I've seen The Sims 4 Lovestruck's new turn-ons and turn-offs feature, and I'm pleased to say it looks like it's even better than it was in The Sims 2
Jul. 18, 2024Out with the old, in with the new
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WithThe Sims 4soon getting Lovestruck,EA’s spiciest expansion pack yet, it’s the best time to be a Simmer - especially as a longtime stan looking forward to returning features like The Sims 2’s chemistry system.
According to the pack’s feature producer, Sims' attraction to one another in Lovestruck will be based on things like the new turn-ons and turn-offs. “Those can be changed any time,” she explains. “There are three different types of turn-ons and turn-offs. We have the physical ones, which are hair color and outfit color - and fashion.” The physical aspects are what your Sims will encounter (and judge) first - think initial impressions. Then there’s personality attraction, which pertains to a Sim’s characteristics and way of life.
“Way of life is about their skills and kind of just their lifestyle.” For example, your Sim could be looking for a wealthy partner or perhaps a nature-oriented person. Characters, on the other hand, are “based off of traits.” The third and final category of turn-ons and turn-offs is far more unique than anything you may remember from The Sims 2 - it has to do with romance styles, one of Lovestruck’s new highlights. Senior game designer Josh Contreras details how these function in-game, and they remind me of the so-called “love languages.”
“Romance styles determine how your Sims prefer to engage with romance,” states Contreras. “These turn-ons and turn-offs will directly impact changes to your Sim’s romantic satisfaction level.” Romance style options include affection, flirting, gift-giving, physical intimacy, and last but certainly not least - WooHoo. With such a diverse range of turn-ons and turn-offs to choose from, whether physical or personality-based, it’s hard for me to imagine ever going back to ticking off “Muscles” or “Robots” in The Sims 2.
As for aspirations, there are two new options to choose from in Create-A-Sim. “Romantic Explorer” is about “doing different activities with your partner.” The second aspiration is aptly dubbed “Paragon Partner,” and it’s all about your Sim maintaining healthy boundaries and at least two successful relationships with other Sims. I’m personally excited to see how the latter fits intoThe Sims 4’s upcoming long-requested polyamory feature. Between the aspirations and chemistry system dropping with Lovestruck, there’s plenty to anticipate.
Searching for another life sim to play? Here are10 games like The Sims 4to check out.
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After spending years with her head in various fantastical realms' clouds, Anna studied English Literature and then Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh, going on to specialize in narrative design and video game journalism as a writer. She has written for various publications since her postgraduate studies, including Dexerto, Fanbyte, GameSpot, IGN, PCGamesN, and more. When she’s not frantically trying to form words into coherent sentences, she’s probably daydreaming about becoming a fairy druid and befriending every animal or she’s spending a thousand (more) hours traversing the Underdark in Baldur’s Gate 3. If you spot her away from her PC, you’ll always find Anna with a fantasy book, a handheld video game console of some sort, and a Tamagotchi or two on hand.
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