The Sims: Vacation

A snow-dusted alpine retreat, a Riviera-style beach, a tranquil forest campground — this island resort offers it all. Sim families can take a break from the daily grind and enjoy dozens of new activities: casting a fishing line, trying out snowboarding, or simply lounging on the sand. Just be sure to pick up a few souvenirs before heading home. The add-on lets routine-weary Sims escape their suburban neighborhoods for entirely different locales packed with new activities, objects, social opportunities and a cast of fresh non-player characters. Resort staff do their best to meet every Sim need, while costumed performers entertain the kids at each location. But watch out for the sneaky PickPocket, who'd love nothing more than to lift a few Simoleans from distracted tourists. Carefree vacationers should also beware poison ivy and the occasional bout of "Montezuma's Revenge." As with earlier Sims expansions, a wide range of new situations brings out both the best and worst in favorite characters. The island is even customizable, with spaces just waiting to be developed or rebuilt by inventive virtual architects and landscapers.