This weekend, while we were watching "Clarkson's Farm" on Amazon Prime, I had in hand the perfect game to accompany the series/report: the new Sims 4 expansion pack released on July 22nd.
Outfits
It's been a long time since I've always played the same Sim, my hardened bachelor, superstar who unleashes crowds, emeritus magician and above all a fan of recycling that I find my nose in a trash can as soon as I leave him alone for a minute. Even if he would have had nothing against a simple life in the countryside, he who already creates his own furniture with recycled materials, who raises his insects on his balcony and who does not hesitate to sew his sweaters on the corner of the fire, this time I preferred to start from scratch.
A visit to the "Create a Sim" tool allows me to take a look at the new outfits which are, as expected, very rustic, even if there are also more general outfits, which would suit no one. any situation. The men aren't too much of a party though, between the overalls, the shapeless sweater (even if the fox design is cute) and the floral shirt.
Quite the opposite of women's clothing, much prettier, which offers classic stockings and even shoes that could pass for a dressy outing.
When I see the entire outfits, I immediately fall for these cute floaty summer dresses that will go perfectly with my new Sim!
Even the earrings are fun!
I only noticed one new aspiration: Guardian of the Countryside.
Henford-On-Bagley
This new area includes three districts, as is often the case in these latest extensions. The town is located at Finchwick, the old village where the pub is located and where the weekly festival takes place, to present its finest products (with a giant vegetable competition). Old New Henford is purely residential, with two houses already occupied by homes, an empty house and an empty lot (the latter is where I settled). Finally, Bramblewood forest is the perfect place to come across wild animals, with its Goupil Island park. Two small homes without a home are available, while the third is already inhabited.
Some nice screenshots of landscapes of the area taken during my adventures:
Without forgetting the timeless selfie in front of the snail which is in the middle of the labyrinth of the forest!
Furniture
Expansion pack obliges, the choice is great! Starting with the rooms, which are eight in number: traditional kitchen (6§), modern rustic kitchen (321§), flowery reverie (one bedroom at 8§), serene simplicity (another bedroom at 888§ ), dream den (small living room at 4§), country life (large living room at 192§), pleasant exterior (small courtyard with chicken coop at 4§) and marvelous garden (courtyard with this time a square of vegetable garden at 470§).
Here are screenshots of all the furniture added, assembled in bulk in my basement. All that's missing is the animal shelter, which I'll talk about below (it can't be placed indoors). We find there all the common objects (table, chair, sofa, armchair, kitchen and bathroom items, bedding), many rustic decorations (based on farm animals and plants), two fireplaces, a large mats, several blackboards and notice boards.
In the meadow...
Two new slabs arise, preferably outdoors, to be able to plant vegetables, whether giant or normal. Like all plans, it must then be taken care of, ie watering, weeding and getting rid of pests. The systems take over the functionalities already in place for gardening, the actions not really going any faster than in the various existing planters. I therefore strongly advise you, as soon as possible, to hire a gardener who can come and work several hours a day and help with these tasks which can quickly become very time-consuming. Even with one employee, field work is extremely profitable. A seed costs between 10 and 25§, it can be resold on average for 150§ at harvest, or even much more depending on the quality. It will of course be necessary to deduct the losses, I had one of my rather catastrophic harvests like that, undoubtedly because of the change of season, where a large quarter of my plants died almost all at the same time.
But agriculture is in any case a new way of life for Sims, especially since it combines wonderfully with the career of gardener, and the possibility of working from home to take care of its fields.
...and in the barn
The animal shelter accommodates large animals, cows or llamas, which each come in two styles. Regardless of the animal, it is necessary to clean its shelter, feed it, and wash it, and this at least once a day. Otherwise, the animal will become depressed and risk leaving the farm for mistreatment (without any refund, of course). Note that a single shelter can accommodate a single animal. As I have two, I have two shelters!
The cow can then be milked to produce milk. And the llama shorn, to produce wool. The raw materials are resold as is, or can be used in cooking, or cross stitch!
The chicken coop, as its name suggests, is dedicated to hens, with a maximum of 8 animals, which can be purchased either as chicks or as adults. For my part, I started with a hen and a rooster, and I expanded my breeding as I went along. Indeed, if there is a rooster, the hens have a chance to lay an "egg that can hatch". It is then enough to click from its inventory so that the Sim deposits it in the chicken coop. After about two days, the egg gives a pretty chick!
Height of the ridiculous, or the cute, I let you judge, the animals can wear clothes, to buy from an NPC of the forest (provide the change, it can quickly become very expensive).
In addition, wild animals can be adopted: fox, rabbit and bird. You have to find them by exploring the world, then chat with them, give them a few gifts, until a friendship is formed. Once this first friendship is linked, an element arises in the Sim's garden to have wild rabbits and a flock of birds directly at hand!
It is also good to know that all the already existing animals combine, including insects (hive and paradise of critters), in order to diversify the products of the farm.
Living in Henford-On-Bagley
Life is very convivial in this pretty rural region, which is reminiscent of the French countryside, with its weekly fair.
Its businesses.
His cheerful delivery man who brings the orders.
And its commission system which allows you to obtain various small local rewards (including the very useful vouchers to improve the animal shelter).
Cross stitch
If you have Knitting Pro, your Sim should already know how to make beautiful yarn creations. With this expansion pack, new opportunities arise with cross stitch. On the same principle, thanks to a box to place in the world, the Sim can embark on various creations, more or less successful, which can then be sold on Plopsy or modified to be hung on the wall.
But also
Among the free enhancements added to the game along with the expansion pack is the relocation of the notebook. Until now included in the telephone and difficult to find, the notebook has a new look and offers its own button. But the element that struck me the most is the arrival of ponds in the Construction tool. Terrain manipulation now allows you to dig the ground and then fill the hole with water (of the desired color). Many objects then come to embellish the place. The height of luxury, the authorized fishing sign which offers lovers of perch or minnows the opportunity to fish without moving from their gardens!
Full patch notes details can be found here if you want a list of all the additions made.
Conclusion
I already tend more and more not to engage my Sims in a traditional career. They often get by with odd jobs, discoveries in the world, or various creations (video and writing). Farming, or at least gardening on a larger scale, is a nice addition to provide a sustainable source of income for those self-sufficient Sims who own a piece of land. Moreover, keeping a job becomes complicated in the long run, the maintenance of the fields is long, and the animals are very demanding, so much so that I halved the quantity of fields during the game because my Sim there spent his nights. Perhaps that's the criticism I would make of the content, the lack of automation to make the system less laborious on a large scale, perhaps machines, or other facilities that could allow for real large agricultural exploitations !
Other than that, a great addition that stacks perfectly with many other kits, with plenty to do and discover. If you love bunnies and little flowers, you know where to take your Sim this summer! Plus, if you buy before September 2, you'll get a special bike, statue, and tree!
Country life - €39,99
