The Sims Medieval
Encyclopedia
The Sims Medieval is a video game in The Sims series
based upon The Sims 3
Engine, developed and published by Electronic Arts
for Microsoft Windows
and Mac OS X
and iOS, was released on March 22, 2011. The game was also released through PC downloads on the same date. Set in medieval times, it allows the player to build a kingdom through quest
-driven gameplay. On December 21, 2010, EA announced that the Limited Edition was available until the launch date, and was also released at the same time as the standard edition.
In a change from other Sims games, the character creation, simulation, and architectural aspects are significantly reduced and altered to enforce a sharper focus on RPG-style gameplay. For example, players will be able to customise the aesthetics and layout of building interiors, but they will be unable to alter the basic structure and shape of buildings. Instead, the game will involve the player upgrading a kingdom, choosing an ultimate goal, or an "Ambition" for that kingdom (such as wealth or popularity) and then fulfilling quests that contribute to that goal.
Only two needs from previous Sims games return; Hunger and Energy. Moodlets, from the Sims 3, provide temporary boosts (both positive and negative) to a Sim's focus slider, which replaces the mood slider of previous games. The player will have to deal with the daily responsibilities of their Sim. These consist of tasks related to the Sim's profession that must be completed in a set amount of time. If left ignored, the Sim will be given a negative moodlet for not doing their duty.
Ambitions can be completed through the use of heroes (or specialists). For example, the player can have a wizard and a physician cooperate on one quest or a knight and monarch in another. Focus, experience, and the traits of the Sim influence their success, and players may choose how the team will attempt to conduct the quest. Players will also choose which Sim will lead the team. Quest performance is determined by how long and how high the player can keep their Sim's focus slider filled. The player can take as long as they wish on a quest, but quest performance will suffer if they neglect quest tasks for too long.
The Sims Medieval will not be a generational game. Much like the first generation of the main series, The Sims
, the characters in the game will not progress through life stages: Sims will still be able to procreate, and those children will only age to adulthood if one of their hero parents die, in which they take up their place. Sims will each have two normal traits and one fatal flaw, which can be turned into a positive trait through a quest, unlike The Sims 3
where there are five main traits only depending on the age group.
In an interview with GameSpot
, the game's senior producer, Rachel Bernstein
stated that the game will be more dangerous for Sims, with death and failure a possibility during the game's quests. Listed dangers included low focus on quests, plague, peasant revolts, wildlife, poisons, duels, and more. Unlike past games, there is a definite beginning and end to the game. Players earn ratings at the end of the game depending on their performance. Players may also reach "Quest Failed!" screens if they do not complete a predefined goal in a predetermined amount of time.
has been added to character models, to give the characters a "painterly look". Other upgrades are reported to include "next-gen sims tech", and a new engine for light within the game.
Another difference/upgrade is the terrain used in the game. Where as the terrain or neighborhoods in The Sims 3
or other Sim games was generally flat for the purpose of building, The Sims Medieval's terrain (or kingdom) is varied in altitudes and layouts resulting in a realistic display of geography. The terrain in the game also has a "painterly look" as do the Sims of the game thanks to the enhanced engine. An official update has been released which fixes minor graphic problems.
actor Donald Faison
.
Metacritic's new score is 82/100(for Pirates and Nobles).
Initial response to The Sims Medieval has been generally positive. John Scott Lewinski of CraveOnline
stated "It's more the kind of game players can come and go from in shorter bursts of play, as opposed to taking on team quests that can consume hours." Nicole Tanner of IGN
awarded the game a score of 8.5 out of 10, commenting "The Sims Medieval has successfully breathed new life into a franchise that was getting pretty stale." "Even with its minor flaws, The Sims Medieval mixes a great sense of humor with simple role-playing game mechanics that result in hours of fun," she added. Atkin Felix of The Guardian
praised the game, deeming it as "enchanting stuff set in a beautifully animated and immersive fairy-tale world." "[And,] with a clearer structure for achieving quests and character development, it will appeal to RPG fans as never before," he added. Gaming magazine Edge
awarded the game a rating of 7 out of 10, and wrote "It's a funny and sweet time sink, and something that any Sims fan can wholeheartedly enjoy." Although AJ Glasser of GamePro
awarded the game a rating of 4 stars out of five, she gave a mixed review of the game, writing "As let down as I am, though, I'm not ready to get out my pitchfork. Some things in this game kept me coming back for 20 hours. [...] The Sims Medieval is a beautiful game with fun and interesting ideas, but it doesn't live up to my fantasy of the Middle Ages and it doesn't completely satisfy the Sims fan in me."
The Sims (series)
The Sims is a video game series developed by Maxis and later by The Sims Studio, and published by Electronic Arts. It is one of the most successful video games series of all time...
based upon The Sims 3
The Sims 3
The Sims 3 is a 2009 strategic life simulation computer game developed by The Sims Studio and published by Electronic Arts. It is the sequel to the best-selling computer game, The Sims 2. It was first released on June 2, 2009 simultaneously for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows...
Engine, developed and published by Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts, Inc. is a major American developer, marketer, publisher and distributor of video games. Founded and incorporated on May 28, 1982 by Trip Hawkins, the company was a pioneer of the early home computer games industry and was notable for promoting the designers and programmers...
for Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
and Mac OS X
Mac OS X
Mac OS X is a series of Unix-based operating systems and graphical user interfaces developed, marketed, and sold by Apple Inc. Since 2002, has been included with all new Macintosh computer systems...
and iOS, was released on March 22, 2011. The game was also released through PC downloads on the same date. Set in medieval times, it allows the player to build a kingdom through quest
Quest
In mythology and literature, a quest, a journey towards a goal, serves as a plot device and as a symbol. Quests appear in the folklore of every nation and also figure prominently in non-national cultures. In literature, the objects of quests require great exertion on the part of the hero, and...
-driven gameplay. On December 21, 2010, EA announced that the Limited Edition was available until the launch date, and was also released at the same time as the standard edition.
Features
The Sims Medieval provides a medieval setting for the player to work within, with newly designed buildings and scenery to give an authentic "back in time" experience. Players will build a kingdom up, send Sims on quests, and earn rewards in the form of Kingdom Points. The game diverges from the series in that players can win the game by achieving a kingdom ambition. Ambitions include "Best In Show", "Busy Builder", "Efficient Expander", "Fame", "Filled Coffers", "Hard Workers", "Imperial Domination", "Legendary", "No Quest For The Weary", "Safe And Sound", "Thoughts And Prayers", and "Wealthy Populace".In a change from other Sims games, the character creation, simulation, and architectural aspects are significantly reduced and altered to enforce a sharper focus on RPG-style gameplay. For example, players will be able to customise the aesthetics and layout of building interiors, but they will be unable to alter the basic structure and shape of buildings. Instead, the game will involve the player upgrading a kingdom, choosing an ultimate goal, or an "Ambition" for that kingdom (such as wealth or popularity) and then fulfilling quests that contribute to that goal.
Only two needs from previous Sims games return; Hunger and Energy. Moodlets, from the Sims 3, provide temporary boosts (both positive and negative) to a Sim's focus slider, which replaces the mood slider of previous games. The player will have to deal with the daily responsibilities of their Sim. These consist of tasks related to the Sim's profession that must be completed in a set amount of time. If left ignored, the Sim will be given a negative moodlet for not doing their duty.
Ambitions can be completed through the use of heroes (or specialists). For example, the player can have a wizard and a physician cooperate on one quest or a knight and monarch in another. Focus, experience, and the traits of the Sim influence their success, and players may choose how the team will attempt to conduct the quest. Players will also choose which Sim will lead the team. Quest performance is determined by how long and how high the player can keep their Sim's focus slider filled. The player can take as long as they wish on a quest, but quest performance will suffer if they neglect quest tasks for too long.
The Sims Medieval will not be a generational game. Much like the first generation of the main series, The Sims
The Sims
The Sims is a strategic life-simulation computer game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. Its development was led by game designer Will Wright, also known for developing SimCity...
, the characters in the game will not progress through life stages: Sims will still be able to procreate, and those children will only age to adulthood if one of their hero parents die, in which they take up their place. Sims will each have two normal traits and one fatal flaw, which can be turned into a positive trait through a quest, unlike The Sims 3
The Sims 3
The Sims 3 is a 2009 strategic life simulation computer game developed by The Sims Studio and published by Electronic Arts. It is the sequel to the best-selling computer game, The Sims 2. It was first released on June 2, 2009 simultaneously for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows...
where there are five main traits only depending on the age group.
In an interview with GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
, the game's senior producer, Rachel Bernstein
Rachel Bernstein
Rachel Bernstein is the senior producer for The Sims Studio and head of The Sims Medieval Project due for release in March 2011. She was one of the heads of the SimCity Societies team.-References:...
stated that the game will be more dangerous for Sims, with death and failure a possibility during the game's quests. Listed dangers included low focus on quests, plague, peasant revolts, wildlife, poisons, duels, and more. Unlike past games, there is a definite beginning and end to the game. Players earn ratings at the end of the game depending on their performance. Players may also reach "Quest Failed!" screens if they do not complete a predefined goal in a predetermined amount of time.
Hero types
Players will be able to control several types of 'heroes', or professions. Each will have different abilities and responsibilities. These include:- MonarchMonarchA monarch is the person who heads a monarchy. This is a form of government in which a state or polity is ruled or controlled by an individual who typically inherits the throne by birth and occasionally rules for life or until abdication...
s will control the kingdom and be able to deal with neighboring kingdoms diplomatically. They can engage in duels, marry important NPCs, and issue proclamations or edicts. - Wizards can enchant or fight using their spells, which are learned from a large spellbook and include motions which must be memorized.
- SpiesSPYSPY is a three-letter acronym that may refer to:* SPY , ticker symbol for Standard & Poor's Depositary Receipts* SPY , a satirical monthly, trademarked all-caps* SPY , airport code for San Pédro, Côte d'Ivoire...
can poison other Sims, or steal for the kingdom. - PriestPriestA priest is a person authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and deities. They also have the authority or power to administer religious rites; in particular, rites of sacrifice to, and propitiation of, a deity or deities...
s come in two varieties, Peteran and Jacoban. Peteran Priests follow a simpler path and try to convert Sims with uplifting sermons. Jacoban Priests use fear as a conversion tool, and wear expensive clothing. - BlacksmithBlacksmithA blacksmith is a person who creates objects from wrought iron or steel by forging the metal; that is, by using tools to hammer, bend, and cut...
s use ore mined in the kingdom to produce armor and arms. - PhysicianPhysicianA physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
s are expected to keep people healthy using period technology, particularly leeches. - KnightKnightA knight was a member of a class of lower nobility in the High Middle Ages.By the Late Middle Ages, the rank had become associated with the ideals of chivalry, a code of conduct for the perfect courtly Christian warrior....
s can train for strength and endurance and are used to conquer new lands. - MerchantMerchantA merchant is a businessperson who trades in commodities that were produced by others, in order to earn a profit.Merchants can be one of two types:# A wholesale merchant operates in the chain between producer and retail merchant...
s have access to foreign goods and trade opportunities. - BardBardIn medieval Gaelic and British culture a bard was a professional poet, employed by a patron, such as a monarch or nobleman, to commemorate the patron's ancestors and to praise the patron's own activities.Originally a specific class of poet, contrasting with another class known as fili in Ireland...
s can recite poetry and play lute music for other Sims.
Technical upgrades
Rachel Bernstein stated that subsurface scatteringSubsurface scattering
Subsurface scattering is a mechanism of light transport in which light penetrates the surface of a translucent object, is scattered by interacting with the material, and exits the surface at a different point...
has been added to character models, to give the characters a "painterly look". Other upgrades are reported to include "next-gen sims tech", and a new engine for light within the game.
Another difference/upgrade is the terrain used in the game. Where as the terrain or neighborhoods in The Sims 3
The Sims 3
The Sims 3 is a 2009 strategic life simulation computer game developed by The Sims Studio and published by Electronic Arts. It is the sequel to the best-selling computer game, The Sims 2. It was first released on June 2, 2009 simultaneously for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows...
or other Sim games was generally flat for the purpose of building, The Sims Medieval's terrain (or kingdom) is varied in altitudes and layouts resulting in a realistic display of geography. The terrain in the game also has a "painterly look" as do the Sims of the game thanks to the enhanced engine. An official update has been released which fixes minor graphic problems.
Publicity
Bernstein has conducted media interviews and demos and a television marketing campaign is currently underway. Some advertisements feature former ScrubsScrubs (TV series)
Scrubs is an American medical comedy-drama television series created in 2001 by Bill Lawrence and produced by ABC Studios. The show follows the lives of several employees of the fictional Sacred Heart, a teaching hospital. It features fast-paced screenplay, slapstick, and surreal vignettes...
actor Donald Faison
Donald Faison
Donald Adeosun Faison is an American actor, comedian, and voice actor best known for his role as Dr. Chris Turk in the ABC comedy-drama Scrubs and as Murray in the film Clueless and the subsequent television series of the same name.Faison has also co-starred in the films Remember the Titans ,...
.
Adventure Packs
Adventure Packs add new items to the game, as well as new quests, Sims, creatures, and more. All Adventure Packs have themes that the content is associated with.| Name | Release date | Major Additions | Cities | New NPCs | New Lifestate/Creature | New Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pirates and Nobles | New quests, new pets (Falcon and Parrot), 140 new objects, new Traits and Legendary Traits, Treasure Hunting | (None) | Pirates and Nobles | Baby Pit Beast | By Baby Pit Beast |
Reception
Metacritic has decided to re release the Sims Medieval review after the release of Sims Medieval expansion pack Pirates and Nobles.Metacritic's new score is 82/100(for Pirates and Nobles).
Initial response to The Sims Medieval has been generally positive. John Scott Lewinski of CraveOnline
CraveOnline
CraveOnline is a male lifestyle website based in Los Angeles with sales offices in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. The site is owned by media company AtomicOnline, the publishing division of Evolve Media Corp.- History :...
stated "It's more the kind of game players can come and go from in shorter bursts of play, as opposed to taking on team quests that can consume hours." Nicole Tanner of IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
awarded the game a score of 8.5 out of 10, commenting "The Sims Medieval has successfully breathed new life into a franchise that was getting pretty stale." "Even with its minor flaws, The Sims Medieval mixes a great sense of humor with simple role-playing game mechanics that result in hours of fun," she added. Atkin Felix of The Guardian
The Guardian
The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
praised the game, deeming it as "enchanting stuff set in a beautifully animated and immersive fairy-tale world." "[And,] with a clearer structure for achieving quests and character development, it will appeal to RPG fans as never before," he added. Gaming magazine Edge
Edge (magazine)
Edge is a multi-format computer and video game magazine published by Future Publishing in the United Kingdom. It is known for its industry contacts, editorial stance, distinctive anonymous third-person writing style, yearly awards and longevity....
awarded the game a rating of 7 out of 10, and wrote "It's a funny and sweet time sink, and something that any Sims fan can wholeheartedly enjoy." Although AJ Glasser of GamePro
GamePro
GamePro Media was a United States gaming media company publishing online and print content on the video game industry, video game hardware, and video game software developed for a video game console , a computer, and/or a mobile device . GamePro Media properties include GamePro magazine and...
awarded the game a rating of 4 stars out of five, she gave a mixed review of the game, writing "As let down as I am, though, I'm not ready to get out my pitchfork. Some things in this game kept me coming back for 20 hours. [...] The Sims Medieval is a beautiful game with fun and interesting ideas, but it doesn't live up to my fantasy of the Middle Ages and it doesn't completely satisfy the Sims fan in me."