The most original and well-done expansion pack for this series to date.

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The downtown area, 40 new interactions, and the bolstering of the social gameplay was very well-done.

The addictive gameplay from the original is still well-preserved in this expansion.

Most expansions just add more models and more stuff to the game. This does all that, plus adds intriguing new elements to the gameplay. It's one step away from being an all-new gameplay experience.

This game is a niche that encompasses everyone. I would attribute that to being one of the major reasons as to why this game has done so well.

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The social interactions are more complex, more involved, and more annoying. Building and maintaining relationships is now more difficult, tedious, and frustrating than ever.

Artificial Stupidity still plagues the game. The Sims wet their pants instead of going to the bathroom, don't answer the door after inviting someone over, don't know how to put themselves in a better mood, won't go to work when they're in the middle of something (like eating breakfast), and other things. It's still the game's most annoying feature.

The game still bogs down a little after turning everything off. In the downtown area the game bogs down and chops to a totally unacceptable level.

The personal interests also seem to have little to no affect on the gameplay. It is also impossible to make a sim that is 100% interested in everything.

When you go downtown sometimes you just want to kick back, relax, and enjoy yourself. When the Sims's needs (hunger, bladder, etc) start getting in the way, it can get annoying, making the player feel rushed.