Life simulation where you control individual Sims from birth through old age, making choices that shape their lives across generations. Each Sim has DNA that determines appearance and personality traits passed to offspring. You manage daily wants (seeing friends, getting married) and fears (rejection, death)—satisfying wants makes Sims efficient, while realized fears turn them cranky and unresponsive. Long-term aspirations like wealth or family unlock rewards such as money trees. Improved AI handles basic needs autonomously, though quirks remain. Pre-made neighborhoods include soap opera-style households with drama, romance, and feuds. The 3D engine was new for the series. Time pressure comes from aging—Sims don't live forever, so goals must fit within a lifespan. You're balancing immediate mood swings against multi-generational planning.
