Sim-Wolf

The Explorer's Loot set has been added to The Sims 3 Store which you can download for free to enchance your World Adventures gameplay with 15 new adventure themed objects. I belief it may require the registration of World Adventures to download, but I'm not entirely sure.

Explorer's Loot

15 Items for FREE

Get exclusive, all-new content when you register your game! Prepare your Sims for adventure with the Explorer’s Loot download. Unlock the secrets of tombs, catacombs and caves with mysterious maps. Deck out your Sims homes with exotic Egyptian furniture, Chinese décor, and more!

As well as this, two new seperate World Adventures themed objects have also been added to The Sims 3 Store for FREE.

The Sleeker-Sleeper

Neverthought you could own sleek furniture? Never thought you would actually want to own sleek furniture? Well now you can! Introducing the Sleeker-Sleeper: Putting the “sleek” back in sleeping.

Cellar Arch

Great arches are hard to come by and it’s even harder to make one that is durable and everlasting. The Cellar Arch is a great addition to any stone walls or underground rooms.

TheSims3.com added a new page featuring a sort of diary from a fictional Sims characater, Melody St. Martin, where she describes her adventures in the three different destinations in World Adventures.

My name is Melody St. Martin and I consider myself a ratheradventurous Sim but when I embarked on a whirlwind tour of places Iwanted to visit I didn't realize what a surprise I was in for! Myfriends had told me about their exciting travels to Al Simhara, Egypt,Champ Les Sims, France and Shang SimLa, China and I couldn't wait toexperience it for myself.

Friendly Faces in Champs Les Sims!

Day 1 - I decided to start off with a trip to Champ Les Sims, France -my family has a bit of French heritage and I LOVE good food so itseemed like a natural choice. When I arrived I was dropped off at aBEAUTIFUL quaint countryside house. I was able to choose any room Iwanted, hang out by the rustic fireplace and start planning out mytime. I ran into a really nice traveler from China and she mentionedthat I should really get a camera. Of course! How could I forgetsomething so obvious! I immediately headed into town to the marketplace where I was able to pick up a cute little camera, I'm sure it'sgoing to be perfect to capture all my future favorite sights. I'venever been much of a photographer, but I suppose there's never a bettertime to start. I decided to try out my new camera in the market place.Looking around I saw an adorable French couple drinking coffee at asidewalk café, a number of locals were coming and going from the nearbyshops and I saw an AMAZINGLY cute guy sitting at the fountain. I HAD tocome up with a reason to talk to him. Since I also happen to be quite aflirt, I decided to pretend I had camera troubles and started aconversation about SLR cameras. I'm not sure what that even means, buthey, it worked! After our chat he told me I should really visit thelocal Nectary. The town is known for its historic contributions to theart of fine Nectar making (or so I think he said - his eyes were reallyattractive.) I didn't want our chat to end so I kindly asked if hecould show me the way. We agreed to meet up in the morning and head tothe Nectary. I was getting really hungry - the food smelled SOOOOamazing. I sat outside where I could people watch and ordered adelicious bowl of Bouillabasse (so delicious!)... I just couldn'tconvince myself to order Frog's Legs, I'm not that brave. After mytasty meal I took a walk down towards the water. From the waterfront Icould see the Eiffel Tower on the horizon, amazing! And a great photoopportunity. I ran into a small local boy fishing, he had alreadycaught some frogs, some fish and even a little snail. I just can't getover how quaint and welcoming this town feels!

Day 2 - I took a nice lazy morning stroll on my way back to themarket to meet my guide, and I snapped some photos along the way ofsome lovely local butterflies, some of the gorgeous local homes and atrain I saw off in the distant mountains. He was there waiting for meand so we were off. Turns out we were able to hop on some nearbyscooters and head up the hill to the Nectary. The rush of the windblowing through my hair as I zipped around on my sporty scooter was soinvigorating. I really need to take one of these home with me.Unfortunately as soon as we arrived, cute guy received a phone call andhad to go (so sad!) He gave me his number, I'll definitely call himlater. After a quick hello and chat about the history (They claim tohave some famous heritage and relation to somebody named Jean Necteaux?Who knows), the Nectary owners were so friendly they let me just wanderaround on my own. I took some time to admire the amazing nectarcollection - combinations of so many exotic grapes and other fruits - Inever would have imagined! I wandered down to the cellar area andactually got to try out some nectar making by myself! I threw a bunchof fruits into the nectar tub and squished them with my own feet(eww!). Then I let the machine do its work and a short time later hadmy very own custom nectar to take home with me (I call it the St MartinSpecial). I took a few more pictures to document my creation and wenton my merry way. I only have one more day - but there's so much to do!

Day 3 - Wow, how can this already be my last day in Champs LesSims? I really need to come back here! I decided to spend the daypicking up some souvenirs, little items to remind me of my experiences.At the shop I talked with a vendor who sold specialty goods - heconvinced me to buy a tent (of all things!). I also decided to pick upa recipe for those Frog's Legs that I was too afraid to eat. I alsobought a few local novels, some exotic fruits and even a littlegargoyle statue (he'll look PERFECT in my garden back home). I know I'mnew to this town (and country!) and I learned from another tourist thatI really need to improve my Visa Level. It's basically my reputationwith any country I visit. The more I visit, the longer I can stay andthe more opportunities I might have to explore new areas! I might evenbe able to purchase my own home here someday, wouldn't that be awesome!For now - I'm heading back to Sunset Valley to get ready for the nextleg of my trip - Shang SimLa!!

 

Sightseeing in Shang SimLa

Day 1 - After a long flight, I'm here in exotic Shang SimLa,China! The view as we landed was breathtaking - the lush greenmountains, brilliant trees and breathtaking waterfalls! I can't wait toexplore! Thank goodness I left my batch of France photos at home, I'mpretty sure my camera would explode! I get to stay at an old MonkRetreat that has been turned into a tourist home away from home. I'vealready met a couple who told me they were here to explore theMysterious Dragon Cave - I bet that's the amazing thing I saw on thehill coming in to town! I can't WAIT to get out and see the sights, butwhere to start? I snapped some photos of my temporary humble abode andset off for town. No matter where I am, it seems like the market is agood place to meet people. I love looking around at all the differentstyles of clothing and décor in the different cities. The women arewearing beautiful dresses and robes; and the men have hats that looklike they are made of paper. The entrance to the main city is amazing.The bridges and HUGE gates are so awe inspiring. I could take hundredsof photos of only the architecture! I was greeted by friendly localsleft and right, and saw so many bikes rolling by, the activity here isinfectious. I was itching to learn something new but my stomach wasgrowling so I stopped for a quick bite of some fresh egg rolls. It tookme a while to get the hang of using the chopstix, but once I was ableto get a nibble in my mouth, yum! SOOOO good. I know it's only my firstday but it's never too early to start thinking about souvenirs! I tooka gander at the shops to see some samples of what I might be able totake home - an incense burner, historical books, more exotic foods, Icould even buy my own fortune cookie maker! Sweet! I'm not sure howthat will fit in my luggage. Hm… anyway, I spent the rest of theafternoon wandering around town looking at the houses, the amazingtemple at the heart of town and again the architectural history anddetail.

Day 2 - I heard through the grapevine that while I was in ShangSimLa I just HAD to visit the Academy. It seemed like a good way tostart the day! After a quick bike ride up the hill I reached theAcademy. Nestled into the hillside it was so quiet and serene, hardlythe place I expect to see such drive and determination at work. Themartial artists I saw once I got there were so impressive I can hardlydescribe them. There happened to be a training dummy available for meso I decided to give it a shot . I have to say, it's MUCH harder thanit looks. After numerous failed kicks and jabs, and a few bumps on myhead, I'd had enough. The board breaker seemed like the way to go - boywas I wrong. You'd think ANYONE could break a foam board right?Apparently not. I ended my day with a hurt hand, and a little woundedpride, but excited as ever about having tried something new. I ran intoan explorer when I got back to my room and he told me how much he justloves Shang SimLa. He's been back so many times that he's actuallyearned a Level 3 Visa! He can now visit for weeks at a time and isworking on saving money to purchase his own exotic home. He likes totravel with his family but it's so hard when he's off exploring. He wastelling me how excited he was to have a more constant residence so hisfamily could come and travel with him! Maybe someday the cute Frenchguy will come travel with me.. sigh...

Day 3 - 3 Days just FLY by! I've barely had time to check outso many other things I was told to look at. I was hoping to pick up oneof those stunning fans I see the locals using, I haven't even tried allthe food and I haven't even begun to learn about the new local insectsor fish. Before I get carried away, here's what I DID do on my lastday. I decided to venture a bit more out into the "wild" so to speak. Itoured another remarkable old Monastery, walked along the river to getsome amazing views of the waterfalls and chatted with a nice old man Imet who told me something all about "the Resolute Fist" (I think). Heseemed really excited like he was telling me a big secret, I think if Ihad more time I would have loved to have asked around a bit more. Hestarted humming a little tune that he was kind enough to teach mebefore he had to get back to his work. My friends back home will be soimpressed by my cultural learnings! I came across a pile of what Ithought was junk but after digging around a little I found some reallycool old artifacts. Little pieces of pottery, a vase, a bowl and themost adorable carved tiger I've EVER seen. I decided to keep the Tiger(he's so cute!!) but I sold off the other relics I'd found for awhopping $2500 Simoleons! Holy cow! I'm not sure how anything could topthis.

 

Absorbing Al Simhara

Day 1 - After nearly a week of travel I should be getting tiredbut honestly I'm just so enthralled with all these new things. I savedAl Simhara for last as I think it's the most "rugged" destination on myitinerary. I feel like I'm a little more prepared after being sopampered on my other travels. Boy was I right, sleeping in a dusty tentis a far cry from my private room at the chateau. Is it worse?Absolutely not! Waking up to a camp full of fellow travelers is likenothing else. As per usual, I headed to the market first! Now that I'dwarmed up to this new photography thing I decided to upgrade my littlecamera to a far more advanced SLR (now I actually DO know what thatmeans). And wow is it snazzy - more options, more effects to apply tomy photos, more sizes. This will really come in handy when showcasingmy travels. To give my new camera a proper road test I decided to takea scooter tour around town (I REALLY do need to get one of those). Istarted at the Great Sphinx and it is as awesome as I thought it wouldbe. Something in the air around the sphinx gave me a sense that therewas some great magic and power at work there. After another short ride,I headed over to the Great Pyramids, it looked like there might be away in, but I was so caught up taking pictures I hardly gave it asecond thought. I decided to travel back through town towards theTemple of Hapshepsut. I spent quite awhile exploring around there andmanaged to find some scarabs and some sort of shiny metal (a shopkeepertold me later it was mummitomium! Strange name, I know). I wanted tohead over to the Temple of Abu Simbel but it was getting kind of darkand a trek across the desert seemed a little too far for me. headedback to camp and spent a cozy evening trading stories around the fire.

Day 2 - I met a really nice local family this morning, theycouldn't stop praising the wonderful local cuisine so I promised togive it a try. I decided to head to the market again and find out whatelse I should see while I was in town. The merchant dazzled me withtales of adventures and danger, he even mentioned long-hidden secretchambers and treasures. His amazing pitch convinced me to buy somedried food (terrible stuff I have to say) and a shower in a can (Ican't BELIEVE I bought that, how embarrassing). After the dried foodincident I opted for a more filling meal, some Shawerma! How delicious!As I finished up, I overheard a charming melody and walked into themarket square to see a snake charmer! I saw a local try to kiss thesnake! No really, I did. Later, I overheard somebody mention an"adventure board" which piqued my interest so I headed back to basecamp to see what my fellow explorers knew about this "adventure" stuff.Asking them about adventures REALLY got them going. They traded storieswith me for hours, and I was getting more and more psyched aboutchecking out some of the crazy things they were telling me! (Firetraps? Dive Wells? Yeah right.)

Day 3 - I got up really early today figuring maybe I could seewhat this adventure stuff was all about. I didn't even notice before,but the adventure board was right in my camp! (I'm not the brightestsometimes). I noticed a posting to help recover some lost papers, thatseemed easy enough and I figured why not, this may be my last day, butmaybe I could help somebody and gain a little more pull with the localsfor my next visit. It turns out there was an abandoned building behindthe camp, I had to push around a few statues and unlock some doors butI managed to find the papers. I also found some really cool ancientcoins although I'm not sure what to do with them yet. It turned outthat this little task was hardly a sample of the types of things Icould help the locals with here but I really didn't want to miss out onanymore photographs or landmarks! I've already captured pictures of allsorts of amazing places, just a few more and I'd be sure to have acomplete collection! Of course, my time is already up, need to save upmore simoleons for my next visit!! I can't wait to return.

I just got back from the last leg of my trip and all I can sayis wow. I saw SO many amazing things, took in some truly inspiringsights, learned about new cultures and met wonderful people, I can'twait to go back. I feel like I barely scratched the surface. There's somuch to experience and collect, so much more to do! My friend Landonleft me a message about his travels and told me he met a Mummy!! AMUMMY! I didn't even know there were tombs...

Thanks for reading - Melody

PS. If you are reading this cute French guy, I promise to call you soon.

 

New Screenshots

Even more screenshots of World Adventures have shown up on various sites recently.

Superstar Rumour

According to PlanetSims, apparently, Mark Joshua from SimVIP let slip some possible info about the idea of the next Expansion Pack at the Brazil World Adventures event. But as it stands, it's just a rumour at the moment, so don't get your hopes up.

"During our chat, MM left “escape” a valuable piece of information when he was in California, the game’s developers said they have almost Super Star in The Sims 3, hopefully in the next expansion, imagine the possibility of having stars will Holywood in our game? Let’s wait for the good news, where there’s smoke there’s fire."

World Adventures TV Ad

A new television ad for World Adventures has been created. Although it's similar graphics to the TV ad for The Sims 3, it doesn't have much of an affect in my opinion. Watch it on YouTube.

A little bit late again, but The Sims 3 Store has been updated with some new object and clothing sets recently...

Asian Fusion

27 items for 1,000 SimPoints

Melding Asian motifs and contemporary comfort, this furniture collection always has a sense of humor, much like a fortune cookie.

Mischief Makers’ Bedrooms

31 items for 1,250 SimPoints

What child (or adult) can ignore the call to adventure found in the Critter Comforts or the Forest Bedroom?

Wild Wears

12 items for 400 SimPoints

Critter Clothing Intl unleashes their newest collection of spunky and rambunctious clothing for the young ones.

Items from The Mischief Makers' Bedroom set can also be bought in two seperate sets, in the Critter Comfort Set or Forest Bedroom Set.

Some new Christmas clothing has also been added.

Knitter Nights (75 SimPoints)

Fairies armed with knitting needles and reindeer wool have created an illustration of all things happy and full of holiday cheer. And it even keeps you warm.

Holiday Hearth Apron (75 SimPoints)

It is never too early to crank up classic holiday tunes and it is never out of season to celebrate with this apron.

Caroller Sweater and Skirt (75 SimPoints)

Santa’s elves couldn’t have a better outfit. The fuzzy trim detail and pom pom ties are must haves for sledding in a winter wonderland.

Caroller Sweater and Skirt Teen (75 SimPoints)

Santa’s elves couldn’t have a better outfit. The fuzzy trim detail and pom pom ties are must haves for sledding in a winter wonderland.

I believe there may also be some new clothes for child female Sims.

As well as all of this, two new World Adventure themed bedroom items have been added to The Sims 3 Store which you can download for free to prepare for the new Expansion Pack.

Tomb Sled Sleeper

When the desert sandstorms are slowly polishing the skin and a sand-free slumber is desired, look through the distracting mirages of competing sleeping arrangements and settle into the ancient comforts of the Tomb Sled Sleeper. Engraved with hieroglyphic instructions for the sleep enthused archeologist, the Sled Sleeper provides a tomb-like experience… without removing your organs!

The Desert’s End

When roaming a tumultuous expanse of couch in search of relief for your plate or cup, look no further than the Desert’s End end table. Just like an oasis found at the end of nearly every desert, you can rest your weary tableware in the bosom of this sweet respite.

I have to say sorry again for yet another absence from my site over the last few days so soon after my last absence. Well as luck would have it my anti-virus protection ran out last week before I'd had the chance to buy a new one. Even now, I'm using a downloaded free version before buying one of PC Tools 2010 anti-virus products when it's released. Anyway, I've got even more news to catch up on, mostly regarding World Adventures...

First of all, the back cover for World Adventures has been found.

Secondly, the factsheet for the France location in World Adventures has shown up.

Champs Les Sims, France

Learn Nectar Making or Explore Photography in France

• The Good Life – Champs Les Sims, France offers the cultural elite some of the finer things in life. Sims can learn the fine culinary art of nectar making, or flash over with a camera to learn the Photography Skill. This beautiful country town is sure to please the senses and invigorate the soul.
• Civilized Folk – Settled towards the end of the Medieval Period, Champs Les Sims has a rich history and culture. From the arts to delicious culinary delights, this small French town has everything Sims need to live a comfortable life.
• Try Your Feet at Nectar Making! Sims fascinated by Gardening and the culinary arts can now refine their talents by learning the nectar making skill. Combine your own fruits with new types of grapes or other fruits to create unique Nectar combinations. After stomping the fruit, the nectar maker processes the juice into delicious nectar. Sell, trade or enjoy these new flavors! Sims can learn all about nectar making by using the nectar maker from the Nectary or by reading books bought in France. The Nectary in Champs Les Sims should be visited by any Sims interested in nectar making or for purchasing nectar making equipment!  But, Beware – The Nectary isn’t just a tourist location for those who enjoy the flavors of nectar, but the site of one of the deadliest and most expansive tombs in the world.
• Exploration – The Celtic Burial Mound is a relatively safe tomb for new travelers to explore. Look for it in the far corner of town – it’s the large mound covered with ancient, mystical looking stones. The Faerie Tomb has long been hidden, though it’s just waiting for a new explorer to discover its secrets. Complete the first section to gain access to the vast riches tucked away on the island.
• Café – The Champs Les Sims marketplace is a great place to purchase new French Recipes and Nectar Making equipment! It’s also a great place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or delicious local crepe.
• Solve the Case – Think you’re up to the task of solving the mystery of the wily Jean Necteaux? Take on an adventure in France and see where it leads!
• Tour Time – Take a tour of the local museum, which showcases relics and artifacts from all around the world. The Museum is a great place to look for treasures that inspire you to adventure and explore.
• Creatures! – Collect new local wildlife like Frogs and Snails and take them home as pets.
• Not by Foot – Zip around town on a cool new scooter and take in the sights and the fresh country air!

The factsheet for the China location in World Adventures has also been published.

• Home – A peaceful, isolated community in the mountainous region of China. Founded by a group of monks long ago, the locals take pride in their discipline and mental clarity. They enjoy visitors, but encourage tourists to spend their visit in a peaceful and respectful manner.
  
• People – Home to people that value discipline, peace and clarity of mind over all else. While there, adventurers are encouraged to visit the Academy to learn the Martial Arts skill, then head to the Scholar’s Garden for introspective meditation.
  
• The Mysterious Dragon Cave – High on the hill, overlooking Shang SimLa is a cave of cloudy origin. What happened there? What does it mean? Follow the smoke up the hill to find the mysterious Dragon Cave, which holds the key to the mystery of this forgotten valley.
  
• Local Color – Purchase fireworks from the local general merchant and travel to the tallest hill to put on a spectacle worth writing home about! Be careful though, beauty has its’ cost (not meant for indoor use).
  
• Awesome Army – The ancient and resolute Terracotta Soldiers of the long-dead First Emperor can be found deep within the hillsides of Shang Simla. Visit them and stand in awe of their majesty!
  
• Heavenly Vista – High above town, take in the breathtaking views and calm of this great site. Explore the ancient and mystical Temple of Heaven to uncover untold secrets left long ago.
  
• It said what?! – Purchase the Fortune Cookie Maker to enjoy the hilarious and foreboding fortunes for your Sims. Take one home yourself to give luck (or maybe not) to your neighbors.
  
• Untold Wonders – Discover a lifetime of riches in Dong Huo’s Treasure Trove. Uncover all the secrets and your Sims may never need to work again!

Quite a few new screenshots have shown up on various sites as well.

IGN also published an article about France and China in World Adventures with two gameplay videos on China quests.

EA have announced that they will be releasing a Create-A-World Tool which they used to create Riverview. With the tool, you will be able to create your own neighbourhood by editing the landscape (valleys, hills, etc.), and I'm guessing you'll be able to add roads as well. Gamespot have published an article about the new tool which will be released as beta at The Sims 3 Store this December (for free).

The Sims 3 was released earlier this year to much fanfare and acclaim. The third game continued the tradition of letting players create little computer people who led little computer lives as they love, laugh, work, and buy property in the virtual suburbs just outside of SimCity. All versions of The Sims have had a "build mode" editing tool that lets players construct housing and alter terrain. The upcoming World Adventures expansion pack for The Sims 3 will also let players create "adventure" zones with switches and buttons that trigger different events, such as revealing secret passages and treasures. But later this year, the publisher will release a separate new editing tool called "Create-a-World," which will essentially let players build out not only a house, but also an entire neighborhood from scratch.

Create-a-World is intended for serious Sims enthusiasts willing to devote enough time to build entire neighborhoods from scratch. The tool is actually the same one that the development team uses to create the playfields for The Sims 3 and its expansions. Because it's the same tool that the developers use, it can create areas similar to those that appear in the base game and expansions, in four different size levels. (The Sims 3's default neighborhood of Sunset Valley is the largest of the four world sizes.)

Like with the build mode of The Sims 3, you can manipulate terrain by raising it to create mountains or lowering it to create valleys and then "paint" the terrain using either the textures or terrain types available in the editing tools. Or, if you're ambitious enough, you can use image-editing tools, such as Photoshop to create your own JPEG and PNG textures to map onto your custom neighborhoods. Once built, these areas can be exported from the tool and then either imported into your own game install (you can have as many custom neighborhoods in your game as your computer's hard drive space allows) or uploaded to the Exchange community site to share with other users. It's not yet clear what the average file size of a custom neighborhood will be, but EA community representatives assured GameSpot regardless of how big they are, custom neighborhoods will be subject to the same sort of community-plus-EA-oversight content moderation process used for other custom content.

While giving users the ability to create entire lots from scratch will give hardcore fans the ability to create huge new areas to explore, the EA team clarified that the tool will work off of each user's installed games. That is, if you wish to create a community lot using the adventure-based gameplay of The Sims 3 World Adventures, you must own World Adventures and have it installed; the created lot can be used only by players who also own that expansion. In any case, EA states that Create-a-World is not intended to replace the new gameplay features that traditional Sims 3 expansion packs typically introduce, such as the new careers and adventure gameplay in World Adventures. EA plans to continue to work on full expansion packs that not only add new terrain and areas to explore, but will also introduce new gameplay concepts that will be unique to the expansions themselves.

Create-a-World will be a separate utility that will weigh in at about 130MB and be free to download from the official Sims 3 Web site. The tool is planned for release in a beta state this December in all languages--EA plans to support and improve the utility over time as it receives feedback from the fan community.

Murano at TheSimsResource was able to somehow preview the tool and create a blog post detailing the new Create-A-World Tool feature with screenshots.

The Sims 3 Team also released a couple of Halloween-themed screenshots.

Phew, that's about all of it. Again sorry for my absence. On a positive note, as my Norton 360 antivirus expired, I can somewhat play The Sims 3 again now (for up to 2 hours before it crashes), but it's still pretty slow and still crashes eventually. However, I am becoming more interested in the game now seen as I can play it, and once I get more RAM, I'll become even more interested, so updates should become a bit more regular. Unfortunately I also have my school prelims (like exams, but not as important), coming up in two weeks which will last till the start of December, so for the first time ever, I'm actually going to have to revise A LOT, so will most likely not have enough free time to do many updates to my site. Once they're all over though, except a lot more updates. =]

I forgot to mention this earlier. There is a new bookcase object to go with the Storybook Set in The Sims 3 Store.

Pallas Bookshelf

At last, a bookshelf truly fit for ancient masters. Or at least a classicist specializing in the ancient masters.

Attributes:

   Environment: 5

   Fun: 5

   + Logic

   + Cooking

   + Handiness

The Pallas Bookshelf is available at The Sims 3 Store for 75 SimPoints.

I've been away for a week, so I've got quite a bit of news to catch up on.

First of all, The Sims 3 Store has been holding a sale which will last until 29th October (this Thursday). The sale contains two of the original sets from The Sims 3 Store (Storybook and Hewnsman) which are divided into seperate sets for each room or the full sets with discount on each one. For the full sets you get 30% off. For the seperate room sets, it's about 15% off for each one.

Also, four new screenshots of World Adventures have been released by EA recently. One from Egpyt, one from China as well as two comical blooper screenshots featuring the Grim Reaper.

PrimaGames.com have published the details for the upcoming Prima Guide for World Adventures.

Highlights

 

* Travel: Sims finally see the world in adventure-cations to Egypt, France, and China. Be their travel agent!

* Danger and Adventure!: Sims dive into tombs on their adventures. Our maps show you where to find treasures and how to avoid tricky traps.

* Skills: All-new skills like nectar-making and martial arts let you customize your Sims even more.

* New Relics: Sims can bring home exciting treasure from their travels. Complete relic collections boost your Sims’ moods!

* Sims 3 Basics: This section will teach you the Sims 3 basics you need to know to start your first world adventure.

 

 

From the Trade Paperback edition.

Details

The Sims 3: World Adventures is the very first expansion pack for the blockbusters Sims 3 – and the very first time Sims has ever left their towns to travel the world. See the pyramids of Egypt! The mystical temples of China! The grand chateaus of France! Our guide helps you get the most out of travels by showing you all the sights, how to master the new skills, and full-color maps of dangerous underground tombs.

 

We include a Sims 3 Primer right off the bat to catch new players up with not just the basics of the game, but also expert tips and tricks for maximizing skills and earning great career promotions. The World Travel and New Simology chapters detail what’s new in World Adventures, from the new quest-like adventures you take while traveling to the brand-new skills learned while visiting foreign lands. Before going into each destination, Tombs 101 teaches players the essentials of surviving the underworld mazes they must explore on their adventures if they want to collect cool relics.

 

Tour guides for Egypt, France, and China detail everything you need to know for getting around at that destination, such as shop inventories and the location of important sites. Each tour also offers maps of every tomb and a full list of all adventures so you know what’s in store for your Sims.

 

Sims love to collect stuff, and so our new Object List shows off all of the new decorations, furniture, and appliances you can place in your Sims’ houses – including their vacation houses they can buy in Egypt, France, and China!

Game Overview

The Adventure is Near… Take your Sims on the adventure of their lives with The Sims 3 World Adventures. Guide your Sims to acclaimed fortune—or potential doom. Take your Sims to exotic destinations to hunt for hidden treasures. Uncover new skills, experience new personality traits and garner rewards, if your Sims succeed. Explore ancient tombs in the pyramids of Egypt, master martial arts in the Far East, and discover rich culture and famous landmarks in France. Adventure is on the horizon — what will your Sims discover?

 

SimOperations got the chance to interview Lyndsay Pearson, Producer of The Sims 3 World Adventures. They asked her a number of questions about the new expansion pack, and she answered them with some interesting new info on the game.

1) What, if any, new social interactions are added with the three new traits?

To recap the three new traits:

Adventurous: Adventurers love to go on adventures and receive a Moodlet when visiting new destinations and exploring tombs. They are able to improve their Visa level more quickly and are not as tired when returning home from a trip.

Disciplined: Disciplined Sims are fantastic martial artists. They learn martial arts more quickly, fail less often, and are better at sparring and breaking boards.

Photographer’s Eye: Sims with this trait excel at the photography skill. They learn the photography skill faster, take photos worth more Simoleons, and have unique photography-related social interactions.

We added a few new socials for photographer’s to talk about cameras, film, dark rooms – all the things a photographer cares about.  A Disciplined Sim that focuses on the Martial Arts has the chance to Spar with somebody.  Adventuring Sims can tell stories about their adventures and talk about adventures with their friends, family or locals they have met!

2) Are any new lifetime wishes introduced?

I can reveal a few of the new lifetime wishes you’ll find in The Sims 3 World Adventures. The new gameplay offers many opportunities for new wishes and a few of my favorites include:

Great Explorer: Fully explore 6 tombs in each location

Bottomless Nectar Cellar: Have Nectar bottles worth a high amount

Master of Movement: Achieve Level 10 Martial arts and Athletics skills

Martial Arts Grand Master: Level 10 Martial Arts skill and Grand Master Rank

3) What careers link to destinations and at what level?

Each Career available in your home town offers possible opportunities to travel to and visit these new locations.  In your career you may get a phone call asking to help with a business deal in Al Simhara or to deliver a special item from Champs Les Sims.

4) We've heard tourists visit the base neighborhoods. How can we interact with them?

A tourist visiting your home town is just like a neighbor almost. You can befriend them, invite them over, and fall in love.  They will ultimately have to head home, but you can invite them back again anytime you’d like. You’ll spot them around town snapping photos and chatting with your neighbors.

5) Any new changes unrelated to the new destinations?

A number of new features we offer in The Sims 3 World Adventures have a purpose beyond the destinations.  The new basement tool offers all sorts of new building possibilities – we used it primarily to create tombs and adventures, but you can now build a basement hang out for any of your Sims’ homes. We’ve also added a number of new socials for children and toddlers - children can steal candy from their little brothers or sisters, or play a nice game of peek-a-boo.  We also worked on adding a great new feature that allows you to customize the colors and patterns on stairs and fences!

6) Can you tell us a little more about China and/or France?

You’ve heard a lot about Egypt and we’re excited to tell you more about the two additional locations to explore in The Sims 3 World Adventures. In Shang SimLa, China, your Sims can master Kung-Fu or just enjoy the scenery and fireworks. Shang Simla is a peaceful, isolated community in the mountainous region of China. Founded by a group of monks long ago, the locals take pride in their discipline and mental clarity. They enjoy visitors, but encourage tourists to spend their visit in a peaceful and respectful manner. Shang SimLa, China is home to people that value discipline, peace and clarity of mind over all else. While there, adventurers are encouraged to visit the Academy to learn the Martial Arts skill, then head to the Scholar’s Garden for introspective meditation. While there, purchase some fireworks to fill the Shang Simla night sky with colorful explosions!

In Champs Les Sims, France, your Sims can learn photography or nectar making and much more! Stay tuned for more news on Champs Les Sims over the next few weeks plus new screenshots!

7) Can nectar, once made, be sold or given as a gift?

Nectar can be sold or simply collected. Your Sims can also serve it at parties or just for a nice dinner.

A new set was added to The Sims 3 Store today. The Animals Abound set has an animal theme and includes cribs, bookcases, dressers, etc. for children's rooms. The set contains a total of 25 items and would normally cost 990 SimPoints, but is currently on a sale for 850 SimPoints until October 16th. The Sims 3 Store also has another offer for repeat buyers of SimPoints Bundles. If you buy a 500 point bundle you get a Paris Wall Clock, for 1000 points you get a Little Sailor Outfit and for 2000 points you get a Tulip Jacket. Check it out here.

Unleash the whimsy of the wild with this complete set of bedroom furniture where animals and imaginations run amok.

Also, two new martial arts screenshots from China in World Adventures have been released today.

IGN was able to preview the China and Egypt locations in World Adventures recently and have written about some of the new features in gameplay. Included in the preview is a video detailing some of the new gameplay including tomb creation. You can find the preview here.

Kotaku.com was also able to preview Egypt and China. They have written an easy-to-read report on their findings. Interestingly, they say we will be able to go inside stores and even create our own stores to sell whatever junk we may have. Whether this means our Sims can sell their own objects in their own store like Open for Business, I'm unsure, but it sure seems interesting none-the-less.

Now You Can Go Inside Stores: Finally! I hated sending my Sims off to shop and having to stare at the outsides of buildings for forever like I was playing a real-time strategy game and waiting for the battle to end. Naturally, the game also lets you build your own stores and fill it with whatever kind of junk you want to sell.

Now You Can Be a Real Hobo! The game introduces tents that you can pitch in tombs – or in public parks – and actually gain Energy from sleeping in. Oh, the possibilities. Your Own Private IslandDungeon: Via a code entered in buy mode, World Adventures opens up the editing tools to include pretty much everything the developer can build in a tomb or a ruin site. You can build an entire deathtrap from the ground up just the same as you would a house (only, you know, filled with mummies and fire traps and stuff) and then upload it to the Sims 3 community site to inflict on others.

Yay, Karate! The game adds several new skills and traits to mix up your sims' personality. My favorite is probably the Discipline skill which helps with karate (called Martial Arts). The higher you level this skill, the more badass your sparring animation looks – at the highest level, you even get little speed lines along your arms and legs while punching and kicking. There's also the Adventurous trait which helps with tomb exploration, and the Photographer's Eye which builds out the new picture-taking activity. Oh, and if you do marry a foreigner and bring him or her home to have kids with, your children will have cultural traits from their foreign parent's country (like eating with chopsticks).

Tons Of New Things: World Adventures adds a ton of new furniture, ingredients, collectables, recipes and other things to the usual inventory of stuff you can get in buy mode or find in the world. It gives the diehard Sims fans something more to do now that they've discovered the Ambrosia recipe. In particular, photography will eat up the collection freaks because the game can recognize what you're taking pictures of and classify the photos in sets. For example, there's a nature set that gives you a special bonus for taking a picture of a Death Fish and a Life Fish in the same tank.