about a successful executive chef named Stephen, whose world is turned upside down when an obnoxious cat comes to live with him.

There is a neutral town titled Arbor Falls, where you can play in Free Mode, and you do not have to follow a story line. In Free Mode, you can play as you can in the regular ''The Sims 2''. You can raise a family, buy pets, go out, and date, which was previously a feature in '' The Sims 2: Nightlife''.

''Pet Stories'' also introduced new objects, such as games for pets and musical instruments, and building opportunities including new paintings and floor patterns.

Reception

''Pet Stories'' received "average" reviews according to Metacritic.

''Castaway Stories''

''The Sims Castaway Stories'' is the third and final game in ''The Sims Stories'' series. It was released in 2008, with a port for Mac OS X released by Aspyr Media.

'' The Sims 2: Castaway'' is the console equivalent to ''Castaway Stories'', sharing similar gameplay and concepts. An updated version of the macOS port was released on December 10, 2015, to the Mac App Store by Aspyr. After the announcement of macOS Catalina dropping support for 32-bit apps, Aspyr removed the port from the Mac App Store on June 17, 2019, though it still remains available to play for users on older versions of macOS who previously purchased the game.

Features

''Castaway Stories'' features the choice of either playing in a story-driven mode titled "Shipwrecked and Single" or a more sandbox oriented mode "Wanmami Island".

In the "Shipwrecked and Single" mode, the player is subjected to a semi-linear scenario-driven style of gameplay. The player must choose whether to play as David Bennett, Jessica Knight, or a customized Sim, who boards a cruise ship for singles named Solomon Queen, only to have it crash and leave them drifting on the ocean clinging to a crate. The crate happens to float onto land, after which the player is left to help the Sim survive.

Gameplay on Wanmami Island is much more open-ended, enabling gameplay reminiscent of more traditional Sims games. The player is allowed to design their own Family and start Jobs.

Comparison to other ''The Sims'' titles

*The clock format used in the game is represented visually instead of numerically. There are eight orbs representing the 24 hours of the day, with one orb being equivalent to 3 hours.
*The currency used in the game are Resources rather than Simoleons. Sims can choose a career as a Gatherer, Hunter, or Crafter in an effort to earn Food and Resources. All jobs have the same working hours and Sims are to work daily. However, there are no penalties for missing work.
*All of the objects, clothing, and building tools available in the Sims series are designed to fit the Tropical and Tiki themes. Most of the icons used in the game are also designed to fit the theme.
*If a Sim wants to go to a community lot, they must go through a portal and go to adjacent lots or use their map for instant travel.
*Unlike the other releases in ''The Sims Stories'' series, ''Castaway Stories'' offers one 24-chapter story, compared to '' Life Stories'' and '' Pet Stories'' which offer two 12-chapter stories. Moreover, some of the rewards are not directly delivered to the main character. They have to dig at the shore to unlock them.
*''Castaway Stories'' allows multiple player profiles to be saved, saving the need to delete profiles to reset the game. However, sometimes this may interfere with one of the other files.

Reception

''Castaway Stories'' received above-average reviews according to Metacritic. ''PC Gamer'' praised the low system requirements, the music, and the original setting, as well as the low retail price, but noted that there are a few bugs and long loading times. ''IGN'' said, "''The Sims: Castaway Stories'' is the first game in the entire series that really feels different despite being based on the same engine and principles", but also said that there is little to no replayability. Some critics enjoyed the game less than others, however. ''PC Zone'' said, "By peddling this sort of single-minded crud to children EA are creating a new generation of absolute morons who won't be able to think one step ahead of themselves."

See also

*'' The Sims 2: Castaway''
*''The Sims Medieval''

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sims Stories, The
Electronic Arts games
2007 video games
2008 video games
Windows games
The Sims
MacOS games
Life simulation games
Survival video games
Social simulation video games
Video games with alternate endings
Aspyr games
Video games developed in the United States
Video games featuring protagonists of selectable gender
Video games featuring female protagonists
Video games with customizable avatars