Sims 3: Late Night

[lebeau]

My original focus in the game was on celebrity and career. I planned to let my Sim "play the field" socially at least until I finished exploring those aspects of the game. But to my surprise, Keith got serious about Jun pretty quickly.

Within a few Sim weeks, Keith wanted to propose. I make it a policy to give my Sims what they want when I can reasonably do so. I usually have them forgo their baser instincts. But if a Sim asks to propose, I usually let them. This was no exception.

I was equally surprised when a week or so later, Keith was ready to tie the knot. He rented out the Aquarius for the wedding. Usually, by the time my Sims get married, they have the reward that gives a Sim 100% successful parties. But that was not the case for Keith. I usually also have weddings at home. But since Keith and Jun like to party, I thought it would be fun to get hitched at a posh club.

Long story short, Keith nearly got stood up at the altar. About 1/2 of Keith's party guests (including Jun) were a no-show. A quick call to Jun during the party got the bride to the ceremony on time. There was much dancing, but the party was only a moderate success. This is uncommon for me as a player because I have usually rigged the outcome. So I'm not sure what factors caused the party to be less than a home run.

In terms of my primary focus (or foci), Keith reached the top of his career path and became a 5-star celeb in short order. As such, I decided to concentrate on Jun. First, I gave her a slightly more conservative wardrobe (although her tiny purple bikini stayed. If you've got curves like that, you may as well show them off poolside). Then I began building her skills for her career in medicine.

Meanwhile, I sent Keith out to parties for celeb opportunities (order a drink here, dance for hours there). And once again, Keith surprised me with a request. At a party populated by vampires, Keith wanted to be turned. Jun had asked for the same thing not long ago and I decided against it. But since both of them had now asked and I had completed all of my original goals, I decided to allow it.

For anyone who doesn't yet know how this works, I'll review the process of becoming a vampire. First, you have to have a friend who is a vampire. It's as simple as asking to be turned. They will do so and your Sim will get a neutral moodlet reflecting that they have been bitten. 3 days later, the transformation will be completed.

Being a vampire does change the game in a lot of subtle ways. Yes, your Sim can go out in sunlight. But there are consequences for remaining out in the sun. I have yet to test the boundaries on this. While Sim vampires aren't immortal, their lifespans are much longer. I currently have the game set on "epic", so Keith has over 1,000 days before he ages to an adult.

Obviously, vampires have to feed. Since I have somewhat limited space in my apartment, I ditched most of my kitchen and used the space for other things. Keith has been feeding on friends. Surprisingly, I believe this is a positive social interaction for both parties!

There are a few other minor changes. You can read Sims' minds (to find out their partner, favorites or career, etc). Vampires are more powerful at night and can gain skills faster. They run faster. They can "hunt" which reveals who in the room is or is not a vampire (though most vamps are pretty obvious). And they can make a Sim think about them (but I have no idea how this is an advantage).

I made the transformation with every intent of reversing it pretty quickly. But so far I've had fun playing as a vampire. So instead of immediately switching back to human form, I have allowed Keith to turn Jun as well. Eventually, I may have them turn back (maybe before having kids) but for now I am enjoying playing my vampire couple.

More to come on the dark side of fame...