THE SIMS

The addon pack does feature an option to add a vibrating heart shaped bed that a couple can “play” in (one sees the covers ruffling around as the couple “plays” under them) but we don't see any actual sex. The game can get pretty wild when you "mess with" the Sim's lives (barricading them in the bathroom for instance, or playing a total slob and insulting everyone you meet). Personally I think the mischief one can get into in the game makes it all the more appealing (hey, at least we don't do that stuff to our REAL neighbors, right?). In all, a good rendition of the game, and adding religion to the mix could make it more interesting. My Ratings: [5/4]
   —Kurgan, age 22

We have several SimCity type games, so when we came across "The Sims", I had to get it. The basic game is less objectionable than the Living Large Expansion Pack. All our children are now grown, but I was still reluctant to get the Expansion Pack because of things like a voodoo doll, and "Love bed" where they can "play in bed", a "magic lamp", crystal ball, concoctanation station where you can create potions. Also using the backyard telescope users can be abducted by aliens. Also, if you create your Sims very outgoing, it increases the chance they will get in the hottub with others in the nude. There is a nude patch (blur) and you can't really see anything, but it still makes me uncomfortable. However, you do not have to select these items, to put into play, in your game. We do not have anything to do with these items in our game, and enjoy the game. I do not recommend this game for children, not even young teens. If you do get the game and have minor children, you need to supervise them closely (in my opinion). I do like the creativity it allows the players and how it allows the players to really personalize the game. I have put up a web site for Christian Sims, so that Christians can add items to their game that does have a Christian theme to them. My web site is: http://mikerrisims.i8.com/ I would rate this game for older teens and adults. My Ratings: [3/5]
   —Terri Scott, age 44

"…This game is very subtle in what it teaches and probably a lot more dangerous than a blatantly occult or violent game. Because it is presented as such a normal suburban lifestyle simulation, kids can come to believe that astrology, materialism, and unrestrained sexuality are normal adult behaviors. This Trojan Horse packs a lot more deceit than any other game I have played to date and earns a 50% (F) for Epicurean excess."
   —John Gocke, Al Menconi Ministries

Comments from Young People…

The game is great! There are some objectional things in it like the homosexuality that you can force upon your Sims, or the bed in the Expansion in which your adult sims can "play" though this is open to interpretation. If you really find these objects to be offensive you can go into the files of the Game and delete them in the Game Data / Objects area. Also I wish that more people who can create objects would start Christian web sites from which they can be Downloaded. If you are interested in making objects, go to Simfreaks.com and you can find a link to Download Transmogrifier! My Ratings: [4/5]
   —Jordan, age 16

I really love this game. It is fun and addicting, so much so that you might have to hide it from yourself. I did have a weird religious experience while I was playing it though. You see, there is a "free will" button on the game that is automatically on unless you tell it otherwise. That means, unless you tell the sims what to do, they do anything they want, which is usually eat. Frustrated, I turned off their free will. I was amazed at how much I DIDN'T like the game when the free will was turned off. It was like bossing around pathetic little robots. Kinda made me think about why God gave us free will, even when we want to have a snack instead of rack up those creativity points… My Ratings: [5/5]
   —Arian Lang, age 16

…The Sims, well, it's one of the best games for the computer! There is some objectional things in it, like the kissing. But nothing too offensive. I've seen better graphics. But the gameplay is awesome! I already have all my friends living in my neighborhood! But the thrill about it is, you get to control your life in a computer world! Score this an A in my book.
   —Chris Jurewicz, age 12

I'm a big fan of Sim City. So when The Sims came out, I was really excited. I didn't get until a couple months after it came out, but it was worth the wait. First off, I want to point out the gameplay. It's so simple to play, I learned to play it in 10 minutes! The graphics I was hoping would be better. But down to the Christian Values. In the expansion pak you can get Christmas trees and that kinda stuff. But there is some objectionable material. I don't mind the kissing or flirting, and when they have to go, they have to go. It's nice that they put a large blur around your sims when they are going to the bathroom, taking a shower, etc. In conclusion, The Sims is something that you should buy. I don't recommend it for little kids though. My Ratings: [3/5]
   —Chris Jurewicz, age 12

I saw this game in our local mall and I had to get it. I've never really liked games like Sim City or any of that but this is so much fun. Now, to warn you there is a zodiac sign assigned to every character and makes some characters more compatible with some other characters, and less compatible with others. Your sims can die if they start cooking and don't know much about it, or when changing a light bulb they may be electrocuted. If they fall asleep in the pool they drown (it doesn't show anything awful just a small urn {ashes}). Also they can have homosexual relationships but only if you force them to (their naturual inclination is to be with the opposite sex). You are not forced to see anything you don't want to. Just like the internet there is pornography, but you don't have to look at it. This game is terribly addicting to play (and to watch others play). My Ratings: [3/5]
   —Caleb Thiessen, age 16

To update on the religious content in the game, in the expansion pack some new objects are a Christmas Tree and menorah. So, the religious themes are handled. Plus, it goes to show that the Sims aren't necessarily astrologists of any sort, if you choose to buy these objects. My Ratings: [5/5]
   —Jordan Harriman, age 15

OK, I never really liked "Sim City" or any of that, but when I saw "The Sims", I couldn't resist. I think that "The Sims" can teach people how God feels when we don't follow his word. When I create someone, and they are dirty and mean, and don't do what I say, it really upsets me. I think this is how God feels and it has motivated me to try my best to please him. There is no sexual content other than a little kissing or flirting, and one of the few downs is that you can create homosexuals. People use the bathroom and take showers, but there's a big censor block over them. My Ratings: [4/5]
   —Bonnie, age 13

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Christian Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Films for Christ or the Christian Answers Network.