IGN previews The Sims Livin' Large

IGN has posted a preview about The Sims Livin' Large, with screenshots, though these have already been posted through the GameSpot preview. Click read more to read the preview.

The Sims: Livin' Large

It's not just large, it's Vegas style.

May 11, 2000
E3 2000 Update

The official Sims site has already been giving fans extras for the game, everything from guinea pigs to MTV skins, but this fall get ready for an all new expansion set that should pump up the existing Sim world. While we're sad that there aren't more major changes in this expansion (like the ability to actually go to work), the new objects, careers and décor additions should make even the surliest Sim fans happy. So let's get to the meat -- what can you, as a major Sim fan, expect to see in the upcoming add-on? Keep in mind that these are just some of the additions:

New Problems and Objects

• Alien abductions
• Roach infestations
• Chemistry set
• Genie in a lantern
• Fortune telling crystal ball
• Exploding garden gnome
• Holiday decorations

This time around, if you're too much of a slob you might just see some roachies running around your linoleum floors. And if you play too much with your telescope, you might just catch the eye of some alien visitors who want to get a little personal. Pick up an antique lantern, and your wishes may come true with a Genie. The chemistry set is one of the most interesting additions so far, as it allows you to alter Sims personalities with a drink. Take that, mr/mrs. goodie two shoes.

New Careers

• Musician: subway musician, piano tuner, wedding singer, lounge singer, rock star...
• Slacker: golf caddy, convenience store clerk, lifeguard...
• Paranormal: Tarot card reader, UFO investigator...
• Journalism: game reviewer, weatherman, talk show host...
• Hacker: beta tester, game designer, programmer...

Hey! What's that about game reviewer being on the bottom of the list? As you can see, the career tracks are even more fun and funny, especially the slacker career, which I personally am all about partaking in. If it wasn't for the bullet in the stomach thing, being a convenience store clerk would be the peak of slackerdom in my humble life. Free food, free beverages, free money… how can you beat it?

New Architecture and Décor Styles

• Castle: Stone walls, thick floors, and big honkin' windows.
• Vegas: Tacky and plastic, with big big colors.
• Retro: 50's-60's Mod look.

Take a look at the screens, and you'll see what you can expect with the new houses. Vegas is truly tacky, while the Castle setting will give the appropriate doom and gloom to your more gothy families. Or you can throw the Bradies in it and pretend that it's a two-part cliffhanger episode. Just use their belts to get the keys off the wall, you're set.

From the looks of things, it looks like The Sims will get even weirder with the add-on, and we're all for it. Give us the hot tubs, the slots, the Vegas beds and the aliens, because here at IGNPC we're willing to do almost anything if it involves sitting behind a keyboard and not actually, you know, doing it.

-- Vincent Lopez