Customer Reviews

The Sims Online (Prima's Official Strategy Guide)

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I'm a big Sims fan and have several Sims guide books but this is one that is pretty much pointless. Unlike the regular (offline) version of the game (The Sims and the expansion packs like Unleashed), this online game is updated DAILY. Rules change regularly and so does game play. Because of this, there is no way for the book to ever get even close to being up-to-date. But it isn't needed... When you set up the game, you are given game play instructions at start up and you are given "tips" (game play information) throughout the game, each time you encounter a new situation. You are also given update information each time you sign in. There is also a website to go to if you want to read about the updates - you can even read these while in the game (just click on the help "?" button). In addition to that, you can receive e-mails telling you about the latest and greatest changes.

I'll give you an idea of just how out-of-date the book is going to be. I've been playing the game for only 3 months and didn't take notice of the version number right away (not until it was asked of me when making a game inquiry) but I know what the version number was at that point. Today the game is 120 version numbers ahead of what it was that day - no, that was not a typo. There have been over a hundred updates and changes to the game in the last 3 months alone so there's no way for the book to be accurate or up-to-date.

The book didn't help one bit. Its basically a better written retelling of whats available on the official Sims Online Website and the booklet you get with the game.
You won't learn anything unique or special to enhance your game experience.

When I bought the game, I found the book that came with the charter edition somewhat skimpy on details of how to really play the game. I had played the beta version and had become familiar with a small portion of how things worked. But, I still lacked information on the finer details of the game. I really needed a reference book I could go back and look at. In fact, I know have this book sitting beside my computer when I play the game. I have found it very helpful in all aspects. Toss the book that comes with the game. If you are a player of other Sims games, you'll find that the Sims Online is a completely different game than what you're used to. And, with differences, you'll need a book that steps you through various parts of the game. This is the book that you need when you play The Sims Online. I very much reccomend this book.