The Sims 4 are spicing romance up with the new “Lovestruck” Expansion Pack coming late July. The Sims team released the trailer for the expansion pack on Thursday, July 11. The three-minute video breaks down lots of gameplay that looks to be a quality-of-life revamp for relationships, including some fan-favorite items from past games.
At first glance, the pack looks like it could have been a game pack. Then again, we won’t really be able to make that judgement until the pack comes out. Also, my eyes were drawn to the three potential WooHoo…adventures? Obviously two of them appear back-to-back, but the lot that Bob and Eliza Pancakes go to is giving WooHoo vibes especially in the narration of the video.
Game Breakdown
The World
The world is called Cuidad Enamorada which literally translates to “city in love.” The world has three neighborhoods: Vista Hermosa, a central neighborhood with greenery and walking areas, Plaza Mariposa, a residential suburban neighborhood and Nuevo Corazón, an uptown neighborhood with a small high rise area, with penthouse suite and upscale venues. This would also be the first time a Sims 4 world has apartments again since technically Eco Living (not including the gameplay in For Rent).
Obviously, the world has Spanish-influence, which seems to be the first time a Sims 4 world is set in Spain. Some of the exterior seems to match that of the older buildings in Discover University, which will make for great cross-gameplay for building.
There are two new staple venues in this world, Mirador del Amor, a steamy nightclub perfect for Sims to dance on the first date. The other is “Beso Rápido,” a room Sims can rent to “get some much needed sleep or take their steamy date for a little tryst.” One thing I’m looking forward to is the botanical garden style cafe/bar.
CAS
Like with every pack just about, the Sims 4 will release a plethora of new clothing and makeup to match this love aesthetic. Some of the clothing spotted early in the trailer are a heart tank top, lots of boot cut pants (which we don’t have much of) and something I’m looking forward to in the Digital Content – the “Cry Me A River” runny eyeliner. More of my favorite Create-A-Sim items are the heart-shaped earrings and the claw clip hairstyle.
We also saw a bunch of new tattoos, but I love the tattoo of the names crossed out on an arm. That is genuine creativity with releasing this pack. The last thing that caught my eye was more WooHoo-central outfits? If that isn’t a quality-of-life update to romance, I don’t know what is!
Build Items
If I could use three words to describe this build style, it would be: iconic, eye-catching and sultry. This love pack does not disappoint in terms of the building department. Simmers have wanted to see the return of the heart-shaped bed from the Sims 3, and now they’ll get it again. Not to mention, I love the cheetah print wallpaper we’re going to get.
Going into things I found exciting, I’m so excited for the decorations. I love the small detail pieces that tie a room together, and this love pack will deliver just what I’m looking for. Early in the trailer, there are a few steamy wall pictures that I’m excited to use in nightclubs. I also love the new styles of candles we get, especially the singular vintage candleholder one. I know those are about to be a favorite.
Lastly, in the fish tank in one scene of the trailer, there is a fish-type creature that looks like an axolotl. That has raised questions about if this pack will introduce a new animal or companion, but there was no official comment about that.
Gameplay
Finally, the most anticipated part of the game – the Sims will be getting a dating app. Cupid’s Corner is your generic Tinder, Bumble, etc. app that allows Sims to create a dating profile to match with others based on similar interests. What intrigues me about the detail in this gameplay is that Sims can match with and pursue relationships with older Sims, leading to some potential sugar daddy gameplay? We’ll be introduced to a new turn-ons/turn-offs system and more details in making and maintaining relationships.
Custom dates will come to the game, making for an easier time having an effective date. I’m also looking forward to the new dancing, physical intimacy and fake emergency phone call reactions. Lastly, there is a new romance skill that will be very fun to play with.
The Sims 4 “Lovestruck” Expansion Pack is a very exciting pack that I think Simmers are about to really enjoy – especially with some iconic throwbacks and new, fresh gameplay. Get the expansion on July 25, 2024.
First & Jenn 
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