In case you haven't heard, "The Sims Unleashed" is the fifth expansion pack for "The Sims" and focuses on pets and their needs. Yes, I did say the fifth expansion pack. It amazes me each time they come out with a new one. When will it stop? I sure hope it doesn't.
"The Sims Unleashed" is jammed packed full of new features that long time fans will enjoy and have craved. After two years of "begging" Maxis has finally given our Sims pets, however pets are just part of the expansion pack.
"The Sims Unleashed" Community Lots & New Neighborhood Map
For the first time since the release of "The Sims" the neighborhood map has been modified. Instead of 10 lots the map now has 40 lots. The lots can then be zoned into community (more about them later) or residential lots. This was a much-needed change. Ten lots may have seemed like a lot at first, but most of mine were quickly filled with families.
You can now build on a residential lot before placing a family on it. That's right, no more "rosebudding" to get the money needed to experiment with wall placement. This is great news for simmers who love to build houses.
As I mentioned before, lots can now be zones as community or residential. The community lots offer a few choices of activities. The Maxis created lots concentrate on the new additions in "Sims Unleashed." Similar to "Hot Date", community lots offer Sims a place to eat and chat with neighbors. Buy a pastry and listen to the songs of W.C. Friendly.
The community lots are not just for socializing. One lot caters to gardeners. There you can buy seeds and sell crops. Other lots focus on the pets. The adoption center is on a large lot, and has just about everything you need for your pets. There you can adopt a variety of pets (birds, cats, dogs, iguanas), and purchase treats and collars.
Visiting community lots is a family affair even the pets go! Luckily, the provided community lots have objects to keep pets happy - beds, food, toys, and litter boxes. To me this is a bit odd. Perhaps I would bring my dog with me, but traveling with a cat? Unlikely. However, there is an important lot you should take your pet(s) to. The park has pet shows, where your pet can earn an award. You and your pet have to work hard training and be in good moods to win an award. Buy a cabinet to show off the trophies your pets win.
Gardening
To be honest, I was more excited about the gardening features thean having pets. Gardening not only is a way to make money, but it is a way to provide food for the family. I haven't worked out the figures, but it seems taking care of a garden is more cost-effective then buying from the fridge.
Of course, we couldn't just have our gardens, water them a few times, and have tasty veggies. With gardens come rabbits and gophers. Gophers love to dig holes, while the rabbits like to eat the carrots. A scarecrow is available to help keep them away, but whenever I used one, they weren't effective.
Another interesting tidbit is when a dog pees on a garden plot, you don't have to water that plot for the day. I had one dog that regularly hung around the garden, and peed on a lot of plots while the Sim was tending to the garden.
