I would def try out the base game first before committing to purchasing any expansions or kits. Even though the game is old, EA keeps those expansions at full cost. There’s been enough added that it should scratch the itch and give you an idea if you want to invest in more.

The expansions I would recommend first are Seasons and Get Together - adding weather and holidays helps with immersion and being able to have clubs and control how sims hang out more is a plus. Life & Death and Growing Together are great expansions for fleshing out interpersonal relationships and getting really unique sims.

I play with a bunch of expansions and kits.

The biggest disappointment with Sims 4 is that originally it was being designed to be online-only - similar to Sim City which was a huge disaster and the fanbase got PISSED. So they backtracked and released Sims 4 with a bunch of things stripped from it and it felt really empty.

Over the years, the base game has definitely gotten better. There’s more unique playstyles that are possible, they added some life states, a bunch more for building, etc. It’s worth it to give it another shot since the base game is free now (I think?).

Mostly building in Sims 4, I find I enjoy the building parts much more than the older versions. I do boot up Sims 2 from time to time. Such a classic!

Ohh this sounds tempting, too. Thanks for the info :)

Thanks!! I think I’m leaning towards taking a crack at 4 :)

Been distracted with playing The Sims again. Sometimes silliness is needed in this world lol

Also been diving back into Civ 6. I never played other versions of Civ and am toying with the idea of trying older versions. Any recs?

I’ve created so many new saves on this game, play the save obsessively for months, and then put it down for a while. Especially fun to play while listening to podcasts or otherwise.

It’s awesome to see the multiplayer used like this! 6 is probably the biggest group I’ve seen get together. Thanks for sharing!