The Sims 4: Discover University (PC) Review

The Sims 4 Discover University is an expansion that can only be played if the main game is already installed. This expansion comes with a new neighbourhood that offers not one but two possible universities. Depending on the subject, Sims may choose either one or the other, which adds a bit of variety. The player can choose from no less than 13 different degrees! Each university also offers Distinguished degrees, which are more difficult to get into but offer greater benefits.

Sims can then move to campus, live in student accommodation or private accommodation and enjoy the university life. They can also decide to keep living at home, though. Going to university allows Sims to deepen their knowledge, and even start careers in their chosen field at higher salary amongst other perks. Players will have to balance studying and free time for their Sims, ensure Sims attend lectures, do their homework, and work on term papers and presentations. They can also enquire about their grades with their professor.

Each semester, Sims will have to enrol in different classes and also get the choice to enrol for an Elective. This makes for a nice variety of different ways in which Sims can go about their degrees, meaning that it is not static and can be adjusted each semester. For example, if players notice their Sims are not managing to keep up with all the classes one semester, they can decide to enrol for less classes the next one.

While the new opportunities are many and interesting, they get a little bit overwhelming. Players that are used to the Sims 3 layout may have some trouble adjusting to the new way in which neighbourhoods work. It is relatively difficult to try and find a specific building, as the little icons many players relied on before no longer exist in The Sims 4 due to the changes in layout. Additionally, while university now seems to be less static and almost more lifelike, the opportunities can be overwhelming.

Players may have a hard time deciding on what to do or may be flabbergasted by the amount of information dropped on them, including which work needs to be done for which classes, and what kind of extracurricular activities may also boost the grade. Finding out how to attend a guest lecture can be a puzzle in itself.

Now, while this expansion offers so many new opportunities, not only for studying and jobs, but also pleasure, it seems almost a little bit too lifelike, in that it is somewhat complicated to navigate. However, if the player takes the time to read all the information and gets used to the gameplay, this expansion is definitely worth it.