Friday 1 August 2003

New Donation File

Written at 02:00 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

This month we don't have as many donation files as you're used to (it's summer, and we can't sit behind our computers all day long) but we still bring you something if you want to donate: a new object tutorial by Sumit. This one is all about changing the colours of existing objects, so you can change Maxis' objects into your own. If you want it, simply donate, get the username and password, download it and install it. It's as easy as that. We appreciate all donations and can always use them. We have to pay our bills, and when we've done that the remaining money will go to a charity. That way you help both us and the RGA, the charity we're currently collecting money for. Thank you very much for donating.

SimDay Part 2: more screenshots

Written at 17:11 by ChEeTaH - 3 comments.

SimDay wasn't over when I posted about it last night: Maxis has added 2 more screenshots and 3 object renders to the collection. The renders seem to come from the survey. To see all 5 new graphics, click here. Here's one of the screenshots:

Taking a break

Written at 23:44 by ChEeTaH - 3 comments.

It's summer, and it's been a year since I've had a proper break. I'm now taking a break from The Sims Zone for a month (and I've been looking forward to it, although I'll probably miss working for this site as much as now too). I won't be online much during that period, and it will take me a bit longer than usual to reply to emails. I'll still be doing some little things in the background every now and then though, so it won't be a complete break. The rest of the team will continue to work on this site to keep it updated properly, so wish them good luck :-) We've got a few special things coming up later this month, which many of you will be looking forward to. I will be back again in September, so see you all then!

Wednesday 6 August 2003

The Sims 2 at Games Domain

Written at 22:40 by Steve - 0 comments.

Games Domain have a preview of The Sims 2 available for everyone to read here. Included with the preview are some screenshots from the game, however these are nothing you won't have seen elsewhere. They are also available at TheSims.com homepage.

The article is very good and slightly amusing. It gives us plenty of information about The Sims 2, from how much Sims can be customised, to how much you can zoom in on the game. The people over at Games Domain witnessed The Sims 2 for themselves at Camp EA 2003; because of this they have managed to give some interesting descriptions of what we are likely to see in the game!

"One blond bathing beauty who stayed out by the Jacuzzi too long -- during a lightning-storm -- wobbled back into the house with frazzled hair and semi-scorched clothing, as though she'd just wandered off the set of an old Warner Bros. cartoon."

To read the article in full click here.

Thursday 7 August 2003

New Poll

Written at 22:58 by Steve - 0 comments.

It's Thursday and that means two things, SimDay and the poll change here at The Sims Zone. With the latest expansion pack for The Sims 1 coming out soon this will take us to seven expansion packs for The Sims. So, this week we are asking you how many expansion packs you think The Sims 2 will have. You can vote on the right of this page, or by going here.

Of course, with the new poll, it also means the results of the old poll are in. Last week we asked you, "Which name is better: Makin' Magic, or Spellbound?" We received 354 votes, and the result was incredibly close, only 1% between the top two answers. Spellbound was your favourite name (151 votes), with Makin' Magic receiving just 4 votes less (147). 29 people didn't know what we were talking about, and 9 people did not like either name for the new expansion pack.

You can view results from other polls by clicking here.

SimDay: Makin' Magic Interview

Written at 23:16 by Steve - 0 comments.

SimDay today has bought us an exclusive interview with Makin' Magic's producer Jonathan Knight. Included along with the interview are several new screenshots. This interview gives us quite a lot of information about what Makin' Magic will contain, but does not give everything away, so there will still be plenty to be discovered when the expansion pack is released. With Makin' Magic we will be able to literally give the Gnomes life and even have magical duels with other Sims. There will of course be side effects if (and when) spells go wrong!

"If a spell goes haywire, players should be prepared for toad and snake plagues or misbehaving NPCs. One of my favorite backfires is the unwanted transformation of your Sims' head to a donkey head."

To read the full interview click here.

SimDay also brings us a link to an article at The Gamers Temple which is also about Makin' Magic. You can read this article here.

Saturday 9 August 2003

Download Submissions

Written at 23:02 by Steve - 0 comments.

Recently I have received several submissions for The Sims Zone. However, due to technical problems (of the data loss kind) I no longer have these on my system. If you have submitted a download in the last couple of weeks please could you e-mail me with your submission again. I will get back to you as soon as possible. I would like to appologise for this error on my part.

Having said this however, I have just added a new object, the Green Loveseat. This chair is great for watching "late night movies with your girlfriend/boyfriend." To download this file click here. Or, to download other objects click here.

If you would like to submit a file to The Sims Zone, please read the submissions page, which contains all the information you will need. All submissions I receive are added to The Sims Zone, assuming you follow the submission guidelines. We really appreciate all your submissions, you are also helping other people enjoy The Sims even more, by adding to their game.

Wednesday 13 August 2003

2 Doors flying right by

Written at 18:21 by Sumit - 0 comments.

Here's 2 Oak doors. Yes they look quite similar to the originals but they are not. They have a light oak texture to give your home that somber look, and just in time as the schools start opening and little sims need a nice entrance out of your hectic summer days.

Thursday 14 August 2003

It's back...

Written at 02:17 by Andy - 8 comments.

SimDay: Interview and Article

Written at 23:37 by Steve - 0 comments.

It's Thursday and it's SimDay. This SimDay Maxis have not really done anything for us. It's also been a quiet week in the community. For SimDay, Maxis have given us links to an interview by Computer And Video Games.com, and an article at GameSpot; both on The Sims 2.

The Computer And Video Games.com interview, with Destry Davison (Associate Producer of The Sims 2), contains very little we haven't heard many times in many other places. It tells us again about the "Life Score" and DNA. One subject it does touch on that I have heard very little about is the subject of sex. On this subject Davidson says:

"We have to pass the ratings board because we have such a wide audience. So we can't get too steamy. Under the covers, tastefully done, that kind of thing."

To read the full interview by Computer And Video Games.com click here.

Unfortunately the article at GameSpot, although an interesting read, it does overlap somewhat with the interview, and many other articles that are floating around. It does however give us this little piece of information, which I certainly did not know about:

"The face designing tool will let you design two prospective parents and then actually see how their children might look."

To read this GameSpot article in full, click here.

New Poll

Written at 23:48 by Steve - 0 comments.

As we do every Thursday we have changed the poll here at The Sims Zone. This week we are asking you "Where do your Sims usually go on holiday?" You can vote on the right of this page, or by clicking here.

Last week we asked you, "How many expansions do you expect will come for The Sims 2?" We would like to thank the 263 people who voted. You can see the results here, but here is a quick rundown: The clear winner of this poll with just over 50% of the votes was you thought The Sims 2 would have more than 7 expansion packs. 16% think it will have 7 expansions, the same as The Sims 1. The other results are all pretty close, with the following order: 4 expansions (23 votes), 3 expansions (18 votes), 5 expansions (14 votes), 6 and 0 were equal 6th with 12 votes. 7 people thought there would be 2 expansion packs, and only 2 people thought there would be 1 expansion pack for The Sims 2.

Friday 15 August 2003

The Gamers Temple: Makin' Magic

Written at 00:37 by Steve - 0 comments.

The Gamers Temple have an article that conatins some info on the latest expansion pack for The Sims, Makin' Magic:

"Ever wish your sim had a little help around the house? Now you can fulfill that wish thanks to the domestic minions. Purchase a skeleton closet complete with a skeletal maid to keep your place spic and span."

To read the full two page article click here.

Saturday 16 August 2003

Let The Show Begin

Written at 02:00 by Andy - 5 comments.

Too late, it's already started
Check out the first day right here!

Sunday 17 August 2003

Day 2 - Complaining already

Written at 02:00 by Andy - 5 comments.

Gossiping, grumbling and moaning ... and it's only Day 2

It's all in here!

Monday 18 August 2003

Day 3 - Incentives and Politics

Written at 02:00 by Andy - 3 comments.

What does Will want?

The answer to this question and details of all the other goings on in the house are all here!

Tuesday 19 August 2003

Day 4 - Who's in charge?

Written at 02:00 by Andy - 1 comment.

The first power struggle comes to a head

Find out who came out on top!

Wednesday 20 August 2003

Day 5 - Sparks and Fire

Written at 02:00 by Andy - 0 comments.

George and Will talk

Find out what it is about right here!

Thursday 21 August 2003

Day 6 - Playing and Hacking

Written at 02:00 by Andy - 0 comments.

Maggie has found her favourite game

Find out what it is and all the day's happenings right here!

Friday 22 August 2003

Day 7 - Their First Task

Written at 02:00 by Andy - 0 comments.

It is their first task ... but do they pass?

The answer is here!

Saturday 23 August 2003

Day 8 - Britney's Choice

Written at 02:00 by Andy - 5 comments.

Britney has to make a choice

Find out whether she took the way out or stayed!

Sunday 24 August 2003

The Sims Double Deluxe!

Written at 20:17 by Stash - 0 comments.

Maxis is making yet another repackaging of The Sims 1 and expansion packs for those people who still haven't found The Sims yet. As if "The Sims Deluxe Edition" was not enough, Maxis brings us "The Sims Double Deluxe". "The Sims Double Deluxe" will enclude all the content of the original "The Sims" game, "The Sims: Livin` Large expansion pack", "The Sims: House Party expansion pack", plus two exclusive Decorator Sets (Japanese and African sets). The game is set for release in September 2003 . Bonus content will also be a part of this must-have collection including dozens of new walls, floors, and objects in African and Asian design themes. For all current Sims players, this bonus material will be available as a free download at TheSims.com! Each week Maxis will feature a download of the new obejcts from this pack.

Read More!

Monday 25 August 2003

Sim Brother Special Report

Written at 04:00 by Andy - 0 comments.

What did Britney have to say to Will?

The brief life of the first leaver is all in here!

Makin' Magic Update!

Written at 05:22 by Stash - 0 comments.

The last expansion pack for The Sims, "The Sims: Makin' Magic", is comming out this fall. The exact release dates are October 28, 2003 for North American markets (America and Canada) and October 31, 2003 for the the UK and Europe. Maxis has picked the box design for the game's release (you can see it here). The box is a dark blue with "magical-sim" shadows around the logo. Also, for those people who need a little help, you can buy the "Makin' Magic Prima Strategy Guide". The book is filled with tons of tips, tricks and hints. This strategy guide will help you develop the tactics and moves you need to get the most from the game. It will also go on sale the same day as the game. SimsZone.de has several new screenshots from the game, including a new shot of Magic Town.

Day 9 - A Special Task

Written at 12:00 by Andy - 0 comments.

There is a special task for the housemates

Find out who won and what else went on today!

Day 10 - An Uncomfortable Choice

Written at 12:30 by Andy - 0 comments.

Maggie has to make an uncomfortable choice

Find out what she decided and what else happened in the house!

Tuesday 26 August 2003

Day 11 - The First Nominations

Written at 02:00 by Andy - 0 comments.

These seven housemates have nominations to make

Find out who voted for who!

Wednesday 27 August 2003

Day 12 - Kelly's First Day

Written at 02:00 by Andy - 2 comments.

How did Kelly find her first day in the house?

Find out right here!

Thursday 28 August 2003

Day 13 - A New Task

Written at 04:00 by Andy - 0 comments.

How are Kelly and Ruud getting on today? All the days goings on are in here!

SimDay: Screenshots, Story, Music, Secret Projects, and More!

Written at 20:10 by Stash - 0 comments.

This week on TheSims.com we get some new news, screenshots, and stories. There are two new Makin' Magic screenshots. You can see when a flamingo becomes sexy hostess, and see some all new kids magical objects! There is a story about a "Hardcore Situation". It tells about what happens when hardcore fans and overworked game testers collide. Plus this SimDay gives Sim fans an exclusive first listen! Right now, TheSims.com is the only place in the universe you can hear a new song off of Sarah McLachlan's upcomming album. Also look for a new Sim of Sarah McLachlan on TheSims.com in the upcoming weeks. Maxis is also looking for "Bay Area fans of The Sims" for a top-secret project. So if you're from the Bay Area check out TheSims.com for an outstanding offer. Plus the press release about "Double Deluxe" is still there from Tuesday for every one who still hasn't seen it yet. So just check out TheSims.com for all these things and more!

Friday 29 August 2003

Day 14 - Talk, talk, talk

Written at 02:00 by Andy - 0 comments.

It appears that Will and George seem to be getting on better. You can find out whether things are as they appear right here!

Saturday 30 August 2003

Superstar comes to Mac

Written at 00:39 by Stash - 0 comments.

Mac game publisher Aspyr Media announced plans to publish "The Sims Superstar". As with the original Sims, and the other expansion packs that have already been released, Westlake Interactive is handling the conversion for Aspyr. The Mac version on the expansion pack will require (aside from the original Sims game), Mac OS X v10.1 (or later ), or Mac OS 9.2.2 (or later). Plus G3/233MHz (or faster), 192MB RAM, 2MB VRAM, 750MB hard disk space, QuickTime v4.1.2 (or later). The Sims Superstar for Macintosh is anticipated for release this October.

Day 15 - The First Eviction

Written at 02:00 by Andy - 0 comments.

Task Completion, the first Eviction and a whole load more. It's a fun-packed day in the Sim Brother house!

Sunday 31 August 2003

Back again

Written at 00:33 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

I'm back again from my break. Besides going away from home for 3 weeks, I've been working on the site in the background a bit the past month. Besides some help with Sim Brother, I've been working on another new thing that will be coming to the site soon. I've had a nice time off but it's good to be back again.

Hillary's Eviction Night Special

Written at 02:00 by Andy - 0 comments.

Hillary is out of the house and has plenty to say

Find out what she had to say right here!

Day 16 - The Day After

Written at 04:00 by Andy - 0 comments.

As well as snoozing, the housemates have been busy mending fences and trying to develop friendships in the house. How did they all work out? You can find out right here!

Newsround

Written at 15:52 by ChEeTaH - 0 comments.

In the past few weeks there has been a lot of news about The Sims. Besides the news we've already reported about, there've been items that we've missed in the past few weeks. Here's a round-up of all the news that hasn't been posted about yet, containing screenshots, developer diaries, and much, much more... Read More!