Questions I Get Asked About The Sims 2...

I get asked quite a few questions about The Sims 2 such as where I get my custom content, how to make shorts, where to get The Sims 2 and how to optimise it for Windows so I thought I would make a blog post answering all of these questions with links to sites that will help.

The Sims 2 

Although I have all of the disks, I was one of the lucky ones who was able to get the downloadable game for free from EA many moons ago via Origin.  Unfortunately, they are not giving away copies any more.  There is an old petition on Change .org if you would like to sign it.

If you are on a Mac, The Sims 2 Super Collection can be purchased from the Apple Store with most of the expansion packs and stuff packs.  I do believe that it doesn't have Apartment Life which was the last EP for The Sims 2 unfortunately as EA only made it for Windows.  This EP not only had apartments but witches too.

However, if you are on Windows, Reddit has a great post which will help.

In order to run the game on Windows, Pleasantsims has all the instructions on her blog which I found to be extremely helpful. 

Custom Content

I usually get custom content from Tumblr and my favourite creator, especially for clothing and hair, is GoatsKickin'.

During The Sims 2 days, we had a store and all of the items have now been uploaded here.

I just recently found these really colourful items from Linacheries which I haven't downloaded yet but thought they were worth a mention.

For furniture, I really like Padre over at The Sims Resource.  He also creates items for The Sims 4.

If you are into building in The Sims 2, Mod the Sims have a great selection of build items either recolours or new meshes.  My favourite is Honeywells build set. 

Don't forget to check out BuggyBooz here on Blogger - they have made some awesome items for the home and garden. 

If you would like Sims 4 items in your Sims 2 game, there is a database where creators have converted them.  I actually look forward to when Maxis/EA release kits, stuff packs and EP's for The Sims 4 as a short while later they will be converted to The Sims 2!  

Also, I build lots for downloading and you can see videos of my speed builds over on my YouTube channel together with the download links.

Recording Gameplay

To record my gameplay of The Sims 2, I use OBS which is a free recording programme.

The version I have is 27.0.1 so you may need to scroll down the page to get it.  I find that any newer version will not record The Sims 2 as it's an old game.

Making Shorts

When I first started making shorts, I would chop my video up with my video editor into little videos and upload each one to Adobe Express which is a free online tool. 

You can also remove the background from your pictures by going to the little dropdown above entitled "quick actions" (you may need to wait a little while for it to load properly) and upload your image.  This is great for creating thumbnails for long-form videos if you are on YouTube.

I have now learned to make shorts in my video editor by watching tutorials on YouTube.  The video editor that I use is NCH Video Pad Video Editor which isn't a free programme but was just a one-time payment.

I hope the above helps and yes, I know I should update this blog a little more often...

Dag Dag!

- Minicart (Jules)

One Man and His Dog

As I've said before, I don't usually play with pets in The Sims 2 but after building 21 Trailer Creek and playing with the new family of Sam and Bob, I decided to make their own little series entitled "One Man and His Dog".

I took quite a liking to this little family and I enjoyed playing them.  I recorded my gameplay just in case something interesting came up that I could use for a short on YouTube and, as is usual in The Sims 2, nearly always, something happens which is of interest.

So, I chopped up my video gameplay which was over a period of 3 Sim days and created a "no commentary" video showing the antics of Bob whilst Sam was at work and things that they both got up to together.

Although I don't have time to play Sam and Bob on a regular basis, I will be playing them again and uploading videos to add to the series.

- Minicart (Jules)

21 Trailer Creek

I was watching Lilsimsie build a trailer in The Sims 4 and decided to create my own in The Sims 2. 

So I built 21 Trailer Creek and although the trailer is quite small, it is big enough for a couple of Sims.  There is also a front yard with a barbecue and seating area and although I didn't place any gardening plots, there is space for them if you want your Sim to do some gardening and perhaps be a little more self-sufficient.

To test the lot out, I created Sam and his dog Bob and, as you will see from the gameplay video at the end, Bob seemed very happy in his new home, digging holes and playing with his bone.  Sam on the other hand, although happy in his new home, had trouble with one of the neighbours who stole his gnome and then proceeded to try and sell his dog!  He asked her to leave and later went back to retrieve his gnome from her.

This lot is available for download should you want it in your game and you can download from one of the two links below:

Media Fire

SFS

Here's the speed build video if you want to see how I built this lot and also watch the gameplay at the end:

Minicart (Jules)