There’s a short but interesting interview with Will Wright at CNet’s News.com where he chats about the new game, the previous game, and what the future holds for the series.
Q: Start out by telling us what’s different in “The Sims 2.”
A: Basically, the set of possibilities in the game is much larger. There’s a 3D engine, which lets you zoom in closer and get a much deeper immersion in the Sims’ lives. You pretty much feel like you’re in the room with them.Their personalities are far more fleshed-out; they’re really three-dimensional characters now. They have aspirations, memories, a much more detailed social landscape and knowledge of their social relationships with other Sims. They have tactical goals; depending on the aspiration you set for them, they have intermediate things they want you to attain for them.
Primarily, the game allows much more interesting stories for the player. It is really about the player telling the story, not the computer. In “Sims 2,” the computer has more recognition of significant events. The Sims grow and age, from a toddler to an elder. They have very different approaches to life at different stages; different kinds of success and failure. Basically, we made it so that the Sims feel in your mind to be much more like real people. You really establish a much deeper emotional connection with them.
The Sims 2 went on sale yesterday and I should be receiving a copy by this weekend with any luck. I enjoyed the first game for quite awhile as did Anne and Courtney so I’m looking forward to this new version. I’ll be sure to post a review once I get some game time in.
Posted on 09/16/2004 at 09:19 AM 
I got it for Kim last night—it rocks!