Electronic Arts and Maxis will magically make the Grand Prize winner appear in the game, creating character skins for the winner and up to 4 friends or family, including a pet! Also, the winner and a guest will attend The Sims™ Makin' Magic sponsored, Teen People 2003 Artist of the Year Awards Party in Los Angeles on November 16!
Nieuws
23 okt 2003 - 23:30
23 okt 2003 - 23:20
The first set of Makin' Magic wallpaper images is now available to download. Available in 3 sexy sizes.
23 okt 2003 - 23:10
"Maxis has taken the high road with the last few expansions, offering plenty of new gameplay challenges as well. Nowhere is this more apparent than in The Sims: Makin' Magic."
The Sims Makin' Magic
The seventh time's a charm for Maxis's series.
by Steve Butts
Maxis has made a bundle of cash off of their Sims franchise. And though it's clear that gamers will flock to the stores in droves (or drive to the stores in flocks) just to purchase titles that merely add lots of new toys, Maxis has taken the high road with the last few expansions, offering plenty of new gameplay challenges as well. Nowhere is this more apparent than in The Sims: Makin' Magic.
We recently had a chance to sit down and take a look at the game and explore its new features. This time around it's pretty clear that Maxis has pulled out all the stops and is going for a much zanier feel than previous expansions. Taking their cue from shows like Bewitched, I Dream of Jeanie, The Addams Family and Charmed, Maxis have crafted a new expansion that allows your Sims to cast spells to help build relationships, ease the burden of housework and generally make your life more fun.
After installing the expansion, you'll find a strange box on the doorstep of your Sims' houses. When you open it, you'll discover Magico's Magical Starter Kit. It contains Version 2 of the Spell Book, a convenient hole in the ground portal, a wand recharger, some Magic Coins and a few other surprises that'll get you started on your road to home-brewed witchery.
The Spell Brewer allows you to combine dozens of ingredients to create new spells that are stored in your wand. You begin the game with just three ingredients -- butter, toad stools, and toad sweat -- and you can combine these to create a spell that will temporarily turn a Sim into a toad. You'll use your cooking skill when combining these ingredients and a higher skill level means you'll get more charges from the brew than a character with a lower skill rating. The spell book shows you which ingredient combinations work but you won't know what spell they create until you bite the bullet and try it for yourself. Eventually you may even stumble across a clone spell that lets you create a double of yourself that will go to work for you.
There's also a Charm Maker in the box which you'll use with your mechanical skill. You can fill this device with a range of ingredients as well. This time around, the ingredients you'll be using are solids, not liquids. The range of items you can place into the Charm Maker run the gamut from mundane to magical -- bee's wax, diamond dust and even dragon scales are all to be found in the game. In terms of spell types, the Charm Maker grants you a wide variety of options. You can create a Rain of Riches charm which will sprinkle your house with lots and lots of treasure which you can then sell to raise some cash. You can use the Perfect Garden charm to keep your flowers and lawn nice and pretty.
A range of enchantments are also here for your casting pleasure. You can use these temporary enchantments to bring some of the inanimate objects in your home to life, at least for an hour or two. While the enchanted refrigerator's wildly swinging doors is plenty fun, you'll get more mileage out of animating things in your yard. The pink flamingos turn in to Vegas-style show girls. These ladies are great to spell up right before a big party. They basically run around being nice to everyone and giving people backrubs. Any party you go to that doesn't have these pink and white feather-clad beauties sucks as far as we're concerned.
But Mom and Dad aren't the only ones getting in on the act. Makin' Magic includes plenty of spells just for kids. Their unique charms allow them to summon an invisible friend (who promptly and hilariously gave our dear little tyke the cold shoulder) or even temporarily change their appearance. One of the most powerful charms is the Age of Instant, which permanently transforms children into adults.
But you'll need to be careful that your spells don't backfire on you. There are a number of reasons why things might not work out exactly as you planned so you'll need to be on your toes. If you try to cast a spell on a Sim who also knows that spell, you run the risk of having it turned back on you. You can also have horrible catastrophes for just being greedy or using spells without a real need. Cast the Perfect Garden spell when thinks are already rosy outside and suffer the wrath of dozens of animated garden gnomes bent on destroying all your plants. Cast the Horn of Plenty spell when no one in the house is hungry and you'll have a sudden infestation of toads. You'll have to go around kissing each of them hoping you'll find a prince who will move in with you and become part of the family. If you try to magically increase everyone's mood when they're already pretty happy with things, all you'll do is force everyone in the house to pee themselves.
At this point, there's usually nothing to do but head to Magic Town while your skeleton servant mops up the floor. You can either pop there yourself using your hole-in-the-ground portal or you can call up a giant balloon to take the entire family along with you. This entirely new locale has three distinct themes (four, really, but we'll get to that in a minute) that have their own look and feel. A nice Halloween lot offers more obvious visual frights than the large carnival lots or the gypsy fair lots but you'll find plenty of magic at all three.
You'll also find plenty of quests. Vicky Vampiress and Apothecary Todd are just two of the vendors who are willing to trade ingredients and other magical items for favors and trades. Though you can buy items with Magic Coins, you may find better deals through barters. Knowing that Vicky Vampiress hates garlic, you can probably take it off her hands in exchange for some harmless bees wax. If you want the really choice ingredients, Wizard's eyelashes, for instance, you'll probably need to go on a small quest. In our example we had to head to a graveyard and arrange the stones in a particular order.
More challenges await for those who want to try the new magic performance objects. The basic entry-level object is the trick table. Once you're done pulling rabbits out of hats, you can graduate to levitating your lovely assistant, Wanda (get it? Wanda?) or poking swords into her. The performance objects reach their peak with the Dueling Arena. Here you square off against another wizard in a turn-based spell selection game. You each get four spells of various colors and have to pick a spell color that dominates the color of the spell chosen by your opponent.
But it's not all work and there are plenty of opportunities to have fun without getting your pointy hat all singed. The Haunted House rides are large roller coasters that can be assembled in a variety of ways -- well, whatever variety you can get from the nine main pieces that is -- and you can even create these rides on Vacation Island if you have that expansion pack. (There are other connections with previous expansions: Superstar's obsessed fan leaves black roses can be made in to fame-boosting charms, Unleashed's pets can transform into humans, etc.) You can also build your very own mini-golf courses.
Magic Town also has a special fourth lot reserved for residents of Magic Town. That's right; if you have enough Magic Coins you can buy yourself a house here and never have to leave. The visuals here are very Addams Family-like with some really interesting touches. For instance, you won't have flowers in your yard. Instead you'll have large crystal structures and beanstalks stretching up the heavens.
As always, it wouldn't be a Sims expansion without plenty of new items and toys. There are almost 200 new objects, many of which are tightly integrated into the overall game experience. The bee hive, for instance, is a new skill object that lets you create bee's wax and honey that you can use as ingredients or sell for cash. The skeleton closet comes with an automatic housecleaner and repair technician. If you're lucky you can even buy dragon eggs which you can take home and...well, you know how eggs work.
This seventh and final expansion pack for The Sims is due out on the 28th of this month, just in time for Halloween. Look for our review then.
21 okt 2003 - 23:10
Eager, impatient fans awaiting the release of The Sims 2 now have a new option in the ongoing battle to kill the time between now and the release of the hotly anticipated The Sims 2 PC game – The Sims 2 Web Site! The entire The Sims 2 Team would like to take a moment out of our busy, busy schedules to invite you to explore the site and all that it has to offer.
21 okt 2003 - 23:00
Still have questions about the Superstar or Makin' Magic Expansion Packs? Well you are in luck; MaxisProducer (aka Cooper Buckingham) will be online to answer your questions this Thursday, October 23 at 3pm (PST). Get there early to submit your questions.
16 okt 2003 - 23:00
Zijn je Sims de TV reclames beu? Deze download voegt nieuwe audio reclames toe aan iedere TV in het spel! Na gebruik zul je niks zien maar je zult wel twee nieuwe reclames horen! Hoe cool is dat?!
14 okt 2003 - 23:00
30 oktober ligt The Sims Abracadabra in de winkel, om je meer te laten zien van het spel hebben wij nieuwe beelden voor je van het spel.
De videos zijn te vinden bij het download gedeelte op deze site. Op het forum kun je je reacties plaatsen over deze magische videos!
11 okt 2003 - 23:00
Hello everyone.
Sorry to be late, Friday was really busy.
It has been an action-packed week here at Maxis and we have a lot of exciting information to share with you so let’s get started.
Work continues here at furious pace on the official The Sims 2 website. The new website will contain the latest and greatest information, along with a special section just for our community. As we near launch, we wanted to give you a sneak peek of the site in development. Here is a preview of the front page:
Now for some magical news! For the past few months, we have been working on a top secret project, The Sims 2 Sneak Preview CD. It will be included exclusively in the next expansion pack for The Sims, Makin’ Magic. Here is the world premiere of the trailer for the preview CD:
Next up, new images from the game. Our artists are working hard on delivering the most realistic Sims you have ever seen in The Sims 2. Variety and style are two important considerations in this process. Here you can see some of the latest images of our The Sims 2 Sims:
As you all know, custom content is such an integral part of any Sims game. It is no different for The Sims 2. The production team is in the midst of creating a revolutionary Stand Alone Create A Sim tool. We are also looking for a more exciting name than SACAS. Please feel free to email us your suggestions.
Finally, I would like introduce a new feature of my emails, the FAQ section. In this section, we will try to address your most frequently asked questions. Here is the first installment:
How will aging of the Sims go?
Players will guide their Sims’ lives as they grow up. You will be able to guide them thru key life phases including baby, toddler, child, adult and seniors. In The Sims 2, actions will have repercussions, and decisions made when your Sim is a toddler, child or teen will affect their life choices and ultimate happiness as an adult. As your Sims age, they will collect a variety of memories over the course of their lives that shape who they are.What types of objects (such as toys) are there for the toddlers?
We are working on a variety of toys for toddlers, including xylophone, teddy bear and building blocks.Will teens be able to “play?”
No.Can you see the neighborhood, or is it a grey screen again?
The neighborhoods in The Sims 2 will be much richer and more customizable. You’ll be able to import your own sculpted territories from SimCity 4 to shape the landscape of neighborhoods in The Sims 2. When you are in a lot, you will not see the grey background like in the first version of the sims.Will there be attics and basements?
You’ll be able to create attics in The Sims 2, however, at this time we are not planning to add basements.I hope you enjoy the latest information. Stay tuned for further details!
Cheers,
Luc
9 okt 2003 - 23:20
A BIG Thank You to the 350+ users that showed up to chat with Luc! For those who couldn't make it, read the transcripts.
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 5:56:00 PM) Hi everyone!
MaxisKitty (Oct 9, 2003 5:58:13 PM) Hello everyone and welcome to the the chat. Today's guest speaker is MaxisLuc he is General Manager here at Maxis and will be talking to you about sexy sims
fgs26 (Oct 9, 2003 6:00:23 PM) I would like to know what they mean by "sexy sims"?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:00:23 PM) That's what we are going to try to cover today. What do you find sexy?
rtraf (Oct 9, 2003 6:01:08 PM) Will there be a create a sim program released before the sims 2? And if so when will it be released and what will it do?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:01:08 PM) yes we will release next month a create a sim program focused on enabling custom content
Kya|TSR (Oct 9, 2003 6:02:25 PM) If I have a 3d model for a sims 1 object will it be easy to covert for ts2?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:02:25 PM) if you have a 3D model the you will be able to use it as a basis for Sims 2
mr_helm (Oct 9, 2003 6:03:03 PM) well the romance mostly, in TS2 will there be more kisses?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:03:03 PM) Yes we have more kissing in Sims 2!
Judhudson (Oct 9, 2003 6:03:38 PM) Speaking of "Sexy Sims" does The Sims 2 still plan on being rated T for Teen instead of M for Mature?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:03:38 PM) Our goal is to be T rated.
simsgurlie (Oct 9, 2003 6:03:53 PM) will you be able to "play" in every bed in TS2?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:03:53 PM) Yes. in full 3D.
SimMasterSteve (Oct 9, 2003 6:04:14 PM) Cut to the chase Luc.... Are you having an affair with one of your Sims??? You can get help you know... It's free, and confidential!
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:04:14 PM) How do you know about me and Bella?
purpleviolets83 (Oct 9, 2003 6:05:39 PM) In The Sims 2 will the Sims be able to lock the bathroom door or will other Sims knock before entering?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:05:39 PM) that's not final yet. what do you think they should do. Personaly I wish there was a lock sometimes.
thesiddog (Oct 9, 2003 6:06:21 PM) Will the Newbies and Goths be in TS2? I really want to see Bella in full 3D!
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:06:21 PM) Yes. I have learned to care a lot about them. They have been growing up too.
EmAKAsimfan344 (Oct 9, 2003 6:07:02 PM) Can you "play" on a couch?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:07:03 PM) I hope not. That could kill our T rating.
SimNewsMan (Oct 9, 2003 6:07:12 PM) Can we have divorces? Affairs?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:07:12 PM) Yes and Yes
Magenta (Oct 9, 2003 6:08:01 PM) Will the sims be able to have long hair without it slicing into their neck when they look around? hehe
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:08:02 PM) the hair are animated in Sims 2
MidnightStar10 (Oct 9, 2003 6:08:43 PM) Will there be interactions between Sims and NPC's????
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:08:43 PM) Yes.
sam (Oct 9, 2003 6:09:09 PM) if a sim had an affair w/another sim will the spouse find out automatically?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:09:09 PM) not unless she sees it, or another sim tells her.
Riku (Oct 9, 2003 6:09:30 PM) Will there finally be long haired males?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:09:30 PM) YES
Novya (Oct 9, 2003 6:09:47 PM) can sims not related or married live, in the same house?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:09:47 PM) YES
sweetchick13589 (Oct 9, 2003 6:10:21 PM) will there be a vanity , where the woman can like do their hair and put make up on stuff like that?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:10:21 PM) Yes, although it might be coming as a download post ship. But the functionality is there.
siggyb2too (Oct 9, 2003 6:10:31 PM) Animated chest hairs, too? 
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:10:31 PM) Nope.
bh3250 (Oct 9, 2003 6:10:35 PM) can they play in the shower
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:10:51 PM) great idea!
monkeybear_303 (Oct 9, 2003 6:11:59 PM) when the sims get married will there be a service with there family?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:11:59 PM) Yes, the wedding are a more length scenario than in Sims 1.
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:12:26 PM) hey slow down with the questions, we can't keep up!
Guest (Oct 9, 2003 6:14:00 PM) how many people can be to a family?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:14:00 PM) we are going to limit household to 8. but it is not a hard limitation in the game logic, just that it feels like too many sims to control.
purpleviolets83 (Oct 9, 2003 6:14:11 PM) Will Sims of the same gender be able to get married?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:14:11 PM) Yes
thesiddog (Oct 9, 2003 6:14:43 PM) I know this is off topic (I think), but are the rumors true about using Sim City 4 terrains for the neighborhoods?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:14:43 PM) Correct. They look great
TrixieTown (Oct 9, 2003 6:15:14 PM) will the sims recognize first cousins as family and not marry them?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:15:14 PM) They can marry them. We solved the degenerative DNA problem with the Sims DNA.
stelen64 (Oct 9, 2003 6:15:48 PM) Do you realise that you have a knack for answering some questions without actually giving away anything....is this intentional or just a "male" personality thing (he he he).
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:15:48 PM) I am trying to inform while keeping some of the fun for when you will play the game.
wildmomma2672 (Oct 9, 2003 6:16:12 PM) Will they know which bedroom is theirs?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:16:12 PM) Yes, they like their beds and their bedroom is where they sleep.
thesiddog (Oct 9, 2003 6:16:43 PM) Can you make this chat last 'til 5:00? Please 
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:16:43 PM) Nope. I have a date with Bella at 4:00
Jenny (Oct 9, 2003 6:17:01 PM) Can sim adults move out of there parent's house without getting married first?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:17:01 PM) Yes.
SIMMER (Oct 9, 2003 6:18:12 PM) OK, So whats with teens, can they play or not?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:18:12 PM) release date is 2004 at this point. We will work on the game until it is finished and well polished. We are trying to make this as soon as possible, but we are not finished yet.
fun_pony (Oct 9, 2003 6:19:16 PM) Will teen sims be rebellious?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:19:16 PM) You bet. I have 3 teenagers at home, I know by experience.
Irelynd Jae (Oct 9, 2003 6:19:32 PM) Is Create-A-Sims being released ahead of TS2? If so can you tell us approximately when or even which month?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:19:32 PM) November.
Chrissy (Oct 9, 2003 6:19:47 PM) will your friends be able to walk in the bathroom while you're in the shower
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:19:47 PM) yes if we do not implement the locks.
catarinaport (Oct 9, 2003 6:20:05 PM) can parents cuddle their off sring? and kiss them?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:20:05 PM) We have a "family" kiss
decomposed star (Oct 9, 2003 6:20:26 PM) Will there be a clothing store to buy new clothes? Like new nightgowns?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:20:26 PM) Yes you will be able to manage your sims clothes.
Mommy (Oct 9, 2003 6:20:47 PM) Is MM REALLY the last expansion?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:20:47 PM) Yes it is for Sims 1. we will have more for the Sims 2.
geishagreen (Oct 9, 2003 6:21:04 PM) Will Sims have removable acessories? I want my Sims to have glasses, piercings, tattoos, hair clips, other fun stuff...
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:21:04 PM) I don't think tattos should be removable.
pacey1927 (Oct 9, 2003 6:21:44 PM) Will players still be able to create things for the game?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:21:44 PM) ABSOLUTELY. I want to see more custom content for the Sims 2 when we ship than there is now for Sims 1
Kdawg (Oct 9, 2003 6:22:01 PM) will sim teens play in bed
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:22:01 PM) I believe that's an adult "move"
Sonya (Oct 9, 2003 6:22:31 PM) Can they have tattoos?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:22:31 PM) Custom content will enable tattos for the sims
Adrian (Oct 9, 2003 6:22:53 PM) Will there be a community area in the sims 2 or do we have to wait for an expansion?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:22:53 PM) There will be a community are in The Sims 2
Aliclare (Oct 9, 2003 6:23:04 PM) Luc is your mission to destroy my poor old computer that cannot barely cope with Sims 1?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:23:04 PM) Yes
miffynboo (Oct 9, 2003 6:23:44 PM) Will you be developing tools like Homecrafter and Transmogrifier for Sims 2, or will we all have to learn Maya (EEK!) ?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:23:44 PM) we will have new tools. you should probably learn Maya anyway. Learning is good for you.
The Sim's stash (Oct 9, 2003 6:24:23 PM) How will the albums work in the game? I have hear rummors of video and audio options?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:24:23 PM) yes, Users will be able to drop in Video and Audio files.
StacysMom (Oct 9, 2003 6:25:06 PM) How did you get your job doing this...just curious because you seem to know alot
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:25:06 PM) In makin' magic there is a CD about the making of The Sims 2 where I explain how I got my job!
Guest (Oct 9, 2003 6:25:29 PM) what is the coolest thing in the sims 2
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:25:30 PM) the first kiss
SIMale (Oct 9, 2003 6:26:33 PM) Will you provide more ethnic skins with the game then came with #1?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:26:33 PM) Custom content now enables users to add more skins.
cglass (Oct 9, 2003 6:27:34 PM) What are the names of some of the new kisses?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:27:34 PM) one of them is "Deep really meaningful long passionate memorable while you keep your hands busy"
Adrian (Oct 9, 2003 6:28:37 PM) Will there still be blurred censoring? If some Hacker figured out a way to take it off, will the sims still have "barbie bodies?"
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:28:37 PM) Yes. But I expect that some users will update the skins as it happened in Sims 1.
wildmomma2672 (Oct 9, 2003 6:29:04 PM) Will there be any pictures of a pregnant woman?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:29:04 PM) Good idea. I'll try to provide screenshots to the community soon.
Irelynd Jae (Oct 9, 2003 6:29:51 PM) About how many skin, eye & hair colours are there? Plus, after a hair colour is selected will you be able to add different colour highlights to the hair, like in the screenshots?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:29:51 PM) we provide a few like 4 each to start. then custom content will turn that into millions.
Claudia64 (Oct 9, 2003 6:30:19 PM) Will custom content allow for new head/body meshes?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:30:19 PM) Yes. We will write "white papers" to explain how to do it with Maya.
Kya|TSR (Oct 9, 2003 6:30:54 PM) haven't seen many pics of the infants, either.. can we have some of those,too? =)
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:30:54 PM) deal
skppy1225 (Oct 9, 2003 6:32:10 PM) Will there be any objects from the expansions in The Sims 2? Like the love bed?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:32:10 PM) Yes, we will have some of the expansion objects and many new objects. Plus we will work on the best objects of the expansion packs as downloads right after launch
cookified (Oct 9, 2003 6:32:23 PM) What is Maya?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:32:23 PM) It is the name of the 3D program we use.
sam (Oct 9, 2003 6:32:31 PM) can you marry the burglar?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:32:31 PM) Yes.
Jendow (Oct 9, 2003 6:33:39 PM) Will you be releasing any more movies/videos soon on gameplay?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:33:39 PM) We are releasing new content every week.
Sophie (Oct 9, 2003 6:34:12 PM) Will adults be able to "play" in other beds than the Vibromatic Heart Bed?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:34:12 PM) I believe they can do it in any 2 sim bed
YZABA (Oct 9, 2003 6:35:50 PM) Do sims notice what other sims look like. Can they recgonize an ugly sim from a hot sim?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:35:50 PM) The sims are aware of a lot of things, and what makes a sim beautiful is not just the shape of its mesh.
Italianboy (Oct 9, 2003 6:36:04 PM) Will sims remember they had sex with a special person?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:36:04 PM) ABSOLUTELY.
caramelcutie411 (Oct 9, 2003 6:36:14 PM) Is it true that you can change every article of clothes, like shoes, stockings, skirts, etc.
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:36:14 PM) YES
The Sim's stash (Oct 9, 2003 6:36:23 PM) what about elders? can they do it?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:36:23 PM) YES
Italianboy (Oct 9, 2003 6:36:50 PM) Will rich sims be more attractive?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:36:50 PM) to you maybe
purpleviolets83 (Oct 9, 2003 6:37:03 PM) Will male Sims be able to wear makeup or female clothes and visa versa?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:37:03 PM) Yes, in some way.
pnhoj88 (Oct 9, 2003 6:37:11 PM) Will there be a grim reaper again?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:37:11 PM) Yes
simsgurlie (Oct 9, 2003 6:37:45 PM) Do you have to "play" to get pregnant in TS2?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:37:45 PM) to get pregnant, yes. but I believe you will might be able to adopt kids
Tonks204 (Oct 9, 2003 6:37:56 PM) Will there be a way to make cross-dresser sims?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:37:56 PM) Yes, through custom content.
tmv2003 (Oct 9, 2003 6:38:19 PM) with lifes big moments, if say your a teen and you get your first kiss, do you automatically become an adult. or do you have to reach a certain age.
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:38:19 PM) it is age related. you can do a lot of kissing as a teen.
Aliclare (Oct 9, 2003 6:38:52 PM) Je sais que vous des mods ne pouvez pas comprendre, mais.. c'est marrant!
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:38:52 PM) je comprends tre bien, quelle est votre question?
Hayley (Oct 9, 2003 6:39:02 PM) can two teen girls get in a fight over a boy
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:39:02 PM) Yes they can.
purpleviolets83 (Oct 9, 2003 6:39:15 PM) What do you mean by "custom content"?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:39:15 PM) content for the game created by users.
cglass (Oct 9, 2003 6:39:30 PM) What's the limit of kids a woman can bear?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:39:30 PM) I believe 7
The Sim's stash (Oct 9, 2003 6:39:49 PM) will kids be able to have crushes and stuff?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:39:49 PM) Yes
McKena (Oct 9, 2003 6:40:05 PM) Can you marry the grim reaper?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:40:05 PM) Nope
Torso Boy (Oct 9, 2003 6:40:15 PM) Do I have to buy CAS, or will it be downloadable?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:40:15 PM) Downloadable.
partygurl83187 (Oct 9, 2003 6:40:24 PM) can the sims get divorced if they want to? and can they have an affair with another sim?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:40:24 PM) Yes and YES
Italianboy (Oct 9, 2003 6:40:48 PM) Are there popular sims and unpopular sims?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:40:48 PM) It seems that this is just how many friends they have
tlpmak21 (Oct 9, 2003 6:41:01 PM) can u get drunk and have a hangover
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:41:01 PM) Me? yes. You too I bet
The Sim's stash (Oct 9, 2003 6:41:10 PM) Will Tragic Clown return in TS2?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:41:10 PM) No
superbanana000 (Oct 9, 2003 6:41:40 PM) I don't have Maya, will there be a tool Maxis releaces to creat custom meshes, bodies, etc?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:41:40 PM) Don't know yet. we are experimenting.
caramelcutie411 (Oct 9, 2003 6:41:55 PM) are there...more 'sexy' interactions?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:41:55 PM) Yes.
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:42:03 PM) hehe..
mzaka (Oct 9, 2003 6:42:11 PM) Does your sim's realationship with their spouse have to be low in order for them to get a divorce?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:42:11 PM) YES
Evert_B (Oct 9, 2003 6:42:57 PM) If a white woman Sim cheated with a colored Sim and she becomes pregnant ... and the white male Sim sees the colored baby ... will he be confused?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:42:57 PM) I did not think about that one. I'll have to figure that one out.
McKena (Oct 9, 2003 6:43:11 PM) What are some sexy interactions in The Sims 2?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:43:11 PM) "Top Secret"
Jennifero69 (Oct 9, 2003 6:43:20 PM) Has Luc been drinking prior to this chat?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:43:20 PM) Coffee? yes!
miffynboo (Oct 9, 2003 6:43:42 PM) Now that it is a given that there will be TONS of user content, will you be providing more ways to organise it - especially some kind of "in game" organisation?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:43:42 PM) YES, in a major way!
jonny (Oct 9, 2003 6:43:47 PM) will you still be able to add mp3's to the radio?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:43:47 PM) YEs
SEKhorselover (Oct 9, 2003 6:43:56 PM) Will it be harder for the sims to fall in love?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:43:56 PM) No
misty (Oct 9, 2003 6:44:12 PM) Can you kill off your sim? and if so can you go to jail for doing so?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:44:12 PM) Yes and No. It is still legal to kill your sim
SEKhorselover (Oct 9, 2003 6:44:21 PM) Will there be cheats in this game?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:44:21 PM) Yes
Kalli (Oct 9, 2003 6:44:41 PM) Has TS2 been rated yet?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:44:41 PM) We are aiming for "T" rated
The Sim's stash (Oct 9, 2003 6:44:56 PM) What will the soundtrack/music be like in the game?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:44:56 PM) Mostly violins
The Sim's stash (Oct 9, 2003 6:46:16 PM) Will the sims have 1 or 2 relationship bars (like TS1 pre or post Hot Date)
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:46:16 PM) TWO
tlpmak21 (Oct 9, 2003 6:46:28 PM) can you make ailiens and elves in CAS
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:46:28 PM) YES through custom content
tiffny06 (Oct 9, 2003 6:47:17 PM) Can an old man and a young women have a baby?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:47:17 PM) I did not try yet. I'll try tonight
guysfi (Oct 9, 2003 6:47:30 PM) Bonjour, y'aura t'il des fêtes comme halloween ou nëol dans les sims? Gonna be have halloween or x-mas in sims2?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:47:30 PM) not really
salamandra2209 (Oct 9, 2003 6:47:48 PM) will male sims be romantic? like candles, flowers and stuff...
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:47:48 PM) yes
Torso Boy (Oct 9, 2003 6:47:59 PM) Can you still be abducted?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:47:59 PM) That's a definite risk
mrexpert (Oct 9, 2003 6:48:04 PM) Can you have different colors of skin other than Green and normal colors in The Sims 2?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:48:04 PM) yes
McKena (Oct 9, 2003 6:48:24 PM) Is the official name for the custom content tool called Create-A-Sim? If not what will it be officially called?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:48:24 PM) Not official yet because we don't know
Schweighsr (Oct 9, 2003 6:49:13 PM) Will Sims have new interests / things to talk about? Can the player control what a Sim's interests are in CAS?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:49:13 PM) Yes the users will have more controls about interests.
SimMasterLisa (Oct 9, 2003 6:49:25 PM) You'll try tonight or your sim will try tonight? 
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:49:25 PM) hey, I am not that old!
Beka (Oct 9, 2003 6:50:14 PM) Can You have a spotted sim?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:50:14 PM) Yes if you create one and import it in the game with the custom content tool
Rareaquamarine (Oct 9, 2003 6:50:31 PM) do pick hairstyles or will you have to customize it yourself
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:50:31 PM) We provide several dozen hairstyles.
qwerty (Oct 9, 2003 6:51:27 PM) Please answere some of my questions! Will mirrors reflect things instead of just being silver? What are the file formats? How do you create custom content? Will a tool come with the game?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:51:27 PM) don't know for mirrors yet. file format are maxis own. the tool will be downlodable next month. it will read and write the files for you.
purpleviolets83 (Oct 9, 2003 6:52:00 PM) Will there be another Sims 2 chat soon?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:52:00 PM) We have CHATs every week, the subject is either Sims 2, SimCity or Makin magic
mrdo (Oct 9, 2003 6:52:16 PM) Will the sims smell,and if so will the other sims not like it
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:52:16 PM) Yes they do, and yes the other sims know.
Tonks204 (Oct 9, 2003 6:52:52 PM) I heard there is a new sims coming out for gameboy advanced. Can you elaborate on this?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:52:52 PM) it is shipping in December. it is a great game.
horse_lover101 (Oct 9, 2003 6:53:05 PM) Will you be able to add freckles or breaces to your sims?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:53:05 PM) -> Custom content
sgore (Oct 9, 2003 6:53:14 PM) if we dream about the sims 2 almost all the time, are we going crazy?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:53:14 PM) no
Guest (Oct 9, 2003 6:53:30 PM) Will you be able to customize the sims weight, height and shoe size?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:53:30 PM) Not the shoe size
bogosimloco (Oct 9, 2003 6:54:03 PM) will there be expansions for sims2?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:54:03 PM) Yes. what do you think the 1st one should be?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:54:52 PM) STOP! no more suggestions about Expansion pack!
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:55:13 PM) I heard PETS
katie522 (Oct 9, 2003 6:55:30 PM) in create a sim mode can you create what your sim will look like say when they are an adult but then put them into the game as a toddler who will eventually grow up looking like that?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:55:30 PM) YES
superbanana000 (Oct 9, 2003 6:56:08 PM) Whats your favorite part about the Sims 2?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:56:08 PM) How smart they are now
Guest (Oct 9, 2003 6:56:16 PM) Will sims be more aware of things?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:56:17 PM) Yes, many things
sgore (Oct 9, 2003 6:56:34 PM) maxisLuc you seem frustrated, are you?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:56:34 PM) Not at all
shortwizdude (Oct 9, 2003 6:56:50 PM) r any of these suggestions being considered
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:56:50 PM) Yes they are
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:57:01 PM) we have just a few minutes left!
MaxisKitty (Oct 9, 2003 6:57:10 PM) We are getting close to the end of the chat, Luc will answer a few more questions
Tonks204 (Oct 9, 2003 6:57:29 PM) When the sims think no one is looking, will they be ablet o pick their nose, or scratch their butt?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:57:29 PM) I am afraid they do that sometimes even when others are looking
young__link (Oct 9, 2003 6:57:55 PM) Will the newbies and goths return. please answer
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:57:55 PM) Yes, Betty and Bella will be back!
mrexpert (Oct 9, 2003 6:58:24 PM) When's your date with Bella?
MaxisLuc (Oct 9, 2003 6:58:24 PM) 1 minute left!
MaxisKitty (Oct 9, 2003 6:59:24 PM) Thanks for coming everyone. Look for the chat transcipts posted on thesims.com soon!
8 okt 2003 - 23:10
GameSpot has posted a hands-on preview of Makin' Magic. See what they have to say about the last expansion pack for The Sims.
The Sims: Makin' Magic Updated Impressions
By Andrew Park
We take one last advance look at the final expansion pack for The Sims.
We recently had the opportunity to take a look at the seventh and final expansion pack for Maxis' extremely popular strategy game, The Sims. The Makin' Magic expansion focuses on the use of magic spells, wands, potions, and other items to create useful effects that complement the original gameplay of The Sims.
Using magic in Makin' Magic requires you to develop your cooking, logic, and mechanical skills to solve puzzles, fashion magical items, and create magic potions. You start a new game of Makin' Magic with a visit from the Mystery Man, a stranger who leaves you with a starter's magic kit, which includes such items as a modern-day electric cauldron and a handful of magic spell components. You also receive a magical tome (which has a total of five pages) that contains all your magic spells--when you unlock them--plus a "hole in the ground" item that transports sims to Magic Town, the expansion's new downtown area.
Makin' Magic has a series of all-new skill objects, as well as other objects that can be used at home to make money. In fact, if you don't care to go to work, it doesn't seem like you have to, since Makin' Magic lets you harvest honey from beehives, which can be sold at a profit or used as a magic component. You can also grow grapes and elderberries in your garden, which can also be sold or used as magic components. While Makin' Magic doesn't have a new career path, it does let you keep up with your old one by providing you with a new magic spell that lets you clone a sim for just about any purpose--including sending him or her off to work. Unfortunately, even the most successful clones expire after a certain period of time and burst into flames. In fact, most of the magic in the game actually has a detrimental "backfire" condition. The "perfect garden" spell, for instance, causes any wilted flowers or plants to perk right back up, but if the spell backfires, your lawn gnomes may instead come to life and trample your sims' gardens--and kick your sims in the shins.
Makin' Magic's new downtown area, Magic Town, lets your sims unlock higher-level magic spells and lets them find more-advanced components from the local apothecary. You can also use the nearby stages in Magic Town to put on a magic show, which is similar to putting on a show in the previous expansion pack, Superstar. As in the last expansion pack, your sim gets onstage to perform a trick, like conjuring ghosts from a coffin, but if your sim's logic skill is poor, the ghosts will end up scaring your performer while the crowd responds with unappreciative catcalls. Performing onstage earns you magic coins, which can be used to buy new items from the apothecary. Magic coins can also be used to purchase a new house lot in an all-new section of the suburbs outside of SimCity--a section that's more naturally attuned to magic. Magic Town also lets you refill your sims' needs (or "motives," as they're referred to in the game) with items like the new roller coasters, which replenish your sims' need for fun. When designing an empty lot, you can actually create your own roller coaster by laying winding track along the ground. You can even create an entire lot that consists of nothing but a huge roller coaster.
As you might expect, Makin' Magic has additional functionality that works with other expansion packs for The Sims. If you have Superstar installed, for instance, you may find a magic spell that boosts your fame rating without having to perform onstage or without having to hobnob with celebrities. If you have Unleashed installed, you may actually be able to turn your pets into humans. Even if you don't have any other expansions, Makin' Magic adds more than 175 new items, plus the oft-requested ability to magically change child sims into adults.
The Sims: Makin' Magic recently went gold. The expansion is scheduled to ship at the end of this month--just in time for Halloween.