EA and Maxis may have announced the existence of The Sims 4, due in 2014, but that doesn't mean that they're done releasing content for The Sims 3. Multiple expansion packs are still planned for the rest of this year, so those fans who feel the need to buy every single one will have plenty to keep them occupied until the next base game actually arrives.
One of these expansions is The Sims 3: Island Paradise, which brings an island-populated tropical world and a whole bunch of new activities the likes of which you'd expect for such a place. The team has spoken about the expansion before, but in a recent live broadcast they provided a load of new details. Aside from the usual attempts to get those watching to preorder the game (you get some exclusive “island survival pack” thing – see the pic above), what stood out the most was the explanation of resorts. It looks like you basically get a resort-management mini game within the expansion, which is awesome.
Resorts work like businesses from previous expansions. Your Sims buy the property and can remodel it however they like, though you have to include a “resort tower” rabbit hole to make it an official resort. You can stock your resort out with guest suites, pools (maybe with poolside bars, which work like bars in Late Night if you have that expansion installed), and various holiday-type activities, and hire employees to manage it all. Then, when your resort is up and running, you can use the reception desk to check for reviews, which will include ratings out of five and descriptions of what things guests would like to have seen.
Does the notion of running a resort tempt you to get this expansion, or will you wait for The Sims 4 now that you know it's coming?
