Final Glimpse: Feeding your Sims' addiction for newer and better stuff
Are your Sims short on things to wear at those special occasions? Are they too embarrassed to throw a party because they don't have balloons, banners or a decent buffet table? Then you'll probably want to pick up The Sims 2: Celebration Stuff, the next “stuff pack” from Electronic Arts and Maxis which should be available in early April.
As the name suggests, Celebration Stuff will give your Sims all the things they'll need to host those parties they've always dreamed of. It expands on the party items included in the original game to spice up birthday parties and other parties, both indoors and out. The pack will include furniture and decorations like festive banners and balloon arches to liven up any occasion.
The pack includes at least two party themes, Fiesta and Evening. Fiesta seems to refer to barbecues and general backyard fun, while the Evening parties will have a much more elegant feel to them, since they'll offer your Sims the linens and table settings they'll need to throw a more upscale affair.
The other major addition in this pack will make your Sims' nuptials just that much bigger and brighter. It will include a selection of gowns and tuxedos to outfit the wedding party in fine style. You'll also find the decorations like lamps, flowers, garlands and a wedding arch that no wedding could be complete without. And then there's that perfect cake and tiara to put the finishing touches on the occasion.
Players who pre-order the game can get exclusive items. Amazon and EA are including what looks like a crystal chandelier while EBgames is throwing in a special evening gown to anyone who ponies up their cash in advance.
Stuff packs are a bit different from the usual expansion packs, which generally offer new locations, characters, careers, and more. For instance, the University expansion pack allowed players to take their Sims to school, adding a new young adult age category. It also refactored gameplay by tying their desires to some of the realities of campus life like academic success and social popularity. Other expansions offered pets, nightlife, and the chance to run a small business. Stuff packs are much smaller, since they only include the new items and clothing, but they do start out at a lower retail price point.
