tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37324658710570966622024-03-14T00:31:25.280-07:00Niki & Vani's Sim AdventuresNikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765154941960147201noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-70486393255190046282015-01-28T12:40:00.002-08:002015-01-28T12:40:40.666-08:00MovingFrom now on, you can follow this blog at <a href="http://nikivanisimadventures.wordpress.com./">nikivanisimadventures.wordpress.com.</a> Nothing much will have changed other than the location (if all goes well).Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765154941960147201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-65552838641706696112014-11-14T12:32:00.003-08:002014-11-14T12:32:21.660-08:00Sims 4 and huge updates!Hey guys, it's been a loooong time since I've been able to post here, but I assure you I'm not dead yet!<br />
<br />
Let's start with the basics here, I finally managed to acquire a copy of Sims 4 (the premium edition was harder to come by as some retailers only carried a few or thy ran out've stock online. I ended up going with Amazon and my order shipped within a couple of days even though I was told it could take up to 10). Also, mods have been coming out at an alarming frequency and CC is not far behind, as Sims 4 CC is now easier than ever to create yourself!<br />
<br />
If you can get your hands on Sims 4 Studio. it's fully integrated with Blender (no more Milkshape) which is completely free to download. No trial, no expiry date, no worries!<br />
<br />
That's where my own plans come into play. I have plans to start producing my own Sims 4 content, and now that there's a tool that plays nice with Blender, I can! Other than that, I plan on busting out some nice Graphic T-Shirts as you can never get enough of those!<br />
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But in the meantime, here are some Sims 4 Studio Tutorials by Youtube user <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeTdigNSfIU9Haf0xCuQpMA" target="_blank">Patrick Toutant</a>! These cover texturing/recolouring and meshing (making your own 3D models).<br />
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This tutorial requires the Blender 3D software, found <a href="http://www.blender.org/" target="_blank">here</a>. Sims 4 Studio can be found <a href="http://sims-studio.proboards.com/" target="_blank">here</a>, and there's a support forum along with it.<br />
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You'll need a graphics program for editing textures, as well as a plugin for the software you're using.<br />
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<a href="https://developer.nvidia.com/legacy-texture-tools" target="_blank">Photoshop DDS Plugin</a> (Assuming you have a copy of Photoshop)<br />
<a href="https://code.google.com/p/gimp-dds/downloads/list" target="_blank">Gimp Plugin</a> | <a href="http://www.gimp.org/">Gimp</a><br />
Or alternatively, you can use <a href="http://www.getpaint.net/">Paint.net</a> which has native DDS support.<br />
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In terms of Sims 3, I'll continue to work my way toward making cc for that game, albeit it'll probably take a bit longer since I'm still looking for the Blender plugin that can handle Sims 3 meshes. I want to avoid Milkshape as much as possible as a 30 day trial really isn't enough for me to wrap my head around most software.Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765154941960147201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-46844631496747282582014-05-04T13:56:00.000-07:002014-05-04T13:56:20.414-07:00Sims 3 Store: Now & Then Century ManorBack in April, we got a hint at an upcoming store set which was supposed to tie into the Mansion & Garden theme along with the Bohemian Garden. Although we ultimately lost the L-shaped staircases from this set due to a serious bug when the staircases in the Prism Art Studio are used (considering the bugs we'd get otherwise this being labelled as any kind of big deal must mean it did some pretty creepy stuff).<br />
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The <a href="http://store.thesims3.com/setsProductDetails.html?scategoryId=13570&productId=OFB-SIM3:72479" target="_blank">Now & Then Century Manor</a> gives us a few interesting build items like roof decor, broken and boarded up windows/doors (we also get new and broken versions of everything needed to create a screened in porch), modular grand staircases, and beautiful stained glass windows (whoch may actually be recolourable! Huzzah!). There's also two versions of the venue. One looks really old and dilapidated (Now) and the other is really pretty and well kept (Then). I like this idea as it really fits the theme of the set well and puts both the Now and the Then set items to good use.Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765154941960147201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-19672307646906317282014-04-14T17:48:00.001-07:002014-05-04T14:02:12.497-07:00Sims 3 Store: Upcoming Mansion & Garden ContentRemember when we got the L shaped stairs with the prism art studio? Well, you're going to love this, part 2 of the bohemian garden series is coming in may, and you only need to take one look at that photo to realize what <i>that</i> means!<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Builders, you are going to LOVE May. We're reimagining Gardens & Mansions! Find out more <a href="http://t.co/pgZ7EVTQgG">http://t.co/pgZ7EVTQgG</a> <a href="http://t.co/aAoPwtiYD3">pic.twitter.com/aAoPwtiYD3</a><br />
— SimGuruTatertot (@SimGuruTatertot) <a href="https://twitter.com/SimGuruTatertot/statuses/455861487160942592">April 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
I'm super excited for this one, as I've been lurking the grand staircase thread on the ts3 forums for some time! <br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-79168272754635323462014-04-07T12:04:00.000-07:002014-04-07T12:04:41.484-07:00Nrass Mod UpdaterWhile Twallan may have moved on, his site is still being worked on and I was surprised to find that a program for updating Nrass mods was recently made available! (<i>Images have been borrowed from the Nrass site</i>).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q92M86nVvoc/U0L1GQtaO7I/AAAAAAAABQc/zNbDdKI_L28/s1600/Mod+Updater+Screen+Settings.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q92M86nVvoc/U0L1GQtaO7I/AAAAAAAABQc/zNbDdKI_L28/s1600/Mod+Updater+Screen+Settings.PNG" height="235" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting Paths</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I6aE-oPQ3b8/U0L1CPbstTI/AAAAAAAABQU/1mlXi3Do0UQ/s1600/Mod+Updater+Screen+Main.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I6aE-oPQ3b8/U0L1CPbstTI/AAAAAAAABQU/1mlXi3Do0UQ/s1600/Mod+Updater+Screen+Main.png" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Interface</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">You can <a href="http://nraas.wikispaces.com/Mod+Updater" target="_blank">download the program here</a>, and there's even a <a href="http://nraas.wikispaces.com/Mod+Updater+Usage" target="_blank">tutorial</a> for using it! Unfortunately there's no Mac version at this time so if you're running TS3 on that, you'll have to continue using mods the old fashioned way.</span>
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Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765154941960147201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-39370075061026364802014-02-02T21:07:00.002-08:002014-02-02T21:07:35.285-08:00New Store Venue: Prism Art Studio!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ9d9w-zzCs/UuqZVeE4aaI/AAAAAAAAANA/Wy4wfGZopuA/s512/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ9d9w-zzCs/UuqZVeE4aaI/AAAAAAAAANA/Wy4wfGZopuA/s512/1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos courtesy of SimguruTatertot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I haven't been following this as closely as I thought I would, but that's partially due to my mind always being on class. I actually haven't played TS3 in almost 2 weeks now (but I decided to tonight to clear my mind a bit, this short film animatic needs a major change and I'm hitting dead ends). The name of the venue is the <a href="http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/737904.page" target="_blank">Prism Art Studio</a> and it comes out on February 6th! <br />
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In any case, whoever was hypothesizing about jewelry making and perfume was certainly right!<br />
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I' m not keen on certain items but the fact that things are in sets is a good sign. Still, look at the selection! 8 new necklaces, 4 sets of earrings and 4 new bangles.<br />
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And that's not all... <br />
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We're getting a glass blowing station of some sort which enables not just jewelry and perfume bottles, but glass furniture and decor as well (who else is ogling the stained glass?). There's even a glass chess set (might look good if you picked up the ice lounge with seasons).<br />
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Oh but wait! There's MORE! (This is going to allow some beautiful custom content guys)<br />
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I've personally been DYING for these kinds of stairs! They're really wrapping up alot of old requests (but I'd still have been happier if they'd come in an ep or something, with all the premium content and clothing sets that came out after ITF they could've just released a freetime or hobbies ep with a couple of new careers and professions, there's almost that much stuff).<br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-82541001275680024602014-01-05T20:12:00.001-08:002014-01-05T20:24:08.550-08:00Farewell TwallanIt had previously been known that Twallan didn't plan to continue modding in TS4 when it was released, but <a href="http://nraas.wikispaces.com/State+of+the+Mod" target="_blank">today he announced that he was taking his leave sooner than expected</a>. Accompanied by a short farewell message, he included all of the source codes for his mods for someone else to work with (in the hopes that someone else might pick up where he left off).<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Sorry folks, I am to be the bearer of bad tidings this day.</i>
<i><br />
As most of you have noticed, the amount of time I have been able to
allot to my work on the Sims has been steadily decreasing over the past
few months. There are numerous reasons for this : Ranging from changes
in my real-life work, increasing disinterest in Sims, and various
personal concerns that have been building up over the past couple of
years.</i>
<i><br />
I had hoped that my interest would once again be piqued over the holidays, however unfortunately that was not the case.</i>
<i><br />
So rather than continue leading you all on as to when/if I will ever
complete any further projects, I have decided to end this grand thought
experiment as of now.</i>
<i><br />
With that, I would like to thank you all for making my time in the Sims 3
world a satisfying experience. Shout outs to SimAd, Trif, TheISZ, and
all the various contributors who have made this project entertaining.</i>
<i><br />
As a parting gift for any interested modders, here is the full source for all my mods :</i><br />
<br />
<i>Feel free to pick them apart as you see fit, or release them yourselves
with any modifications you wish (though you may want to change the names
to avoid any confusion).<br />
<br />
Thank you, and may the odds be ever in your favor. :)</i></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
The news comes as a bit of a shock to many, as up until now Twallan's mods have considered something of a gold standard in the TS3 modding community (at least in this simmer's opinion). And with news of an <a href="https://twitter.com/SimGuruKelly/statuses/418834413879689216" target="_blank">upcoming EA patch</a>, simmers are worried that not all of the mods will continue to function. In particular, Errortrap is version specific and will almost asuredly die with the patch unless another modder released their own updated version.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-49973662515298361942013-10-08T22:33:00.002-07:002013-10-08T22:33:22.981-07:00Sims 3 Store: New Purchase History FeatureLet's just say that the purchase history has needed an overhaul for some time, and now it's taken on a brand new look (like everything else on the site). Flipping through and downloading your store content (theoretically) will now be faster than ever, you can even select (and download) multiple items at once, so long as they're all on one page.<br />
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<br />
But the good news is you can now preview up to 64 items on one page (but they haven't gotten rid of the duplicate items glitch yet, tough break), and each one of them has a download button right there. No more going back and forth trying to load item preview pages!<br />
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The only thing they haven't touched upon (so it looks at the moment) is a category for items that were gifted to you, or by you (although in the case of the latter you'd only need it for fiscal reference. Still, as valid a reason as any, right?) Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-82122611635757780822013-09-14T15:58:00.001-07:002013-09-14T18:32:06.334-07:00Midnight Hollow and Finally OFB! (sort of)When I last left my computer, the early hints for the new store world were just being revealed. Suddenly, Midnight Hollow! I'm still not sure what I think of this world but I'm liking the CASsets (especially <a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BT5lCiMCcAAnfQf.jpg" target="_blank">those pigtails</a>) and the steampunk-ish theme. From the pictures, it looks like it might complement SN very nicely. Actually I kind of wish it'd come with SN in the first place...<br />
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Oh and you know what they finally went and did? <a href="http://store.thesims3.com/productDetail.html?productId=OFB-SIM3:69059" target="_blank">REGISTERS</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://na.lvlt.sims3store.cdn.ea.com/u/f/sims/sims3/sims3store/objects/galleryShopCollection_DOT10/Thumbnail_688x336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://na.lvlt.sims3store.cdn.ea.com/u/f/sims/sims3/sims3store/objects/galleryShopCollection_DOT10/Thumbnail_688x336.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>The Savvy Seller's Collection gives you everything you need to start
your very own business! Simply place items on the included rugs,
pedestal, wall shelf, or parking space, and start selling things like a
boss! Determine your markup, set up sales, hire and fire salesclerks,
and keep tabs on your daily and lifetime sales statistics! You can even
set your shop hours and name your store!</i>"</blockquote>
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I'm among those who so desperately wanted an OFB expansion, so this is exceptionally good news for me! Along with open restaurants, we now have open shops! It just blows my mind that the fans have been suggesting this for I don't know how long and they've given us that and then some! Here's hoping it won't be as buggy as some of the other big PC items. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-17862192874774373822013-08-28T21:51:00.002-07:002013-08-28T21:51:30.656-07:00Into the Future Producer Walkthrough<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I also need to watch the new Into The Future Producer Walkthrough video: <a href="http://t.co/4RPpAqclw2">http://t.co/4RPpAqclw2</a> People seemed to go nuts for it at SimsCamp!<br />
— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) <a href="https://twitter.com/SimGuruGraham/statuses/372771546286555136">August 28, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<br />
There's plenty of information in here. Not sure if it answers anyone's questions yet (unless you wanted to know more about how time travel works) but both the utopian and dystopian futures are shown (as well as how to go about creating them). There also looks to be at least one new trait confirmed, 'Unstable'.<br />
<br />
As to what this means, I'm not sure yet. Do they mean <i>emotionally</i> unstable or somehow unstable in the sense of the space time continuum? I've already heard <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=nl&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinguintech.nl%2Fenglish%2Fthe-sims-3%2Flessons%2Fthe-sims-3-into-the-future-lessons%2F" target="_blank">one source</a> suggest that the unstable trait can affect the possibility of your descendants accidentally popping out of existence. That and if you're quick enough, apparently there's ways to save them.<br />
<br />
Also, the space time continuum can be 'reset' if they have a high enough level in the Advanced Technology skill. I'm hoping this doesn't have to be done for the sake of debugging...<br />
<br />
We'll also get to see new <a href="http://simsvip.com/2013/08/24/future-adds-new-loading-screen-games/" target="_blank">loading screens</a> that seem to be a minigame of sorts. The prize? Lifetime happiness points of course!<br />
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-66321634892696557612013-08-25T21:18:00.001-07:002013-08-25T21:18:35.640-07:00What's this? More store content?<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
“Guess what? I’ve got a fever…”<br />
— Alan Copeland (@SimGuruCopeland) <a href="https://twitter.com/SimGuruCopeland/statuses/369850372984029184">August 20, 2013</a></blockquote>
<br />
This is just speculation at this point, but I suspect that whatever's coming to the store is going to make simmers who've been wanting farm stuff very happy.<br />
<br />
Either that or I'll finally get some medical supplies without using CC, but that's far less likely I'm afraid... <br />
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-92073931025039172812013-08-22T11:44:00.001-07:002013-08-22T11:44:11.619-07:00TS4 Preorder BonusWhile it's still fairly soon in the game's development (last I checked the game was still pre-alpha), preorder bonuses have already been decided on. There's a limited edition of the game and a digital deluxe edition, which seems to be trying to entice players to get the digital copy rather than the physical (at this point).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3mk9pJNlp4/UhZZbJezCtI/AAAAAAAABMc/eVaups5CSEM/s1600/The+Sims+4+pre-order+informationEA+Help.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3mk9pJNlp4/UhZZbJezCtI/AAAAAAAABMc/eVaups5CSEM/s400/The+Sims+4+pre-order+informationEA+Help.png" width="368" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm really hoping there's a <i>physical </i>deluxe edition that's just yet to be announced. For all that's gone into the 'Up All Night' content (recipes, party types and a light show) gamers are probably going to be ticked off if this means they have to get the digital version in order to get access to any of the content.<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-10736149247312620162013-08-18T19:28:00.000-07:002013-08-22T11:32:11.061-07:00TS4 modsWe still have plenty of time until Ts4 hits store shelves, but I've been thinking lately about mods. Yeah I know, way too soon for that. Or is it? Perhaps Ts4 will be easier to mod than Ts3. Maybe the future Ts4 modders never got into modding Ts3 because they assumed it was complicated. Maybe someone reading this post will become a modder.<br />
<br />
Unlikely as it sounds, the possibility isn't zero.<br />
<br />
Depending on the strengths and limitations of this shiny new game engine we're supposed to be getting, mod functionality may end up in an ep, even the base game. I'm hoping for the possibility of households that span beyond the traditional cap of 8 sims. Realistically, if the sims team was going to do that the cap might only double to 16. 24 would be absolutely amazing!<br />
<br />
True, most people may not like to micromanage that much, but raising the cap would just make it a possibility for crazy people like me!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-10077838456840634912013-08-12T17:16:00.001-07:002013-08-12T17:19:04.028-07:00In Game: Awayuki Household and hopefully shenanigans!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRm1tuJzFHI/Ugl433GI2VI/AAAAAAAABKA/V7jUsw8gfNs/s1600/Screenshot-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRm1tuJzFHI/Ugl433GI2VI/AAAAAAAABKA/V7jUsw8gfNs/s320/Screenshot-17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've been meaning to update my sims 3 avatar for some time now, but as luck would have it, the exchange is borked again. Until that's resolved I've put my new simself up for download on mediafire, along with a couple of new characters, Himeno Awayuki from Pretear, and Link from the Legend of Zelda (or as best I could manage with no cc, Himeno really didn't need cc to get her look since the university apparel covered her school uniform quite nicely I think).<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8VjEipFAQM/Ugl46AyXRDI/AAAAAAAABKI/wHT4a_NRiAI/s1600/Screenshot-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8VjEipFAQM/Ugl46AyXRDI/AAAAAAAABKI/wHT4a_NRiAI/s320/Screenshot-19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I tried a couple of different hairstyles, but liked this one the best.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx3qZe9k0bU/Ugl47LJhpiI/AAAAAAAABKU/hyrYmZoDDzY/s1600/Screenshot-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx3qZe9k0bU/Ugl47LJhpiI/AAAAAAAABKU/hyrYmZoDDzY/s320/Screenshot-22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This one's closer to my real style, but not close enough. My head doesn't look that squished at the top like that, otherwise it'd be great!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cqafkRlwraQ/Ugl463W029I/AAAAAAAABKQ/k5qffNmyMxA/s1600/Screenshot-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cqafkRlwraQ/Ugl463W029I/AAAAAAAABKQ/k5qffNmyMxA/s320/Screenshot-25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And this was Himeno, compare that to her school uniform...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnrmcyFx9I0/Ugl6H7-nhnI/AAAAAAAABLU/k-_DUN1oXmk/s1600/art01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnrmcyFx9I0/Ugl6H7-nhnI/AAAAAAAABLU/k-_DUN1oXmk/s320/art01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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All that's missing is the headband, otherwise she seems okay (although I had to sub a shirt for her 'sweater', the colour scheme fit better than most other outfits. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wPBnCQuIac/Ugl6HttNCWI/AAAAAAAABLQ/m4RDfLDojLQ/s1600/Pretear_4-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wPBnCQuIac/Ugl6HttNCWI/AAAAAAAABLQ/m4RDfLDojLQ/s320/Pretear_4-007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Her everyday wear was a little bit tougher... and her PJs will definitely need work later. She's a very colourful dresser!<br />
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Girls's dorm - Shared by my simself (hence the clutter) and Himeno. <br />
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Actually I've got art clutter all over the house!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6c53BKBkXE/Ugl5CCu65QI/AAAAAAAABKw/dZNeCcsu9Tw/s1600/Screenshot-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6c53BKBkXE/Ugl5CCu65QI/AAAAAAAABKw/dZNeCcsu9Tw/s320/Screenshot-28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The kitchen... <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--IdfYWYH5oY/Ugl5EXNtaRI/AAAAAAAABK4/UMSynWuU1VU/s1600/Screenshot-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--IdfYWYH5oY/Ugl5EXNtaRI/AAAAAAAABK4/UMSynWuU1VU/s320/Screenshot-29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And top right is link, or as best I could manage... <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BL96GLQ2sok/Ugl5FxCTUUI/AAAAAAAABLA/EFOcppcfD3Y/s1600/Screenshot-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BL96GLQ2sok/Ugl5FxCTUUI/AAAAAAAABLA/EFOcppcfD3Y/s320/Screenshot-30.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-11927976014941219552013-08-12T14:57:00.002-07:002013-08-12T14:57:13.717-07:00First Impressions: Skylight Studio for the Performing ArtsI've been really excited to try out the Premium Content that came with this venue, mainly because of ballet finally being added outside of Generations! And they said it'd never happen! But come to think of it, they're probably happy to be wrong.<br />
<br />
Anyways, the full walkthrough's going to be delayed slightly because I've been having trouble getting my venues to show in the bin, so I can't show the breakdown of it just yet. I can however, give you a sneak peak of the dance floor, which happens to fit quite nicely in the gym from Sunset Valley (I don't know why but it's always been my favourite).<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eHIgjYAdUgY/UglS1jThdbI/AAAAAAAABJg/9LSHCRBLbDo/s1600/dancefloor01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eHIgjYAdUgY/UglS1jThdbI/AAAAAAAABJg/9LSHCRBLbDo/s320/dancefloor01.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/yUpUQBgaELY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dixFvBT3DTI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/NLQGjb5wZpY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
In the meantime, I also have some footage of the ballet bar. When you click on it you get the options to 'Warm Up', 'Exercise' or 'Train' if your Sim is at a high enough level. I haven't gotten a sim to that point yet but I'd presume at this point it's like how training works for exercise equipment.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pz1W8bF6OIM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YAxbCwbHQkY/UglSwQzCUgI/AAAAAAAABJY/68nDoEURxxk/s1600/balletbarre01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YAxbCwbHQkY/UglSwQzCUgI/AAAAAAAABJY/68nDoEURxxk/s320/balletbarre01.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Using the bar to train will also teach your sims how to Plie, Pirouette and finally Echappe. I found they learned these skills at a faster rate than going to ballet class as children, and even if your sim is a teen (or older). It's implied that you can also show off the moves, but either I've run into a glitch or I need a sim to be at the right friendship level to perform the interaction. I'm not sure yet.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VByuCy40JXM/UglaLL02YHI/AAAAAAAABJw/CMZS57nw2O4/s1600/learnedballetmoves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="84" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VByuCy40JXM/UglaLL02YHI/AAAAAAAABJw/CMZS57nw2O4/s320/learnedballetmoves.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
When my venues get sorted out, I'll take some more screenshots and put up the official review. This is also going to include the new windows and the public showers.<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-49626115201968587092013-08-06T19:02:00.001-07:002013-08-06T19:03:36.669-07:00My Experience with Customer Support: ConclusionThe other day, I went to check and see if my support case had been updated, only to find it was no longer displaying on the front page of EA's FAQ/Help site when I logged in. At first I was a little upset, but then I decided to check my e-mail, and this is what I found...<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<i><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">"My
name's Alex and I am the specialist currently working your case
regarding still having 5,000 extra Sims points on your account that
should have been removed when you were refunded one of your double
payments.<br /> <br /> I would like to thank you for letting me know about
this issue and truly appreciate that you would take the time to contact
us about this rather than simply keep quiet about the extra Sims points
on your account.<br /> <br /> As it was an error on our side that left the
extra Sims points on your account I am more than happy to leave them
there as a gesture of goodwill for your custom and honesty.<br /> <br /> Please do treat the extra Sims points as your own and spend them on anything you feel like from the Sims store <br /> <br /> If you have any questions about this or any other issue, please don't hesitate to contact me again."</span></span></i></h5>
</blockquote>
It's worth nothing that I still lost points to the glitched <i>'complete your set</i>' feature, but at the same time I had just enough points to grab the Dance Studio I've been dying to get my hands on, surprise a friend with a small gift, and complete yet another set. This time however, I finished off the '<i>It's Game Time</i>' set for a meager 70 points, and I still have 11 left to figure out what to do with. For the chunk I took out of my wishlist I'm certainly not unhappy.<br />
<br />
I just want to take the time to thank customer support for listening to my case and getting it resolved! <br />
<br />
Of course, I still have quite a few things left I want to grab from the store before TS4 rolls around, but I'm getting closer to that goal in leaps and bounds! I even managed to snag the '<i>Live, Laugh, Love</i>' wedding set via a compilation that must've just become available for the CYS discount.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-36866464033676452822013-08-03T10:35:00.001-07:002013-08-03T10:35:09.559-07:00Surfing in the Store<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eko2v38Rk6U/Uf09byuBXUI/AAAAAAAABI4/HAw1kHfibUw/s400/Thumbnail_688x336.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the outfits and hairstyles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's another new set in the store, and they're <i>really</i> rolling out the Premium Content lately! I can remember when people were first suggesting surfboards and wave machines (around the time Sunlit Tides came out in particular), and trying to speculate how they'd work. I've yet to check out a video demo but I have my own suspicions as it were...</div>
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<div class="f1 textLeft mgnLeft12 padB10">
Moving on, the <a href="http://store.thesims3.com/setsProductDetails.html?productId=OFB-SIM3:68067" target="_blank">Surf's Up Sun and Fun Collection </a>is currently on sale for 1200SP ($12) in the store, 1400SP ($14) regular price. As with most of the newer sets, it doesn't yet qualify for the 'Complete your Set' discount, but hopefully it will in the future. In this set you get a handful of new outfits and hairstyles for sims aged Child to Elder, and of course, the <a href="http://store.thesims3.com/productDetail.html?productId=OFB-SIM3:68066" target="_blank">Wave Station</a> comes with it.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2yhX13FuTo/Uf0-7xvCEYI/AAAAAAAABJI/qqekDRrGEG8/s1600/Thumbnail_688x336_ADD2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2yhX13FuTo/Uf0-7xvCEYI/AAAAAAAABJI/qqekDRrGEG8/s400/Thumbnail_688x336_ADD2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can tell, the wave machine takes up a fairly large area</td></tr>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-15505130269181337702013-07-27T16:32:00.000-07:002013-07-27T16:32:08.175-07:00Weekend Freebies & other Free Content<div class="f1 textLeft mgnLeft12 padB10">
Lately, the Sims 3 Store has taken to giving away 2 free items, and a discount on a select set. This week it's going to be the <a href="http://store.thesims3.com/productDetail.html?productId=OFB-SIM3:20408" target="_blank">Realtor's Baggage Prop</a>, and the <a href="http://store.thesims3.com/productDetail.html?productId=OFB-SIM3:20421" target="_blank">Retronik Lectronik by Phonokronik</a>. In addition, the <a href="http://store.thesims3.com/setsProductDetails.html?productId=OFB-SIM3:20377" target="_blank">Club Vaindenburger Study</a> is 40% off this weekend, unless you've already snagged it via 'Complete your Set' of course!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://na.lvlt.sims3store.cdn.ea.com/u/f/sims/sims3/sims3store/objects/stereoClubC/Thumbnail_300x300.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
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Retronik Lectronik by Phonokronik
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</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://na.lvlt.sims3store.cdn.ea.com/u/f/sims/sims3/sims3store/objects/sculptureClubCTrunk2x1/Thumbnail_300x300.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://na.lvlt.sims3store.cdn.ea.com/u/f/sims/sims3/sims3store/objects/sculptureClubCTrunk2x1/Thumbnail_300x300.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Realtor's Baggage Prop</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Also,I don't normally report on weekend set items because it's been going on for a little while and I've actually missed grabbing a few myself. In the meantime, for those of you who know and love <a href="http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/456640.page" target="_blank"><span class="genmed">pegasas1993</span>'s thread</a> that keeps track of all free store content, here's some good news for you! The thread will now report on the free items offered each weekend, in addition to all other known freebies in the TS3 store!</div>
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<a href="http://na.lvlt.sims3store.cdn.ea.com/u/f/sims/sims3/sims3store/objects/stereoClubC/Thumbnail_300x300.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-32085655541883503722013-07-21T12:21:00.001-07:002013-07-21T12:21:11.879-07:00My Experience with Customer Support: Part IVThis past session, I informed the advisor of my previous issue and received an apology for the inconvenience, because while I was waiting for my point balance to be deducted after the refund, the advisor forgot to deduct it. I'm just glad I know what went down, finally. So if you've suffered this issue and are still waiting for your points to be deducted, don't. Try to get in touch with them and let them know that your points were never deducted (especially if you've already received your refund money).<br />
<br />
As for the issue of the overcharged points on my own account, I'm assuming they'll just deduct those that are left rather than 'refund' the points that didn't get sapped by 'complete your set'. although I was only told my issue would have to be escalated, and that I'd receive an e-mail in 24-72 hours (I'm betting on Monday at the earliest). Furthermore, other simmers are having the same issue and brought to my attention the matter of mystery bag items. I didn't get one either (to my current knowledge), although I'm worried about pushing more than one issue at a time with the help chat, so as not to get too confusing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-76376294124552520372013-07-19T14:47:00.001-07:002013-07-19T14:47:49.154-07:00My Experience with Customer Support: Part IIII'd been waiting for those pesky glitched points to be recalled to home base, or wherever it is they come from, but a somewhat interesting development has occurred in this little saga of mine. The 5000 points I'd been trying so hard not to touch were partially sapped through a 'free' promotion in the Sims 3 store (see: <a href="http://www.thesims3.com/gettingstarted/completeyourset" target="_blank">Complete your Set Discount</a>). For a moment I thought I'd actually gained 50 points, because the last two digits said '56' and I'd been watching those to make sure the '06' never changed. I should've been watching the '50', because that became a '20' when I refreshed the page after a purchase maybe 10 minutes later. That's an offset of 2950 (nearly 3000) points!<br />
<br />
What scares me is that I already have my money back, it's sitting in my PayPal account, no longer on temporary hold. It was at that point I was lead to believe that the points would disappear from my balance, and I'd only see the 6 that were left of my originally planned purchase. Someone else with the same issue was told by the live chat assistant not to spend the refunded points or they could not refund her.<br />
<br />
In a sense, I'm in a position where I committed fraud, although it was only possible due to two instances of technical errors with their site, and their electronic database. Otherwise I only conducted one purchase transaction. Obviously unintentional, but vexing nonetheless. I followed the instructions in their promotion correctly, and obtained the items I was lead to believe were free of charge.<br />
<br />
I should've clued in when others were being overcharged the same way, but how do you ask for a refund when you've already been refunded?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-5883295322096360152013-07-18T09:47:00.000-07:002013-07-18T09:47:05.514-07:00Sims 3 Store Content: Business as Usual Bistro<br />
I may have already said this (if not here, somewhere on the Sims 3 forums) but if I was excited before, now I'm REALLY excited! The open restaraunt venue has been released, and now has a name!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Restaurants? In MY Sims 3? 'tis true! Check out the blog by <a href="https://twitter.com/SimGuruCopeland">@SimGuruCopeland</a>: <a href="http://t.co/XFDE3E4IeU">http://t.co/XFDE3E4IeU</a> Releases on <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TheSims3&src=hash">#TheSims3</a> Store tomorrow!<br />
— Graham Nardone (@SimGuruGraham) <a href="https://twitter.com/SimGuruGraham/statuses/357660310276026369">July 18, 2013</a></blockquote>
<br />
But that's not all, have a look at this excerpt from Simguru Graham's blog entry...<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Design is a lot like shopping on a budget. You only get so many days of
development in each department –Art, Audio, Engineering, etc. – to make
something really special. Having a Non Player Character (or NPC for
short) work on a Store item was always something that was too big for
that budget… until now."</i></blockquote>
<br />
That's a pretty bold statement right there! While quite a few simmers have been after the feature, skeptics insisted that the venue won't even hold a candle to what it could've been if it were included in an expansion. And then there's the matter of servers. Just how do you run a restaurant without employees?<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"This is no ordinary stovetop! While you can fix a quick meal here, the
magic really happens when you Hire a Chef and Set Your Menu! Setting
your menu allows you to customize the type of dining experience you want
for your bistro. Do you only serve vegetarian meals or the best cheese
steaks in town? You decide!"</i></blockquote>
<br />
So like we did with Island Paradise, we now gain the ability to hire employees! This is definitely a first with store content, and (hopefully) not a last! Unfortunately your own sims won't be able to serve, but they can use the oven to practice and gain cooking skill! Furthermore, placing the oven on a residential lot opens up the option of having a personal chef!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/_Mayve">@_Mayve</a> Menus can be set by the player regardless of if you own the lot as an instant action on the oven.<br />
— Alan Copeland (@SimGuruCopeland) <a href="https://twitter.com/SimGuruCopeland/statuses/357694170669907972">July 18, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
But there's alot more to it than just what I've covered here, for more details, check out the full blog entry. I'm anxious to get my hands on this one myself, along with the dance studio venue!<br />
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-70989528825712684172013-07-16T17:03:00.002-07:002013-07-16T17:03:34.122-07:00More and more Restaraunt stuff!Here are some more screenshots, courtesy of <a href="https://twitter.com/SimGuruTatertot" target="_blank">Simguru Tatertot</a>! It seems we're delving even deeper into restaurant territory, and it's got me wondering just what they've got planned. How do they aim to pull this one off when so many people theorized about routing issues making open restaurants effectively unworkable? Will this be something we can use on community lots? do we have to own the lot first? Time will tell!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0syXZkMfqU/UeBo5q-6K-I/AAAAAAAAABY/FbHxez14tXE/s640/Screenshot-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0syXZkMfqU/UeBo5q-6K-I/AAAAAAAAABY/FbHxez14tXE/s320/Screenshot-39.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the earlier screenshots, this one suggesting restaurant menus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VWDC6Q8IoQo/UeBstIgJkaI/AAAAAAAAACI/Fe2dy0PkNn0/s640/Screenshot-62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VWDC6Q8IoQo/UeBstIgJkaI/AAAAAAAAACI/Fe2dy0PkNn0/s320/Screenshot-62.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This reminded me of the front desk seen in IP resorts, but it may be a PC item?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxlM1T9ENDs/UeBsmPHH_NI/AAAAAAAAACA/n1Z9zXBgggc/s640/Screenshot-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxlM1T9ENDs/UeBsmPHH_NI/AAAAAAAAACA/n1Z9zXBgggc/s320/Screenshot-32.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm actually not sure about this one...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5mH0HIJEKE/UeBsiAxfzmI/AAAAAAAAAB4/1dV22-ssxiw/s640/Screenshot-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5mH0HIJEKE/UeBsiAxfzmI/AAAAAAAAAB4/1dV22-ssxiw/s320/Screenshot-17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm liking the industrial sink, but what about that stacked oven?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-53303196838569699472013-07-15T17:25:00.000-07:002013-07-27T17:03:18.544-07:00Simes 3 Store Content Reviews: La Cinema PlumbobI haven't had alot of time on my hands lately due to a summer internship, but today I finally got to try out the contents of the La Cinema Plumbob set! Quite generously gifted to me by Corettabarajas! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tSNjg1N0wJ0/UeIeagsWieI/AAAAAAAABBA/9CgsiQnF10E/s1600/Screenshot-162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tSNjg1N0wJ0/UeIeagsWieI/AAAAAAAABBA/9CgsiQnF10E/s400/Screenshot-162.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside View (It'll look nicer up against a proper road)</td></tr>
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The first step with any new venue/PC items is to set up the lot by either using a premade or building your own. Since this one came with a venue, I figured it'd be best to show you that first.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaYeyd0Jrmc/UeIedyA4CnI/AAAAAAAABBI/wk8-1SNSUNM/s1600/Screenshot-163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaYeyd0Jrmc/UeIedyA4CnI/AAAAAAAABBI/wk8-1SNSUNM/s400/Screenshot-163.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top Floor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woi2Dp665VE/UeIeiE7WYfI/AAAAAAAABBY/5cKepN2Qtuw/s1600/Screenshot-164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woi2Dp665VE/UeIeiE7WYfI/AAAAAAAABBY/5cKepN2Qtuw/s400/Screenshot-164.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3rd Floor</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bEFjslgUW0E/UeIehR1yV-I/AAAAAAAABBQ/B3frYbC7-SM/s1600/Screenshot-165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bEFjslgUW0E/UeIehR1yV-I/AAAAAAAABBQ/B3frYbC7-SM/s400/Screenshot-165.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd Floor (Landing)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PzVQaezG_zs/UeIelPf5-tI/AAAAAAAABBg/VYsZJQd9f8A/s1600/Screenshot-166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PzVQaezG_zs/UeIelPf5-tI/AAAAAAAABBg/VYsZJQd9f8A/s400/Screenshot-166.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Floor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jIBPZjMRkTw/UeIeswT1GRI/AAAAAAAABB4/AoCT2RZa5yM/s1600/Screenshot-168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jIBPZjMRkTw/UeIeswT1GRI/AAAAAAAABB4/AoCT2RZa5yM/s400/Screenshot-168.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Default Bars</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiXyXnvGStU/UeIescDmqwI/AAAAAAAABBw/abmqc-cVksA/s1600/Screenshot-169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiXyXnvGStU/UeIescDmqwI/AAAAAAAABBw/abmqc-cVksA/s400/Screenshot-169.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you have University installed, I'd recommend you replace the bars with Barista bars as they will spawn NPCs and fit exactly into the space left by the regular bar.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1svrPbmT9V4/UeIetS756NI/AAAAAAAABCA/sW05TfKvzHE/s1600/Screenshot-170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1svrPbmT9V4/UeIetS756NI/AAAAAAAABCA/sW05TfKvzHE/s400/Screenshot-170.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can also change the colour with CASt so they fit in with the existing counters!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bi-v8i5Tgy8/UeIeyqRPQBI/AAAAAAAABCI/CCdrhtYmPv8/s1600/Screenshot-172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bi-v8i5Tgy8/UeIeyqRPQBI/AAAAAAAABCI/CCdrhtYmPv8/s400/Screenshot-172.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And as you can see, NPCs are spawned... <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00AtKYZLmOg/UeIeypBnI6I/AAAAAAAABCM/Vli34BLFZZ4/s1600/Screenshot-178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00AtKYZLmOg/UeIeypBnI6I/AAAAAAAABCM/Vli34BLFZZ4/s400/Screenshot-178.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sent my sim for a hot drink (typical theatres serve fountain drinks though, so I certainly hope the sims team has that in the works, along with popcorn machines, cotton candy machines, and some candy apples). You could also use vending machines if you want to modify the lot or build your own.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SQ1zHtG3mbw/UeIe0I8hpOI/AAAAAAAABCY/x64vuB9SJJM/s1600/Screenshot-183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SQ1zHtG3mbw/UeIe0I8hpOI/AAAAAAAABCY/x64vuB9SJJM/s400/Screenshot-183.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBCdo88gcSA/UeIe16rnTLI/AAAAAAAABCg/lbw7Sh1YTSw/s1600/Screenshot-184.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBCdo88gcSA/UeIe16rnTLI/AAAAAAAABCg/lbw7Sh1YTSw/s400/Screenshot-184.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a far better use of the bar setup, and because of the NPCs sims don't wander back behind the counter (as often), although they can still get back there if they're aged Teen or older. It'd be interesting to see if Twallan comes up with a mod for the system. Next, have your sims buy a ticket, or they'll complain about being unable to route to the door (mine did)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IN7_vI66g4I/UeIh778NLmI/AAAAAAAABCw/YXpYll5UBnA/s1600/Screenshot-185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IN7_vI66g4I/UeIh778NLmI/AAAAAAAABCw/YXpYll5UBnA/s400/Screenshot-185.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This machine works like many standard automated ticket machines</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w9qgq33aOTU/UeIh-aoDmMI/AAAAAAAABDA/W63l3VnKdbE/s1600/Screenshot-186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w9qgq33aOTU/UeIh-aoDmMI/AAAAAAAABDA/W63l3VnKdbE/s400/Screenshot-186.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then the ticket is printed</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0YXqk3OPMk/UeIh8mOfSkI/AAAAAAAABC4/cKDaRoh_UT4/s1600/Screenshot-187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0YXqk3OPMk/UeIh8mOfSkI/AAAAAAAABC4/cKDaRoh_UT4/s400/Screenshot-187.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looks like the typical 'admit one' ticket you can buy in bulk</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MuGHBHeJepo/UeIiqMtbNyI/AAAAAAAABEA/UViYLkKg-pg/s1600/ticketholders08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MuGHBHeJepo/UeIiqMtbNyI/AAAAAAAABEA/UViYLkKg-pg/s400/ticketholders08.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can watch quite a few movies in that time</td></tr>
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Finally, time to watch the movie! <strike>The 'watch movie' feature from University really compliments this item!</strike> (Ignore that, I forgot it was a PC Item... Doi xD) The seats come in single and double sizes (both available in the 'Living Room' tab), and look really nice with this setup, albeit a bit chunky.<br />
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You may have to tell your sim to take their seat or they'll just stand in the back and watch. Just click on the spot you want them to take and click 'Join' on the big screen to continue watching the movie. They'll get up and leave when they're done, especially to fulfill needs. You'll also get a +20 moodlet for each type of movie you watch.<br />
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It's also worth noting that the lights will actually dim as the film plays! And unlike theatres in real life (and quite like the lazier ones) nobody will care if you wander into another theatre! Just make sure it's set to allow the same kind of ticket your sim is carrying.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WYlDAraytsI/UeIkCSJUn8I/AAAAAAAABEY/8MC0SY5z4Ak/s1600/Screenshot-192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WYlDAraytsI/UeIkCSJUn8I/AAAAAAAABEY/8MC0SY5z4Ak/s400/Screenshot-192.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THAT CLOWN IS SPY!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnqS3T5nTsY/UeIkDiW2VbI/AAAAAAAABEg/gn6qKztnVUY/s1600/Screenshot-193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnqS3T5nTsY/UeIkDiW2VbI/AAAAAAAABEg/gn6qKztnVUY/s400/Screenshot-193.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aisle carpets look pretty nice</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLTuGR_wsCA/UeIk3E0p5sI/AAAAAAAABEs/5nBtsrs2HMc/s1600/Screenshot-197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLTuGR_wsCA/UeIk3E0p5sI/AAAAAAAABEs/5nBtsrs2HMc/s400/Screenshot-197.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4e1i-Nm1-g/UeIk3ds0DjI/AAAAAAAABEw/qlZks60xMa0/s1600/Screenshot-198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4e1i-Nm1-g/UeIk3ds0DjI/AAAAAAAABEw/qlZks60xMa0/s400/Screenshot-198.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BOOO! THAT WAS WAY TOO SHORT!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJbfq5iVKiA/UeIoFfcAKII/AAAAAAAABFU/PeQZKXxBHlQ/s1600/Screenshot-208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJbfq5iVKiA/UeIoFfcAKII/AAAAAAAABFU/PeQZKXxBHlQ/s400/Screenshot-208.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AGAIN!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qEPyBtqx6Y/UeIn2YKveYI/AAAAAAAABFE/wRJXo36uhv0/s1600/Screenshot-200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qEPyBtqx6Y/UeIn2YKveYI/AAAAAAAABFE/wRJXo36uhv0/s400/Screenshot-200.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And hypnocow for good measure...</td></tr>
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The TV screen is actually bigger than the big screens that came with Showtime and the <a href="http://store.thesims3.com/setsProductDetails.html?scategoryId=13738&index=0&productId=OFB-SIM3:56005" target="_blank">Level Up Collection</a>, you'll be pleased to hear! It reaches all the way to the ceiling and is at least 3 blocks wider than it's predecessor!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOSPYYPG45w/UeIGi9dEO4I/AAAAAAAABAw/PFPQGEJ_-Pk/s1600/Screenshot-161.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOSPYYPG45w/UeIGi9dEO4I/AAAAAAAABAw/PFPQGEJ_-Pk/s400/Screenshot-161.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For a size comparison, I've lined up wall mounted TVs from smallest to largest (excluding the one from Late Night), starting with the one from the base game and another from the store. To the right of that is the TV from the Level Up Compilation, and right of that is the TV from Showtime, which actually looks slightly larger due to the frame surrounding it. Far right of course is the behemoth itself! Needless to say, the ability to set up your own open theatre is amazing! On top of that, you get the biggest wall mounted unit in the game to date. In order to top this, I'm pretty sure they'd need a two storey screen.<br />
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Setting up the barrier to entry system is really easy!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocS1aNsjEi4/UeIil3f-9tI/AAAAAAAABDc/HJrJHftP4nc/s1600/ticketholders01.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocS1aNsjEi4/UeIil3f-9tI/AAAAAAAABDc/HJrJHftP4nc/s400/ticketholders01.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set or remove all locks<u><br /></u></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5YzhpJThkI/UeIin5KjrAI/AAAAAAAABDs/f0_8PyvQ1IU/s1600/ticketholders03.png"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5YzhpJThkI/UeIin5KjrAI/AAAAAAAABDs/f0_8PyvQ1IU/s400/ticketholders03.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are a number of options for restricting and allowing sims, although it's not limited to just ticketholders. You can even limit entry to certain age groups, genders, non-humans, celebrities by level, your household, current sim, etc.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lm-qg15c-E/UeIipxazG6I/AAAAAAAABEI/4OQLVUUgY4E/s1600/ticketholders07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lm-qg15c-E/UeIipxazG6I/AAAAAAAABEI/4OQLVUUgY4E/s400/ticketholders07.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Age Options</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XROF0kQ4kTM/UeIioGIIS9I/AAAAAAAABD0/YLEvmVaBnJQ/s1600/ticketholders05.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XROF0kQ4kTM/UeIioGIIS9I/AAAAAAAABD0/YLEvmVaBnJQ/s400/ticketholders05.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And if you want to be more/less specific<u><br /></u></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGD_KoqTFmY/UeIioNaF4TI/AAAAAAAABDw/VpFZTk1u78k/s1600/ticketholders04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGD_KoqTFmY/UeIioNaF4TI/AAAAAAAABDw/VpFZTk1u78k/s400/ticketholders04.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Different coloured tickets (assuming you can set the price of each on your own lot)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A8qpmNt0Bns/UeIilwUpFSI/AAAAAAAABDY/r7neXkE35qQ/s1600/ticketholders02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A8qpmNt0Bns/UeIilwUpFSI/AAAAAAAABDY/r7neXkE35qQ/s400/ticketholders02.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can even define whether or not you need a ticket to get in, and still set these filters!</td></tr>
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Also, here's what I was able to do with my own lot! Albeit I'd forgotten the ticket machine the first time around, so the doors/turnstiles only let them walk through.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EqLIPX9VymI/UeH93X12a2I/AAAAAAAABAk/Wcjf4wy09gQ/s1600/Screenshot-160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EqLIPX9VymI/UeH93X12a2I/AAAAAAAABAk/Wcjf4wy09gQ/s320/Screenshot-160.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turnstiles...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ACVbEf0lkc/UeH9oaqaucI/AAAAAAAAA_8/0KazDmrPfAs/s1600/Screenshot-154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ACVbEf0lkc/UeH9oaqaucI/AAAAAAAAA_8/0KazDmrPfAs/s320/Screenshot-154.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And doors...</td></tr>
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Again, the barista bars make for a top notch snack counter as far as the limitations of the game go. It'd be better if we had an outright snack counter, a fountain drink machine, maybe a slushy machine or two. In the meantime, the waterfall lights from Island Paradise and ocean mural served to decorate my main lobby. The elevator goes to the second floor and arcade!<br />
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I used a trick from a previous build to create a sunken room for the main theatre, albeit it created graphical artifacts hidden in the walls. I moved that tree when I realized it was an obstruction, don't worry xD<br />
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A major downfall for this set is the lack of a popcorn machine, but with the barrier to entry door/turnstile and the ticket machine serving as a way to set the price of entering a closed off area, there are your two premium content items, even though they're both downloaded together. For having this kind of game functionality, I suppose it's worth it but I can't say I'm not disappointed. Otherwise the set is a little expensive but worth the cost if you really want an open theatre.<br />
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I've been hoping for popcorn, slushy and cotton candy machines since before Seasons, but thus far it hasn't happened. I'm just hoping we get those (and maybe a fountain drink dispenser/proper blender) either in the store or in the Into the Future pack! <br />
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In the meantime, this set is a great excuse to build an <a href="http://nikiandvanisims.blogspot.ca/2013/07/dave-buster-style-arcade.html" target="_blank">adjoining arcade</a>!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-82394385451781788862013-07-14T14:45:00.000-07:002013-07-14T14:45:00.166-07:00Live Broadcast on July 23rdThat's right folks! On <a href="http://www.thesims.com/en_US/live" target="_blank">July 23rd</a> we'll be seeing more of what looks to be the next expansion pack: <a href="http://sims.wikia.com/wiki/The_Sims_3:_Into_the_Future" target="_blank">Into the Future</a>, and the upcoming movie stuff pack! A few people have speculated about the next store world as well, but this remains to be seen.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3732465871057096662.post-46532879339310630412013-07-13T21:51:00.002-07:002013-07-13T21:51:37.734-07:00Dave & Buster Style ArcadeIf you've been to Dave & Busters or any ticket arcade, you know that they're big, they're loud, and packed with craziness! In the beginning of the Sims 3 series we didn't have much, but Late Night introduced the arcade machine and that's where things began to take off.<br />
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Skeeball machines are usually present at proper ticket arcades, and while they didn't have a high ticket yield in my experience, they were still lots of fun!<br />
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Basketball hoops are another arcade staple, and even pop up at smaller arcades adjoining movie theatres like Silvercity (if you live in the area where they have those you know what I mean).<br />
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You'll see pinball machines and game consoles just about everywhere you look, although those don't always yield tickets. In my experience with arcades, the only machines with any ticket yield usually require reflexes or luck, like spinning wheels, reflex testers (like that blasted stacker) etc.<br />
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And here's the same layout with a different style of wallpaper. This one looked alot more fun but it's also very busy! The waterfall lights from Island Paradise looked really good here, and I plan on using them again for various clubs and performance venues!<br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0