The Sims™ Legacy Collection

Developer: MAXIS
Release: Jan 31st 2025
Platforms:
Casual
Simulation
Nostalgic
Addictive
Creative
Expensive
Buggy
The Sims™ Legacy Collection Poster

The Sims™ Legacy Collection Review

The Sims™ Legacy Collection brings back the original Sims experience with all its nostalgic charm and early gameplay mechanics intact. Players appreciate the ability to design and decorate homes, develop their Sims' careers, and manage relationships, making it a highly engaging and addictive time sink even after many years. The game runs smoothly on modern systems without requiring additional patches or the EA App, which has been praised by users.

However, some players feel the price is steep, especially considering it is a re-release with minimal graphical or interface improvements. There are minor bugs and issues, but nothing game-breaking. The lack of a story mode and the free play being a blend of Sims 1 and 2 styles was noted by some. Overall, the game remains a classic that appeals strongly to fans of the original and those seeking a challenging, nostalgic simulation experience.

Highlights

Players love the nostalgic and relaxing building mode, with detailed customization of Sims and their homes. The gameplay mechanics of managing careers, friendships, and household progression are highly praised. The game performs well on modern hardware with minimal bugs. Its addictive nature and depth keep players invested for hours. The Legacy Collection includes all original content and expansions, offering a comprehensive experience of the first Sims game.

Criticisms

The price is considered too high by many, with suggestions to wait for discounts. Some players mention minor bugs and a cluttered catalog interface that could be better organized. The absence of a story mode and the free play mode feeling inconsistent were drawbacks. There is a perception that the re-release lacks meaningful upgrades and feels like a cash grab. Difficulty is higher compared to later Sims titles, which may be challenging for new players.

Pros

  • Highly nostalgic gameplay that captures the original Sims experience perfectly.
  • Addictive and engaging time sink with deep character and home customization.
  • Runs smoothly on modern systems without requiring extra patches or apps.
  • Includes all original content and expansions for a complete experience.
  • Building mode is relaxing and creatively fulfilling for players.
  • Strong community support with compatibility for custom content.
  • Challenging gameplay offers a unique difficulty compared to later Sims.

Cons

  • Price is considered steep and not justified by the re-release quality.
  • Lack of improvements in interface and catalog organization frustrates users.
  • Minor bugs and glitches persist despite patches and updates.
  • No dedicated story mode; free play feels like a hybrid of Sims 1 and 2.
  • Difficulty may be too high for casual or new players.
  • Perceived as a cash grab with minimal added value from EA.
  • Expansion packs cannot be toggled on or off easily.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

The original game you know and love. For Windows 10/11. Create a neighborhood of Sims and guide their lives through careers and romance — or create chaos with open-ended gameplay that lets you shape their destinies.

Release Date Jan 31st 2025
Publisher Electronic Arts
Developer MAXIS
Platforms

User Reviews

Mixed (1,070)
66% Positive 34% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
92