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The Sims Medieval

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The Sims Medieval
Standard Edition Cover
Developer(s)The Sims Studio
Publisher(s)Electronic Arts
SeriesThe Sims
EngineThe Sims 3 Engine
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X
ReleaseMarch 22, 2011; March 25, 2011 (AUS)
Genre(s)Adventure game, Life simulation game
Mode(s)Single-player

The Sims Medieval is an upcoming 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, due for release on March 22, 2011[1]. The game will also be released through PC downloads on the same date. Set in medieval times, it will allow the player to build a kingdom through quest-driven gameplay[1]. On December 21st, 2010, EA announced that the Limited Edition is available now and will be also released at the same time as the standard edition[2]. It will include exclusive monarch outfit and throne room options.

Features

The Sims Medieval will provide 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. Confirmed 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"[1].

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 [3]. Instead, the game will involve the player upgrading a kingdom, choosing an ultimate goal for that kingdom (such as wealth or popularity) and then fulfilling quests that contribute to that goal. The goal 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[1]. 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. Interestingly, 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. The Sims will still be able to procreate, but those children will never age to adulthood. Sims will each have two normal traits and one fatal flaw, which can be turned into a positive trait through a quest.

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[4]. 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. [5]

Hero Types

Players will be able to control several types of 'heroes', or professions. Each will have different abilities and responsibilities. These include[1]:

  • Monarchs will control the kingdom and be able to deal with neighboring kingdoms diplomatically. They can engage in duels, marry important NPCs, and issue proclamations.
  • Wizards can enchant or fight using their spells, which are learned from a large spellbook and include motions which must be memorized.
  • Spies can poison other Sims, or steal for the kingdom.
  • Priests come in two varieties, Peteran and Jacobian. Peteran Priests follow a simpler path and try to convert Sims with uplifting sermons. Jacobian Priests use fear as a conversion tool, and wear expensive clothing.
  • Blacksmiths use ore mined in the kingdom to produce armor and arms.
  • Physicians are expected to keep people healthy using period technology, particularly leeches.
  • Knights can train for strength and endurance and are used to conquer new lands.
  • Merchants have access to foreign goods and trade opportunities.
  • Bards can recite poetry and play music for other Sims.
  • Whores can sell her body for money and raise moral.

Technical Upgrades

Rachel Bernstein stated that subsurface scattering has been added to character models, to give the characters a "painterly look"[3]. Other upgrades are reported to include "next-gen sims tech"[1], and a new engine for light within the game.

Publicity

Bernstein has conducted media interviews and demos. Several trailers have been released, but no extensive publicity campaign has been conducted.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "The Sims Medieval Official Site". Electronic Arts. Retrieved 2011-02-03.
  2. ^ "EA announces Sims Medieval Limited Edition". GameInformer. 2010-12-21.
  3. ^ a b "Sims Medieval Doesn't Stray Far From It's Roots". Kotaku. 2010-08-20.
  4. ^ "The Sims Medieval Updated Q&A - The Hazards of Medieval Life". Gamespot. 2011-02-03.
  5. ^ "The Sims Medieval Updated Q&A - The Hazards of Medieval Life". Gamespot. 2011-02-03. Retrieved 2011-02-27.


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