Review

The Sims FreePlay

Common Sense Media says

Freemium sim both enjoyable and playable without spending.
Age
15
Quality
 
Learning
2
  • Ease of use3
    While this game looks and feels a lot like the more sophisticated Sims games on the PC or consoles, it does strip away some of the more complex factors. For example, career ladders are less intensive, making it easier to climb to the top of a profession. There is also no option to have a child, meaning players will never have to deal with that added component. Nevertheless, players will need to have a firm grasp on time management and be able to juggle many tasks at the same time, taking this game slightly out of the realm of intently casual apps.
  • Violence2
    Among the many different social interactions that two or more Sims characters can have, it is possible to get into fist fights. Sims may also face violent hazards like fires and starvation, which can lead to death. While these actions are possible, they are never encouraged or rewarded.
  • Sex3
    As part of the realistic representation of real life, this game allows players to form relationships with other Sims characters. If players foster a relationship well enough, they will eventually earn the ability to have sex (called "woohoo!" in the game). This is presented as two Sims characters getting in the same bed. There is no graphic depiction of sexual activity, but it is heavily implied.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism3
    Success in this game is measured, in part, by how big a player's house is and how expensive the contents inside the house are. This is also a "freemium" game, which means that although it is free to download, players are encouraged to buy in-game items with real money.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
  • Privacy & safety4
    Some privacy concerns. Players can opt in to Apple's Game Center to track scores and achievements, and for some games, challenge friends. Players can send and receive friend requests using an email address or Game Center nickname, revealing the first and last name associated with each party's Apple ID and, in the case of email requests, the sender's email address. Players can opt to have a private or public profile, which can include a photo. With a public profile, your real name is visible to all other players, and Game Center will recommend you to other players using your real name. With a private profile, only your friends can see your real name, and Game Center will not recommend you to other players.
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that The Sims FreePlay is "freemium" app that is free to download and play, but offers players many opportunities to buy in-game content. Even without spending a dime, though, this is a full Sims game, complete with house-building, job hunting, and relationships. Two Sims characters can have sex, though it is referred to in the game as "woohoo!" and contains no graphic depictions. Sims characters can also fight one another. Players should note the large file size before downloading. Players can share high scores via the Game Center social network, but participation is optional.

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This review of The Sims FreePlay was written by
Age
10
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say safety or privacy is an issue
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

Educator
January 25, 2012
10
OK for kids & up
 
Fine.
This is just fine for kids 10 and up. I mean, be realistic, they're going to eventually break if you can't let them have something as harmless like this.
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Kid, 11 years old
January 29, 2012
9
OK for kids & up
 
N/A
AAAAAWWWWWWWWEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOMMMMMMMEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
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Parent
February 23, 2012
10
OK for kids & up
 
It's fine
I think this is appropriate for kids 10 and up.
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Kid, 11 years old
May 20, 2012
10
OK for kids & up
 
Learning1
Pretty fun game, great bargain.
This is a super fun app for the price, and will entertain you for a long time. My friends and I all love it. There aren't many issues with it, but it can get slightly boring after a while. You can't go very far with relationships, but I understand that's because this is only the freeplay version. So, this game is fine for kids that are probably 8 years old at least, and perfect for tweens and teens.
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Teen, 13 years old
April 19, 2012
13
OK for kids & up
 
Woohooing is a issue
well, theres sexual themes and any gender can 'woohoo' with another as in female to female, and male to male. but otherwise its cool, i love playing it since im a sims fan
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Kid, 11 years old
July 10, 2012
11
OK for kids & up
 
Learning1
Good but the Sex part is really bad.
Positive Message: Teaches kids how to raise a family. Violence: Some of the actions you can do include 'Be Rude' and 'Complain' yours sims can also start walking slowy if you don't feed them in time. They will also pee on the floor if you don't let them use the bathroom. Sex: Oh God, this is the worst part!! When you hit 'Be Romantic' your sims start hugging and kissing, when they take a shower you can watch them, although they still have underwear/underwear and bra on. Then you can 'Play in bed'after awhile. You can also 'WooHoo!' after you become partners, which is Sims version of Sex. Your sims jump in a circle, clothes are gone, but still have underwear/underwear and bra on, then they lean in and a small cloudy circle goes over them as their other clothes are now gone. It's just a circle, but if your kids haven't had sex Ed. Class this might be very awkward. Consumerism: Lots of in-app purchases can be made, and one option for clothes has Sims 3 written on it. Drinking, Drugs, and Smoking: When picking your sims DNA, you pick their personality, one is Socialette, where they drink some-thing like a martini, they then often apper in your city drinking one of those, also another Personailty is Tycoon which includes a cigar smoking rich! He will also be seen smoking. Privacy: You can put in your name as your sim, which if you use the Party Boat could lead to privacy issues.
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Parent
June 5, 2012
9
OK for kids & up
 
Learning1
Comment from Wiltshire Brit Mum
If your child finds out that you can buy extra money and "life points" online, this can be a problem as it's very time-consuming to "earn" enough to purchase rabbits, dogs and household luxuries. Otherwise, good fun and helps to teach some of the basic necessities of life (food, shelter, sleep, cleanliness, etc)
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Teen, 15 years old
May 27, 2012
15
OK for kids & up
 
Learning3
toddlers
i think its a good game
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Kid, 11 years old
March 17, 2012
11
OK for kids & up
 
soo cool
i think this game is sooo sweet
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Teen, 16 years old
October 2, 2012
12
OK for kids & up
 
Learning1
I AM YOUR GUARD!
I think this is a wonderful game! :) It's a safe game for younger children (such as pre-teens.) Have consideration for some themes in this game. I hope this is helpful! Check out me other reviews on popular teen games!
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Helped me decide (6) | Had useful details (6) | Read my mind (8)
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