The whole world in your hands

THE Sims has often demonstrated how dark the world can be in the hands of the wrong people. In some internet forums players brag about how they built their Sim a house that has no toilet.

But perhaps The Sims 4: Seasons will encourage a less nihilistic approach to playing God. It’s one of the game’s biggest expansion updates since its release four years ago, and the main change is that the Sims world now includes all the four seasons. Each climate brings its own conditions, which will impact your Sim’s choices and lifestyle.

Duly, there are more seasonal activities in the game. If you fancy yourself as a horticulturist, entertain yourself with some gardening in the warm weather (or flee a swarm of furious bees). In the snow, build snowmen and, in spring, make bouquets to give to loved ones.

Those festive sorts who want to celebrate the seasonal holidays, will celebrate the introduction of Lovefest, Harvestfest, Winterfest and New Year celebrations. During these festivities “WooHooing” — you either know or you don’t — is a big part of the game. In fact, you can even seduce Santa Claus — all it takes is a glass of milk and cookies.

The update isn’t all feelgood, however. Sims can now die from heatstroke, freezing, being struck by lightning or give a “death flower” bouquet to an elder. That’s far more like the Sim game you know and love.