It was, everyone will agree, inevitable. Although The Sims: Medieval perhaps left a little to be desired in terms of its game ideas, anything with the name “Sims” on the cover turns into gaming gold when it comes to sales… and so a follow-up to the original release was never really in question.
The Sims Medieval: Pirates & Nobles is pretty much an expansion pack, adding new adventures and objects to the world. There will be one new kingdom ambition, new quests (which apparently follow an epic story arc, although we’ll argue the use of the word epic), new signature objects, new traits, 140 themed objects, outfits and a new treasure-hunting activity.
What it won’t have is anything that adjusts the way the game is played. If you enjoyed the original release, this one will likely be right up your alley, as it delivers more of the same. If you felt that there were things lacking in the final execution of the original, it seems unlikely that this expansion will change your mind.
Still, it’s good to see that this new spin-off is getting a bit more attention. Perhaps a level of continuity between ambitions will be on the cards for a later product.
Verdict:
This first Sims Medieval expansion looks like it will offer the player more of the same, without any game changing elements.
Developer: Sims Studio
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Distributor: EA South Africa
Release Date: Sept 2011
