Unveiling the Urban Landscape of The Sims 4: A Guide to its Cities
The Sims 4, while not set in a single, explicitly named city, draws inspiration from a vibrant tapestry of real-world urban environments. The most prominent and detailed city within the game, San Myshuno, is a melting pot of influences from cities like Tokyo, San Francisco, and New York City, while also incorporating elements of Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Moroccan cultures. Its overall geography most closely resembles that of Hong Kong. However, the beauty of The Sims 4 lies in its diverse worlds, each offering a unique atmosphere and cultural flavor, making the game an amalgamation of global urban experiences rather than a direct representation of a singular location.
Exploring the Worlds of The Sims 4
The Sims 4 is not confined to one city, but instead provides players with access to a collection of distinct “worlds,” each with its own unique theme, architecture, and pre-made Sims. These worlds offer different gameplay experiences and visual styles, enriching the overall simulation.
The Base Game Worlds
The base game includes three distinct worlds:
- Willow Creek: A suburban, New Orleans-inspired world with a focus on family life.
- Oasis Springs: A desert town with a vibrant nightlife scene, drawing inspiration from the American Southwest.
- Newcrest: A completely empty world, offering players a blank canvas to build their dream homes and businesses.
Expansion Pack Worlds
Expansion packs introduce numerous other worlds, each with a unique theme and gameplay focus. Some notable examples include:
- Windenburg (Get Together): A large, European-inspired world with a focus on social clubs and group activities. It’s said to be the largest in the game, with 14 residential lots and 13 community lots.
- San Myshuno (City Living): As mentioned previously, a densely populated, culturally diverse city with apartments and festivals.
- Brindleton Bay (Cats & Dogs): A coastal town with a focus on pets and animal-related activities.
- Del Sol Valley (Get Famous): A glamorous city inspired by Hollywood, focused on fame and fortune.
- StrangerVille (StrangerVille): A mysterious desert town with a dark secret, inspired by the Southwestern United States and Area 51.
- Sulani (Island Living): A tropical island paradise with a focus on Polynesian culture and conservation efforts.
- Evergreen Harbor (Eco Lifestyle): An industrial city that players can transform into an eco-friendly utopia.
- Henford-on-Bagley (Cottage Living): A charming rural village with a focus on farming and animal care.
- Mt. Komorebi (Snowy Escape): A Japanese-inspired mountain resort town with skiing, snowboarding, and hot springs.
- Tartosa (My Wedding Stories): a Mediterranean world with a focus on wedding activities
The Cultural Tapestry of San Myshuno
San Myshuno, featured in the City Living expansion pack, is perhaps the most detailed and culturally rich world in The Sims 4. It showcases a blend of architectural styles and cultural influences, reflecting the diversity of modern cities around the globe. The apartments and penthouses are its notable features. This world emphasizes community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Sims 4 Worlds
Here are some frequently asked questions about the worlds and cities in The Sims 4:
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What cities are The Sims 4 cities based on?
As explained above, various cities have influenced the different locales within The Sims 4. San Myshuno draws inspiration from Tokyo, San Francisco, New York City, Hong Kong, and also features elements from Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Moroccan cultures.
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Where are The Sims 4 save files located?
Your save files, in-game graphics settings, custom content (CC), mods, and game cache files are typically stored in the following location: Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4.
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What is the City Living town in Sims 4 called?
The City Living town in The Sims 4 is called San Myshuno.
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How many worlds are there in The Sims 4?
The number of worlds available in The Sims 4 depends on which expansion packs, game packs, and stuff packs you own. The base game includes three worlds, and each additional pack can add one or more new worlds.
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What country is The Sims set in?
The Sims games take place in a fictional country called SimNation.
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Are SimCity and The Sims connected?
Yes, The Sims is a spin-off of the SimCity series. SimCity, which was originally called Micropolis, inspired the creation of The Sims.
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Do the Sims live in SimCity?
It is widely believed that the general setting for The Sims 1 through The Sims 3 is SimCity, although some worlds in The Sims 3 have different timelines and the locations are called “worlds”.
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How do I find hidden locations in The Sims 4?
Hidden locations, like Sylvan Glade in Willow Creek, can be found by exploring the game world and interacting with specific objects, such as a large tree in the Crick Cabana lot.
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How do I travel to different lots in The Sims 4?
You can travel to different lots by using the map feature, accessed by pressing the M key or clicking the map button in the top-right corner of the screen.
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Why is The Sims 4 so popular?
The Sims 4’s popularity stems from its open-ended gameplay, character customization options, building tools, and the ability to mod the game with custom content.
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What is StrangerVille based on?
StrangerVille is inspired by the Southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and Nevada, and the mysterious Area 51.
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What is the best city to live in The Sims 4?
The “best” city is subjective and depends on your play style. Del Sol Valley is popular for its glamorous lifestyle and large lots, while San Myshuno offers a diverse and urban experience.
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What is the biggest world in The Sims 4?
Windenburg, introduced in the Get Together expansion pack, is generally considered the largest world in The Sims 4.
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Why did EA stop making SimCity?
The reasons for the discontinuation of the SimCity series are complex, but they include creative differences between the developers at Maxis and the publisher EA, as well as challenges in implementing the always-online DRM.
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What gender options are available for Sims in The Sims 4?
In The Sims 4, Sims can be assigned as male or female at birth, but you can edit their gender presentation in Create-A-Sim (CAS) once they age up to a Teen, using a variety of options.
Understanding the Appeal of Simulation Games
The Sims 4, like its predecessors and sister series SimCity, offers a compelling simulation experience. These games allow players to create and manage virtual worlds, experiment with different scenarios, and express their creativity. The Games Learning Society provides valuable research and insights into the educational and social aspects of gaming.
Shaping Your Sim’s Urban Experience
Ultimately, The Sims 4 isn’t about recreating a specific real-world city. It’s about creating your own unique urban experience by blending elements from various cultures and architectural styles. Whether you prefer the bustling streets of San Myshuno, the suburban charm of Willow Creek, or the tropical beaches of Sulani, The Sims 4 provides the tools and the canvas to build your ideal virtual world. Explore the different worlds, experiment with different lifestyles, and let your Sims thrive in the urban landscape of your dreams. To learn more about simulation games and their educational applications, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.