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PC | Simulation | The Sims 2 University

Boxart for The Sims 2 University
The Sims 2 University 15 screen shots
  • GRAPHICS: 4.5
  • SOUND: 4.5
  • CONTROL: 4.0
  • FUN FACTOR 4.0
  • AVG USER SCORE 4.6
  • AVG CRITIC SCORE 4.2

Review: The Sims 2 University

Review by Boba Fatt | 03/03/2005 | 19:02:24 PM PST

The Sims 2 University is more of a great thing, but the college crunch may feel more like work than pleasure.

If you're just tuning in, The Sims 2 catapulted far beyond its predecessor's gameplay value by introducing the passage of time. Aging allows for your Sims to experience each stage of life with such verisimilitude that you actually feel these are living (or dying) creatures. The game's first expansion pack, University, takes advantage of this strength by adding a whole new phase to your Sims' lives.

Crunch Time
In University, your college-bound Sims are placed in a dorm with other teens and academic pursuits are treated the same as jobs. You must earn skill points and maintain relationships to reach success. However, University adds another layer to the already-arduous process of raising a sum, because skill points only expand your characters' scholastic potential. You still have to do assignments and term papers to make the grade. The result is a shockingly rigorous race that doesn't relent until graduation. Each semester requires more skill points and more schoolwork, leaving little time for the great new additions to the game.

Work Hard To Play Hard
Fraternities and secret societies are the two most exciting new opportunities your sum will need to completely forego in order to succeed. If you join a frat or sorority (or create one of your own), you can move into their house and order pledges around. Secret societies are a shady sect that meet in the dead of night and have special handshakes (as well as not-so-secret uniforms). There are also several new ways for your poor students to make money in their spare time, like performing for tips, pool hustling or slinging java.

The sharp audio and visuals of The Sims 2 weren't broke and haven't been fixed, but there are still some menu items hidden in arcane locations. Ultimately, University is a fine expansion with fun locations and seductive opportunities, but it needs a bit more gameplay balance before graduating to the "real" world.


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