PGC NEWS

After a year of anticipation, the latest expansion pack for The Sims 4, Cats & Dogs, finally launched on November 10, 2017. The pet theme is a recurring favorite in the Sims franchise, so what has the development team done to entice players to invest in a familiar concept? Let’s explore the key features and drawbacks of this expansion.

Enhanced Pet Creation and New Items

For the first time in The Sims 4, you can dress your furry friends in clothing and accessories. Cats & Dogs also introduces a robust pet creation tool allowing for the crossbreeding of over 170 cat and dog breeds. You can even create unique hybrids resembling tigers, foxes, lions, or pandas, adding a touch of whimsy to your Sims’ households.

A plethora of new objects and decorations enhance pet-owner interactions. Observe how a shy dog reacts to a robotic vacuum cleaner compared to a playful cat. These unique interactions add depth and personality to your virtual pets.

The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs – Đánh Giá Game

The Veterinarian Career

Animal lovers can now fulfill their dreams of caring for numerous pets with the new veterinarian career. Players can open and manage their own veterinary clinics, progressing through 10 career levels and mastering five pet training skills. Pet expressions and reactions are influenced by their personalities, and the bond between a Sim and their pet is truly rewarding. Higher training skills make it easier for your Sim to tame and command their furry companions.

“The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs allows for the crossbreeding of over 170 cat and dog breeds, creating a wide variety of unique pets,” notes one reviewer.

The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs – Đánh Giá Game

Limited Pet Control

Unlike the Pets expansions for The Sims 2 and The Sims 3, Cats & Dogs removes direct pet control. You cannot directly command your pets and it’s challenging to discern their needs, fears, or preferences. This design choice aims for realism and encourages players to observe their pets’ behaviors through notification panels. While this approach can lead to unexpected moments, it can also be frustrating for players who prefer more control. Modding becomes essential for those wanting to circumvent these limitations.

Furthermore, as the title suggests, Cats & Dogs focuses solely on these two species, omitting other pets like horses, rabbits, turtles, birds, and rodents that were featured in previous expansions.

The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs – Đánh Giá Game

Brindleton Bay: A Missed Opportunity

While Brindleton Bay is a beautiful port town, its connection to the Cats & Dogs theme feels superficial. The abundance of boats and nautical elements seems underutilized, lacking meaningful integration with pet-related activities.

*”You can’t directly control your pets and it’s difficult to know if they’re hungry, scared, or what they like,” explains one player.

Conclusion: A Mixed Bag

The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs offers a charming and detailed pet simulation experience with enhanced creation tools and the engaging veterinarian career. However, the lack of direct pet control and the omission of other pet species may disappoint some players. While the Brindleton Bay setting is visually appealing, it lacks thematic integration with the expansion’s core focus. Ultimately, Cats & Dogs is a worthwhile addition for dedicated pet lovers, but its limitations are worth considering.