9 /10 1 Votes
Mode(s) Single-player Series The Sims Genre Life simulation game | 9/10 Steam Initial release date 5 March 2013 Publisher Electronic Arts Developers The Sims Studio, Maxis | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Platforms Microsoft Windows, Macintosh operating systems Similar The Sims games, Maxis games, Life simulation games | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Sims 3: University Life is the ninth expansion pack for The Sims 3. It is not to be confused with The Sims 2's University Life Collection, which was released in 2009 and featured The Sims 2: University, as well as 2 stuff packs (IKEA Home Stuff and Teen Style Stuff).
Contents
Sims University life
Sims University is a sub-neighborhood probably based on New England Campuses that functions similarly to the vacation worlds in World Adventures. Its mascot is a llama. In order to attend university, Sims must be a young adult, adult or elder. When a non-player mascot is near the Sims' lots, they can take an aptitude test. The results will depend on their skills, traits, work experience and school grades. The results also show the total aptitude score, along with the sub-scores for the majors and cerid award. The amount of financial assistance (scholarship) provided to the Sim is also determined by the test. Teen can also take the aptitude test, to see what skills they need to work on but they can not go to University before they grow up to be a young adult.
Enrolling in college can be done on phone, computer, or going to the public school and enrolling there. The player can select the Sim's major, out of either Business, Communications, Fine Arts, Physical Education, Science and Medicine, or Technology, as well as the amount of credits they wish to study for, and whether they want to study for one or two terms. Taking more credits will allow a Sim to obtain their degree faster, but they will have more of their time taken up by studying.
To receive a degree, a Sim must obtain 48 credits for it, and pass their final exams. Having a degree will allow a Sim to start at a higher level in careers relevant to the degree, and they will also be paid more. These benefits will increase the higher the Sim's grade.
University Life also introduces social groups: Jocks, Nerds and Rebels. The player can join these social groups, and move up in their rankings by befriending members of the group and/or doing activities and interactions related to the group. As they progress through the ranks they can unlock new interactions and objects, and later pick an additional trait. A Sim who reaches rank 10 with a group will be given a job offer in a special career unique to that group.
Development
It was first leaked on the Russian version of Origin, but later taken down. It was then hinted in a teaser in a Maxis live broadcast, and the Spanish version of the logo was displayed in an EA game launch event that showcased new releases including The Sims 3: 70s, 80s & 90s Stuff. Nine screenshots were leaked on the EA owned website Digital River, but fansites were asked to remove them, though they still exist in posts on The Sims 3 official community forums. On December 29, 2012, The Sims 3: University Life was rated T for Teen by the ESRB, confirming that it is official, and has completed development. The game was officially announced on January 8, 2013. The expansion pack was released in North America on March 5, 2013 and Europe on March 8, 2013 with the North American release date coinciding with SimCity.