I can't make up mind to whether I should film using the Sims 2 or the Sims 3. For me, each offers several advantages and disadvantages (obviously)--in the Sims 3, I enjoy the open neighborhoods, the improved camera, the ability to create much more realistic, detailed sets and sims (due to the excellent CAS and more flexibility with object placement). However, I find the sims' movements to be kind of clunky (even with "smooth animations" turned on) and there are few good resources for animations (and even fewer good animations--I'm creating some of my own at the moment).

With the Sims 2, there are wealth of tools for filmmakers--poseboxes and custom content available for the films. With the ability to overlay talking animations on to poses and tweak the poses themselves, it provides relatively endless choices for expression.I also find the movements of the sims in TS2 to be much more fluid and realistic. However, even with custom content (and there is a wealth great content out there), there are major limitations to how distinctive I can make the sims, and set design and object placement (even with OMSPs) are still kind of limited. Plus, the sims in TS2 can come across as cartoonish. Plus, there is a lack of

Making things worse, I have been doing my homework--watching other machinima to hone my craft and get some ideas. The TS2 machinima I have found tends to be much better than the TS3, which with the exception of a few films, tend take a storybook approach (pictures and text--i.e. Anon)--which I am not saying is bad, just not for me--or they tend to look clunky. However, the sets and the sims look much more realisitc in the TS3 than the TS2.

Hence, the impasse. Are there any advantages or disadvantages for which I have not accounted? I'm looking to make a drama series, as well as a series of short films. I know it all boils down to personal preference and it is my decision in the end, but it would be nice to have some expert advice.

I looked through the forums for a proper place for this question, and this seemed like it (I'm sorry if I was wrong).

It all depends on what game you feel most comfortable portraying your story. For me, TS3 offers a wide range of opportunities and camera angles I can use and work with.. but that's just me. TS2 may just offer the same thing with you. I would just play around with both of the games and see which one you prefer the most. There's no true superiority over the games.. it's just how well you can use it to make machinima. So, just give it a try, and I'm sure you'll find out which one is easier and better for you.

Thanks for the reply, SeeMyu!

I think I more-or-less decided to use the TS3. I'll just have to be creative with the poses and animations.

P.S. I definitely agree about the camera angles.

Last edited by sir_greendown : 6th Mar 2013 at 03:43 AM. Reason: Additional information

You're welcome!

I'm glad you came up with your decision! It is a pretty tough one to make. I hope to see your work soon!