The Sims 3: Island Paradise (Video Game Review)

The Sims titles have been some of the best simulation games released for PC and that doesn't change with the recent release of the expansion The Sims 3: Island Paradise. Exciting new adventures are on the horizon for your Sims which includes sandy beaches, shimmering blue water and even creating your very own five-star resort. Rather your Sims decide to just partake in the island fun or take up inhabitance is totally up to you. The possibilities are now endless with The Sims 3: Island Paradise were you can explore all that the land and sea have to offer.

While Island Paradise may be the tenth expansion for the game series; gameplay is still refreshing and fun. Island Paradise has a lot of great content to explore and even has a new world called Isla Paradiso. Players will have the chance to partake in several new interactions which include swimming underwater, scuba diving and even the use of houseboats. The best part of Island Paradise is the addition of the mermaid were Sims have the chance to become the supernatural being. Your Sims can partake in even more fun below the ocean with snorkeling and scuba diving. Gamers will be able to discover all of the treasures buried beneath the ocean's shimmering blue waves for the first time in a Sims game. Some houseboats allow you to drive them around the islands and explore. You can even park your houseboat in the middle of the ocean to swim, fish or scuba dive. However, if you want to stay above water then you can customize your own houseboat and just enjoy the excitement of sailing between the beautiful islands. You can even become a lifeguard and protect your fellow Sims while they enjoy the waters of the game world. The intricate detail in the game's graphics and environments make you feel like you are actually there on vacation with your Sim.


When you are not partaking in the fun of the sea then you can build and run your own resort. You have complete control of your resort and the luxury perks that it offers. Sims staying at the resort will be able to get soothing massages and other spa services, swim in the pool and eat tasty food at the buffet. You can even build over the water were your buildings will rest on docks which overlook the beach. Your staff can be customized with special outfits and these aspects are somewhat similar to The Sims 2: Open for Business. You have staff for every aspect of your business from the front desk to cleaning. Every resort has a star rating and this is increased by the quality of your hotel and the entertainment it provides. Also, finding a good price range for your resort is crucial to the amount and type of guests you will get. The Sims that stay at your resort will even leave a review for it which impacts your star rating. Island Paradise offers the player more freedom were they can purchase several properties and easily move between them. This means that your Sim can just make a call and move your family to the new location. Moving between places has never been easier than with Sims 3: Island Paradise. The new feature to purchase several new properties and the ability to move around easier adds a ton of replayability to the new expansion.

Sims 3: Island Paradise is the next to last expansion for Sims 3 before Sims 4 releases next year. The next expansion will include time travel and thus proves that the Sims franchise gets better with each new release. However, Sims 3: Island Paradise has to be one of the most addicting expansions yet with its immersive gameplay, tight controls, beautiful graphics and amazing soundtrack. There is little to dislike in the game besides a few minor bugs and glitches. There were a few times that my character went through some of the scenery, but besides that, there wasn’t much to complain about.

For those of you who like dressing your Sim as much as playing them, don't fret because a variety of new styles are available in Island Paradise, from cute summer dresses to sexy swimsuits for the girls and colorful short sets and swim trunks for the guys. You can also give your Sim a stylish summer hairdo and even some nautical inspired tattoos! There is even a new skin color which is the flesh tones for mermaids. And to top it all off, you can't forget the accessories which includes sunglasses, diving equipment and more.

When decorating your resort or boat there is a variety of new objects available in "Buy Mode." Players now have the option to purchase an all-in-one-bathroom which is a 1x1 box that contains both a toilet and a shower. If your Sims are feeling romantic then they can even woohoo in this small contrapment and try for a child. Now that is a tight fit! Other cool objects up for purchase include an underwater camera, firewalk pit, ocean themed paintings, roof decorations, and a wide selection of boats to choose from. Your boats have to be as varied as your shoes so there are all kinds to test drive such as rowboats, paddleboats, sailboats, and speedboats. Don't want the upkeep of your own boat? Well then just call a boat taxi! How fun is that.



Players have even more options in "Build Mode" to create their perfect vacation giveaway. There are exquisite new roof patterns, stylish windows, and of course nautical inspired walls, flooring and doors. The best new addition is the option to use ladders instead of stairs which is especially helpful when you have limited space, such as on houseboats! And what would paradise be without the option of having a variety of cool and fun pool toys. What all can you add to your pool area you ask? Well, frankly a lot! Your pool can come equipped with a pool bar, water slides, beautiful trees and even waterfalls depending on how extravagant you want to get. However, with all the new ways to build, buy and enjoy your Sims there also comes new ways to die. You can actually die by the Kraken in Sims 3: Island Paradise. This is a rare occurrence but the longer you stay in the water than your chances for seeing one slowly increases.



There is just so much to explore in Sims 3: Island Paradise that it just seems to go on forever. If your a fan of The Sims and have always wanted to run your own luxury resort, take a vacation to paradise or even become a mermaid then you need to pick up Sims 3: Island Paradise today! Sims 3: Island Paradise is now available for PC & Mac for the MSRP of $39.99. Sims 3: Island Paradise is rated T for Teen. To learn more, visit the official Sims 3: Island Paradise website.

Game Features:

Single Player

Set sail for adventure

Build and run a five-star resort

Enjoy the beach

Fun on boats

New ways to build

Game Information:
Developer: The Sims Studios
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Available for PC (reviewed) and Mac
Release Date: June 25, 2013

Score: 9 out of 10