The Sims™ 3

In my opinion, one of the greatest casual games of all time, and the greatest Sims game ever made. However, this game comes with a [b]major[/b] defect: the publisher does not care about the game, at all. Since this game is published by Electronic Arts, that's probably not surprising. There are 2 things in particular that stick out about the way EA has handled this game that you absolutely need to know if you're planning on purchasing it. 1. This release of the game has a massive flaw where NPCs and vehicles will get stuck, yet continue to try and pathfind. Over time this creates a build up of lag that renders your world/save file unplayable. It doesn't matter how careful you are, this is unavoidable, and the longer you play the more likely it becomes. The game has a 'living world' where NPCs will walk around and live their own lives independent of the players household, with no load zones. This feature is incredible and unique to this entry, but it also causes the severe lag problem. Luckily, modding this game is very simple. NRaas Overwatch and ErrorTrap mods fix these issues and are necessary to prevent the mentioned problem. These are the only 2 mods that you absolutely have to have. 2. The paywall locked content. Its absurd that EA is still charging 20 bucks per DLC for this game that came out in 2009. You can get a 'decent' price on the full bundle (when its discounted!), but you have to look specifically for it and wait for a heavy discount. Even if you buy the discounted bundle, guess what? EA still found a way to squeeze even more transactions into this game. There's a separate Sims store where you can buy all kinds of in-game stuff. And people, this might be the most embarrassing thing of all. The Sims store uses a "Sims Points' currency, which you CANNOT purchase from their official website. After looking around for a bit, solutions were mentioned that involved downloading EAs desktop launcher (pass), linking your steam account, navigating to the game, going to the DLC tab, buying point- No, just don't do that, it's the dumbest thing imaginable. There are somewhere around 1000 items on the points store, and some of the best hairstyles, clothing and furniture are on there (because of course they are.) The prices are absurd, and EA expects you to do an equally absurd little dance just for the privilege of being able to buy these items. Thankfully, its extremely easy to find all of these items for free online. This game is actually incredible, doubly so when you have access to all of its content. But it is not worth the price EA is asking for it. I felt dirty handing such a large chunk of money to a company that obviously doesn't care whatsoever about the arguable crown jewel of one of their biggest series. This is yet another game kept alive by its awesome community, its hardly even playable otherwise.

I love it! But the islands expansion pack runs absolutely horribly. Additionally, The Sims 3 is better than The Sims 4.

I grew up on the Sims 4, and I wanted to try out this game, since people seem to prefer it. From what I've seen, this game is fine, great even. I might change this review later. However, I haven't had much time to enjoy it due to the constant [b]BUGS[/b]. I've faced 3 game-breaking bugs so far, and all of them were to simply boot up the game. Two were immediately after the launch window, and one was when trying to load a world. I was able to troubleshoot them all, so I'm making this review to maybe help others. [h2]First bug: Game closes after launch window[/h2] The launch window has several options, mostly links to the Sims 3 website. To start the game, you click on the big play symbol on the top left. However, when I did this, the window would close, and instead of then opening up the game, Steam showed that the whole process closed. [h3]My solution:[/h3] [url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Sims3/comments/12l7ew0/crashes_before_the_game_even_begins/]This Reddit post[/url] complains about the same thing. One user recommends many different troubleshooting tips, and the one I followed and maybe helped was installing [url=https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/Sims-3-launcher-won-t-open/m-p/10700883#M247761]DirectX9[/url], which the Sims 3 still runs on despite apparently not being on Windows 10 or 11. However, the commenter that REALLY saved my ass mentioned a [url=https://forums.ea.com/discussions/the-sims-3-technical-issues-en/re-sims-3-wont-open-alder-lake-intel-12th-gen-cpu/8265792#community-8265792-alternates]user-made, open-source patch[/url] directed at the Alder Lake CPU (a more modern CPU). One commenter says that their wife tried it on a different modern CPU and it worked, so I applied the patch, which finally made the game boot up. [h2]Second bug: "Serious error has occurred while loading (name).world"[/h2] Chronologically, this is the next bug I ran into. Between this one and the last one, I was able to play a bit on a default family, but then I wanted to start a new game from scratch. Whenever I'd select a world for this new game, no matter the world, it gave me the error in the title. I tried playing on that first family again, and it had the same bug too. [h3]My solution:[/h3] [url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Sims3/comments/11vz36h/cant_play_at_all_due_to_a_serious_error_while/]This Reddit thread[/url] was started by a user with the same problem. The top comment by SimsPlayer2765 details instructions to modify the Sims 3 folder in Documents, to force the launcher to create a new version without the bug (just read the comment, they know more about it than I do). This worked for me. [h2]Third bug: "The Uploading Process is not complete" infinite loading times[/h2] Later on, I ran into the second bug that occurred right after the launch window. It would close and the game wouldn't boot up, but according to Steam, it was still open. By force-quitting it through Steam, a window with the error in the title would pop up, and soon be shut down. [h3]My solution:[/h3] [url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/47890/discussions/0/1734342161870073157/]This thread[/url] was started by a user with the same problem, and the user funewchie posted a solution that solved my problem. Again, they know more about this than I do, but it essentially involved changing some files' permissions. Apparently there are more bugs in the Steam version than the EA version, so keep that in mind when purchasing. [b]EDIT:[/b] I ran into yet another game-breaking bug. It's similar to the second bug on this list, but instead of a serious error affecting the .world files, it affects my household files. I've been attempting several fixes based on forum tips but, frankly, the amount of time and effort I'm sinking into getting this game up and running is ridiculous. Unfortunately, due to my hour count (and the fact I bought it more than two weeks ago), I'm unable to request a refund. My advice: just stay away from this game unless you have an older PC and operating system. Play Sims 4, even if it's "inferior".

Personally I believe this sims is much better than 4, 4 has better graphics and better home building, sure, Though this Sims has greater depth and moods, and much more. Also another reson to consider this sims instead is because at least the majority of DLC in this game gives you more of your money's worth rather than hundreds of dollars only for lackluster DLC like how it is with Sims 4. I highly recommend Sims 3 over Sims 4.

I love sims 3 and have been playing since 2014 on playstation. Ea is a cash grab company but luckly the community is amazing and offers all products and patches elsewhere. Sims is the best, Ea sucks.

This game has never worked for me. It says nine hours of game play when all it does is say error and says it running when it isn't even letting me access the game. Sims 4 is better never going back to sims 3 wish I could get my money back. Even on my new computer it does not play.

I dont know if its my computer but I have done SO many things to try and get this game to work it says that I have played it for 10 hours since downloading it NO TRY 2 because the other 8 hours have been trying to get the app to stop and load like seriouslyyyyyyyyyyyy

Credit where credit's due. It's a fun game! I prefer it to the Sims 4. But it's kinda bare bones without expansion packs, but the expansion packs are way to expensive. Don't make the same mistakes I did. Spend your money elsewhere. The game's incredibly laggy and buggy, too. It's also one of those games that runs in the background even after you close it, eating up system resources. It's very easy to forget to turn it off.

It's fun, at first when you start playing, you still have to wait and see if it works or not, but when you get used to the habit of playing, like pausing the game and continuing, it saves when you save, I really recommend it for other people to play, but when I want to save, it's a little difficult for me because it takes a long time to load, I don't know if it's because of Steam logging out or what.

hmmmmmmm honestly I'm pretty torn. On one hand I was obsessed with it in my childhood and had loads of fun, on the other the loading times are really no joke, getting longer the more you play. Also, EA is notoriously kinda shitty and this game costs like 450$ with all the DLC????? Wtf man. I love this game but man I hate so much surrounding it. So maybe if you have money to burn and time to waste this is for you, but at this point there are so many games way more deserving. Also apparently it doesn't work on newer PCs? So uhh it's probably not worth it at all anymore.

To cheat and manipulate Sim needs in The Sims 3, first enable "testingcheatsenabled true". Then, Ctrl+Click and drag on the Sim's need bar to adjust the value. This method works in Live Mode only, not when time is paused. Additionally, Shift+Clicking on Sims provides options like making them happy or static

I honestly would be here forever if i tried explaining everything so ill just tell you that this game is WAYYYYYY more fun than the sims 4, the open world actually made the sims feel like people and not just dolls that show up to a set (like in TS4). they can feel like real living people with their own hopes, wants, dreams, and ambitions.

I used to find this game fun, but not so much now. Creating things can be a blast, but the actual gameplay is mostly just waiting for things to happen. I've gotten so bored playing this game at times that I just use my phone and/or play other games as my Sim sleeps, goes to work, etc.

300+ hrs on record (not counting the untracked childhood obsession) I’ve been playing The Sims 3 since I was around 7 or 8 (born in 2003), and even now, it remains one of my favorite games of all time. The freedom it offers is unmatched—there’s something magical about being dropped into an open world where your Sims can jog across town, crash parties, fall in love with vampires, run a resort, or accidentally die from jelly beans. The lack of loading screens between lots makes the world feel alive in a way no other Sims game ever has. You’re not just controlling a household—you’re living in an ecosystem that breathes, gossips, and occasionally bursts into flames. The customization system is still king; Create-A-Style lets you recolor and redesign just about anything, down to the pattern on your Sim’s socks or the exact shade of their sofa. The expansion packs take it even further—you can become a celebrity in the city, freeze to death during a snowball fight, raise a rebellious teen, travel to tomb-filled ruins in Egypt, turn into a fairy or werewolf, run a failing bakery, go to college, adopt a horse, fight zombies, scuba dive for treasure, or build a houseboat and live off the grid. It’s wild, it’s endless, and it’s full of personality. But here’s the catch: this game does not run well. Once you install more than a few packs, the lag becomes brutal. Sims freeze mid-action, menus slow to a crawl, and routing breaks constantly. Island Paradise is gorgeous but nearly unplayable without mods, and your save file will absolutely corrupt if you’re not careful. Mods like NRAAS Overwatch, ErrorTrap, and Master Controller are essential, and you’ll need to clear cache files, monitor inventories, and pray to the simulation gods every time you hit “save.” It’s buggy, messy, and frustrating—and yet, I still adore it. I’ve created dynasties, caused drama, married ghosts, thrown costume parties in blizzards, and raised unicorns. No other life sim has matched this level of freedom and storytelling. With the right mods and some patience, it’s a 9/10 masterpiece. Without them, it’s more like a 6. But with nostalgia in the mix? It’s a 10/10 classic, and always will be.

This is my favorite Sims so far, even though it's the older version of the game. I love that you can get ghosts in your house if you don't take their urn to the cemetery. I love that death comes to collect them. I love that you have to raise and teach your toddlers. I love that you can earn money without ever having a real job. I love that you can plant a money tree. I love that you can date and hang out with others at home or elsewhere. The interface is easy to deal with and far less complicated than Sims 4.

I have attempted to play this game at least six times over the past few days. Only the first attempt worked, and I played for about an hour. Every other moment of "playtime" has been crashing, serious errors, and trying to figure out how to make the game stop running so I can actually restart it -- I wound up having to shut my entire PC off because it wouldn't stop no matter how long I waited, even after I tried to stop it through Steam itself. The game is completely nonfunctional for me, and at this point I think I'd rather put my twenty bucks towards getting my Xbox 360 running again so I can play a version that actually shuts off. I'd recommend a version of this game that actually works.

The Sims 3 is an excellent successor to the sims 2, though with minor bugs, the game is very much playable for long periods without any issues. I do however experience lag from time to time, but this can be solved with mods. The open world aspect is what sets this game apart with its predecessor. Outside your house, the world feels much more alive, with other sims having their own activities making it really feel come to life. The game comes with several expansion packs and stuff packs. My favourite is University Life, very much like the collage life. Not all of them are my cup of tea. But i did incorporate at least one aspect of each pack that I bought in to my game, making my game fresh every time I play. So in overall, I highly recommend this game. You will get tons of play hours playing the Sims 3.

Unplayable, doesn't open, no simple fix and Steam won't give a refund.

I don't play it anymore but man this was my childhood game back when I was 12 and playing in the family computer. I miss those times when my biggest worry in life was my homework.

Fun to control little people in my computer. 10/10 recommend to any with a love of control ;)

cool game. graphics are a bit crap but details are much netter than the sims 4. And i have a much wackier time playing this game as it never really gets boring.

I used to have a lot more stuff packs and expansions, but I got locked out and EA couldn't seem to help me. I had missed playing and repurchased the base game and Supernatural expansion. I absolutely love playing this game. I like designing homes and creating sims and seeing how far I can take them. Just don't lose your password because EA couldn't help me recover my original account. I'd suggest watching for sales, because it will save you money.

The sims is one of the first games I've ever played on PC. I have The sims 3 both on Steam and the EA App. My favorite part of The Sims series is creating entire families and building homes for them. I love games like the Sims 3 because I enjoy playing god. In the sims I enjoy creating all sorts of cool and crazy characters such as vampires, witches/warlocks, aliens, elves, fairies, werewolves and sometimes celebrities. The sims 3, in my opinion, is one of the best versions. I say this because unlike other versions there is more customization options in CAS and Build mode. in conclusion, as a long time Sims Gamer, it is still one of my favorite games even to today because it allows me to use my creativity which is something I value.

its a old classic, i got the dlc for pets/horses. i love how you can control your animals, not just sims. i haven't played long. but i love it as much if not more then sims 2 pets.

Super fun! Just the base game alone is filled to the brim with things to do! I don't have a gaming pc or anything but it actually runs great! I love the open world and everything!

if you like simulation games then this is the game for you. Build, create sims watch your sims grow, learn new skills.

Motivates me to fix my own life due to how good I make my Sim's life to be lol Def buy the base + DLCs discounted when you can. The game's too fucking expensive for something so old (& slightly buggy).

I would not recommend this purchase. I love the game, but when I close out of it, Steam won't stop "stopping" it, so that I could never play it again. In addition, I cannot seem to delete neighborhoods and it WON'T SAVE. It just presents me with an error message. Worthless.

I love this game! its absolutely awesome! I have three expansion packs and it works fine. The problem a lot of people have is that their computers are too new. I have an older Predator and I get no lag, at all. 10/10

This game has a ton of DLC however paying 20$s for it isn't fun... Honestly I enjoy the Sims even though I'm a dude but paying 20$s per DLC is over priced but yeah game play wise it's a ton of fun with all of the DLC. But all & all even the base game is a ton of fun

While I am frustrated at the cost of achieving all of the DLC, I still find myself playing and enjoying this game for hours at a time. It has replayability for sure.

The sims # is so much more entertaining than the sims 4. The lack of loading times is a game changer.

I drowned a sim child in the pool because he pee'd on the floor next to the toilet for the 3rd time and kept skipping school... Can't be soft on kids these days! But wife ended up preggo and had another boy so its like we never lost one! Called him Damien 2, he likes talking to himself at night and setting things on fire......

its forcing me to write what i liked about it but its better than the sims 4 in my humble opinion

IT fun and you can play as anyone and you can learn various activities

yes ofc its a game i grew up with and its great game too

In my opinion i love sims3 much more than sims4 its just got so much more personality and life compared to sims4 and the DLCS just make it so much more fun and they all just amplify the base game which is also fun to play on its own unlike sims4 which is very. VERY boring if you dont want to spend an arm and a leg on DLCS

instead of spending >$1000 on sims 4 dlc, put the money into a PC that can run the sims 3. mod the hell out of it. best sims title by far

Best Sims game by far. You don't need tons of add-ons, mods, or game packs to make it enjoyable and create hours of entertainment. I love the open-world component and the rich storytelling made through their programming, which is insane for the time it was made. EA really downgraded with Sims 4, but I'm just happy I get to enjoy this game!

Honestly the graphics are dated and the game can run poorly if you've got all the expansions and a save that's been going for 3 gens, but at the end of the day it's a very competent and detailed life sim.

Buggy but love the pet interactions far more than sims 4

way more fun than sims 4, which is actually kind of bland and lifeless. i've played a few generations of several families i created, while in the sims 4 i couldn't even reach one sim become an elder before i got bored with the save and started a new one.

spent way too much of my childhood on this game

love it, goopy carbenara.

its honestly the best sims game ever made.

It suddenly doesn't work at all on my computer

had a lot of fun as a kid with this game

it is relly fun.so many things to do

I have played The Sims since the first one. And this is one of my favorites.

I love how the Sims 3 is more realistic than the Sims 4.