Seriously thinking about getting this game

[Sondra312]

I use to play Sims a long time ago before it got really big, but now I have been looking into the Sims 3.  I have two questions that I have asked on several sites and never got an answer back.  Hopefully that will change here. After buying the game, is there a monthly fee that I would have to pay just to play it like Everquest and Pirates of the Caribbean? Also, does this game interact with other playing members also like Everquest and POTC? Thank you for taking the time to read this.

[wildredchild]

No there are no monthly fees for playing The Sims 3.  The only way to "interact" with other players is to upload your creations to the exchange on the main site for the game.

[Sondra312]

Thank you for responding. I will have to wait until I am done with my Christmas shopping or I will have to wait until after Christmas in case someone has gotten it for me. Is there a free trial of the game by any chance?

[Pam]

Hi Sondra.  Welcome to our Forum!

There's no free trial of The Sims 3.  I'm pretty sure you have to purchase the game to play it.

[Sondra312]

I didn't think there was a Free Trial of the game but can't blame me for trying? Is there a free trial of any of the sims games to get me back into playing the game again. I can't seem to find any.

[Carl]

It's a game that would be hard to make a trial for. It would be hard to represent all the features of the game in a trial, and a time-limited trial could easily be cracked. I'd say the developers felt the good reviews and word of mouth would get the game the sales and attention it deserves. I doubt they've released demos of any of these games because of their scale.

[PJSim]

I didn't think there was a Free Trial of the game but can't blame me for trying? Is there a free trial of any of the sims games to get me back into playing the game again. I can't seem to find any.

There's no such thing, never was I believe.

Try searching Youtube for something like "sims 3 demo" to get an idea of what the game is like, there's lots of stuff both from players and from EA. Or check the official Sims 3 channel:
http://www.youtube.com/TheSims

Or you should just buy it, if you liked playing Sims in the past I think you'll like Sims 3, it's just better.

--------------------------------------

Just came across this: apparently there once was a MMOG version of The Sims but it's dead now:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sims_Online

[Bob]

There is a minitature demo on thesims3.com but it's nothing like the real deal. The demo is scripted and no movement of Sims and stuff. Just lets you customize Sims, but has a small wardrobe.  And letS you put your own traits. but you can't see your Sim.

Correction: you can see your Sim, but it doesn't move around and you can't control it like in the real Sims. It's all script based.
click here for the script demo of sims 3

[Sondra312]

Thank you for responding. As I said, it was worth a shot as asking. I have one last question (for the moment that is) I am getting a new computer for x-mas and I was wondering if the game will run on Windows 7? I am trying to get a computer that will meet all the requirements, but most all the computers for sale have Windows 7.

Sondra

[wildredchild]

Yes, according to the packaging for the game, it will work on Windows 7.

[Bob]

I have a really old computer, but it works fine.

It's like a 2006 or 07 version.

[PJSim]

I am trying to get a computer that will meet all the requirements, but most all the computers for sale have Windows 7.

Oh, you should get that, it's really good. I think it will be the new XP, meaning something that will last a long time, so it's the only thing to do really if you're buying a new PC.

I have an "old" computer (2007) but I've installed Windows 7 on it and the game is working perfectly fine. I think any standard all-round PC you buy today will run the game.

[Sondra312]

I have two very old Dell Desktop computers I got about 5 years or so ago so it's time for a newer version plus this comp doesn't meet some of the requirements for the game. I will get Windows 7 then seeing as it should work. Thanks for answering.

[Carl]

I had an interesting experience. My aunt, because of my writing about the Sims 3, wants to start playing the game. So, I took her brand new laptop and went to Can You Run it. It told her it failed because of her processor (a quad core ... ahem) and because she was running windows 7. Unless the entire development team has some mental disability I'm thinking it sure should. It's funny, her crappy onboard graphics passed the test just fine according to them.

But yep, definitely safe to say it should run on windows 7 just fine

[Sondra312]

Ok. Sorry if I am bothering you all with so many questions I just, at the moment, don't have a life due to personal reasons and I want to make sure I get the right type of computer. I was about to buy one a moment ago when my mom told me she had just bought me one from best buy. I am going post what the site said it had. I hope that is alright.

Here it is...

What's Included

    * Gateway Laptop with Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor
    * 6-cell lithium-ion battery
    * AC power cord
    * AC power adapter
    * Software: Adobe Reader 9; Microsoft Works 9 and more
    * Owner's manual

Product Features

    * Intel® Core®2 Duo mobile processor T6600
      Features 2 processing cores, 800MHz frontside bus, 2MB L2 cache and 2.2GHz processor speed per core.
    * 2 high-performance processing cores
      To run multiple demanding applications simultaneously without hesitation.
    * 4GB DDR3 memory
      For multitasking power.
    * Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
      Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media. Also supports DVD-RAM.
    * 17.3" LED-backlit high-definition widescreen display
      With Ultrabright technology and 1600 x 900 resolution brings movies and games to life.
    * 500GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
      Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
    * Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
      Features up to 1759MB of Intel® Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0 and supports Microsoft DirectX 10. HDMI port for connecting peripherals.
    * 2nd-generation Dolby Sound Room audio enhancement
      With Dolby Headphone, Dolby Natural Bass and Dolby Sound Space Expander for a lush soundscape.
    * Built-in webcam and microphone
      Make it easy to chat with family and friends.
    * Multi-in-1 digital media reader
      Supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card formats.
    * 4 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
      For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
    * Built-in Intel® WiFi Link 5100 (802.11a/b/g/n)
      Wirelessly connect to the Internet.
    * Built-in Ethernet LAN
      With RJ-45 connector and 56 Kbps modem for quick and easy wired Web connection.
    * Weighs 7.4 lbs. and measures just 1.4" thin
      For portable power.
    * Good battery life
      Of up to 2 hours and 20 minutes.
    * Sleek honeycomb design with glossy NightSky Black lid
      For a stylish look.
    * Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
      Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.
    * Software package included
      With Adobe Reader 9, Microsoft Works 9 and more. 60-day trial of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 also included.
    * ENERGY STAR qualified
      Designed to use less energy and meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy.
    * Intel, Pentium, Celeron, Centrino, Core, Viiv, Intel Inside and the Intel Inside logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.


Gah...again sorry about all this.