From SimGuruGraham:

Ever wondered why the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe were in World Adventures but didn’t actually appear in France? Take a rare peek at pictures of an early France prototype… We eventually decided having these huge landmarks in a town felt awkward, so we made Champs Les Sims a countryside village on the outskirts of Paris.

Honestly, looking at these pictures really makes me happy they didn’t make Paris but Champs Les Sims.

Via Simprograms

For the first time in my Sims experience, I truly love the freedom of TS3 neighborhoods since there are no loading screens whatsoever. You can go basically anywhere by foot or by bicycle. I love this! No loading screens! I’m still amazed by this simple fact.

Another thing I truly love is the nature in Shang Simla. It’s really epic, picture-perfect. I took a few snaps so you can take a look (and make sure to enlarge them by clicking on them). Exploring catacombs is amazing and I love that you actually have some quests to do. This gives the player a whole new experience.

I often found previous vacation EPs quite boring from the point of doing something in the game. You could visit places, swim in the sea (although I miss this a little), search for treasures… it was fun, but soon I realized there’s nothing more to do.

In World Adventures, you can collect relics, play with you camera and take some great pictures, study martial arts, there are quite a lot of shops with exclusive objects you won’t find anywhere else. And producing wines is so much fun!

I still haven’t been to El Simhara (I need to prepare for exams again) but I totally love Shang Simla. Champs les Sims is okayish, I think I only like producing nectar about it. But I’m looking forward to having a Sim with a huge wine collection, that seems so cool to me.

So far, that’s all I can say briefly, I hope to post more pictures, but I’m not sure when since my exams are here in less than two weeks. But I’ll be posting new stuff, don’t worry.

The terracota army. Isn’t it wonderful?

One scary dragon.

Me eating bell pepper…

… but links are much better!

Look at me! I’m so fierce!

… and brave!

Or maybe not…

Fireworks look absolutely fantastic. Just make sure you set it outside and not in your living room, or you might set your Sims on fire.

Some sets or objects from the official store disappear from the game after World Adventures is installed (Bayside, Ultra Lounge Set). I tried to install them again but it doesn’t seem to work. It’s a huge miss since I love these sets. And I also bought them from the store (for my free points, of course, but still) so it sucks a lot!

Traits. In-game Sims ‘lose’ their traits, they’re simply not showing up. This also confuses Sims’ Wishes/Wants that are tied to traits–e.g. Sims who like the outdoors won’t ask you to go outdoors very often. However, newborns that you don’t play with get new traits correctly and you can also chose new traits for Sims in the Create-a-Sim. Using enabletestingcheats true cheat and then SHIFT-clicking the Sim to chose his traits works, though. You can simply chose new traits for your Sims this way.

Ceilings don’t appear correctly in some cases. Instead of showing in white color, they’re dark brown (and that can’t be changed with simply chosing white tile to ‘repaint’ the ceiling). Re-builing walls seems to help this. (I didn’t take a picture that would show just the ceiling, but notice the upper corner of the picture–it’s dark brown.)

Not sure if this is a bug, but could be–my Sim has fully explored a catacomb and grabbed all he could find there. Then he was supposed to give it to the woman that assigned him to find a relic there (and he did find it). The problem was I could not find the woman as she was not highlited on the map and after a lot of struggling I fould her, but could not give her the relic she wanted. There was no such option. Has anyone experienced this?

Some textures of furniture were changed after WA was installed. (See the first picture–not only the textures are wrong, but also the Bayside kitchen set was replaced by objects from the original game.)

World Adventures got me thinking about love triangles or actually, the game makes them much more complicated. My new Sim, Jason, has decided to date and soon marry his boss, Jamie, who is a super-cute and clever blondie.

Then he found out he’s totally into martial arts and so he went to Shang Simla. There he fell in love with a nice Chinese girl and who would’ve thought she could get pregant just like that?

The truth is that I didn’t want to leave out the pretty Chinese on her own with a kid, so I went back home and decided to make Jason and Jamie break up. Yeah, I broke her heart, but a heart of a women expecting baby must be crushed, not just broken.

And then the funny thing happened. I invited the Chinese girl to my place and wanted to marry her. But I couldn’t! I spent countless hours of socializing and waited for ‘Get Engaged’ option to show up, but nothing happened. They could try for babies but no serious steps like marriage. Damn it!

I’ve decided to step back. I wanted Jason to marry his ex-wife, Jamie. But guess what? After another countless hours of socializing, I still can’t. It just won’t let me to. I guess Sims have only one shot in their lives, how sad.

Now I’m going to Shang Simla again and I’ll use the cheats (testingcheatsenabled true and then Shift-click a non-household Sim to add him to family) to get my Chinese girl. You have to fight for love, don’t you? Hope this will work out, I really wanted Jason to eventually end up with his love from travles.

Particularly this picture made me very excited–yes, wine production. I live in a region famous for its wine and champagne, we even produce wine in our house. In fact, we have quite a big vineyard, too. Self-production, that is. Well, I’m not really keen on the production to be honest, but wine… that’s another story. As long as you don’t get drunk. (Which I haven’t in my entire life, good for me!)

I wonder if Sims will look drunk if they drink too much of “grape sect”… ? It would be fun to see them like that!

Via: SimTimes.de

I’m not buying it just yet, maybe in early December (hopefully). If you still haven’t bought your game, I’m sure you’ll appreciate this, too.

UPDATE: It looks like it’s only a Black Friday discount, but I can’t seem to find out exactly when the discount ends (probably on Saturday?). Damn it, I’d better order it fast!

And that’s why I’m asking whether you like it or not, whether it’s an alert must-have or it can wait. I will buy it anyway, no matter what others say, but comments usually either give me more or less enthusiasm…

And here’s another video. Oh yes, EA Games has decited to promote even Paris. Unbelievable, isn’t ok? Okay, okay, I’m late, it’s been out for 8 days and I found it only two days ago… but still better than never.

Simlish always makes me excited, no matter what. Yay! Wow! Woohoo!

The problem is also that I spent all my money for Christmas already, but I will get some in December, which is kind of a relief. But I also need to save something for MIKA’s upcoming gig in Vienna, it’s a must-see, must-go. (Anyone I’m going to see there? )

But as undecided and exited as I am, I’m sharing these two new pictures with you and also make sure to read this new Melody’s letter that EA Game wrote to make promote the game a little. It made me excited, hope it will do you, too.

On November 17th, new patch will be released and it will contain some new objects that you can download for free (you can select some of them). Is this the new Velvet Revolution in EA Games? I guess and let me tell you I really like this and I’m pretty sure this nice present will make you at least a tiny bit more happy each time you update your game.

More info here.

1. When Nelly started singing, I had a feeling she sings in Spanish! I know it’s nonsense, because Spanish doesn’t sound like this, but her voice made me feel that way.
2. Some of the elemnts from World Adventures look very nice.
3. I would be happy if Maxis cut out the scene where Nelly sings in Paris in front of many Sims. We’ve seen that before–and let’s face it–it’s not original seeing it again.

If you know something about art, you might have noticed that some paintings in TS2 and TS3 have been based on real paintings (Vermeer van Delft, Leonardo da Vinci, Vasilij Kandinskij, Monet, Lichtenstein, Piet Mondrain… and many more–I highlited paintings you might recognize in the game). And so are some of the monumental buildings in TS3–but it’s really not that easy to make things look realistic, I guess. I always wonder if EA Games have a team of art historians and architects to take care of this part… what do you think?

• Facts about China
• Facts about France
• Pictures: 1, 2, 3

Create your own worlds for The Sims 3

Create and share unique new worlds for your Sims with The Sims™ 3 Create a World Tool – BETA.  Step into the shoes of The Sims 3 development team and use the same robust world-building tool they use to create your own Sims world and then share your world online.

More info to come!!

Hope you’re guys happy, because I know many people lack a tool like this. Personally, I don’t like to create my own hoods. I’m too lazy and simply put–I don’t have time for that. But concearning other, I think the community will love it.

However, seeing the pictures didin’t really make me happy. What’s wrong? I think you’ll find out yourself. Look at the next picture. What do you think of when you’re thinking about Paris? (Okay, I haven’t been there — yet — but I have my own imagination.) I think of romance, architecture, art, avant-garde, fashion, lots of fashion, lots of great bonbons, really–tons of them, of course things like Eiffel Tower, history, cinematography… oh, and baguettes, red wine and pancakes (or rather crapês). I just can’t see anything of this in the pictures. Sorry, my dear EA Games, I can’t.

But let’s hold our breath for a few more days. I still think that France is a little incomplete and that’s why they’re not giving out too much. Or at least that’s what I hope for…

PC Requirements

• PC OS: Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista SP1 or Windows 7
• CPU: (XP) 2.0 GHz P4 processor or equivalent; (Vista and Windows 7) 2.4 GHz P4 processor or equivalent
• RAM: (XP) 1 GB RAM; (Vista and Windows 7) 1.5 GB RAM
• HARD DRIVE: At least 3.5 GB* of free space with at least 1 GB additional space for custom content and saved games.
• VIDEO: DirectX 9.0c compatible Video Card with 128 MB of Video RAM and support for Pixel Shader 2.0

*9.6 GB if installing with The Sims 3

• Supported Video Cards: Nvidia GeForce series: FX5900 or greater, G100, GT 120, GT 130, GTS 150, GTS 250, GTX 260, GTX 275, GTX 280, GTX 285, GTX 295; ATI Radeon^TM series: ATI Radeon 9500 series of greater, X300, X600, X700, X800, X850, X1300, X1600, X1800, X1900, X1950, 2400, 2600, 2900, 3450, 3650, 3850, 3870, 4850, 4870, 4890 series or greater; Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA): GMA 3-Series, GMA 4-Series.

GeForce 6100 and 7100 cards are not supported.

Mac Requirements

• MAC OS: Mac OS X 10.5.7 Leopard or higher
• CPU: Intel Core Duo Processor
• RAM: 2 GB RAM
• HARD DRIVE: At least 3.5 GB* of free space with at least 1 GB additional space for custom content and saved games.
• VIDEO: ATI x1600 or Nvidia 7300 GT with 128 MB of Video RAM, or Intel Integrated GMA X3100
• *9.6 GB if installing with The Sims 3
• Supported Video Cards: Nvidia GeForce series: 7300, 7600, 8600, 8800, 9400M, 9600M, GT120, GT 130 ATI Radeon^TM series: x1600, X1900, HD 2400, HD 2600, HD3870, HD 4850, HD 4870.

This game will not run on PowerPC (G3/G4/G5) based Mac systems (PowerMac).

Via: SimTimes.de

“When I look at the bright side, I may not have found any ancient lost culture, but at least I have a better outfit than Heinrich Schliemann!”

It’s always very important to treat yourself good. Grim Reaper made some serious business and now needs to eat. Hell, it better be something nutrient, but nothing too good, because he might risk feeling closer to Heaven.

The fight of Ghost and Mummy. In the new Matrix movie, of course.

Mummy! Mummy? Mummy?! Mum, where are you?!

• Mysterious cards that help the player explore the secrets of tombs, catacombs and caves.
• Exotic Egyptian Furniture
• Chinese decorations and more.
• 1000 SimPoints (equivalent to a value of 12 euros / 120 Rand) for The Sims 3-Store.

Honestly, I’m feeling so behind of all of this right now. I played Sims very little recently (also probably because I installed Tropico 3, which is amazing!) I also can’t believe it’s the end of October soon. That means two things: World Adventures and a few tests ahead of me. Not a good combination. The worst part is that I bought 6 books I’d really love to read straight ahead and also that can’t afford any more expenses. I hope there will be somebody to gift me World Adventures, since I’m having birthday in December and it will be Christmas soon…

Via: SimTimes.de

Well, I know that not everyone has a credit card (poor kids), but I don’t like to hear this for one thing: I just don’t like installing so many The Sims game anymore (and I do like physical copies). I hope the objects will be available at The Sims 3 Store, but if there will be new interactions, I’m not sure if they will be included. *sigh*

The new picture from World Adventures:

But even in China there’s nothing we haven’t seen so far. Oh c’mon EA Games, I’m sure you’re much better than this!

Or maybe the small river (or whatever it is) is new. And it looks pretty good. I’m really looking forward to see the tombs. Speaking of which, there are some tips about building them at Infinite Sims.

And last but not least, there’s a new rustic floor lamp for everyone to download for free.

Seems like we’re going to experience the Terracotta Army and… loads of new goodies. Like soak pools, foggy areas, new build mode tools etc. I’m a little tired to tell you more, but you can always read about it yourself, right?

Once again, I’m being very optimistic about this new vacation EP. The original Vacation EP for TS1 was rather boring (I found it boring even when it was new–there just wasn’t too much to do), Bon Voyage was much better because you could explore three new countries, there were also the memories, hidden lots and special objects (like the Voodoo doll, which was really cool).

World Adventures for TS3 is going to have some adventure games features. I know that many people don’t like that, but I think it’s going to make the game a bit more exciting. Or at least I hope it will. And if not, I read (at GameSpot, I think) that you can always turn off the puzzles and adventure stuff and just enjoy your vacation.

Sounds good to me, what do you think?

Via: SimTimes.de

And of course, there are some great DVDs, too. And then there are also awesome PC Games. Let’s say I could shop there like forever.

But when I saw I the new price of The Sims 3 World Adventures, all I could say was just ouch. It ranges from 39.99 USD, but Amazon has a little less expensive price: 36.99 USD. Well, it’s not a even a difference, is it? And I shouldn’t forget about shipping to my counry… I know, I’m being a little whiney again.

I don’t really think I’m going to pre-order right now, but I think I’ll buy the game anyway. And while being totally broke, I’ll have to put some pink sunglasses on my eyes and hope for better times. (And no, I don’t think I will wait for Christmas, The Sims games are a must-have for me, haha.)

The pictures really turned me on, though. I’m getting quite excited about the new game, but I wish they already showed us new pictures with France (or China, but France is still first on my list). But have I already said that I love the mummies? I think that Bon Voyage had one of the most boring creatures. I wasn’t really that much into Yeti who could take care of my kids. Mummies look exciting, dangerous and hilarious at the same time. My expectacions are quite high, though, so EA Game, beware!

I’m also anxiously waiting for EA Games to show us France and China. I’m really looking forward to seeing France, to be honest. Good cuisine! Art! The Eiffel Tower! Oh, I know why I was excited.

If I found that rock, I would be rich. That explains why I’m still blogging about The Sims, hahaha.

I really love this, looks so romantic!

Oh-oh, scary mummy!

I read that you will get burned by fire but there are also some water floods that will be useful to cool your Sims down.

Another interview at 4players.de in German. I read it but realized I forgot a bit part of vocabulary I knew, so too bad for me. But Lynday said they don’t plan to make any online version of TS3 (which I consider good, because social networking is getting me mad). Anyway, here are the pictures:

Someone’s working hard to get to… treasure, maybe?

Oh look! A snake! I really like this. At first I wasn’t too much into Egypt, but it seems like a lil’ bit more fun to me now. And have you noticed that the Sphinx has no nose? I guess that Napoleon existed in The Sims 3 as well. Long time ago, of course.

Well, the countries are partly beyond my expectations. Egypt? Sounds amazing! It has a great history, architecture. France is really a great idea, because (A) Americans love European countries, (B) Paris is considered to be the most romantic city in the world and (C) us, Europeans, will like to see a nearby country. China is something we had before and I couln’t probably imagine the new EP without.

So what’s the problem? My question is: where’s the Twikii Island? I want sea! I want something exotic like a jungle, something with beach and shells. Well, I won’t mind if this will be included with Egypt. If not, then darn you Maxis. Or mabybe they will skip it all just to add it later? It’s also possible. I will also miss the Mayan architecture that came with Twikii Island. I loved it so much.

Enjoy the first three pictures from the game!

The rumors got a little twisted, because it seems like the first part is wrong, but the second part might be true. French site JeuxVideoPC.com claims the new EP will be called Destination Adventure. While no more information has been given, it seems like the new game will be something like we’ve already seen in the Sims before — it might be a mixture of Bon Voyage and Vacation (a.k.a. On Holiday in Great Britain).

EA Games has not made an official statement yet, so nothing is for sure. However, the site also claims the new EP will be available in November, just as we’ve heard before.

Stay tuned for more info and feel free to leave a comment on what you think about all of this.

Thanks, Scott!