A motif that has kept players coming back to life–simulator games is unpredictability. While players often set out to meticulously craft the virtual lives of their dreams or steer through a guided narrative, it’s the unexpected twists that create the true magic of these games. However, while games like The Sims 4 have long flirted with the idea of unexpected consequences—fires, mood swings, or midlife crises—most of these events still operate within predictable boundaries. The “spontaneous” events in The Sims 4, while surprising, often follow a certain pattern, and players can expect certain outcomes even in the face of catastrophe. This controlled unpredictability is one of the series' defining traits, but it’s also one that players have come to anticipate rather than truly fear.
The Sims is facing direct competitors for the first time in its over 20-year history. Therefore, players will be quick to draw comparisons and throw out pros and cons to reflect on how to improve various titles. When comparing The Sims to InZOI, each game has its own unique identity, making them must-try titles for any life-simulator fan. However, when it comes to throwing wildcards at the player, InZOI possesses one feature that Maxis should potentially take notes on for added gameplay possibilities. This particular gameplay element - sleepwalking - introduces a level of chaos that feels truly out of left field, shaking up the player’s control in ways that could elevate The Sims to new heights of unpredictability and excitement.
The Sims 4 May Not Need to Worry About InZOI Thanks to One Key Difference
The Sims 4 faces new competition from InZOI, but one key difference may keep it ahead in the evolving life-simulation genre.
InZOI’s Sleepwalking Feature is a True Wildcard
InZOI’s Unreal Engine 5 graphics are not the only thing the latest The Sims competitor brings to the table. Rather, it is keen on introducing the chaos that many life-simmers crave. InZOI’s sleepwalking mechanic might seem like a small addition, but it’s exactly the kind of chaos button that The Sims formula could use. More than just a quirky feature, sleepwalking is a wildcard. It keeps players on their toes, turns mundane nights into unpredictable story moments, and challenges us to respond creatively when our carefully laid plans unravel overnight. Sims fans know the thrill of disaster, and sleepwalking might just be the next great way to shake things up.
When a character in InZOI sleepwalks, they can literally end up doing anything. Krafton did not place a limit on what a Zoi can do while a player isn’t paying attention. From wandering outside and catching a taxi to booking vacations, a sleepwalking Zoi can get into a whole lot of trouble. A sleepwalking Zoi can even completely break the routine that players try so hard to establish by returning late from their half-asleep endeavors. It’s a reminder that these virtual lives aren't fully under player control, and that’s part of the fun. Due to its unpredictability, players are encouraged to sit back and watch with either amusement or terror. Adding a similar feature to The Sims 4 or Project Rene could breathe fresh, chaotic life into gameplay that sometimes veers too close to comfort.
Apart from sleepwalking, Zois can find themselves in numerous chaotic situations that can disrupt traditional gameplay plans. In a world where Zois go to jail, perhaps sleepwalking is the least of a player’s issues. Bad deeds committed in InZOI will result in bad Karma, which in turn leads to debuffs to a Zoi’s social life. Rumors and other Zoi’s perceptions of a character matter, and can reduce a player’s playthrough to solitude or mischief.
InZOI Player Points Out Big Problem With Zoi Behavior
InZOI’s NPCs appear to have a major issue that many fans feel is completely illogical, prompting widespread calls for the developer to release a fix.
The Sims Has Always Dabbled in Chaos
Although InZOI currently has a strong upper hand in chaos for its innovative sleepwalking feature, chaos would not be conceivable in the life-sim genre if it weren’t for The Sims. From its earliest days, The Sims franchise has thrown curveballs at players to keep things unpredictable. Although many players lean toward mods to complicate a Sim’s life, Maxis has been no stranger to introducing the unpredictable through mayhem. While it’s leaned into routine and player control, every generation has featured tools to shake things up, meaning that it would be no surprise if the next game introduced a big mechanic like sleepwalking.
Burglars, Fires, and Freak Accidents
Since the original The Sims title, burglars have been a constant threat, sneaking into a Sim’s home at night to steal hard-earned items. With a terrifying soundtrack that kept young simmers up at night, the burglar has been a franchise staple. However, The Sims 4 did not see any thievery until recently, as it was a February update that added burglars to The Sims 4.
Another The Sims staple is fires. Players can start a fire in The Sims 4 from a cheap oven or a neglected fireplace, and Sims could even die from freak accidents like laughing fits, electrocution, or satellite crashes. These features kept players alert and added a layer of risk to even the most mundane of actions.
Whims, Traits, Mood Swings, and Packs That Brought the Drama
Later entries in the series such as The Sims 3 and The Sims 4 introduced more psychological chaos, including emotional states, autonomous whims, and conflicting traits that could lead Sims to act entirely unprompted. The Sims 4 even introduced the concept of midlife crises, where adult Sims develop chaotic bucket lists that put every bit of carefully constructed stability to the test. While these systems added some flavor, they were usually still contained within a fairly predictable loop, where players can opt out of anything that deters them too far from an idealized playthrough.
The Sims 4’s DLC has loads of stuff, expansions, and game packs to suit every player’s needs. These pieces of DLC, especially expansion and game packs, can add another layer of drama to spice up a sim’s life. DLC like Get Famous, Vampires, and Realm of Magic injected high-stakes storytelling, whether through hypnotizing Sims for plasma drinks, magical duels, or fame-based social sabotage. Still, much of this chaos only activates if the player seeks it out. With chaos being such a key part of life-sims, it's important for The Sims to continue striving to innovate. And while competition brings pressure, it also allows Maxis to study its competitors' work, which is something that should be done with inZOI's sleepwalking.
The Sims 4
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 70 /100 Critics Rec: 26%
- Released
- September 2, 2014
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Maxis
- Publisher(s)
- Electronic Arts
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
WHERE TO PLAY
Unleash your imagination and create a unique world of Sims that’s an expression of you. Download for free, and customize every detail from Sims to homes and much more. Choose how Sims look, act, and dress, then decide how they’ll live out each day. Design and build incredible homes for every family, then decorate with your favorite furnishings and décor. Travel to different neighborhoods where you can meet other Sims and learn about their lives. Discover beautiful locations with distinctive environments and go on spontaneous adventures. Manage the ups and downs of Sims’ everyday lives, and see what happens when you play out scenarios from your own real life. Tell your stories your way while developing relationships, pursuing careers and life aspirations, and immersing yourself in this extraordinary game, where the possibilities are endless
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
