The Sims 3 World Adventures Video

Ooh! A shiny new video for Sims 3 World Adventures. Let's watch it!

I like the fact that, by the looks of this video, you'll actually be able to go and explore inside the pyramids. One of the (few) disappointments of the Sims 3 is that you can only look inside a few of the popular public buildings, such as the Library, and the Community Gym, but not any of the workplaces, or the school or what not. How interesting and worthwhile the Sims 3 World Adventures actually turns out to be depends on how much it really opens up the Sims 3 world and if it adds any depth to it. If it is simply more superficial content without any expanded playability, then it will be a temporary boon at best.

The real question is how much of World Adventures is actually additional game play, and how much of it is simply additional textures and design. From the looks of the specs that EA has released thus far, there will be new collectibles and artifacts, new challenges and new skills, so there is some hope for a broadened sims experience. Screen shots even hint at the possibility of sims navigating traps deep inside ancient tombs. I hope this reflects expanded game play and isn't just a trap. They wouldn't do that, would they?

Also judging by the video and screen shots, Sims will spend a great deal of time arguing with each other in Egypt. Apparently even in the Sims 3, the Middle East is a zone fraught with tension and conflict. Does this mean that they will be more loving in France and perhaps more industrious and community minded (read: communist) in China?

As you probably already knew, or have now figured out, the other zones we'll be able to explore are China and France. I do find myself wondering how EA decided on those three locations, Egypt and China make sense, being repositories of ancient civilizations, but France seems, well, a little random. Screens shots for China and France have not been released, but if the Egyptian ones are anything to go by, these worlds will be very detailed and rich. How exciting!

Once again, in case you missed it earlier, the features list for World Adventures from EA goes thus:

• Accept challenges, find treasures, discover what’s lurking in hidden caves and more.

• Explore famous landmarks in China, Egypt, and France.

• Learn new skills like photography and pursue new opportunities.

• Meet new Sims from exotic locations and share their cultures.

• Customize your Sims homes with new styles & artifacts from their adventures.

• Get $10 worth of free SimPoints for The Sims 3 Store, and additional online features to be announced.