Sims 3 families and their traits

[Sof_m9]

Family is the center point of my gameplay and some of the interactions of Sims 3 families and their traits are badly done. There's like no warmth in most of the the interactions between parents & kids and you can't even tell if one of the children is shy or if the other is playful, they just don't act like it.

To those family-oriented simmers, does the Sims 3 make you feel annoyed by the lack of family interactions?

I'm making a video about Sims 2 families and their traits vs. Sims 3 and Sims 2 wins over Sims 3 any time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUCQtZ1Sovw
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4gsMFm7mT8
(In the following videos I'll add clips from Sims 3)

I wish EA would take time to focus on the family aspect of the Sims 3 like they did on the pets. You can feel the love that they put into Pets expansion pack, the animals look so sweet and real and have hundreds of interactions. Same about Sims in Sims 2, you can feel a real connection and warmth between parents & kids, kids & toddlers, teens and their young siblings and they have a lot of things to do for fun.

[SuicidiaParasidia]

my families usually dont interact with each other, anyway.

they have better things to do with their time.

[Sof_m9]

my families usually dont interact with each other, anyway.

they have better things to do with their time.

Well, I take it that you're not family-oriented. ;) My topic is about family-oriented things.

[Simsdestroyer]

Sims 3 AI isn't the best, we already know that, but why are you guys still comparing sims 2 to sims 3? Sims 2 has it's great points (better AI being one of them), but Sims 3 does too. Sims 3 is more of a single party guy/girl game. The children are stiff, the toddlers suck, we get that..... But I still prefer it over sims 2...... customization, graphics and open world wins everytime. The problem is most people who play sims 2 and complain about sims 3, secretly wish sims 2 had everything that sims 3 does. I don't miss anything from sims 2, because I've never really played it. So sims 3 is fine to me....

[SimmerE14]

I think The Sims 2 has better interactions for my families
But The Sims 3 has better objects for my families :D

Bunk-beds, strollers, water slides and home video recording ;)
That is all

[Sof_m9]

Sims 3 AI isn't the best, we already know that, but why are you guys still comparing sims 2 to sims 3? Sims 2 has it's great points (better AI being one of them), but Sims 3 does too. Sims 3 is more of a single party guy/girl game. The children are stiff, the toddlers suck, we get that..... But I still prefer it over sims 2...... customization, graphics and open world wins everytime. The problem is most people who play sims 2 and complain about sims 3, secretly wish sims 2 had everything that sims 3 does. I don't miss anything from sims 2, because I've never really played it. So sims 3 is fine to me....

What's wrong with comparison talk? Personally, I like it. I've been addicted to the Sims games since the beginning and what I wish is that Sims 3 still had that feeling of warmth that I get when I play Sims 2. Like I said, I'm family oriented and Sims 3 is lacking in this area. Yeah, the graphics and the open world win but the actual simmies don't, they look too robotic.

[lil bag2]

Bunk-beds, strollers, water slides and home video recording ;)
That is all

All of these are available for the sims 2 through downloads. As for home videos, just record your sim kids doing something cute, put the video in one of your sims 2 folders, and your sims can now watch it on their TV's :P


The problem is most people who play sims 2 and complain about sims 3, secretly wish sims 2 had everything that sims 3 does.

I'll give you the customization, I wish the sims 2 had the sims 3's Create-a-sim/pattern options. But other than that, I complain about the sims 3 because I openly wish it had everything the sims 2 had XD


Yeah, the graphics and the open world win but the actual simmies don't, they look too robotic.

See I can live without the open world because you need to buy an expansion to see townies out at night. Which is bad for me cuz I love taking my sims out clubbin Lol

[Sof_m9]

I think The Sims 2 has better interactions for my families
But The Sims 3 has better objects for my families :D

Bunk-beds, strollers, water slides and home video recording ;)
That is all

Hmm.. not sure I agree with this entirely. I wish all of that was in Sims 2, yeah, but Sims 3 doesn't even have a diving board and pool ladders! Also there are a lot of fun animations when Sims 2 sims are jumping off the diving board.

[Simsdestroyer]

It's funny how you always have threads that compare sims 3 to sims 2 started by people who are fans of sims 2. But you never get a sims 3 thread complaining about sims 2 on a Sims 2 forum. I think it's because those who play sims 3 with all expansions etc. are content. Sims 3 players don't go over to sims 2 forum threads and do a compare and contrast, because we're still learning and figuring out the game. I think maybe you guys are bored and don't how to really get into the sims 3, so you complain blah blah blah about how sims 3 doesn't do this like sims 2 etc. Or maybe there's no one left on your sims 2 boards, because they've jumped ship and came to the land of sims 3..hmmmmm

[lil bag2]

There are a million threads on here for a Sims 2 VS Sims 3 war. Let's not start one here as well and get back to comparing JUST the family interactions between both games.

[Sof_m9]

It's funny how you always have threads that compare sims 3 to sims 2 started by people who are fans of sims 2. But you never get a sims 3 thread complaining about sims 2 on a Sims 2 forum. I think it's because those who play sims 3 with all expansions etc. are content. Sims 3 players don't go over to sims 2 forum threads and do a compare and contrast, because we're still learning and figuring out the game. I think maybe you guys are bored and don't how to really get into the sims 3, so you complain blah blah blah about how sims 3 doesn't do this like sims 2 etc. Or maybe there's no one left on your sims 2 boards, because they've jumped ship and came to the land of sims 3..hmmmmm

Lol, you couldn't be more wrong. I'm a fan of Sims 3 and have all expansions but feel disappointed by the lack of family interactions and sims AI.
I still think there are plenty of people on Sims 2 boards by the way and there are a lot who go back to Sims 2 as well.

[Simsdestroyer]

You're absolutely right, let's not start one here...Especially since this is a forum for sims 3 general questions etc. No offense to you guys, but it's really getting boring. Sims 3 is pretty much almost done. After supernatural we have maybe one more expansion left..... So give it a effing rest...I love this game, everything about it, and if you think the family interactions for sims 2 is better... Just do us all a favor and keep playing sims 2. Don't clog up our sims 3 forum with these kinds of debates...

[Sof_m9]

There are a million threads on here for a Sims 2 VS Sims 3 war. Let's not start one here as well and get back to comparing JUST the family interactions between both games.

Thanks, lil bag2.
Well I wish Sims 3 had limbo bars like you can see in my Sims 2 video. It's so funny.

[lil bag2]

I think this thread was more to help her compare an important aspect of both games rather than debate the two

[Sof_m9]

and if you think the family interactions for sims 2 is better... Just do us all a favor and keep playing sims 2. Don't clog up our sims 3 forum with these kinds of debates...

No need to be rude about it, gosh! Just wanted to discuss the family interactions about Sims 3 and not start a war over it!

[Sof_m9]

I think this thread was more to help her compare an important aspect of both games rather than debate the two

Exactly!

[Simsdestroyer]

The innocent act is really overrated....You started a thread on a sims 3 forum stating "Sims 3 families and there traits are awful"..... And you didn't want to start a war??? Please!!!

[lil bag2]

No need to be a jerk to her. We tryin to squash it :-/ Even if she did start this, you don't need to continue it if you're trying to be the bigger person

[Elphiron]

Yes, I saw this topic on the Sims 2 board recently. I was a loyal Sims 2 player up until a month ago when I thought it was high time I tried out the Sims 3. I love it! Yes it's different, but were we really expecting more of the same? Yes it has flaws, but who honestly expected it to be flawless?

We should be enjoying the game for all the new and great things it has got, not mourning the things it hasn't. Ultimately, the Sims 3 is a game and meant to be enjoyed. With all due respect, mulling over it's flaws isn't going to make it any more enjoyable or changed. (That's what mods are for! ;) )

[lil bag2]

(That's what mods are for! ;) )


^ This x infinity

[Havisham]

This thread wasn't trying to start some civil war of Sims fans. It's simply opening a discussion, and it opened it well, without any "Sims 3 sucks!" or "Burn your disk!" or any shenanigans. The Sims 3 has been out for a while, and it's nice to discuss the Sims with Sims fans. I like both games for different reasons, and have to admit I'm more attached to The Sims 2. I am a family-oriented player and I completely agree with Sof m9. In the Sims 2 there were a wider variety of expressions and fun interactions in the base game alone. The Sims 3, despite it's advanced graphics and open-world layout, does lack in this area. I sometimes felt my sim kids were just seperate residents in the house, going about their own business. Sure I can imagine a fun personality for them, but when it comes to family ties, I just don't see it. They are in their seperate spheres of parent, sibling, and child.

[ani_]

I love playing families, specially housewives and children.
What comes to housewives, they are much more fun to play in TS3 because they have more things to do around the house. From doing laundry to taking your toddler to the park using the stroller and learning to walk there, let the little pixel cutie ride those ride things before strolling back home. If you have a household of five your housewives will be nicely busy with laundry, that sims generate like there is no tomorrow.

Sure in TS2 you had diapers and bottles on the floor, but that only lasts during the baby and stage. After that, your floors will always be spotless and my housewives were bored to their skull.

What comes to kids, I just love love love the hopscotch. I like that you can carry it in your inventory and take it any where. You know, visit your friend and play with her. Let your sims kids have a slumber party, bake and sell cakes, or play in the seesaw or in the tree house. One of the cutest animations is reading kids to sleep, toddlers too. And I think it's super cute when toddlers go inside the toychest and peak out.

Of course TS2 has it's cute family things, not arguing with that. But before TS3 I actually didn't like the kids stage, or the toddler stage that much. They were a necessary evil before becoming a tee. Now having kids is much more enjoyable. I even like toddlers now. Can't say I miss the crying TS2 toddlers did when they woke up at the middle of the night, or the teeth that stuck through their jaw when they wailed.

Now, EA being EA of course they have to fail with every success they do. Like tag not having facial animations, which makes them look creepy. But, EA has a history of fail. Like teaching kids homework in TS2, I always dreaded that. They were just too damn sensitive on how much space they need around them for it to work, and they dropped the interaction so easy it took sometimes several tries to get it done. Or the greeting your parents thing, cute but do they have to drop everything to do it, every single time the parent came back home? It got annoying really fast.

I don't really miss the diving board, I know this object must be super awesome because so many seem to miss it. I also don't really miss pool-ladders, because I think being able to get off the pool without it is more awesome. My sims almost never had pools so I don't really know what I was missing not having a diving board. But I know one thing for sure, even if the diving board does come later on, it will not "fix" what ever issue you have with the game. If you don't like the game now, you won't like it after this one object either. Just like the people who cried over the missing piano didn't stop crying after it came.

[Sof_m9]

The innocent act is really overrated....You started a thread on a sims 3 forum stating "Sims 3 families and there traits are awful"..... And you didn't want to start a war??? Please!!!

Umm.. what innocent act? I feel sims 3 families and their traits are awful, yes, and it could be really improved. If you disagree with it just tell me why then!

I find the hug interaction lovely and read to sleep too but that's about It. What other sweet interactions are there? Oh, right, also when a kid is begging a parent for forgiveness is cute too. But that's really all there is to do for family-oriented sims, they can't even give a family kiss to kids, for pete's sake.

More examples:
A kid in Sims 2 is grieving the loss of a loved one. What do the parents do? They kneel down to the kid' size and comforts and soothes her/him. What is the parents reaction in Sims 3 when a kid is mourning? Absolutely nothing, they don't react.

A Sims 3 kid shows off her ballet plies to a parent and they don't cheer at all!! They just stand there and don't react. In Sims 2 they cheer and congratulate kids when they show off, have good grades, clean the dishes, etc.

[Sof_m9]

Sure in TS2 you had diapers and bottles on the floor, but that only lasts during the baby and stage. After that, your floors will always be spotless and my housewives were bored to their skull.

That's not true. At least not in my game, my floors are usually dirty. ;)


What comes to kids, I just love love love the hopscotch. I like that you can carry it in your inventory and take it any where. You know, visit your friend and play with her. Let your sims kids have a slumber party, bake and sell cakes, or play in the seesaw or in the tree house. One of the cutest animations is reading kids to sleep, toddlers too. And I think it's super cute when toddlers go inside the toychest and peak out.

Agree with all that. I love the hopscotch animation as well just wish there were more child to parent interactions!
Hold hands,
swing them around, (sims 2)
piggy back rides,
carry them to bed,
tickle, (sims 2)
play red hands, (sims 2)
build snowman and lift child up in parent's arm so she can place the carrot nose (sims 1)
sit around camp fire, hold hands, and sing along (sims 1)

List goes on and on.

[Sof_m9]

I am a family-oriented player and I completely agree with Sof m9. In the Sims 2 there were a wider variety of expressions and fun interactions in the base game alone. The Sims 3, despite it's advanced graphics and open-world layout, does lack in this area.

Thanks.
I'm wondering, can Sims fans start a petition to EA about adding more family interactions between parents & children?

[lil bag2]

The better question is: "Will EA even acknowledge the petition, let alone look at it"

They aren't exactly fans of the fans of their own products

[joandsarah77]

I totally get where you are coming from OP and agree EA missed out on the social side of parents and kids. Agreed, the being able to use a pram and go to a park in Sims 3 is awesome, not being able to kiss your kids-sucks.

Those of us comparing are the ones who own all the games (1,2,3) or at least both 2 and 3, so of course we compare, how can you not. Those entirely happy with sims 3 for the most part only play sims 3 because that’s all they have, they are new players. I know there are also some who were Sims 2 players who now only play sims 3 now, but some of us own and play both. You can enjoy both games you know but still wish it had this or that from the other game.

[Havisham]

Thanks.
I'm wondering, can Sims fans start a petition to EA about adding more family interactions between parents & children?

I think that may be going too far. With more expansion packs room for improvement is always there. Sims 2 expansion packs added more interactions, and it's very possible the Sims 3 will do something similar. If they don't, I think it's just best to stick with the Sims 2 in that category and appreciate the things about the Sims 3 we enjoy. One of the little things I like is the fact we can go change names. Malcolm Landgraab IV in the Sims 2 always aggravated me. He's so rich, all my gold-diggers would have loved to marry him! But a name like Dina Landgraab IV just irked me to no end. ha ha

I like both the games, and sometimes we need to vent and discuss, but in the end EA has really brought us a lot of fun and entertainment over the years!

[Issie]

I actually loved the interaction of kids dropping everything to run to the parent who came home from work. Sometimes it would get me out of the everyone go to work/skill mode. Always helped with getting the fun motive up with a quick game or two in order for them to get back to homework or the like. Adds to relationship boost too.

[lil bag2]

Though it's a little annoying when your kid is hungry or has to pee, he's inches away from where he needs to be and then.....


"DAD'S HOME!"

he forgets his bladder or hunger is in the red and runs aaaaall the way to the other side of the house to give his dad a hug

[morphius1]

You know there are mods to help this. My families visit each other and go on outings together and spend time together [like a real family].
But I must say that there is no comparison between TS2 and TS3. TS3 blows TS2 out of the water...in my opinion.

[jenieusa]

and dont forget about reading a book to a child or toddler and bedtime...that is priceless!!

[gege_sml]

Thanks.
I'm wondering, can Sims fans start a petition to EA about adding more family interactions between parents & children?

Yes they've probably already done it on the official Sims 3 forum (there's petitions there everywhere) but IMO it would be no use.. Generations is already considered a "family" EP by the creators, so I don't think we'll really see anything much deeper before Sims 4, maybe a few more interactions as the new EPs are released .. also other kinds of stuff like you mentioned are quite related to the IA and I don't think it could be changed

[Sof_m9]

But I must say that there is no comparison between TS2 and TS3. TS3 blows TS2 out of the water...in my opinion.

Not in terms of family interactions, that's for sure.

[morphius1]

Not in terms of family interactions, that's for sure.

I have to disagree. TS3 wins in every aspect...again, in my opinion.

[Sof_m9]

I have to disagree. TS3 wins in every aspect...again, in my opinion.

Really? But.. gosh.. Have you ever played Sims 2 btw? This is really beyond me to understand. If you played then you probably know that Sims 2 has way more interactions for the parents and kids so how can you say that Sims 3 wins in the family aspect? lol.

[ani_]

Really? But.. gosh.. Have you ever played Sims 2 btw? This is really beyond me to understand. If you played then you probably know that Sims 2 has way more interactions for the parents and kids so how can you say that Sims 3 wins in the family aspect? lol.

You know, if the only acceptable answer to this thread is. "Yes, TS2 wins" then you should have made this thread in the TS2 section.

And I would also like to know what you meant that your floors were dirty in TS2. Unless you had toddlers and babies there was nothing much floors can get dirty from. Pee, water from broken sinks, ashes from a burned Sim, garbage on the floor if somebody failed taking the trash out. All those things exsit in TS3 as well, but all these things are single events. Not really something you have to do every day.

[Simuro]

How did you get the graphics like that for The Sims 2? Those graphics look like Sims 3 graphics.

[dream_operator23]

Are there some nice Sims2 family interactions that are missing from the Sims3? Sure! (I had forgotten all about that swing your child around by the hands until you mentioned it. So cute!) Does that mean that Sims3 families and their traits are AWFUL? No way! My toddler and kid sims interact just fine with their parents. Sure there are some interactions missing, but we got some new ones as well. Besides some that were already mentioned on here, I also really like the autonomous prank interactions that some kids and teens can do. It makes me laugh anyway (especially the scary computer screen and the spraying water tap)!

Now I think traits are a completely different subject than family interactions and I think that the Sims3 did traits a lot better than the Sims2, EXCEPT for one thing. I really miss how in the Sims2 if you told a sim that had an extreme personality to do something they loved or hated they would look at you and cheer or sigh and drag their feet. That was SO awesome! Especially when extremely shy sims would whine and drag about making out with their spouse or super mean sims would cheer about beating someone up. Other than that though I much prefer the system where there is a wide variety of traits to choose from instead of five sliders.

[DeLoure]

If I could just throw in my two cents:

As someone who plays TS2 and TS3 fairly regularly, I think TS3 is a pretty well-rounded game in terms its audience. One of the posters in this thread (I forget who, my apologies) mentioned that Generations is an EP for those family oriented players. There's a little something for everyone with each EP that's released. Are they riddled with flaws? Absolutely. But I'm sure when TS2 was new, folks were up in arms about the flaws those EPs had too.

OP, could it be that you're choosing the wrong traits for your Sims? Not trying to be snarky but, maybe you choose the same traits over and over - that's something I'm guilty of. There's plenty to do with kids - especially since Generations was released. Sure, you may not be able to swing them around or have the kids run up to their parents every single time they came home but there are a lot of cool things with kids in TS3: treehouses, after-school activities, slumber parties, imaginary friends, day care (the profession), field trips, punishments, etc.

In the end, the game is whatever YOU make it to be.

*shrugs shoulders*

[gege_sml]

IMO they're both great in their own way .. Sims 2 is amazing when it comes to small things, like some interactions, the sim's personality and, IMO, THE EXPANSION PACKS were great too..

but the open world is freaking amazing.. I've tried to play Sims 2 twice after Sims 3 came out and I just can't get used to it because there's no open neighborhood

it's up for each one to balance what matters the most to you.. I'm sure that when Sims 4 come out, there will be lots of things we're going to miss from Sims 3 also (and even Sims 2 and 1).. in every game they create they'll get thousands of things wrong and thousands of things right.. it's kinda up to us to show the creators what we really think it's important so they can try to make a game that will please most people :)

[Sunshine021]

I would guess that more/different social interactions in The Sims 2 stemmed from being FORCED to be around your family and/or roommates, since you stayed at home during most of the gameplay, and you were kinda forced to be social. The Sims 3 interactions are sparse, but I feel like it's more realistic in the sense that real families don't talk to each other nearly as often, and in the same way TS2 tried to convey. I know I don't need to keep pestering my mom to play kicky bag every five minutes in order to achieve friendship status. Maybe too TS3's social stuff isn't as fleshed out, because EA counted on people just going out and doing things on their own, in the game? I don't know. But I will agree that EA could have included more socials than what they did.

What's wrong with comparison talk?

People are tired of it because it's been going on ever since TS3 came out... maybe before. That's three-plus years of comparison bullcrap that has no merit, as the two games couldn't be more different than each other. :/ We get it, people have preferences on what they like the best. If you like The Sims 2, good for you; if you like The Sims 3, good for you; if you like The Sims 1, GOOD FOR YOU. MOVE ON. Stop beating a dead horse, already. More people around here are more tired of it than others think. There seriously is no reason at all to keep that debate going, and to have ten thousand separate threads dedicated to why you think one game sucks and why one game could never do any wrong. It's repetitive and tiresome. I can only hope that if The Sims 4 comes out, we don't get another five years of this same stuff. :| Just shut up and play the game.

[Sof_m9]

You know, if the only acceptable answer to this thread is. "Yes, TS2 wins" then you should have made this thread in the TS2 section.


I can only hope that if The Sims 4 comes out, we don't get another five years of this same stuff. Just shut up and play the game.

Just shut up and play the game? It's really the first time I started a topic about this on Sims 3 forum. Look, I understand that some simmers are tired of comparison talk but why is it so annoying to you to discuss the interactions of both games? Maybe I shouldn't have typed that Sims 3 family interactions are simply awful as there are some that I really like, but still... I just don't see how Sims 3 can win about family interactions. The "chat" interaction of Sims 2 alone is a lot better than the "chat" animation of Sims 3, if Sims 2 are talking about monsters/animals, etc, they really pretend they are monsters and make funny gestures according to the topic they're talking about. Do you honestly see this in Sims 3? For example, when my "animal lover" Sims are talking about horses, cats, dogs the animations last less than 10 seconds and there are only a few differences in the gestures they make. I actually think those animations are always the same. Anyway, they don't make any special gesture that looks like the talk is about a cat or a dog, etc. which is another step backwards from Sims 2.

I'm recording The Sims 3 interaction menu and I'm going to do the same for the Sims 2. This way we can really compare and I ask to be fair in your judgment.
If you don't want to keep reading about this then don't. Maybe there are some who want to keep discussing it and look at the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MImofAKHQ24

(video is long, it'll probably have more than 10 minutes as I also want to record the interactions with in game objects, so I have to split in parts. For some reason movie maker won't save a 6 minutes video, maybe it's because it's in HD? I usually record Sims videos using fraps instead of the in-game camera so the details are much clear).

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/sofia_123/Sims3menu.jpg

Under the Friendly category there are about 15 interactions to choose from: Hug, Gossip, Give gift, Enthuse about new house (if they moved into a new house), Encourage to improve skills, Do homework, Complain about..., Chat, Ask to clean up, Ask to pillow fight, Ask about day...

Under Funny category: Make funny face, Tell Funny story.

Under Mean: Insult, patronize, scare

The Special menu of the mother is Family-oriented and it has: Hug (the same friendly one as in Friendly category) and Encourage to improve skills.

I'm fine with all these interactions, the problem is the little variety in some of the animations which makes them look repetitive. The animations of Sims 2 look more natural and fun and I wish badly that Sims 3 animations could be more like Sims 2.

Now all the options in Sims 2 for parents and kids that Sims 3 don't have:
Snuggle on sofa, tickle, play red hands, swing around, "grooming" clean up child's dirty clothes, play rock paper scissors, prank- static shock, water balloon fights, snowball fights, kiss kiss darling, family kiss, high five, fake out, earthly hug, barefoot hug, console when kids witness to parents' fight, the way they comfort them and soothe them is just lovely, while roller/ice skating they can hold hands and twirl, the kids playground has more items than Sims 3 playground, there are also monkey bars, parents can push them on the merry go round, fly kites,
Dance together is beyond cute, the child puts her/his feet on parents feet dancing with them,
tuck in- when kid is sleeping and parent walks into the room they move to the bedside and lean over and kiss their cheek. (it's similar to bedtime story in Sims 3 except they can't tuck them in like this which I miss a lot too), lecture kids animations are better and the child looks a bit scared and shy, they can also nag, scare them with a funny scary fingers interaction.. Siblings can torment, annoy, shove, poke, belch at (that is gross lol) veg out on the sofa,
This is just off the top of my head. I'll add more to the list after I play Sims 2 tonight.

Wish EA read this so they could add all these interactions to Sims 3.

[Sof_m9]

How did you get the graphics like that for The Sims 2? Those graphics look like Sims 3 graphics.

I don't know what you mean. ;) These are The Sims 2 graphics, I just record my videos with Fraps and them render them to HD. Personally I like the detail of interior rooms in Sims 2 more than Sims 3, (sims 3 plates dishes are huge, dressers too) but I like the outdoor graphics of Sims 3 better of course.

[zigersimmer]

To those family-oriented simmers, does the Sims 3 make you feel annoyed by the lack of family interactions?


Absopositivelutely.

Just shut up and play the game.

If you do not like forum discussions about the game, then you should heed your own advice.

[ani_]

Look, I understand that some simmers are tired of comparison talk but why is it so annoying to you to discuss the interactions of both games?
There is nothing wrong discussing the the interactions in both games. But you don't seem to want to discuss, just list what's missing in TS3 and try to prove your own point true.

Yes not every single interaction got integrated into TS3 from TS2, but there are still many interactions for families in TS3, and a lot of them don't exist in TS2.

A few examples.
- No marry go round sure, but there is a seesaw that kids and parents can use together, there is also the hopscotch, the sandbox and other games.
- No jumping on the couch, that's true but there is the trampoline that both parents and kids can use at the same time.
- No family kiss, yes there is none but there is grandpa pinching his grandson's check. or Grandmother showing of pictures of her grand-kids, or wanting to talk about their grandkids. There are a lot of chat interactions that the generic talk of TS2 cannot replace.
- I don't know can TS2 parents thank their kids for cleaning or taking the trash out, that is one thing I do like about TS3. If your sims does something, the world notices. Just like an adult can thank another adult for making a meal.
- Parents and kids can chat over different interactions. Like I had one woman making dinner, and her child was doing homework on the kitchen table and they were chatting while doing different things. There were other occasions when I noticed cross-interaction chatting and I think that's pretty wonderful. Much more natural than "Mother, interact with me" like it is many times in TS2.
- Kids can play make-believe games, like the royal court thing, submarine adventure in the tub or pretending to drive a car on the couch.
- Kids can pretend with the clothing chest to be different things. Kids are imaginative, and this is something TS2 kids are lacking.

Again, this is just a few examples.

The new supernatural EP is bringing back cops and robbers (at least it looks like it currently) as well as a rocking horse, that (fingers crossed) will hopefully be an interactive object, so family/kids interactions are still coming.

If EA wants to bring every single interaction from TS2 into TS3 then great, but it's very unlikely. Honestly if I would play TS2 I would miss many interactions for families and kids from TS3. Probably more than I'm currently missing the interactions from TS2.

If you want to list interactions, you can't just click and list. Because some interactions needs to be triggered before they show up, like thanking for cleaning. Also the more you chat with a person, (going from OK to higher) the more interactions are available. What you should do, is find the xml for interactions and then list the ones you consider family oriented.

Also, you never answered the question how were your floors dirty in TS2.

[dream_operator23]

Sof_m9

There are more interactions available to sims in the Sims3 than what is first displayed on the menu. Unlike the Sims2 where every action that one sim can do with the one they are interacting with is displayed immediately (as is appropriate to their relationship status). This can make it look like the Sims3 has less interactions unless one takes the time to go through all of the different menus at the different levels of interaction (meaning is the other sim thinking the interacting sim is being boring or mean or friendly). Just off the top of my head I know that the funny menu has more interactions, but they only open up as you tell funny jokes and stories and the other sim thinks the interacting sim is funny and then hilarious. Of course funny natured sims have all of those interactions right from the beginning under their special menu.

Now I totally agree with you that there should be more varied animations with some of the interactions.

[Simuro]

I don't know what you mean. ;) These are The Sims 2 graphics, I just record my videos with Fraps and them render them to HD. Personally I like the detail of interior rooms in Sims 2 more than Sims 3, (sims 3 plates dishes are huge, dressers too) but I like the outdoor graphics of Sims 3 better of course.

It's just that Sims 2 does not look like that in vanilla version out of box, and it looks REALLY good.

This is Sims 2 vanilla:

http://youtu.be/0yqOOTgqeRw

This is your Sims 2 family video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUCQtZ1Sovw

Your videos and pics do not look anything like this. You have more shaders and better lighting in your pics. They look like completely different games.

Notice how flat this scene looks in the first video I posted. Then look at your videos/pics. Clearly you are running mods, what are they? Either that, or these Sims 2 clips are actually from Sims 3 and you replaced Sims 3 gui and icons with Sims 2 icons to make us think it's actually Sims 2.

[Elphiron]

No, no you can tell it's the Sims 2. It's just buried under a mountain of custom content. Ha, I wouldn't like to have YOUR loading times Sof_m9!

[Issie]

Actually my Sims 2 loads just as fast as my Sims 3 if not faster and I have loads of custom content. That depends entirely on your computer setup.

[Simuro]

No, no you can tell it's the Sims 2. It's just buried under a mountain of custom content. Ha, I wouldn't like to have YOUR loading times Sof_m9!

Haha, no way. I'd love to know what Sof is using.

[Sof_m9]

Haha, no way. I'd love to know what Sof is using.

Oh gosh! I guess I misunderstood you! I'm using Gunmod's light system if that's what you mean by the different shades but it's still Sims 2 graphics! Isn't it? Also recording with Fraps and render the video to HD instead of using in-game camera makes a huge difference.

or these Sims 2 clips are actually from Sims 3 and you replaced Sims 3 gui and icons with Sims 2 icons to make us think it's actually Sims 2.

Lol! Is that even possible?

Ha, I wouldn't like to have YOUR loading times Sof_m9!

Actually it doesn't take that long like Issie said. My new laptop has 6 GB of Ram and it runs both Sims 2 and Sims 3 smoothly, except when I'm running Fraps. It still runs okay like you see in my videos but not as smoothly.

But you don't seem to want to discuss, just list what's missing in TS3 and try to prove your own point true.

That's not true. I mentioned that there are some family interactions that I like about Sims 3:
Bedtime story sure beats Sims 2 Read to sleep interaction. (I've always wanted the parent to sit on the bedside and read a book to a sleepy child. In Sims 2 they sit on the floor to read while child is already sleeping on the bed lol). I also love how kids can dump a bucket of water on the parents' head. But, when I'm with Sims 3 I can't help missing all the interactions and things that kids and parents can do in Sims 2.
Someone above mentioned the after school activities that Sims 3 kids have, like ballet and scouting. What about all the after school activities that Sims 2 kids have that Sims 3 kids don't have?
Play the piano, violin, basketball, soccer, hunt bugs (they can be followed by bees while doing this, it's hilarious), sing, activity table in which they can draw and not just play with blocks, lemonade stands to sell lemonade, play golf, hula dance, slap dance and Tai chi exercise, gymnastic headstand, cartwheel, somersault, the work out animations are so sweet, there's also ballet and I like it better because you can buy a ballet barre for your kids to practice the moves at home. And you can't even see Sims 3 kids practicing ballet in school anyway.
Don't you find lacking that your Sims 3 kids can't even play the piano or any instrument at all? I sure wish they could, geez! Kids playing the piano has been there since the base game!

but there is grandpa pinching his grandson's check.
I knew that about grandparents but can parents do this too?

but there is a seesaw that kids and parents can use together, there is also the hopscotch, the sandbox and other games.

I love the seesaw and hopscotch and have been asking for those items since Sims 2. Sandbox is in Sims 2, kids can build sand castles too and comb for seashells.

There are a lot of chat interactions that the generic talk of TS2 cannot replace.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by this.

- I don't know can TS2 parents thank their kids for cleaning or taking the trash out,

Yes they can. The "congratulate" kids interaction is autonomous and I see it a lot in the game. They also cheer when the kids get good grades.

- Parents and kids can chat over different interactions. Like I had one woman making dinner, and her child was doing homework on the kitchen table and they were chatting while doing different things.

Yes, I've seen this and it's really great!

- Kids can play make-believe games, like the royal court thing, submarine adventure in the tub or pretending to drive a car on the couch.
- Kids can pretend with the clothing chest to be different things. Kids are imaginative, and this is something TS2 kids are lacking.

I love all those animations but disagree about TS2 kids lacking imagination. They can play make-believe games like "talk with their hands"; one hand is the monster and the other is the princess. When they're impersonating the monster's voice the tone changes to a deep male voice and when impersonating a princess it changes to a very thin tone. It's too adorable! There's also "pretending to be a mime" and it's really, really cute. They don't have submarine adventure but playful kids can play in the bathtub, pretending to be pirates. They can play pirates with parents and siblings as well.
When they observe the ant farm object they pretend to be ants,
When they watch fishes in the aquarium they pretend to be a fish too,
If you have family fun stuff pack they can dress up as mermaids, princesses and dragons too.

The new supernatural EP is bringing back cops and robbers (at least it looks like it currently) as well as a rocking horse, that (fingers crossed) will hopefully be an interactive object, so family/kids interactions are still coming.

Oh my gosh, really?? Where did you read about this?

Also, you never answered the question how were your floors dirty in TS2.

Well I was thinking of dirty dishes and juice cans that lazy sims leave on the floor but I don't think you're referring to that? My Sims 3 house floors are dirty with that too.

This is part 2 of The Sims 3 interaction menu:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=harVD0f8bk8

Do you like the ghost story animation?

[Simuro]

Reminds me why I'm piqued to go back to Sims 2. Sims 3 is getting boring because interaction between Sims is limited. For example, I have NEVER seen a reaction to good grades in Sims 3.

[DigitalSympathies]

With all this talk about loading times . . . see my signature.

Thanks. :P

On-topic now, I tend to avoid children in TS3 at all costs just to work around this. Teens are just more interesting to me is all. Children look . . . uncanny valley'd to the max, bruv. o_O

[Sof_m9]

What was it that I said on my latest post for four people to disagree with? I really don't understand this. None of what I said was a lie. Those who clicked the disagree button just did it for no reason. It's really unfair and is making me feel like stop posting on Sims 3 forums.

Just would like to add that personally I don't like the ghost story animation, most of it was recycled from The Sims 2 animation but is less detailed as usual. Also when I saw that the ant farm object was added to Sims 3 I thought, yay, kids will look at it and pretend to be ants like sims 2 kids, boy.. was I wrong. They just look at it without reacting.

[jdavij2003]

I still think there are plenty of people on Sims 2 boards by the way and there are a lot who go back to Sims 2 as well.

I did! Just recently, in fact. After I started my 2000th legacy in TS3, and realized that I was never ever going to complete one. I missed TS2 too much.

[jdavij2003]

More examples:
A kid in Sims 2 is grieving the loss of a loved one. What do the parents do? They kneel down to the kid' size and comforts and soothes her/him. What is the parents reaction in Sims 3 when a kid is mourning? Absolutely nothing, they don't react.

A Sims 3 kid shows off her ballet plies to a parent and they don't cheer at all!! They just stand there and don't react. In Sims 2 they cheer and congratulate kids when they show off, have good grades, clean the dishes, etc.

I loved the cheering! And the parents in TS2 would go watch their kids sleep, and tuck them in.....so many autonomous actions that were great for filming and pictures. In TS2 it is nearly impossible for the family members in one household to not be best friends. With TS3, my Sims' children almost never have a relationship with their father, or with their siblings.

[harlequinzombie]

It seems like a lot of the things people are complaining about on here are things that were autonomous in Sims 2 but that aren't in Sims 3, things that you have to actually make your sims do now. Personally I have no problem with family interactions in Sims 3 because I have no problem clicking a couple of extra buttons.

I've also had sim parents (even those without the Family-Oriented or Nurturing traits) autonomously hug their kids, or autonomously read their toddlers and kids to sleep. I've had grandparents autonomously pinch their grandkids' cheeks and tell them stories. My sim kids always have at least a friend relationship with their family members and hardly any of it is my doing; it's because they interact with each other on their own. So I don't understand why people are complaining about how Sims 3 families are basically too cold to actually interact and have real relationships with.

[Sof_m9]

It seems like a lot of the things people are complaining about on here are things that were autonomous in Sims 2 but that aren't in Sims 3, things that you have to actually make your sims do now. Personally I have no problem with family interactions in Sims 3 because I have no problem clicking a couple of extra buttons.

You think I have a problem clicking a couple of extra buttons? No... you're missing the point of what I'm writing about on this thread. There are a hundred different things that kids and parents can do in Sims 2 (I've listed some) and not having half of it makes me feel disappointed by Sims 3. That and the little diversity in the animations.

So I don't understand why people are complaining about how Sims 3 families are basically too cold to actually interact and have real relationships with.

Well, this has never been an issue with Sims 2. No one complained about families being too cold or that there wasn't warmth in most of the interactions. I complain about it in Sims 3 because it's how the game makes me feel. I feel that a lot of the animations were done in a rush and look lazy and could have been improved.
Siblings interacting with each other is also dull compared to Sims 2. The animations my child animal lover does while talking to sister about cats, dogs and horses are always the same,
there aren't any options to irritate or fight.
Sims 2 siblings can annoy with each other with Nyah-Nyah while sticking their tongues out at them and it's just too much to list it all.

Here you can see Sims 3 siblings talking about animals and other interactions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOGH8CmPqWw

And here are Sims 2 siblings chatting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgnJ80jvavw
We never know if they're going to like the topic of the conversation or not and the other fun thing is that they impersonate whatever it is they're discussing; if it's a ghost they act scared, if it's birds they whistle pretending to be birds, etc.

[dream_operator23]

There is nothing cold about the read to a child interaction in the Sims3. It is so sweet! Or about a child sim hugging or playing peek-a-boo with their toddler sibling. Or about the claw or snuggle interactions with toddlers. All of these are very cute and sweet interactions. I also love when a parent tries to take their toddler off of the bouncy rider before they are ready. They throw a little fit and pout! It's so realistic and cute! OK, I am using the words cute and sweet a little too much here, but I think you get the idea.

I have never had a problem with getting all of my family to at least friend status, but usually best friend status with all of their family members in either Sims2 or Sims3. Hell, most of my toddlers are best friend with both parents before they even hit childhood since teaching them skills builds relationships. Then it is just time to work on the sibling relationships.

Sof_m9, you mention a lot of activities that children can do in the Sims2, but I notice that you don't add any from the Sims3. These are some just off the top of my head that children sims can't do in the Sims2...they can not only hunt bugs, but they can build a whole collection of different bugs and they can collect rocks and build a collection of those as well. They can play with the slip and slide and they can play in their treehouse. They can play with the chemistry set and play pretend in their dress up clothes. They can bake and sell a variety of goodies and they can teeter-totter. They can bounce on their trampoline and they can catch snakes and lizards in the grass. They can pretend to be royalty and they can pretend to race cars on the couch. They can booby-trap various objects around the house and then get in trouble for it. They even have real, live imaginary friends to play with if everyone else is busy. They can play hop-scotch and ride their bicycles. They can get an ice-cream from the ice-cream truck after playing in the sprinkler. Little babies and toddlers can go for a stroll and pretty soon they will be able to be rocked in a rocking chair (be still my beating heart). AND the Sims2 is over, but the Sims3 is still in production so who knows what the future holds for family interactions and activities in the Sims3.

My point is there are a LOT of things for families to do together and alone in BOTH games. Some are missing from the Sims2 and some are missing from the Sim3 since they are not identical games. You obviously prefer the way the Sims2 did things. That's awesome, but some of us prefer the Sims3 way, or amazingly love both games and think they are both awesome in their own ways.

[DeLoure]

(Sigh.) I'm frustrated, OP.

It appears to me that your mind is made up. It's like, no matter what we say about the family oriented features in TS3, you find some way for it to be inferior to TS2. And that's how the TS2/TS3 comparison conversations begin and that's why people are turned off to such conversations.

So, here's what you can do since there's nothing we can do or say to resolve this...discussion? Conversation? Debate? - Hell, I dunno what this is anymore: (a) uninstall TS3 from your system and stick with TS2; (b) make do with TS3 and play the game with some mods to appease your need for family oriented interactions; (c) continue to gripe about TS3 and its obvious inferiority to TS2; or (d) eat a cookie.

Personally, I'd choose option D. Cookies makes everything better - including the lack of family oriented interactions for your Sims game. No harm, no foul.

[Sof_m9]

(Sigh.) I'm frustrated, OP.

Sorry!
No, I don't want to uninstall Sims 3 and I don't want to eat a cookie. ;) I'd choose option b and create the mods myself on Milkshape 3D. And I want to answer to dream_operator23 now.

[Sof_m9]

There is nothing cold about the read to a child interaction in the Sims3. It is so sweet!

Did I write that interaction was cold? I wrote about 3 times that I really like that interaction and that it beats Sims 2 "Read to sleep" interaction.

Or about a child sim hugging or playing peek-a-boo with their toddler sibling.

Yeah and they're exactly like the Sims 2. I want to see more hugs options other than friendly.

I also love when a parent tries to take their toddler off of the bouncy rider before they are ready. They throw a little fit and pout! It's so realistic and cute! OK, I am using the words cute and sweet a little too much here, but I think you get the idea.

My problem isn't with the toddlers interactions, it's with kids! (although I don't like how Sims 3 parents hold toddlers with only one hand, Sims 2 parents hold them with two hands) Anyway I want Sims 3 parents to snuggle kids too, to hold hands while walking, to have kisses options and a lot more hugs options, to play games like piggyback rides, to carry them to bed, to comfort if they have nightmares, etc.

I have never had a problem with getting all of my family to at least friend status, but usually best friend status with all of their family members in either Sims2 or Sims3.

I don't have a problem with this either, I wasn't the one who brought this up.

Sof_m9, you mention a lot of activities that children can do in the Sims2, but I notice that you don't add any from the Sims3. These are some just off the top of my head that children sims can't do in the Sims2...

Because all of you already did!
I don't know how much you remember about Sims 2 but kids can do most of what you mentioned above. Bug collecting came with Seasons and Free Time, they can catch butterflies, fireflies, beetles, spiders and then place them in a jar. Kids can play with the water slide to enter the pool. I have a treehouse mod in my Sims 2 game. Chemistry set.. hmm, I'm not sure if there is one from the career rewards but kids can interact with most of those items. My personal favorite is the Obstacle course (from military career) and Earpiece. if kids use that to spy neighbors they can get caught. I also love the chocolate making machine and kids eating chocolate and I think they sell it too.
Pretend in their dress up clothes- well there's plenty of pretend in Sims 2 too: "talkie hands", "mime", pirates, ghost, being fish, ant...
They can bake on Sims 2 too and sell lemonade.
There's no teeter-totter. :(

Well, my cousin is waiting for me to watch a movie so keep answering later.

Just want to say quickly that the Sims 2 is only over for those who stop playing it. There are still a lot of people who play Sims 1!


Little babies and toddlers can go for a stroll and pretty soon they will be able to be rocked in a rocking chair (be still my beating heart).

be rocked in a rocking chair are the kind of interactions that I long to see but I want it for kids too, not just toddlers.

They can play hop-scotch and ride their bicycles.

Like I said I love hopscotch but riding bicycles animation really needs to be improved.
Also, playing with sprinklers, came with Open for Business in Sims 2.

[harlequinzombie]

You're getting awfully defensive about everything people are trying to point out to you, OP, and yet you keep bringing up only one thing: "Sims 3 can't do this, but Sims 2 can!"

Yes, the games have different interactions. But that doesn't mean that there aren't things in Sims 3 that you can do with your kids and families and have the same warm-and-fuzzy feeling that you have in Sims 2. Instead of coming back with "Yes but can the game do THIS? No? Sims 2 can!" every time, maybe realize that we're just trying to tell you that yes, Sims 3 does have sweet family interactions. If this is a discussion and a comparison then you should be open to when people tell you things that this game can do, rather than just snapping back with that same response every time. It's why nobody likes when people bring up TS2 in the TS3 part of the board.

[Sof_m9]

Instead of coming back with "Yes but can the game do THIS? No? Sims 2 can!" every time, maybe realize that we're just trying to tell you that yes, Sims 3 does have sweet family interactions. If this is a discussion and a comparison then you should be open to when people tell you things that this game can do, rather than just snapping back with that same response every time. It's why nobody likes when people bring up TS2 in the TS3 part of the board.

Lol I don't need to come here to ask if Sims 3 can do this. I know everything there is to know about this game (when it comes to family interactions), I'm a Sims junkie since 2000 and have been with Sims 3 since it came out as well.
And I'm honestly not snapping back, I'm enjoying reading all you have to say! I really don't know why you get the idea that I'm not. Because I write lists of what Sims 2 has that Sims 3 doesn't?
And btw, you're the ones who don't seem to be open to criticism about Sims 3.

[dream_operator23]

I'm more than happy to have this conversation with you, sof_m9, but you can't misconstrue what the Sims2 has in it. It does NOT have treehouses, sandboxes, slip and slides (which is different than a pool slide), dress-up boxes with real interacting dress-up clothes, or chemistry sets. I know because many of these things were desperately wanted by me when I played the Sims2. And what I meant by the Sims2 being over is that there is no more official content coming out for it while there still is for the Sims3. For instance you mention pool slides and we no idea that this item will not be included in a future Sims3 EP.

Yes there are a lot of games that sims can play sim to sim in the Sims2 that are not in the Sims3. The Sims3 seems to focus more on interactions with each other through objects. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing more sim to sim interactions in the Sims3. BUT lacking these does not mean that Sims3 family interactions are awful, which is how you first described them. Like I have pointed out there are quite a few things that families can do together in the Sims3. My personal favorite family activities in the Sims3 are the sprinklers. slip and slides, playing tag, and playing catch. The lawn game is also fun and I forgot to mention it earlier. I also made a mistake in my previous post. There were sprinklers in the Sims2 that could be made with the toy workshop in Open for Business (GOD I loved that toy bench! <3)

Let's end with two cutie patooties...one set from the Sims2 and the other from the Sims3 (the little boy in the blue is my dear avatar which I have had for years and probably will until the Sims4 comes out ;) ):

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/Sidonzo/Sims2/snapshot_769b808b_369ce334.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/Sidonzo/Sims3/Screenshot-10-1.jpg

[Sof_m9]

I'm more than happy to have this conversation with you, sof_m9, but you can't misconstrue what the Sims2 has in it. It does NOT have treehouses, sandboxes, slip and slides (which is different than a pool slide), dress-up boxes with real interacting dress-up clothes, or chemistry sets. I know because many of these things were desperately wanted by me when I played the Sims2. And what I meant by the Sims2 being over is that there is no more official content coming out for it while there still is for the Sims3. For instance you mention pool slides and we no idea that this item will not be included in a future Sims3 EP.

Let's end with two cutie patooties...one set from the Sims2 and the other from the Sims3 (the little boy in the blue is my dear avatar which I have had for years and probably will until the Sims4 comes out ;) ):

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/Sidonzo/Sims2/snapshot_769b808b_369ce334.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/Sidonzo/Sims3/Screenshot-10-1.jpg


Thanks, dream_operator23, I'm happy to have this conversation with you too.
Sims 2 does have sandboxes like I said and kids can build sand castles as well. The pool slide is called water slide in Sims 2 or Kahnlhon (spelling lol) and it really is similar to Sims 3 water slide anyway.
http://sims.wikia.com/wiki/Water_slide

"Buy mode in The Sims 3: Generations has the Ultimate Backyard Slide and the Rib-it Rib-it Froggy McFrog Slide, which are are water toys that resemble a Slip 'n Slide, and are generally referred to as water slides. "

Dress up clothes were desperately wanted by me in Sims 2, as well. Sims 1 had that I think! I also loved that playground that came with Sims 1.

"BUT lacking these does not mean that Sims3 family interactions are awful, which is how you first described them."

I know that's why I amended my post. But I still think some of the animations are repetitive and dull.

Love those toddler pictures you posted! :luff:

[Sof_m9]

This is the Obstacle course that I'd also like to see in Sims 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHDW83d2FDI
Sims with low body points keep tripping and falling. It's really funny! :D

[sierrakusterbeck]

I loved TS2 and played it for years, but I don't want every single interaction/object from that game in TS3. Personally, I like how the families in TS3 aren't always talking to each other or pillow fighting, it's a lot more realistic. I'm close with my mom but I'm not constantly bothering her to pillow fight with me or gossip, and she didn't cheer for me every single time I brought home a 90+ on a school project. While it annoys me that some of the animations in TS3 are obviously half-assed, I think they're a bit more realistic than the way Sims interacted in TS2.

[ani_]

Sof_m9: Sorry, I haven't watched your videos. I tried to watch one but didn't watch it through. But to answer your post. I'm not going to tear your post to shreds and comment every singe thing in it, that is just tiresome as many have already commented on similar points, so I'll give a short answer. Basically if you can't be satisfied with the current family interactions then so be it. There are plenty of good and cute family interactions in TS3. From baking and selling products, to teaching your teen to drive + many many more. And because TS3 is not over and done with, we cannot know what else might be in store for us in the future.

and they can teeter-totter. They can do what now?

[ButchSims]

Maybe there isn't as much choices for family interactions as there was in the Sims 2. Or maybe there is, but they are just different kinds. All I know is, between school, homework, afterschool activities, chores, and filling up their bodily need bars, my child sims have a pretty full day, and still have time to pretend to be a dinosaur, smash sand castles, be mean to their sister, play in a treehouse, and all of this before bathtime. Then they go to bed, where Mom or Dad reads them a nice story, and they have nice sleep, where I can pick what they dream about. It's ok to miss certain things about older versions of the game. But there are plenty of things to get excited about in the newer one.

[olomaya]

Then they go to bed, where Mom or Dad reads them a nice story, and they have nice sleep, where I can pick what they dream about.

To quote from ani, you can do what now?

Is this from a mod or yet another EA feature I didn't know about.

[ButchSims]

that came with Generations. you can click on children and teens while they are asleep and choose whether they have good or bad dreams

[ani_]

that came with Generations. you can click on children and teens while they are asleep and choose whether they have good or bad dreams Ok, this was new for me. I need to test this.

[clay4kelly]

Ok, this was new for me. I need to test this.
And also, for example, if you pick a certain dream like "Being Royal" and then you have them dress up as a princess the next day, they will get the "Dream Came True" moodlet. It's a very cute detail :) Teens can get it too for other stuff - like becoming prom queen.

Oh PS, Ani, teeter totter means seesaw in America... I had to look it up too ;)

[taoyingying]

And also, for example, if you pick a certain dream like "Being Royal" and then you have them dress up as a princess the next day, they will get the "Dream Came True" moodlet. It's a very cute detail :)

Oh, that's so cool! Now I want a child in my family!

[Sof_m9]

Ok, simmers, there are a lot of Sims 3 kids-to-objects interactions but my point is that what I REALLY want to see in this game is not there :( Since Sims 2 I have been longing for: (just going to copypaste what I said before)
Parents to snuggle kids too, to hold hands while walking, to have kisses options and a lot more hugs options, to play games like piggyback rides, to carry them to bed, to comfort if they have nightmares, etc.
THESE are the interactions that I look for.

"While it annoys me that some of the animations in TS3 are obviously half-assed, I think they're a bit more realistic than the way Sims interacted in TS2. "

They are less cartoony for sure but because of it look less fun. I don't want Sims 3 to look super realistic, I want the game to make me laugh too. Some things make me laugh like kids dumping bucket of water on parents head, parents jumping off of the trampoline and landing on the floor, hurt, the sci fi adventure object is pretty funny too, the way kids walk when pretending to be royal . Hmm.. can't think of anything else at the moment.

"and she didn't cheer for me every single time I brought home a 90+ on a school project."

And I'm sure that she doesn't scold you for every single thing either? Parents in Sims 3 are constantly scolding their kids so I see that same animation over and over. Do they really have to scold them and ground them for booby trap the house? If they're close to the kid why can't they enjoy playing pranks on each other sometimes? These are the little things that Ea overlooks.
As to Sims 2 parents cheering every single time a child brings home a straight A, I haven't seen that in my game in ages because my kids are either home schooled or when they're in school usually bring home a C or B.

[Sof_m9]

that came with Generations. you can click on children and teens while they are asleep and choose whether they have good or bad dreams

I never saw the option for them to have bad dreams. The options I get when I click on them while sleeping is dream about being royal, astronaut, dinosaur. No bad dreams. How does that happen in the game? Do they have nightmares and toss and turn moaning and wake up scared like Sims 2 kids?

[Sim mania]

And I'm sure that she doesn't scold you for every single thing either? Parents in Sims 3 are constantly scolding their kids so I see that same animation over and over. Do they really have to scold them and ground them for booby trap the house? If they're close to the kid why can't they enjoy playing pranks on each other sometimes? These are the little things that Ea overlooks.
As to Sims 2 parents cheering every single time a child brings home a straight A, I haven't seen that in my game in ages because my kids are either home schooled or when they're in school usually bring home a C or B.

Parents in TS3 don't always scold their kids unless they see them doing "bad things". If you constantly see that interactions, it means you're making them do things to activate it. When my sims kids have a 10, the parent compliments them for it. It's in the friendly interactions.
Most things you pointed in your previus post are not strictly family oriented unless you want them to be and that goes for TS2 and TS3 (violin, piano ect... are not)
They hold their kids with one hand so they cound chat with other sims, chat on phone, and watch the tv... I do it too. In my country, kids are carried on the mother's back. Do I feel the need to have this in my game? No. I can play without it.
Yesterday while I was playing TS3, my simfather invited a simmother who is a friend over. What shocked me was that she asked if she could bring her kids over. I re-read the text thinking I was seeing things. When she came, she was followed by: a child, a toddler and she was pregnant.
I guess she has the family oriented trait.

[ani_]

I guess she has the family oriented trait.

I don't think it's the family trait. If I have a house with a kid sometimes an adult will call one of the parents and ask, can her child come and play with my child. And the the parent and kid will come for a visit. I'm not sure though do the parents have to be friends, or can it be any adult with a child that can call and initiate it.

[olomaya]

I don't think it's the family trait. If I have a house with a kid sometimes an adult will call one of the parents and ask, can her child come and play with my child. And the the parent and kid will come for a visit. I'm not sure though do the parents have to be friends, or can it be any adult with a child that can call and initiate it.

I think the kids have to know each other but the adults don't. I've only had this happen twice so far and both times, the kids were friends or high-level acquaintances but the parents were strangers.

[Sim mania]

I think the kids have to know each other but the adults don't. I've only had this happen twice so far and both times, the kids were friends or high-level acquaintances but the parents were strangers.

My sim's kid was still a toddler and perfect stranger with the guests.
Anyway, I thought it was nice. :lovestruc

[harlequinzombie]

I never saw the option for them to have bad dreams. The options I get when I click on them while sleeping is dream about being royal, astronaut, dinosaur. No bad dreams. How does that happen in the game? Do they have nightmares and toss and turn moaning and wake up scared like Sims 2 kids?

The game decides if the dreams are good or bad. If the kid or teenager has a bad dream they get a negative moodlet about it and I think it also has an affect on whether or not they sleep well.

[Sof_m9]

The game decides if the dreams are good or bad. If the kid or teenager has a bad dream they get a negative moodlet about it and I think it also has an affect on whether or not they sleep well.

But does it actually look like they are having a nightmare? I also use the Sims games to make movies. I've been adapting The Exorcist novel to Sims 2 for years and am also trying to adapt it to Sims 3 and need my Sim Regan to look like she's having a nightmare.

Are overlayable poses available for Sims 3 yet so that they can remain in the same position while I choose different talking animations?

This is what I mean:
My Sim of Shirley MacLaine/Chris is sitting on the chair while I choose different sitting talk animations and I do the same for my Sim of daughter Sachi MacLaine/Regan who's in a standing position.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/sofia_123/video9_0003wmv-YouTubemp4_snapshot_0000_20120623_165439.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/sofia_123/video9_0003wmv-YouTubemp4_snapshot_0012_20120623_165746.jpg
In the following scene they are both sitting on the bed, talking.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/sofia_123/video_wmv.jpg

[DeLoure]

But does it actually look like they are having a nightmare? I also use the Sims games to make movies. I've been adapting The Exorcist novel to Sims 2 for years and am also trying to adapt it to Sims 3 and need my Sim Regan to look like she's having a nightmare.

Are overlayable poses available for Sims 3 yet so that they can remain in the same position while I choose different talking animations?

This is what I mean:
My Sim of Shirley MacLaine/Chris is sitting on the chair while I choose different sitting talk animations and I do the same for my Sim of daughter Sachi MacLaine/Regan who's in a standing position.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/sofia_123/video9_0003wmv-YouTubemp4_snapshot_0000_20120623_165439.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/sofia_123/video9_0003wmv-YouTubemp4_snapshot_0012_20120623_165746.jpg
In the following scene they are both sitting on the bed, talking.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/sofia_123/video_wmv.jpg

Huh? I'm confused. Do you need family interactions for a movie/story you're doing? If so, have you looked for TS3 mods to see if there's something that could provide whatever it is you are looking for?

[Sof_m9]

Huh? I'm confused. Do you need family interactions for a movie/story you're doing? If so, have you looked for TS3 mods to see if there's something that could provide whatever it is you are looking for?

Yes, I also need it for my movie projects and yes I've looked for Sims 3 overlayable poses similar to this one for Sims 2 http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=422439 but can't find any.

[DeLoure]

Yes, I also need it for my movie projects and yes I've looked for Sims 3 overlayable poses similar to this one for Sims 2 http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=422439 but can't find any.

Oh! I must ask, how come you didn't include this information in the original post? You might have gotten answers that could have been of (more?) use if storytelling and movie making was the reason why you weren't pleased with TS3 family interactions.

Just a thought.

[Sunshine021]

If you do not like forum discussions about the game, then you should heed your own advice.


I think it's about time you stopped looking at the discussions in such a one-sided view. Oh, and put me on ignore. There's an option for that. Thanks.