'Sims 2' adds dimension to reality games
By Andrea Ragni
In the past few years, America has seen a phenomenon in entertainment based in reality which began with TV and now includes video games.
The newest addition to the line of reality-based games and shows is "The Sims 2" computer game, which was released last week and has already reached $1 million in sales.
In The Sims, a player is able to create a person and direct that person through life by making their decisions, such as when to get married, what job to take and when to eat.
The wildly popular first edition of The Sims has formed a cult following, which people of all ages have joined. The appeal of The Sims is that it is user friendly for both men and women of most ages.
Many Santa Clara students have joined The Sims phenomenon, playing in their spare time. It can be time consuming, but participating seems to give relaxation and serves as a great study break.
"In general my friends play it because there is nothing else to do," Junior Megan Sabo said.
This alternative is a constructive outlet for many. The Sims is based on giving your characters life goals, such as how much fame and fortune they can have, family affairs and overall happiness.
One must watch over their Sim carefully as to help them attain the goals set for them; essentially, it's possible to take a Sim from birth to death if their goals are attained.
In The Sims 2, there are many new features, which are sure to help retain fans as well as gain new ones. Now a Sim has DNA, which can be passed on to children so there is a family resemblance between the characters.
Some may find this idea frightening, but others see it as a potential learning experience. When a Sim person creates a family, as a "controller" one must help to keep that family unit running smoothly -- which isn't always easy.
"It's quite a shock when you start to play and you realize how much money goes into maintaining a family," Junior Bob Pfahnl said. "It's a good portrayal of humans. It's like watching your lifelong friend live out his or her entire life in no longer than a two-week span."
Although just a game, it seems that The Sims can teach some life lessons to its players.
"The Sims is about learning about the family unit before you are an adult and actually have real responsibility," Junior Kyle O'Brien added.
Essentially, Megan Sabo believes The Sims reality game allows the gamer to play God.
"I think it's similar to other games that involve a lot of personal attention to characters, like black and white, but its more 'real' than others," Sabo said.
But not all people play it for its basis in reality. Sophomore Jenevieve Francisco says she plays it more for the comedic value.
"I like being able to share what happened with my friends after I play because its fun to joke about things that the Sims do," Francisco said.
No matter what the reason for playing The Sims, there is a definite similarity between the craze of The Sims and reality TV, such as "Survivor" and "American Idol." Both give their viewers or players control of their reality.
"We live in reality everyday so its just a reflection of our own lives," O'Brien said.
But the reality today's society has created is one that can be questioned for its actual authenticity. Many claim to be addicted to reality TV because it's real, but it depends how one now defines reality. The line between fact and fiction has been blurred beyond distinction.
"If people can realize its not reality, we'll be OK," Francisco said. "It's the point where people can't see the distinction between reality and games or shows where we will have a problem."
"People care too much about what others are doing," Sabo added. "People see reality entertainment as an outlet from their own boring lives, but if they were as concerned about their own families and spouses as they are about whom their friends are sleeping with or who wins American Idol, then at least a few of them would have happier families."
While most Americans have been eager to join the phenomenon of reality entertainment, some feel that it is unnecessary.
"I don't see the point of a video game about real life," Junior Nick Hammer said. "It's dull and boring like making toast or going to a job."The Sims 2 can be purchased at any electronics stores for about $ 49.95. Visit www.thesims.com for more information.
*Ã Ã Contact Andrea Ragni at (408) 554-4546 or aragni@scu.edu.The Sims 2 builds on the game's first version, making the characters more complex than before.PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ALEX ARAGON--the santa clara