Get hairy, undead and sparkly in the seventh expansion pack for The Sims 3: Supernatural. In classic Snakes on a Plane style, you know exactly what you’re getting from the title alone, and in this case, right from the outset.
Unlike previous Sims 3 expansions, players can jump in the deep end and create a werewolf, witch/wizard, vampire, or fairy from the beginning, using the Create A Sim tool. Customise your new Sims -- make a witch-child or a sorority of slutty fairies -- and start the game with them in the new town of Moonlight Falls.
Expanding The Sim’s fascination with death (we’ve all murdered our fair share of Sims with the ol’ set fire to the house and remove the door routine), for the first time in the series, you can also create a ghost. No longer do you need to maliciously murder your characters to evolve them into a ghostly reincarnation. Skip ahead to the fun part.
A Werewolf will also inappropriately sniff around party guests and hulk right out of his hair-protruding shirt.
The aesthetically challenged among us will be inundated with customisation options, from the shape of a fairy’s wings, to the shade of green of a witch’s repulsive skin. You could spend hours tweaking minor details or accept the ready-made defaults and jump right into the action.
For those of you already imagining playing supernatural god and creating inter-special families, yes, two different supernatural races can procreate. If a vampire and a werewolf shack-up during a controversial Twilight-esque soiree, they can have a child that is equally as likely to end up as either race.
Werewolves were the poster-child for demonstrating how you will be forced to adapt your environment in-line with what to expect from the obscure new abilities. Whilst in human form, a werewolf poses no threat to your pristine lounge-room or velour upholstery. When he transforms, uncontrollably on the night of a full moon, expect him to destroy your expensive sofa and trash your kitchen like evicted tenants leaving something to remember them by. A Werewolf will also inappropriately sniff around party guests and hulk right out of his hair-protruding shirt.
One of the more intriguing magical elements is the ability to brew and share elixirs; each can be gifted to your friends, even if they don’t have the Supernatural expansion. After acquiring ingredients and special objects, aspiring wizards will be able to cook up a variety of concoctions to wreak havoc in Moonlight Falls. However, you needn’t be a supernatural Sim to learn the craft. Anyone, even a normal Sim from the real world, can study and master Alchemy. From an instant career boost to a one-size-fits-all weight loss potion, there’s something for everyone in this brewery. Including the undead.
Zombies were the one character curiously forgotten in the opening briefing. That’s because you cannot create a zombie; your character must become one. Producer Megan Myers explained that there are numerous ways to trigger zombification, but the most likely will be through the zombie elixir.
Aside from initiating werewolf transformations, the full moon during the new lunar cycle may also spawn an unrelenting horde of zombies in your backyard. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see this in action, but needless to say, don’t get bitten. Whilst most zombie transformations will be temporary, there are causes that will leave your Sim undead for life. As an added bonus, those who pre-order the expansion will get the Pea Shooter from Plants vs. Zombies to ward off zombie attacks and an extended wardrobe.
Surprisingly, the eighth expansion, Seasons, was announced this morning, a month before Supernatural is to be released. However, considering the Sims’ vast install-base and the rise of supernatural themes in current pop culture, it’s hard to be tempted past the Supernatural expansion. With plenty of out of this world surprises, particularly with Alchemy and distinctive character types, The Sims 3: Supernatural should please any Sims fan who wishes it was just a little more Twi-Potter-lightZ.
The Sims 3: Supernatural will be released for Windows PC and Mac in Australia next month. Stay tuned for our interview with producer Megan Myers, and yes, that does include a greater insight into vampires.
By Ben Salter