Sunday 3 September 2006

Glamour Life Behind the Scenes

Written at 03:09 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

On the official site EA has published an interview with MaxoidLittleL, Lindsay Pearson, about Glamour Life Stuff. The pack has been released a few days ago, and the interview gives a behind the scenes look at how the game is developed. They start with digging for information on the boards and through surveys, and then start making concept artwork. The designs for the game are made, and tweaked to be just right by playing the game and testing the art. Four concept arts are included in the interview. You can read the complete interview for more details.

Glamour Life Outfits and Lots

Written at 03:22 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

For those who have Glamour Life installed, some additional downloads from Maxis can already be put in the game. MaxoidMoonBelly has created several lots using the new items from Glamour Life, and she has also made a few recolours of outfits in the stuff pack released last week. The houses require only the base game and Glamour Life, without any other expansion packs. The outfits add some colour to the ones that ship with Glamour Life, and are made as regular daytime clothes. MoonBelly hopes to upload some more downloads on the exchange in the upcoming months - no new meshes, but just new textures on existing ones. You can find links to all the items in the exchange on MaxoidMoonBelly's blog.

Glamour Life Memory Game

Written at 03:39 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

Recently Glamour Life was promoted with a mini game in which you can decorate a home using items from the stuff pack. Now Maxis has created a second mini-game on the official site, which is a memory game. You have to find and match items from the stuff pack, and so get the complete puzzle solved. It can be found through a hidden link on the About page of Glamour Life. Try to find it yourself, but if you're unable to find it, or just too lazy you can also head straight to the memory game.

Pets at the GamesConvention

Written at 05:00 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

A week ago Leipzig in Germany was completely filled with gamers from all over the world, who were visiting the GamesConvention held near that city. Several Sims fansites - mostly German - also attended the show, and have posted their previews and pictures of the Sims 2 Pets, which was playable on the floor. First of all there's the official German site, which has posted a large special with many pictures taken at the GamesConvention. Follow the links after each parahraph to find pictures. Congratulations to our affiliate SimsZone and SimTimes for winning EA Sims Awards, for being the largest German-speaking community and the best German coverage of Pets respectively. Both sites visited the GC as well, and you can check out both SimsZone's coverage and SimTimes' special. You can also find some more screenshots on their third and fourth page of the screenshots index.

Furthermore, the Japanese gaming site 4Gamer.net has a preview of the PC game with several screenshots of Create a Pet mode. They also have two movies, linked to between the rows of screenshots. Finally there are two more fansites: TheSims.cz has a preview from the GamesConvention, whereas the German TheSims.de has only several pictures of the expansion pack, in between official screenshots in their screenshot index.

Pets PC Preview at GameSpy

Written at 16:19 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

Gaming network GameSpy has recently checked out The Sims 2 Pets for PC, the fourth expansion pack for the Sims 2. The result is a new preview of the pack, which repeats mostly old information. They cover the life-like animations and of course the training of the pets, done by praising and scolding them for good and bad behaviour - in whichever way you like. GameSpy also mentions the problem furniture may have with the new cats and dogs. They also say Create a Pet is in many ways more flexible than Create a Sim, with the options to add layers to customise a breed. Genetics are also briefly mentioned, followed by the wolves in the pack. Wolves with glowing eyes may sometimes visit at night, resulting in lycanthropy in case of a bite. The entire preview has more details spread over the two pages.

Thursday 7 September 2006

GameSpot Previews Pets on PC - Movies and Screenshots

Written at 16:18 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

We already reported about GameSpy's report about The Sims 2 Pets for PC, the upcoming expansion pack, last week. But GameSpot also published a preview of the expansion last week, along with a host of screenshots and videos. The preview describes the Create a Pet mode, as well as their scratching or chewing behaviour. Their moods are briefly mentioned, and that it affects their performance at work. GameSpot concludes that it's interesting how it will turn out in the end, since time is a limited resource in the game, and taking care of a pet requires that important resource. After reading the preview, you can also check out the 14 new screenshots or the 3 new "Gameplay" movies, all posted 29 August 2006. You can also find the new screenshots below. Click the thumbnails for full versions.

Get A Life Genuine Sims Product

Written at 16:56 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

A little while ago we reported about a game called "The Sims 2: Get a Life" for the PC. Now another online retailer in South Africa, Take2, has a listing of the Get a Life Edition of the Sims 2. The recommended retail price of 300 South African Rand comes down to roughly £21 or $40 (US), slightly cheaper than what was reported earlier. The little price difference may be merely because of the difference in region. The word "Edition" suggests that this is a repackaging of the Sims 2, probably bundled with either an expansion pack or stuff pack, or multiple of them. Exact details are however still unclear, and nothing can really be assumed at the time. The release date listed on Take2 is also different from the earlier mentioned 29 September: Take2 expects the product to be out early February next year. Thanks to Sims2Community for spotting the product listing.

That the pack is genuine is confirmed by MaxoidMoonBelly, who in a BBS post says "information will be released at some point in time, in the future. Patience for the perfectly baked goods will offer rich rewards of chewy goodness." The post has been updated yesterday, and MaxoidMoonBelly said "it is a legitimate EA/Sims product, more information will be coming out soon," before. Of course we'll keep you up-to-date with details around this new edition of the Sims 2.

MaxoidGrant Blogs about Pet Chance Cards

Written at 17:05 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

Every so often a Maxoid blogs about upcoming Sims games. This time MaxoidGrant, who has already made a story with pets, has now revealed a bit about the chance cards in the new expansion pack. Since dogs and cats can have careers too, they'll also get chance cards which can lead to rewards, or something not so very good. In his blog MaxoidGrant gives an example of a chance card about Stella who has to guard a precious jewel in a jewelry store. The scene is set and two choices are given. MaxoidGrant explains that both choices can lead to both a positive and negative outcome, similar to chance cards for Sims. Check the blog entry for the exact details.

Sims 2 Pets Renders and Screenshots (PC, Console, NDS)

Written at 17:28 by ChEeTaH - 4 comments.

Maxis has posted a bunch of new screenshots of the Sims 2 Pets on the official site. They include three screenshots for the PC expansion pack, three more for the PlayStation 2 and GameCube game, and another for the NDS. Three more were to be released for the GBA version, but those don't work on the official site yet. Of course we have all the screenshots here as well, so for your ease you can just click the thumbnails below to see all the screenshots. EA has also released some more renders, which you can also find below.

Thursday 14 September 2006

More Floors and A House to Boot!

Written at 02:31 by Jendea - 0 comments.

I uploaded stone floors today and a starter house that shows off a few of them.
Enjoy!

Check out the house by clicking on the picture or you can find this lot and the floors in my section under jendea

Tuesday 19 September 2006

Pets Videos (PC, PS2)

Written at 23:36 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

The French website JeuxVideo visited the GamesConvention in Leipzig, Germany last month. They've published two exclusive gameplay videos of the Sims 2 Pets for PC and PS2, both made at the GamesConvention. You can watch the PC video or the PS2 video, both of which are best played with Flash 8. If you have an earlier Flash version, clicking the "ce lien" link below the warning will still allow you to see the video. Downloading them is also possible, through the "Télécharger la Vidéo" link on the side of the page.

Sims 2 Pets Preview and Screenshots at 1Up [Update]

Written at 23:41 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

A preview of the Sims 2 Pets was posted at gaming site 1Up shortly after the GamesConvention in Leipzig, Germany, last month. A little bit of news they do bring, is that your pet's feeding and exercising habits don't impact the looks of the animal in any way. They also verify that dogs and cats can't burn to death. In fact, dogs tend to eat from dirty litter boxes, as 1Up noticed during the fire experiment. To read all about it, check out the full preview.

[Update 22:30] The three PC screenshots below were also posted at 1Up. Click the thumbnails to see them in their full size.

Wednesday 20 September 2006

Pets Pre-Order Bonuses

Written at 00:18 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

As usual with Sims expansion pack pre-orders, EA is giving away various different items again when you purchase the upcoming PC expansion pack, The Sims 2 Pets, at various (online) stores. This time however, the items can also be unlocked on the console (PS2 and GameCube) editions of the game. There's a choice of either a bandit cat, or a purple pug (dog), one of which you'll get depending on what shop you pre-order the pack at. Game.co.uk in the UK, and in the US GameStop (EBGames) and CompUSA deliver the bandit cat as unlockable bonus item. Those who want the purple pug can order it from Amazon UK or Amazon US, or directly through our shop. Below you can find small pictures of the bonus items. Note that these offers are available only for the PC, PS2 and GameCube editions of the game.

Music Artists in Pets

Written at 00:43 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

That real-life artists make an appearance in the Sims is not a first. The Sims 2 Pets, the upcoming expansion pack and console games, will also feature several famous artists. Aly and AJ already made a video earlier, but now EA has announced the names of others who participate in the new game. Besides Aly and AJ the soundtrack of the PC and console games will feature The Flaming Lips ("Free Radicals"), Hot Chip (Consoles only, "Colours" and "So Glad to See You") and the Pussycat Dolls ("Don't Cha"). The complete soundtrack consists of 26 songs by 24 bands, also from Italy, Finland, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. 4 Of the songs appear only on the console (PS2, GameCube) edition of the game, the rest is also in the PC expansion pack. The entire list of songs can be found in the press release, which quotes the Pussycat Dolls about their Simlish recording experience, as well as on GameSpot which quotes the Flaming Lips front man Wayne Coyne. Of course all songs have been re-recorded in Simlish.

Simlish Lyrics

Written at 00:47 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

Maxis has revealed another game secret recently. Three songs from the game have been picked as favourite, and their lyrics are now posted on a special Lyrics page. The songs are "Very Very Rich Town" by Go Betty Bo, Kajagoogoo's "Too Shy" and "I Play Chicken with a Train" by Cowboy Troy. The lyrics in Simlish allow you to sing along with the songs as they play on your Sims' radio. Check out the lyrics for all the song details.

Rumour: The Sims 2: In Season

Written at 00:51 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

Over the weekend an interesting rumour was caused by the Game Registration page of EA. In the list of games an unknown Sims game was mentioned: The Sims 2: In Season. Although the item has been removed already, there is still a (locked) thread in the official site's BBS about it, in which MaxoidDrea replies that the "game doesn't exist and shouldn't be there." Whether that's merely a cover-up or if "In Season" is indeed an upcoming PC expansion pack (since it was listed under the PC games), time will tell. Of course we'll keep you up-to-date with all the latest news about it, if anything follows in the future.

Daisies4U bedroom set

Written at 06:59 by MissWendy - 0 comments.

Here is a cute and flowery bedroom set perfect for your little sim girls or a college dorm room. Bring the outside inside.

Click here to find out more about it or click here to see more of my creations. I hope you like them.

New Christmas Pack and Bundle

Written at 22:25 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

Like last year, Maxis is releasing a special pack in the spirit of Christmas. The "Happy Holiday Stuff" is a new stuff pack, which will contain 60 holiday related items, according to the official Dutch site - 20 more than the Christmas/Holiday Party Pack that was released almost a year ago. The contents of the stuff pack looks largely similar to last year's pack though, judging from the box art posted by several European sites. The boxes below are from the Dutch site, and are pretty much the largest versions yet online.

Besides the stuff pack, a Holiday Edition of the Sims 2 is also being released again. This second holiday edition combines the base game of the Sims 2, along with the Happy Holiday Stuff pack. Some online shops have 7 November listed as release date of the stuff pack. The bundle will probably come at the same date. Prices will be in the usual range: around £10 (or roughly $20) for the stuff pack, and £30 ($50) for the Holiday Edition. Maxis promises more info on the official website soon, and of course we'll be telling you all about the pack as we get to know more.

Thursday 21 September 2006

New Pets Screenshots

Written at 01:25 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

The Sims 2 Pets is coming closer, and EA is promoting it by releasing new batches of screenshots every now and then. On the official European sites for the Sims 2, such new screenshots have appeared for almost all platforms. There are 6 PC screenshots, one for the consoles (PS2, GameCube), 2 for the Nintendo DS and finally 4 of the GBA edition. The PSP version of the game got no new screenshots this round. Click the thumbnails below to check out all the screenshots.

Thursday 28 September 2006

Foreign Pets Reports

Written at 00:03 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

Some producers of the Sims 2 Pets, coming out for PC, Consoles and Handhelds next month, have been touring Europe again to show off the new Sims title to press and fans. The result are a couple of reports with screenshots and videos on various European sites. First of all the Spanish CapitalSims has posted some screenshots and videos in their forums. From Italy comes a report (in English) of the PC, Console and NDS versions of the game, including some videos, screenshots, and an interview with Sam Player and Ben Bell. In that they talk about the differences with Unleashed, Creating pets, the personality of animals, the Kibble of Life (which is like Elixir for pets), and that there won't be new Sims clothes. Also, contrary to earlier reports, it will not be possible to have pets at university, according to the interview. For more details read the complete interview.

Another website with a couple of videos made from a presentation is Tecnosims. In Germany both Cynamite and PC Games posted screenshots of the PC expansion pack. Over at Sims2Community somebody has also received a review version of the expansion pack, and so far there are two reports with a bunch of screenshots. Check out part one and part two for the links to all the screenshots.

The Sims: The Island for Next-Gen?

Written at 00:16 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

With the Playstation 3 and Nintendo's Wii being released soon, EA is working on a massive multiplayer online world, featuring at least three titles. At least that's what rumours tell, according to GamersReports. That website has posted a press release which has been removed by EA again, and thus is more of a rumour than anything else so far. The world, called "The Island" would feature at least Need for Speed, Theme Park and the Sims. These games would be released at 14 November according to the press release, which keeping in mind it's almost October already is extremely quick for such a big release, making it less realistic. The Sims game would feature offline story and free play modes, as well as an online free play mode. The story can be played split-screen or online as well. Somewhat similar to Vacation (On Holiday) for the Sims 1, the game is set in the mountains, the coast, or in a city. It's said to be released on Playstation 3, XBox 360 and Nintendo's Wii, as well as the PC. Considering the upcoming Pets release on PC as well, it seems November is too early for this game. Altogether it's all more of a rumour than anything else at this moment, but of course if more news is being released by EA we'll let you know. For now check the GamersReports article for some more details.

Sims 2 Best on Mac

Written at 00:25 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

The Sims 2 is not only available on PC, but also Macs are able to run Aspyr's port of the game. That edition has recently been awarded with the Best Mac OS X Game, at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. Aspyr is "very proud of the work we [Aspyr] did with Sims 2 to make it feel like a home-grown Mac game, and want to keep that attention to detail in all our future Mac titles," as stated in their September newsletter in which Aspyr announces that they won the award. With the Sims 2 being a game originally from PC, like many Mac games from Aspyr's studios originally started on PC or XBox, it means the Sims 2 has excelled in using the Mac's features, otherwise Apple wouldn've have given the award to the Sims 2. For a few more details, read the newsletter.

Sims 3 Already in Production?

Written at 00:33 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

Following an earlier rumour, there's also the rumour going that Maxis is already working on the Sims 3. Every summer students from all over the world work as intern at Electronic Arts studios. MTV has interviewed a couple of them, of which one has worked on the Sims Division. Gwynne Olson-Wheeler, 21, worked on graphics for the Sims 2 Pets, but signs on the walls saying "Welcome 'Sims 3' team" also indicated that the Sims 3 might already be in the make. While nothing is of course confirmed by EA yet, it is not unlikely the Sims 3 will come at some point in time. Nevertheless it'll probably still take a few years before anything will be published about it. For now, read the MTV article for the few details that are out.

Sims 2 Mobile hits 1 Million Downloads in Europe; Pets on Mobile?

Written at 00:44 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

EA Europe announced last week that the Sims 2 for mobile phones has reached the 1 Million downloads in Europe, within the first seven months of release in December 2005. The press release announcing this milestone also mentions the Sims 2 Pets being in production for mobile phones, although no details or screenshots of it have been revealed so far. The press release says you'll be able to pick the appearance and gender of the Sims' pet, adopt and name the puppy, and of course being able to teach tricks. You can also take pets to the park. Taking care and training a pet is important, and "leaving your dog unattended near a freshly planted flower bed probably isn't wise." The press release has more details about the achieved milestone.

Play the Sims In-Flight

Written at 00:51 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

If you're going to fly over a long distance anytime soon, chances are you might be able to play the Sims 2 on board, through the in-flight entertainment system. Together with DTI Software, market leader in In-Flight Entertainment, Electronic Arts will deliver several Pogo.com games and the Sims 2 to game systems on flights of 62 airline partners of DTI. Precise details of the game's contents and possibilities are not mentioned. The full press release has more details regarding the new partnership.

Second Pets Training Paper

Written at 01:00 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

A month ago Maxis posted a training paper of the Sims 2 Pets, in which a few details of breeds as well as looks and personality of pets were explained. In the second issue Maxis gives away many more breed details, for both cats and dogs, but also some tips about training and playing with the pets. New information is that dogs and cats can be taken out for a walk, something that as you can read in our special (which will be continued again very soon!) was only implemented recently. The paper also mentions some interactions which improve the pets' needs, as well as training birds (PC only) to talk. Read the full training paper for all the information.