The Sims 2: Pets (PC Games, 2006)

Although The Sims 2: Pets was highly anticipated by many, I really wasn’t that excited about it. I bought it because I enjoy playing The Sims, and it was on sale. =) Now that I have played it, I see what all the fuss was about. The Sims 2 Pets is amazing. I have discovered my inner animal lover! Now please read on as my raving review ensues:

Music: The Sims 2 had a certain theme to the music. With each Expansion pack the music theme is changed just enough to match its subject. I found pets to have a sort of weird beachy, spacey, west coast sound. Artist’s music such as The Flaming Lips and The Pussy Cat Dolls are also in the game.

Clothes: Not many for your sims, and no hairstyles either, however, this Is “Pets” afterall.

Pets Accessories: A dog house for every pup, multi-story cat homes, a variety of food bowls, squeaky chew toys, adorable pet beds/cushions, and a myriad of collars.

Building Tools: Flattened Lot (click and flatten the whole place!), Sledgehammer (Obliterates building&objects with just a click) and Diagonal and Octagonal Room Tools, all very useful!

Furniture and Building: New black phones, some cool lighting, pretty planters, some okay walls and floors, and various other space theme objects. Other pets such as birdies and the womrat are under the Pets category of furniture.

And now for the best part:

Pets: I was astounded by the detail put into the animals. Tons and tons of breeds of cats and dogs. Everything is customizable, down to whether the pet has two congruent eye colors. There are so many options, I was in awe. One can almost virtually create their own species =) Personality is also chosen during the creation process with 5 categories. (genius vs. doofus, hyper vs. lazy, independent vs. friendly, aggressive vs. cowardly, and pigpen vs. finicky) Pets can also be adopted by dialing up the Pet Adoption Center.

Pets Jobs: Showbiz, Security, and Service. All require the pet to learn a trick (roll over, speak, etc. etc.) to be promoted. In my opinion, the pay is very nice, starting at about $100 and easily ascending to $400+ a day. With advances new pet coat colors and collars are unlocked.

Training: The higher the charisma of the Sim who trains the pet, the easier the training is. It’s also best to be on good terms relationship wise with the cat or dog beforehand. Generally very easy, with adorable animations. However, a Trainer can be hired by phone.

The Little Things: The pets behavior in general is just so sweet. All the little nuances put into the game make it really a joy to play. Toddler/Pet interactions especially are just so endearing. Pets are easy enough to take care of that one can easily run a family with pets.

Extra: Although pets behavior is not controllable by default, cheat codes like boolprop ControlPets (on/off) and boolprop PetActionCancel (true/false) allow the user to control pets and cancel unwanted actions in their queue. (Ctrl, Shift and C held down simultaneously to enter cheats)

I purchased my copy at Target for $25.00 and with it got the exclusive code for the Star Dalmatian. That dog has become my favorite, so I would highly recommend purchasing pets at Target! Really though, wherever you want to buy it, go get it. You won’t be disappointed! =) -colimeconut