Island Paradise Expansion Pack

[Ricalynn]

Four new screenshots released today:

[lvrugger]

I'd like to try to turn the resorts into a money sink to get rid of some of the excess cash that builds up during a dynasty. I want to build a pirate themed resort in Barnacle Bay for my current Townie Deca Dynasty.

[Ricalynn]

SimGuruGraham was a busy little tweeter today.  He talked about curved houseboat hulls, making houseboats private lots, and mangrove trees.

[fortheloveofcake]

Every single screenshot makes me more and more excited for this expansion. I am really happy to see a houseboat that is more boat shaped with the curved front, rather than just a big rectangle. The resort looks awesome and so much fun. Cannot wait to explore underwater, hopefully things like coral and shells can be collected and displayed!

[ladyaya]

Every single screenshot makes me more and more excited for this expansion. I am really happy to see a houseboat that is more boat shaped with the curved front, rather than just a big rectangle. The resort looks awesome and so much fun. Cannot wait to explore underwater, hopefully things like coral and shells can be collected and displayed!

I like how in doing previews like this, they get major feedback, and end up adding things they might not have otherwise - like those rounded hulls. =D

~Anna

[saltpastillen]

After having time to process this broadcast there are some things I'm really happy about.

One is that we got more information about how the resort system will work. I see a lot of owning and operating those in my sims futures. The rabbit hole is very beach hut looking , but I guess you could make a work around for that if you want another look for your resort.

I love that the new lots can be placed on both land an water, this will be great in other worlds than Isla Paradisa too.

I think it's a good thing that they are expanding blueprint mode, developing it further and maybe making it more useful to us players. I had high hopes for it when it came, but it was a bit of a disappointment, so getting new features will make me more likely to use it. Also, loved the idea of using see through car doors for those VIP rooms on the water.

Another great feature is the private lot system, I think many have wanted their sims to have a vacation home, but found travel troublesome. This could be a perfect middle road. Also, finding uncharted islands and living out my Robinson Crusoe fantasies from my childhood dreams will be a blast. I loved playing the castaway sims stories for that reason. The special content for pre-ordering looked nice, especially the chairs around the fire pit.

[Ricalynn]

One is that we got more information about how the resort system will work. I see a lot of owning and operating those in my sims futures. The rabbit hole is very beach hut looking , but I guess you could make a work around for that if you want another look for your resort.

SimGuruGraham has tweeted that there are three different kinds of Resort Towers.   If you look at all the screenshots they've been showing you'll noticed that not all of them have that beach hut feel.

[Dextra2]

My curent questions I want ansered are,
"If you own a private lot, will you have to pay taxes for it?" (No, I want a sim whose on the run from the repo man and the law! It would be AWESOME!)
And,
"Where would I pick up the mail if I live in a house boat?" (Would we have mailboxes at docks? Would we have a mailboat?Inquiring minds want to know!)

[Saltypaws]

I love the idea of the pool blueprints.  I have never been real creative as far as pools go, so this is really great to play around with different shapes and sizes without all of the frustration, at least for me, lol.

[Ricalynn]

My curent questions I want ansered are,
"If you own a private lot, will you have to pay taxes for it?" (No, I want a sim whose on the run from the repo man and the law! It would be AWESOME!)
And,
"Where would I pick up the mail if I live in a house boat?" (Would we have mailboxes at docks? Would we have a mailboat?Inquiring minds want to know!)

I know they said that you can get a paper on the houseboat and repair people will boat out to you, so you probably get mail, too.

I know resorts cost you money but not sure about the private lots.  I'm totally tweeting it over to Graham & Mike. 

[Dextra2]

I know resorts cost you money but not sure about the private lots.  I'm totally tweeting it over to Graham & Mike.

Thank you! I hope they answer our question. (I don't have a Twitter, so yeah...)

[folcon]

I wonder if there will be any boats that kids can use.  I mean, they have tricycles, so maybe some kind of boat for kids too right?

[azokka361]

I wonder if there will be any boats that kids can use.  I mean, they have tricycles, so maybe some kind of boat for kids too right?

That would be so adorable!

[folcon]

Would also make sence with kids living on a houseboat and needing to get to school.  I hope the new town will be balenced well to accomidate other expansion packs.  Such as lot sizes to handle the bigger lots for bars/clubs, and the movie studio.

[Ricalynn]

The Sims 3 Island Paradise – Underwater Activities  blog link

Hi There!
 
I’m SimGuruTing, one of the Assistant Producers on The Sims 3 team currently working on the next expansion pack, The Sims 3 Island Paradise.
 
Those of us working on the game can't wait to let you guys get your hands on our new expansion pack. With new activities for Sims to do along the coastline and in the ocean, The Sims 3 Island Paradise is full of features surrounding the idea of the island lifestyle. Here's a bit of a sneak peek of what you can expect in this upcoming pack!
 

 
The beach has been integrated in order to accommodate a new coastal life of relaxation. Sims can lounge around on beach towels and enjoy the sun while relaxing by the sea. When it's time be more energetic, Sims can play in the ocean, splash around in the water and splash each other! Treasure seekers can snorkel in the water too and may discover unique items that were once lost.
 

 
Also new to the beach is the Lifeguard Career. Lifeguards are the sworn protectors of the beaches they watch over. While on duty, a Lifeguard's job is to survey the beach for any swimming Sims in need of assistance. When a Sim is struggling at sea, the Lifeguard races to the rescue, helping drowning Sims back to shore and performing CPR if needed. However, not all alerts are real emergencies; some Sims may be inclined to "fake it" in order to get some one-on-one time with the Lifeguard on duty. But I've never heard the Lifeguard complain – it is quite the admired role.
 

 
By far, my favorite new feature is the ability to scuba dive! The ocean is no longer just for traveling across, now Sims can dive below! The Sims 3 Island Paradise Expansion Pack comes with a world that has exclusive dive spots. Sims with the new scuba diving skill can visit and explore the underwater surroundings where there is lots to discover. Each dive spot is rich in beautiful sea life, from the many corals and kelps that grow from the ocean floor to the fish that you can catch! But watch out for those sharks! I hear they bite and can be pretty nasty about it too.
 

 
In addition to the rich sea life, hidden away in many dive lots are treasure chests and underwater caves where many surprises await! What will a scuba divers' scavenging reveal? Unique treasures? An uncharted island? Or an encounter with a mysterious monster?
 

 
And this is only a portion of what you can expect with this new expansion pack! We can’t wait to read about your Sims’ adventures above and under the sea when The Sims 3 Island Paradise comes out this June!
 
Thanks for reading!
 
SimGuruTing
Theresa Chen, The Sims 3 Assistant Producer