As fans await more updates regarding EA and Maxis' brand-new titleThe Sims 5(currently known as Project Rene), many ponder what the simulation experience will have to offer in multiple regions. Fans were provided with a recent update onProject Reneduring the ‘Behind The Sims’ showcase, with brief glimpses at what development for the new title looks like.
Though it is worth mentioning that the title is still in development (it hasn’t even received its full name yet), some of the revealed details have left some fans worried. They have led to discussions about how much of a jump the fifth installment will make compared to its predecessor, especially with the announcement of development for mobile. Regardless, many remain hopeful that the upcomingSimstitle can benefit the simulation genre for the better.
5More Realistic Animations
One of the pleasing aspects of EA andMaxis' showcaseof early stages in development, was the animations presented when characters express particular emotions. While the animations inThe Sims 4were not ones to scoff at, the walk styles, character interactions during dialogue sequences, or simple actions could be repetitive or much less detailed. Fans were especially disappointed when comparing the fourth game to the likes ofThe Sims 2,with its attention to detail in every single character action.
Although it is clear that it is almost impossible to remove all monotonous animations from the experience, the up-and-comingSimsexperience would benefit from a greater variety of animations across the board. This could push it above and beyond what any game has ever done in the genre of simulation and heightening levels of immersion.
4Improved Return To Open World
Despite a variety of bugs and performance issues at its time of release,The Sims 3provided an open-world experiencethat many fans loved and hope to see revisited. InThe Sims 4, this was completely omitted and instead replaced with a fast travel system, which only allowed players to go one from region to another without traveling themselves. Ultimately, this removed most performance issues that its predecessor had, but it was also less immersive.
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WithThe Sims 5Project Renein development, there is a great level of potential to create the most expansive, immersive, and entertaining simulation experience, considering the advancement open-world games have made. Opportunities such as players stumbling across unique NPC encounters, grocery shopping by visiting stores, or everyday activities will help improve immersion and bring it closer to a life-like experience.
3Realistic Bigger Cities For Free Roam
Speaking of an open world and the opportunity of free roam exploration, there are so many regions to visit inThe Sims 4given the plethora of DLC. Whilst this is an incredible feature in itself, the issue lies in the fact that players do not have complete freedom in these areas. Stepping out of certain bounds will prompt players to open up the map or return to the specified building or zone.
If developers at Maxis can provide an open-world experience forThe Sims 5, it would allow the franchise to take a step closer to becoming a full-fledged life-like simulation experience. This ultimately depends on thedirection of the new title and what developers wish to implement. But taking this into consideration could elevate the franchise to another level, as refocusing onThe Sims 3’s features along with new features will make for a full-circle experience.
2Improved Character Models
Considering the time ofThe Sims 4’s release in 2014, nearly a decade ago fans already have plenty of expectations when it comes down to character models, specifically regarding character creation. Based on the level of competition among fellow simulation titles introducing different art styles, such as the upcomingLife by Youtitle developed by Paradox Interactive, Maxis may need to step it up.
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Improving the character models forThe Sims 5 Project Renemay be paramount to its potential success. Improved character models may allow the franchise to remain in the leading position among competitors. The franchise has the opportunity to completely reinvent character appearances, and could potentially even allow players to add their own faces upscaled to a hyper realistic level of quality.
1Advanced Graphics
Given the high possibility of Maxis sticking with the cartoonish art style the franchise has been known for, the chance forhyper-realistic environmentsis unlikely. Still, players will be hoping for a large upgrade in graphical fidelity on this occasion. WithProject Renesaid to be developed usingUnreal Engine, the potential for a graphical upscale is certainly present. However, developers will also need to be aware of potential performance problems that could hurt the game’s success.
Producing graphical quality that leaps far ahead of anything anyone has ever seen in the franchise before, will set a new standard for other simulation games. Ultimately, this can allow fellow developers to aspire to create more realistic experiences each time.
