As I embarked on my first day as a trainee reaper in the latest Sims 4 expansion, Life and Death, I was instantly reminded of the whimsical charm of Monsters, Inc. This new career path is refreshingly interactive, allowing players to engage directly rather than simply sending their Sims down a rabbit hole, as is common with many traditional careers. My journey began in a quaint little house where a crash dummy lay in the recovery position, awaiting my investigative skills to uncover the mystery of its demise. Having completed my preparatory tasks in the office—sharpening my scythe, practicing my reaping swing, and ensuring I had an ample supply of office materials—I was ready to delve into the peculiar circumstances surrounding the dummy’s unfortunate end.
With Grim, the iconic figure of death, observing from the entrance, I meticulously examined the dummy’s temperature, pulse, and even its pockets, piecing together clues. After some probing, I concluded that the dummy had met its fate at the hands of killer bunnies—a rather amusing twist that earned me top marks for the day.
O, death.
The Life and Death expansion offers a plethora of death-themed experiences, as the title suggests. Players can now interact with ghosts, customize grieving rituals, create bucket lists, and even explore romantic entanglements with Death himself. It’s a surprising turn of events that adds a layer of intrigue to the gameplay, showcasing the developers’ creativity in expanding the Sims universe.
Despite some initial skepticism regarding the expansion’s potential for bugs and glitches, my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. As a self-proclaimed Spooky Gal, I found the new Create-A-Sim items to be utterly captivating, featuring ornate gothic blouses and vibrant color-blocked hairstyles that would make anyone envious. The aesthetic extends to the Build/Buy options, enhancing the overall ambiance of the game.
Ravenwood, the new neighborhood introduced in this expansion, has quickly become a favorite of mine. Its stone pavements and iron railings contribute to a dark, enchanting atmosphere, perfect for the spooky events it hosts. Among these is the weekly Thinned Festiveil, featuring tarot readings, offerings to a guardian tree, and a lighthearted gambling game that might just summon the Grim Reaper. Another event, Moon Revelry, encourages players to embrace their wild side under the full moon, creating a unique and playful experience.
One of the standout events is Afterlife Anonymous, held every weekday, where a gathering of ghosts enjoys lobster thermidor while sharing stories at a podium. This delightful blend of humor and simplicity truly captures the essence of the Sims franchise, reminding players of the charm that has kept them engaged over the years.
In my gameplay, I ensured that my reaper-to-be and her ghostly husband—who met his end via electrocution—had a list of bucket list items to fulfill. These “unfinished business” goals allow spirits to find closure and even be reborn in the next life. The tasks range from going on dates to renewing vows, and even indulging in some cheeky escapades. The beauty of these objectives lies in their seamless integration into daily gameplay, making them feel less like chores and more like natural extensions of the Sims’ lives.
Initially, I was concerned that the death theme might come across as gimmicky, but Life and Death has proven to be a thoughtful expansion that enriches the gameplay experience. Unlike previous expansions that felt disjointed, this one successfully weaves a narrative around a fundamental aspect of the game, enhancing its depth and engagement.
For someone who has often hesitated to let my Sims age and pass on, this expansion transforms the experience into something meaningful. Rather than simply disappearing, Sims can now leave behind memorial photos, exist as corporeal spirits, or even be reborn with memories of their past lives, provided they complete enough of their bucket list. And, of course, the ability to WooHoo with the Grim Reaper in a crypt adds a delightful layer of absurdity that epitomizes the essence of Sims gaming.
