Your post made me smile 1981.
I get you about how surprising the Sims can be. My own play goes a long way back; my dad was always fond computer and video games, and it was an interest he shared with me. One of my fondest memories was playing Sims 1 (this is back in 2000...yes, the Sims is 14 years old), and having the 'computer people do stuff'. We made the transition to Sims 2, enjoying how it expanded game, and graphics (and is one reason I really hate the non-inclusion of toddlers, and pools...I'm already invested in them). When I first saw same-sex couples in the game, it blew me away because I could relate to that on a personal level...this was the first time I felt 'included' by a game.
For me, though, Sims 3 is a bit bittersweet. I'd long since graduated, and lived on my own by then, but game was one way me and my dad stayed in touch, and Sims 3 was going to be no exception. Unfortunately, my dad passed away before the Sims 3 release...but I continue to play it, as I know he would have loved it, bugs and all.
Anyways, I won't bore anyone with this stuff, but it is amazing how a game can touch someone
Robert made a comment about how can someone(me lol) play the same game for years as sims have been out for I think he said about a decade, maybe more.
This isn't all that surprising Esther1981. I know people who always get the newest iteration of Madden, and it isn't like the game changes that drastically from one year to another