The Simsis one of, if not the biggest gaming IP today. Over the years, it has achieved mammoth success not only with its PClife simulation games, but with quirky spin-offs that have spanned many consoles.
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Maxis and Electronic Arts’Simsseries now has four strong entries, the first three of which have titles on Nintendo and PlayStation consoles, and even on mobile. TheSims 4is the only installment to receive no different types of games, only the classic simulation game on two different platforms. Yet, the weird and wonderful spinoffs are a huge selling point for many fans. No matter how manySims 4titles there are, the past array of strange games needs a comeback.
9The Sims 2 (DS)
The first entry on this list is a strange one: a game set in the dustbowl of Strangetown.The Sims 2on Nintendo DS sets the player ona journey of managing a hotel in the almost deserted town, destined tofix up the dilapidated buildingand bring in tourism. New rooms and amenities can be unlocked, as well as a superhero suit so that the player can fight any wandering criminals in the town.
The premise of this game is wild — none of it makes much sense, but that’s what makes it great. Bigfoot is lurking in a basement, and there’s an alien spaceship in the desert.The Sims 2for DS would have a lot of potential as a precedent for aSims 4console spin-off, if only EA would let it.
8The Sims Bustin' Out (GBA)
Bustin' Outwas released in the early 2000s forPlayStation 2and the GameBoy Advance. The odd thing is, the two games are different. The gameplay on the PS2 was similar to the PC games, but the real treasure is the GameBoy title.
In this spin-off,the player’s Sim-self is on summer vacation in SimValley, visiting their uncle.Shenanigans of all types ensue. Players balance mini-game jobs to earn Simoleons, maintaining (and destroying) relationships, unlocking areas, and befriending ghosts.Bustin' Outwas a great time, and still holds up to this day.
7The Sims 2 (GBA)
No less weird than its DS counterpart,The Sims 2on the GameBoy Advancefeatured a cast of characters filming a TV show in Strangetown— something must be in the water over there!
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6The Urbz: Sims In The City
Another entry into Maxis' “different on each console” titles isThe Urbz. The handheldNintendotitle entries were the same, and had a feel of a sequel toBustin' Out. The story was the same sort of adventure, but with new characters and a new town.
The console versions, though, were a little more immersive. Having freshly moved to SimCity,the player goes about their life trying to build a good rep for themself and to fix a socialite’s blimp. Oh, and it featured Wil.I.Am and the other Black Eyed Peas members! Interestingly, the owner of the blimp then escapes to Miniopolis, the setting for the handheld version ofUrbz.
5Sims 2 Castaway
As the name suggests,The Sims 2 Castawayfeaturesa group of (player-created) Sims who have been shipwrecked on a tropical island,conveniently named Shipwreck Island. A bit of island hopping and exploration leads to another island, and another, and eventual rescue.
Though there were numerous odd secrets inCastaway,it was a little less mind-bending. This entry proves that Maxis can create a good open-world adventure, that doesn’t focus on cooking grilled cheeses for a bunch of kids.
4SimCity
After all these years, gamers are begging EA to bring backSimCity. This game did not involve creating Sims, but an entire city — and was actually the idea behind the entireSimsfranchise. Thecity builderfeatureddisasters, waste management, taxes, “legalized” gambling and even monster attacks.
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SimCity has had a slew of spiritual successors:Cities: SkylinesandAnno 2070do a good job of picking up where the series left off. A true sequel, however, could be amazing if done well. Even a full rendition of theSimCity: Build Itapp could be a worthwhile success.
3MySims
Mostly based on Nintendo DS and Wii consoles, theMySimsseries has a moreAnimal Crossingfeel thanSims.Players are in control of building up a town from its dilapidated state,attracting new citizens, who require more houses, which will attract more, and so on.
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TheMySimsgames were aimed at a slightly younger audience, but were still a good passive game to play with a catchy gameplay loop. The series could benefit from a new installment, especially with the addition of theNintendo Switchand its accessibility.
2The Sims Medieval
The Sims Medievalworks as a spin-off toThe Sims 3,running on the same engine. But that’s where the similarities end.Medievalcombines some Sim elements with classic role-playing game tropes,even incorporating armed combat. If anything, this is more akin toBaldur’s GatethanThe Simsmain series games.
The game went on to include pirates and nobles, which expanded it to an even better adventure. Like others on this list,Medievalcould be a good basis foraSims 4expansion, or a fully loaded game of its own.
1Streets Of SimCity
In case gamers thoughtThe Simswas the only franchise without a racing game spin-off, think again.Streets Of SimCitycame out beforeThe Sims, but it still counts.The game follows the typical racing gameplay, using cities featured inSimCity2000.Human characters were not the main focus here, but this game could lead to something great.
Imagine it: aSims 4style racing game. Make an original character, or use classics like Bella Goth or Eliza Pancakes. Race around the well-known neighborhoods inMario Kart-style hijinks.
