Monday 17 June 2002

Pic of the day: "You cannot guess what I have found! A computer that makes you unnecessary!"

Sims computer reborn!

Remember how I complained, when The Sims was still kinda new, that their computers were not up to the task? Your Sims could play and look for 3 jobs a day, and kids could study for school. That was basically it. No social points for e-mail, ICQ or MUDs. No replacing your bookshelf, your piano, easel and chess board. In real life - well, MY real life - a computer is a man's best friend. The best a man can get. Because it is so many things at once - it's like a second part of yourself, that you did not know you missed until you found it. (Still talking about the computer here!)

Well, let the good times roll. Trond at SIMStitution has made a Sim computer that does it all and more. Much more. Too much more. Not only can you buy skills (including body) for §10 for each point. Not only can you buy personality traits for a measly §25 a point. No, you can do all this in no time! This is just so wrong. You should have to sit by the computer while the blue bar filled up at its usual leisurely pace. I know there's a saying that time is money, but if so it is way too cheap.

Still, don't look a gift horse in its mouth ... It is a giant leap toward greater realism in the game, and I'm just going to role-play to tone down the cheat factor. If you start buying a skill while you are low on fun, you'll stay with the computer till your fun is nearly maxed. So I'll just bore my character to tears first and pretend he has fun studying all the while. And studying online *is* more fun than most books. Just check Britney Spear's guide to semiconductors.

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Also I'm not going to get my body point from a computer. Not when there are downloadable floor tiles for various exercises over at Cheap Frills. You can embed them in a matching hardwood floor to have your character do various exercises: Stretch, sit-up, push-up ... and handstands on the lawn! Put on some matching music and it will look all natural when Ginny tries to touch her toes.

Try this at home, kids!

Back to the computer. You can finally meet your social needs by checking your e-mail. (And even though I'm not a Sim, feel free to send me some too.) I always felt it was just wrong when Chaos Guy, with 0 points Outgoing, had to call Super Girl at least once a day to not break down crying. Now phone calls, visits, town nights and vacations are optional, the way God meant them to be. (Or whoever it was.)

Of course, you won't get friends for your work this way. But who needs work anyway? You can always try your hand at hacking. (Not that this has had any effect other than fun so far, but I suppose it may eventually.) There is also the online lottery, if you trust luck. And on another note, there is Dr. Online for a quick cure for the dreaded Guinea Pig Flu. (Though it beats me why anyone would want a Guinea Pig or even a fish when you have a computer.)

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With the GPC from SIMStitution your Sim can be emotionally self-contained all alone and never need to leave home for any reason. Sounds like a dream come true? Or perhaps a nightmare? Luckily, all the other options are still there - the choice is yours! Highly recommended. ^_^