The Sims 3: World Adventures Review

Adding new places to explore and RPG-like qualities, World Adventures is one of the best Sims expansions yet.

The Sims franchise is well known for its expansions. Every six months or so EA releases an add-on to keep game play interesting. The trend has started up again with The Sims 3: World Adventures, but the expansion is one of the most innovative to date.

World Adventures’ main goal is to expand game play from the main neighborhood to three locations; Egypt, China, and France. Traveling does mean another load screen, something EA has tried to cut down on with the introduction of a seamless neighborhood. Even on a fairly speedy computer the load time can be a little frustrating, but once a new world opens up it’s worth the wait.

The locations themselves are beautiful. The theme for each is unique with some recognizable landmarks to explore, like the Great Sphinx. The sims look genuine to their local, so you’re not going to find a blonde haired, blue-eyed sim in China.

Upon arrival, sims have a base camp for basic necessities. It also serves as the place to start adventures, which can range from collecting certain pieces of metal to exploring tombs for treasure. Adventures are easily cancelled if they prove too difficult or just don’t seem too interesting, and another can be picked up immediately.

The exploration of tombs adds an RPG element, and completing the set goals results in player rewards. Dungeons and tombs have traps to be disarmed, keystones to open doors, and secret passages to be uncovered. Relics can be found in treasure chests and are often part of a greater collection. Once collected, relics can be displayed thanks to the new display cases now available in sim’s homes. Ancient coins are also found and can be spent at a special local merchant who sells rare and useful items. It’s more linear than the sandbox style of the overall game, but it doesn’t hurt it in any way. A little bit of purpose in an otherwise open world is a relief in a game that can sometimes seem repetitive and fruitless, especially for long-time fans.