Parental Guide to The Sims 2
In the unique genre of virtual life, one can expect anything and everything to happen to the user's creations. Often, that is indeed the case. Some concerned citizens and even lawmakers have expressed apprehension that in this game, the displayed actions are too real for a game rated by ESRB as "Teen." As a PC simulation enthusiast who has spent hundreds of hours in the game, I can assure you that any fears can be alleviated. I will evaluate five major categories of lifestyle: drugs, sex, nudity, violence, and language.
Drugs
There are no direct references to drugs within the game. The closest comparison comes with an object that can be used that imitates the effects of some drugs, called the Bubble Blower. The object can be used by four sims at once. They hold a mouthpiece up to their heads and appear to suck out bubbles, which increases the sim's happiness and comfort level. It is comparable to a real-life bong, but one has to stretch the imagination to draw a realistic association. In a similar manner, your creations can go to a bar and drink blended or mixed drinks. The word "alcohol" is never mentioned in the game.
Sex
This is by far the most controversial aspect of the game, and no doubt the reason why the game was given the Teen rating. In the game, sex is called "WooHoo" and can be accomplished a number of different ways. The most common method is to place two sims on a bed by having them both "relax." Once both of the sims are on the bed, the sex interactions "WooHoo" or "Try For Baby" are available. A limitation of this feature is that the sims must first be in love with one another or the interaction will not appear. In a similar nature, sims can also perform a "WooHoo" in a hot tub or in dressing rooms. Gender is not taken into consideration, making it possible for a "WooHoo" between two males or two females. No more than two sims can enter into the interaction at once. Even though sex is certainly suggested, the graphic nature of the interaction can only be described as "PG." It is unlikely that a young player of the game will accidentally discover this feature, given the limitations of it.
Nudity
Despite what some have claimed, there is absolutely no nudity within the game. When a sim takes a bath or shower, "blur" marks appeared over the sim to simulate a "censored" tag. Cheats have been made available to eliminate the blur, but anyone looking for actual nudity will be disappointed. With the blur removed, the sim looks like a mannequin with no details, and certainly no genitalia. Again, some users have overcome this limitation to create realistic-looking, full nude sims by attaching skins. The skin is essentially clothing attached to the doll which gives them the appearance of nudity. Let me emphasize that Electronic Arts had nothing to do with those skins, which were created entirely by amateur users of the game in a practice known as "modding." They are only available on the internet, and are not included with the game or on the official web site.
Violence
There is essentially no violence within the game. No weapons are included, although sims can die in many, and sometimes humorous, ways. No death is graphic, but can actually appear sad in some instances. Some methods of death include (but are not limited to) old age, drowning (by having your sim get into a pool and then removing the ladder), electrocution (by having your sim attempt to repair an electrical object without first possessing mechanical skills) and by fire (your house catches fire from the stove/oven or fireplace and the sim is unable to extinguish the flames). Sims cannot inflict bodily harm on another sim. There is a fight interaction, but it is more comical than anything else. In order to fight with another sim, your creation must first be mad at the opposing sim.
Language
The language within "The Sims" has become known as "Simlish" which is a take on "English." No words actually make any sense to any real language in the world. The creations utter words that can seem to have meaning, but are actually very funny to listen to. There is no swearing or any words that can be construed as offensive to anyone within the game. The music within the game is also similarly humorous. Several top name recording artists have contributed to the game by performing songs that are available on the radios, boom boxes, and juke boxes within the game; but instead of actually singing the words of the original song, the language "Simlish" has been substituted making for some very fun moments. Some of the top artists include Barenaked Ladies, Howard Jones, Kajagoogoo, and Depeche Mode.
Conclusion
It is my hope this review clears up any misinformation some may have about this game. "The Sims 2" is a very open-ended game that follows the user's wishes. If the user is an innocent or mature individual, they will find much joy attached to this game. If the individual has a more alternate mindset, they will very likely find a way to satisfy their need in the game. This game is very much like a toolbox. It enables the craftsman to build a project out of their own imagination. In my opinion, the "Teen" rating is appropriate.
TCS