News: January - June 2008

EA have today launched The Sims 2 Store for residents of the US and Canada. In the store you can purchase popular items from various expansion and stuff packs separately, as well as some exclusive items, using SimPoints. 500 SimPoints cost $5 plus taxes, 1000 SimPoints cost $10 plus taxes, and 2000 SimPoints cost $20 plus taxes. Items typically cost either 75 or 100 SimPoints. Six items are available free, but they're not very good ones.
 > Press release
 > The Sims 2 Store

The current poll's been running for four weeks now, so it must be time for a new one right? Right. So a new one there is.

The latest stuff pack, The Sims 2 IKEA Home Stuff, has now been released, so I want to know whether you're going to buy it, if you haven't already. You can vote to the right of almost any page, so do it now. NOW.

Last month, I asked whether you lot play any games other than ones in The Sims series. The results are pretty darn close. Click below to view them, plus one (fairly irrelevant) comment.
 > Poll Results

My latest house is now available to download: A detached bungalow featuring a large garden space, a driveway, three equal sized bedrooms, and a deck to the rear.

To see a bigger picture and a floor plan, or to download it, click below:

 > 3 Bedroom Detached Bungalow

A new comic strip telling the story of Peter and Mary and their new apartment has been posted on TheSims2.com, called "Meet The Techies". I've also added the four best screenshots from the strip to the screenshots page.
 > "Meet the Techies" The Sims 2 Apartment Life comic strip on TheSims2.com
 > The Sims 2 Apartment Life Screenshots

EA have officially announced the latest (and probably last) expansion pack for The Sims 2, Apartment Life. With the announcement is the first proper information:

Move your Sims into the close-quarters drama, humor, and excitement of apartment life!

Your Sims are moving into a brand-new apartment, and their lives will never be the same! Adventure, fun, and drama await them as they meet new people and explore their new neighborhood. Will they take their kids to the local playground, mingle in coffee shops, or hit the park to learn from the breakdancers? Close quarters mean new opportunities-move in with compatible roomies for a thriving social life, advance your career with the right social network, or find true love just down the hall. Whether they live in artsy converted lofts, the ultimate studio bachelor pads, or luxury apartments with their own butler, your Sims will experience all of the excitement of apartment life!

As well as that are four new screenshots.
 > The Sims 2 Apartment Life Information...
 > ...and Screenshots

It seems EA has finally fixed that error with their The Sims 2 FreeTime patch, as it has now been made available again.

If you've been getting annoyed that your Sims can't remember which side of the bed they sleep on, or that your pregnant Sim can't blog about hobbies on the computer, grab the patch now, as these are just two of a massive list of things that have been fixed.
 > The Sims 2 FreeTime patch at TheSims2.com

So, what do you think of the apartments idea for the next expansion? It seems an overwhelming majority (83%) thought it's a great idea.
 > Poll Results

This month, I want to know whether you lot play any games other than ones in The Sims series. Vote now to the right of most pages, not forgetting to click "Vote with comment" if you fancy telling me (and everyone) what other games you play, or why you're only interested in The Sims games, or whatever.

EA have released yet another car for download from their partnership with Ford - the Ford Escape Hybrid:

Think you know everything about hybrids? Think again. Meet the Ford Escape Hybrid, the first vehicle that combines all the machine you've come to expect from an SUV with all the green that you've come to expect from a hybrid. Tech-savvy and roomy, this hybrid offers the best of both worlds without needing to compromise power or eco-impact. Relax in the driver's seat of the future and let your Sims Escape the ordinary.

Even if you don't have The Sims 2 Nightlife, your Sims can drive this car today.
 > Get it at TheSims2.com

EA have now officially announced the latest stuff pack, The Sims 2 IKEA Home Stuff, after its discovery on the EA Store last week. TheSims2.com has updated with details, screenshots and item renders.

Must-Have Stuff for Your Sims' Home from IKEA!

Give your Sims' home a makeover with new furniture and décor items based on stylish designs by IKEA!

Whether you want to create a trendy, spacious office, a chic living room, or a cozy and inviting bedroom, you can make your Sims' dream house into something even better-a home. Design your Sims' rooms to fit their personalities with all-new sofas, beds, tables, TV units, shelving, and more, in a variety of colors and patterns for a truly unique look. Add the finishing touches with popular IKEA wall art, mirrors, lighting, and vases. Be your Sims' personal interior designer with inspiring, contemporary styles from IKEA!

  > The Sims 2 IKEA Home Stuff at TheSims2.com

The first screenshot from The Sims 2 Apartment Life has been posted on the official BBS. The screenshot shows that the game will finally have ceilings, so when in camera mode you'll no longer be able to see the next floor up. MaxoidShannon, who made the post, confirms that you'll be able to change the texture on the ceilings. The screenshot also shows something that has been requested for a long time - a spiral staircase.
 > The Sims 2 Apartment Life Screenshots

Although it has yet to be announced, the US EA Store is now taking pre-orders for a new stuff pack, The Sims 2 IKEA Home Stuff. Here's the description for the pack:

• Turn your Sims' living room into a haven of comfort and relaxation with a plush Ektorp sofa, a unique Expedit TV unit, a complementing Leksvik coffee table, and chic décor, like the Vanna mirror.
• Create a bold, vibrant, and revitalizing bedroom with a new Malm bed, matching chest of drawers, a shapely Storm floor lamp and a bright IKEA PS rug.
• Indulge your Sims with an office that is sure to promote order and productivity with its elegant Vika Hyttan desk, inspiring Kila desk lamp, bold Helmer drawer unit, and Lack zigzag wallshelf.

If the actual furniture is better than the box art (it looks pretty awful to me) then it could be good. The page appears to give a release date of Tuesday 24th June.
 > The Sims 2 IKEA Home Stuff at the US EA Store

Update: The pack now seems to have been removed from the store, with the above links bringing up an error message instead.

A new poll has begun - this month, I'd like to know what you think of the apartments idea for The Sims 2's next expansion pack. Vote on the right of practically any page, and don't forget to vote with comment if you have one.

If a poll's begun, a poll must have ended, so that means I must have some results for you. And would you believe it, I do! Last month, I asked what most excited you about The Sims 3. Take a look at the full results by clicking below, including (gasp) a comment!
 > Poll Results

The latest stuff pack for The Sims 2, Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff, has been released in the US, TheSims2.com has announced. According to GAME, It is now available in the UK too, but the game page on EA UK's website still says "TBA"...

Also available now, in the US at least, is The Sims 2 Double Deluxe, which consists of The Sims 2, The Sims 2 Nightlife, The Sims 2 Celebration Stuff, plus a bonus DVD all in one package.

EA have also announced that over 100 million copies of The Sims games have been sold worldwide. That's quite a lot.

Both 1UP.com and Yahoo! Games have posted Q&As with The Sims 3 executive producer Ben Bell.
 > 1Up.com Q&A
 > Yahoo! Games Q&A

Thought FreeTime was The Sims 2's last expansion pack? Well you're wrong. EA have posted an image of an insert being included in some games on TheSims2.com, showing what really will be the last expansion pack - The Sims 2 Apartment Life. Click below to view it.
 > The insert

Unusually for an expansion pack being released in the autumn/fall, it does not appear to be a remake of a The Sims 1 expansion pack - rather a brand new idea - living in an apartment with neighbours and putting up with landlords. I assume these apartments are cheap because otherwise I'll probably stick with houses. And I bet all the neighbours are NPCs.

It seems a patch for The Sims 2 FreeTime was made available recently, but it has since been removed from TheSims2.com as a lot of people were reporting installation errors on the official BBS. The patch is however available on The Sims 2 UK, though they have not made a news post about it.
 > Thread on TheSims2.com BBS with error reports and announcement from MaxoidDrea about the patch's removal
 > The Sims 2 FreeTime patch at The Sims 2 UK

A new trailer for The Sims 2 Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff has been posted on TheSims2.com.
 > The Sims 2 Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff trailer

Also, some more screenshots were posted recently.
 > The Sims 2 Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff screenshots

A specific release date has yet to be confirmed for the pack.

A new poll has begun at last! This month, I want to know what most excites you about The Sims 3, from the headings given in the information about it on TheSims3.com. Vote now to the right of any page, and don't forget you can click "Vote with comment" to tell everyone why you chose what you did!

If a poll has started, a poll must of finished - one that should of finished two weeks ago in fact. The last poll asked whether you look at reviews on gaming websites or in magazines (or whatever) when deciding whether to buy a The Sims 2 expansion pack. Well it seems the majority of you don't - see the full results by clicking below.
 > Poll results

For the first time in ages, I've made a new house for you to download. This striking detached home has four large bedrooms, a spacious kitchen/dining room and a big living room. A garage big enough for one car is integrated into the house. Bedroom one has an en-suite shower room and a balcony over looking the garden. Speaking of which, the large garden has some decking which is perfect for a barbecue and outdoor dining table. There is also a toilet on the ground floor and a small room upstairs that could be used as an office or a single bedroom.
 > 4 Bedroom Detached Home (2)

As you can see (unless you're reading via the RSS feed anyway), I've just launched a new site design. New tab-based navigation makes it easier to see where you are, and the site is wider too. If you find any problems, please tell me by providing feedback using a form accessible from the bottom of every page. You do not have to give your name or email address.

A The Sims 3 section has also finally launched, with some first screenshots from the game.
 > The Sims 3

The current poll, asking whether you take any notice of reviews on gaming websites etcetera when deciding whether to buy a The Sims 2 expansion pack, has been extended by two weeks due to a lack of votes. If more of you bother to vote, it'll now end on Saturday 5th April.

TheSims3.com has launched, with lots of information and first screenshots of the sequel-of-the-sequel, which is due in 2009. Also, PC Gamer's preview of the game has been published on CVG, which is a good read.
 > TheSims3.com
 > Preview

I've received my first ever official fan site email today from The Sims 3's executive producer Ben Bell, and thought I would share it with you. In the email, Ben talks about the neighbourhood in The Sims 3, including how you won't have to go through any load screens to visit other lots, the new create-a-sim, and how you can customise the appearance of everything.

When the team first started thinking about what The Sims 3 could be, we asked ourselves the following question.  What if you had to live your whole life in one location … and then one day, suddenly, you could step outside and go anywhere in the whole neighborhood?

It's all very exciting.
 > Read the full email

A placeholder page on TheSims3.com has been posted stating that more information about the game is coming in 13 days - on Wednesday 19th March. The page has a massive plumbob with a crystal-like effect and the number 3 at the top-right. To the right of that is the words "More Information Coming Soon*!" followed by "*March 19, 2008". Exciting stuff.
 > TheSims3.com

EA have made yet another car available on TheSims2.com to download - this time from their partnership with Ford - the Ford Edge:

Like a steak salad, the Ford Edge is a delicious juxtaposition of sporty performance and style combined with the safety and roominess of an SUV. With a super-sized panoramic moonroof and cutting-edge in-car entertainment, the driving experience will be anything but ordinary. Bring one home and give your Sim the Edge.

I've never heard of it, but it looks nice...
 > The Fords Edge at TheSims2.com

Are you subscribed to my News Email yet? Well the very first issue is sent tomorrow, and will include some exclusive information on the future of Danny's The Sims Website. To subscribe, simply fill in your email address to the right of any page.
 > Find out more about the Danny's The Sims Website News Email, and have a look at a sample issue

TheSims2.com has posted a new racing car for you to download for your game, plastered with Burnout Paradise logos.

This exclusive hotrod redefines the meaning of full throttle. The Montgomery Hawker is just one of many cool cars allowing you to go wild on the streets of Paradise City - either alone or with your friends. Get all the latest information about this fast and easy-to-pick-up racing game at burnout.ea.com

Update: Some plain re-colours have now been added which do not appear to have any logos on, so with an extra click, the advertisement becomes a nice sports car.
Updated 8:36 pm GMT/UTC on Tuesday 4th March 3008 by Danny Cox (Webmaster)

 > New car at TheSims2.com

Also, a new poster has been made available on the official exchange.

Deck the walls with signs of hobby! Show off your interests and proudly display it on your wall.

 > New poster at the Exchange

The transcript for Thursday's The Sims 2 FreeTime chat has been posted on TheSims2.com.
 > The Transcript

The last poll, asking whether you lot still play The Sims 1, has ended with a quite surprising result - 50% of you still do. Meanwhile, a new poll has started. This month I want to know whether you take any notice of reviews on game websites or magazines when deciding whether to buy a The Sims 2 expansion pack. Vote now on the right of any page.
 > Poll Results

Danny's The Sims Website has "moved" - well, it's still in the same place at the moment, but it's also somewhere new - www.dannysthesims.co.uk. So no more addresses that contain seemingly random characters that're hard to remember. dannysthesims.co.uk is where you'll find Danny's The Sims Website from now on, but the old address, which your probably viewing with right now, will not work forever, so update your bookmarks or reset your homepage, because otherwise you might find the site has "gone".
 > Correct your address bar - go to dannysthesims.co.uk

With a new domain comes a new News Email - so if you didn't like the non-The Sims content in the old one, the new Danny's The Sims Website News Email is for you. Every two weeks, I send out a new issue containing all the latest The Sims news, website updates, poll results and, occasionally, something exclusive too. To find out more and see a sample, click below. To subscribe (for free of course), fill in your email address in the box to the right of most pages.
 > Danny's The Sims Website News Email

The last issue of the The Sims 2 FreeTime Hobby Magazines has been posted on TheSims2.com, just in time for the expansion pack's release (it starts shipping in Europe tomorrow). If you haven't been keeping track of them, you may learn something about FreeTime if you have a look.
 > FreeTime Hobby Magazine: Film & Literature

A chat with the The Sims 2 FreeTime game team is taking place tomorrow at 2:30 pm PST (that's 10:30 pm GMT/UTC I think). Get your questions ready, then click below at around that time to take part.
 > Chat page at TheSims2.com

EA has posted a new patch for The Sims 2 Bon Voyage on TheSims2.com. It fixes a lot of issues.
 > The Patch

If you're looking for a new car that's a little bit different, EA's "HotRod Hauler Chop Socky Special" may be for you.

Ready to intimidate the competition? This HotRod blitzes all others with a ported and polished big V-8, flame throwing open zoomie headers and super Fat tires. Available with several smokin' hot paint jobs, metal bed skid strips, and hand stitched leather interior - this custom chopped rod is ready to crooze the boulevard in style!

 > HotRod Hauler Chop Socky Special

A designer walkthrough for the new expansion pack The Sims 2 FreeTime has been posted on TheSims2.com. Stuff I leaned from the video include:

• A Sim's enthusiasm for an activity increases with time, and reaching the maximum means the Sim enters the 'zone' when doing the activity, and motives decay at a slower rate. Secret lots, magazine subscriptions and more can also be unlocked from increased enthusiasm
• Sims can now enter food, videogame and dance contests
• When a Sim grows up, you can choose to make friends grow up at the same time
• Filling the new lifetime aspiration meter gains the Sim lifetime benefit points, which can be spent on lifetime benefits relating to needs, work, and each of the Sim's two aspirations - the second one being optional and possibly requiring lifetime benefit points. The knowledge Sim in the video is aiming to one day be able to summon aliens at will
• When selecting a secondary aspiration in the video, you can see that the Grilled Cheese aspiration, originally only available as a consequence of using the ReNuYuSenso Orb (an aspiration reward from Nightlife that allowed Sims to change their aspiration) below gold aspiration, is now available as an option.

 > The Sims 2 FreeTime Videos

As well as Natasha Bedingfield, EA have announced all the songs from the bands you haven't heard of in FreeTime's soundtrack. Have a look at the press release to see the full list of songs included with the latest The Sims 2 expansion pack.
 > Press Release

Want to be alerted as soon as I post news? Then click that Windows Live Alerts link at the top of the homepage, sign in with your Windows Live ID, then set your delivery preferences. You can setup to be alerted in Windows Live Messenger or via email. Then every time I post some news, you'll know straight away. If you'd prefer to have The Sims news delivered to your inbox every fortnight instead, why not subscribe to the News Email?
 > Danny Cox's Official Website News Email

The Sims 2 FreeTime producer Bim Majekodunmi has answered some questions about The Sims 2 FreeTime, as well as how to become a producer and more, in a new video posted on The Sims 2 UK. As far as FreeTime goes, she revealed that five new careers - Architecture, Oceanography, Entertainment, Dance and Intelligence ("As in spy careers") - are included and Sims will now be able to have two aspirations at the same time. The video is at the bottom of the linked page.
 > The Sims 2 FreeTime at The Sims 2 UK

Screenshots and item renders for The Sims 2 Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff have been posted on TheSims2.com.
 > The Sims 2 Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff at TheSims2.com

A video has been posted on the internet showing a Sim playing one of the new games in The Sims 2 FreeTime - The Sims 3. I've embedded the video below. Is this real footage from the game? We'll find out soon.

A new poll has begun, and as I only have one poll running at a time, that means one must of ended too!

So, what of the last poll? Well I asked whether your Sims celebrated Christmas, and it seems a massive 71% of you did! See the full results, what I said about them, and (amazingly) the one comment, by clicking below.
 > Poll Results

This month, I want to know whether any of you still play The Sims 1 - vote to the right of any page on this website. If you do, then I'd love to know why - just click that Vote with comment link and vote, err, with a comment!

TheSims2.com has announced that Natasha Bedingfield has recorded her hit single "Pocketful of Sunshine" in Simlish for The Sims 2 FreeTime's soundtrack. A music video for the song has been released on the website.
 > "Pocketful of Sunshine" music video on TheSims2.com

The first in a series of comic strips have been added to TheSims2.com. It's not funny, but it does give a little extra information about the expansion.

Sims can aspire to many different things, whether it is Popularity, Fortune, Knowledge, Pleasure*, Romance, Family, or Grilled Cheese. With The Sims™ 2 FreeTime, you can now measure your Sims progression towards their life's aspiration and unlock unique benefits that will help them along the way. Follow along this 7-issue comic strip miniseries to find out more about the Rewards of your Sims' Lifetime Aspirations!

 > Comic Strip at TheSims2.com

The next stuff pack has been revealed on the official websites - The Sims 2 Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff (quite a mouth-full!). From TheSims2.com:

Redesign your Sims' essential living areas into the most luxurious of spaces. Transform the bathroom into a romantic getaway with charming claw-foot bathtubs and calming lighting fixtures or give it a contemporary twist with beautiful glass showers, basin sinks, and more. Redesign your kitchen as you upgrade it with sleek appliances on granite countertops or romantic natural wood cabinets next to wrought iron stoves. Outfit your Sims in the perfect clothes and accessories to enjoy their lavish new rooms, from sumptuous spa robes to designer cooking aprons. Be your Sims' personal interior designer! Give them the kitchens and bathrooms of their dreams with a variety of new furniture, décor, and outfits!

Each official website has slightly different information, so you may want to have a look at both. No screenshots have been revealed yet.
 > Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff at TheSims2.com
 > Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff at The Sims 2 UK

Although it was announced on the official websites ages ago, TheSims2.com has now posted a press release officially announcing The Sims 2 FreeTime. The press release confirms the ship dates for North America and Europe, 26th February and 22nd February respectively. If you want to know exactly how long it is until then, see the countdowns at the top of the homepage.
 > Press release on TheSims2.com