There have been countless leaks suggesting an expansion pack tentatively called ‘City Life’ is the next DLC for The Sims 4. While we don’t have confirmation the rumor is true, a City-themed pack would certainly be exciting and add tons of new gameplay. So EA, I hope you’re listening. Here’s what we would really really want in a city expansion pack if there is one.
Apartments
Obviously. They could be loft apartments, a penthouse suite or a rowhouse duplex. Basically anything that can fit more than one family on a single lot like Apartment Life from TS2 with the rent system. Please, not like apartments in TS3 University Life, where you could only have one household per lot with a bunch of random Sims around.
Neighborhoods
I completely understand why TS4 isn’t completely open-world, but could you break the rule for a City? I'd love to be able to walk with my Sim down the sidewalk all the way to their destination if it’s close by. Small city blocks would be a great way to do this. Something like Bridgeport from TS3 would fit perfectly. Bring those subway tunnels from Late Night back! Hotels would add a nice option for one-night romantic getaways. We already have all the Spa objects a Sim could possibly need. The option to buy the hotel and run the restaurant underneath would be super fun. Did someone call room service?
Celebrity/Reputation System
Bring back celebrities and paparazzi! Celebrities added an awesome storytelling element if you enjoy a challenge. Adding careers like supermodel from Sims: Superstar would fit perfectly in a City pack. Befriend more famous Sims and brag about your income, job and who else you know around town to eventually become a celebrity yourself. There’s nothing like the celebrity treatment at clubs and restaurants. Don’t cheat on your girlfriend, because the whole town will find out.
Gameplay
What’s better than a house party? A block party or roof party. Make it happen. Why not add concerts or music festivals while you're at it. It would be a perfect opportunity to get the whole town together to watch local celebrities and musicians live. The Sims 3: Showtime allowed players to send their Sim performers on tour. There's also a lot of politics in the big city. Mayoral campaigns would be pretty awesome paired with special fundraising parties.
Activities
Basketball would be an amazing activity to add, especially for those Sims obsessed with working out. Pick up games, or HORSE would be super fun for the whole family. Maybe even a gym class or two? What Sim doesn’t want to get yelled at to pedal faster at the gym? Personal Trainer could be a new career, while a Sim rec-league would be a perfect group activity. The Sims 2: FreeTime added hobbies like playing catch, soccer, basketball, and an array of other sports that would add great options for both adult and teen Sims in TS4.
More Culture
Dine Out added a lot of cool experimental foods, but I want more choices. How about some Korean Barbeque or Falafel? Food trucks and farmer's markets would be a nice touch.
Create-A-Sim
Cooler New York / L.A. style clothing--sneakers, hats and pants in particular. It’s awesome that CAS is now unisex, so men do have access to skinny jeans. However, none of them have a city vibe. A pair of black Levi’s style jeans with chelsea boots would be perfect for men and women. Another pair of slim pants that roll up to just above the to put with a pair of sneakers would also fit perfectly with pre-existing tops and jackets.
Objects
Elevators, a spiral staircase, loft beds, murphy beds and bunks? We are seriously lacking modern double bed options in TS4. Add in a few weirdly shaped loveseats and chaise lounges for the penthouse suite. Objects similar to TS3 High End Loft Stuff had some cool postmodern-looking apartment objects. If the rumored city pack gets a celebrity system, the ability to build stages and theaters inside venues would be crucial.
The Sims 4 already has a few of the features included with previous game packs like Late Night and Apartment Life. In a TS4 City pack, all of those core features paired with never-before-seen gameplay options would make the next expansion pack irresistible.
