As every time a new pack comes out for the Sims, I devoted myself to go and test it. Note that I will not dwell on the controversy that surrounded the release of this pack dedicated to marriage, preferring to focus on the content (if you are interested, you can find here the official message published by EA on this subject ). Note that this article was made possible thanks to EA's Creator Network (it should be noted that the screenshots were taken on a non-final version).
Create a Sim
Of course, I find myself recreating a Sim because... In itself, I could have taken my usual Sim, an inveterate charmer, world super star in front of whom all the girls swoon. It's time for him to settle down! But I don't know why, I want something new so I lose myself for a good half hour in the tool testing all the new outfits. Of course, the theme of the pack obliges, there are many of them, with great care given to styles and cultures.
Admittedly, the classic white dresses are there, but I'm surprised by the sobriety. There's no steering-wheel horror here that feels like a showpiece that could get stuck in the next doorway. No, the dresses of these future brides are of great purity, with very clean lines.
The hairstyles are not left out, classic flowers in the hair...
...with a veil...
...or a fuller veil.
On the accessories side, I especially noticed this pair of bracelets.
Before moving on to these gentlemen, two other outfits, which can be used for the guests or for the brides.
The men unfortunately are much worse off, they only win one classic suit, which fortunately comes in several colors:
The others are perhaps too relaxed for a wedding...
Or really really too laid back, in the style "I just woke up from my bachelor party life":
Fortunately, other cultures are not forgotten on this side either:
Tartu
This is the name of the new area, which unlike the last ones added in The Sims, consists of only two districts. Largely inspired by Italy, the place smells of the Mediterranean, starting with Porto Luminosi to the south.
There is free land on the beach (40x20), a rental (the Villa Vigna at 966§/day), a house ready to be lived in (the Picolla Luce, offering 2 bedrooms and a bathroom, on a small land on a 20x20 peninsula, at 20§), and a home, the Laurent family.
Finally, the trendy place of the place, the cocktail bar "Celebrazioni d'Amore" is located a little out of the way, near a quay where you can walk.
To the south, a quieter area, the Terra Amorosa, a paradise for lovers, renowned for its "charming and varied attractions and historical places". You cannot miss the magnificent waterfall with its calm water lake, making the installation of a private swimming pool quite unnecessary.
A house is to buy on the heights, perfect for a young couple, the Rifugio dei Pirati, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, on a plot of 30x30, at 19§. The Markovic family lives below, a couple with a child. This is also where the Coppia Serena is located, a popular wedding venue for all couples, the perfect place to get married, where everything is already ready.
Finally, a free area of 30x20 is at the very end, that's where I settled! The view is inimitable!
Objects
Almost the majority of the objects are, of course, used to celebrate such a special day, starting with the rooms, enough to install in your garden everything you need to welcome your guests.
If I go into detail, there are chairs, lots of chairs, and a few tables. Benches create a church atmosphere (which will be helped by the stained glass windows of the new windows). The large white squares on the left are dance floors.
Still other tables, with lots of accessories:
A magnificent piano:
Paths, to go up towards the altar... even if here they are arches. In addition to the version with rose petals, the second aisle is hidden, so that the action can be performed without impacting the decor.
A shop to buy flowers, in case of a last minute emergency!
Pretty curtains:
And finally tents and pergola, in order to keep the guests well sheltered, whether from the rain or the sun:
Ceremony
Let's talk about serious things ! Of course, you have to find your soul mate beforehand and make the request, but this has been possible since the launch of the game so I won't dwell on it. Once things are decided, just click on a wedding arch to start an event (needs the groom or bride to be on the same lot).
Everything starts perfectly for my Sims on this day of love, a date chosen for them, a beautiful weather... My garden is prepared, with a beautiful path, chairs, and some tables for my guests to eat. The mixologist is already behind his bar and the caterer covers my kitchen cabinets with dishes.
No need for repetition, I opt directly for marriage.
But everything starts to go wrong when I get to the first step, where you have to decide who are the bride and groom, the witnesses, the master of ceremonies, the flower bearer, the person in charge of the wedding rings and the guests. Because even if I had asked Santa Claus to officiate at my wedding, I didn't think to ask for the other positions. The beautiful wedding is postponed, I organize a few parties, and ask my friends if they want to participate. Most of them are enthusiastic.
A few days later, it was at nightfall, after adding a few light sources, that I relaunched the event! This time it's good, I have people for each position.
As for activities, I choose the minimum: walk down the aisle, exchange vows, marital kiss, first dance and cut the cake, toast. Everything is set up for each of these activities, it should be fine!
For outfits, return to "Create a Sim". Except that my Sim has taken a turn of the belt, I match the colors on the white and I ask the guests to follow a dress code, bohemian, also on white. Finally I choose my house as a place.
The guests are not long in arriving, none followed the instructions, sometimes they have a little white, but there are all the colors. Never mind, my bride begins to make the first toasts when my caterer finds himself interrupted in the middle of his cooking frenzy by a power cut. It's the new trend in the neighborhood, with days without electricity to minimize the ecological impact... Great, but how can he cook a cake without an oven?! Meanwhile, the bride still tries to carry out the ceremony. Half the guests don't want to come and sit on the chairs, but never mind, she walks down the aisle. The groom (who is not yet part of the household) has not put on his suit, he comes to present himself with an open shirt, his tie unhooked. At the point where things are ... Too bad.
The vows are exchanged. Blasé, my Sim leaves before the end. Suddenly, the groom decides to kiss the first woman who passes by. Great ! The disaster continues, the rain begins to fall! All the guests return to the darkened house, where heaps of unfinished dishes are lying around by the caterer who has long since left. Outside, the sound system explodes three times, not really liking the water... my soaked couple manages to perform a laborious dance, alone in the rain. Things drag on, morning arrives. But I still can't finish the event until the cake is cut... Exhausted guests fall asleep on our couch. Finally, twelve hours later, the power cut ends, the oven becomes active again, as soon as it is cooked, the cake is cut and, finally, the disaster marriage ends.
Well... as they say. Rainy wedding, happy wedding ! But already my Sim posted the autographed photo of a superstar in her house... a superstar who is none other than my favorite Sim!! Next objective: succeed in charming him so that he finally settles down :p
Conclusion
Even if I'm not a fan of marriage in principle, and especially of all the stuff around it (so much so that I didn't want all that in real life), I admit that it's fun in The Sims , especially since it only costs time and §! If you love pairing up your Sims and marrying them off often, this will be a game pack to own. Then, in pure game terms, it doesn't add much, since it was already possible to get married and organize events. It just formalizes the whole thing to allow it to be done in the formalities.
Also note that the added items and outfits won't necessarily be usable in other situations, thus making this pack a very situational addition which IMHO doesn't give it a place of choice if you have any. other game packs still to be purchased (my favorite being "Magic World" without hesitation!).
