The Sims series, developed by Maxis and Electronics Arts, has been known for its various formats throughout the years, including the unusual The Sims Medieval. While the contemporary life simulation genre has been the main focus of The Sims, the franchise has not been afraid to take risks and explore new avenues, as seen with the upcoming "Project Rene." Despite this, some fans are eager for the developer to revisit The Sims Medieval, which is often overlooked but remains a beloved property. Released in 2011, The Sims Medieval was a surprising twist on the original Sims formula, and while the franchise has tried various other avenues, such as SimCity, The Sims Stories, and The Urbz: Sims in the City, The Sims Medieval is a standout title that deserves another chance to shine.
The Sims Medieval's Unique Focus
The Sims Medieval was a departure from the typical Sims game, incorporating RPG features, communal kingdom ambitions, and quests for Sims to embark on. Players were able to expand their kingdom's population, adding various professions with different skillsets to aid in quest completion. Personalities were simplified to two traits and a fatal flaw, still providing unique characters and questlines. Unlocking and building structures led to the creation of more townsfolk, allowing players to shape their kingdoms into diverse regions. However, The Sims Medieval has yet to reach its full potential.
The Case For The Sims Medieval 2
The Sims Medieval, with its RPG approach and castle-focused theme, drew in a new audience and expanded the player base of the franchise. The game's emphasis on player choice in completing quests allowed for the creation of unique stories and kingdoms. However, while The Sims Medieval was a successful addition to the franchise, there is still room for improvement. The Sims Medieval 2 could take inspiration from the customization options in The Sims 4 to allow for even more creative expression in kingdom-building. Additionally, more varied and high-stakes quests with significant consequences would set The Sims Medieval 2 apart from its predecessor and other similar games. Maintaining the quirky sense of Sim humor would also be a key factor in distinguishing the game from others in the genre.
The Sims Medieval is available on Mac, Mobile, and PC.