Starting in the summer of 2007, something will appear in the ever-popular EA franchise, The Sims, that has never been seen before–a storyline. EA announced that a brand new line of games will be released, entitled The Sims Stories, which will feature a story mode where the life of particular Sims characters are followed.
The new series will also be different from previous Sims games in that they will be self-contained, and not offered as expansion packs. The first of these games will be named The Sims Life Stories. Electronic Arts describes the plot as a romantic comedy, featuring characters Vincent Moore and Riley Harlow. Future titles EA will deliver in the series include The Sims Pet Stories and The Sims Castaway Stories, which will make their appearances in 2007 and 2008, respectively.
However, die-hard Sims fans will be happy to hear that the new titles will also offer the free flowing classic mode, where gamers can play in the free wheeling, open-ended style that Sims games have traditionally featured. The new Sims series is the second such thing planned by Electronic Arts to change and modify the gameplay of Sims games. Last year, the mega game publisher announced that it was developing a new Sims game specifically for the Wii, in which a Sims game would be based upon a cartoon-like universe, rather than the tried and true style of lifelike characters and environments.
Rod Humble, an EA exec, said, "Everyone loves a good story. The Sims Life Stories gives players two wonderful romantic comedies to enjoy. For those who are interested in The Sims, The Sims Stories are accessible and fun for everyone."
Electronic Arts carries the reputation of not only being the largest third-party game publisher in the world, but one that has been known (and subsequently criticized) for being a game company that is over-entrenched in franchise titles. Advocates wish to see the company branch out into new areas. EA may have found an interesting compromise which would allow for them to continue producing game franchises, albeit ones which branch off into new directions and styles of gameplay.
