The Sims 4 Love Struck expansion pack, the 16th addition to the franchise, brings romance to the forefront, introducing new layers to relationships, interactions, and gameplay.
While the expansion offers several nostalgic nods to earlier Sims titles, it’s a mixed bag, with some standout features and notable shortcomings.
Build and Buy Mode: Nostalgia Meets Limited Options
The Build and Buy mode in Love Struck is a trip down memory lane, particularly for long-time fans of the series. Many items are reminiscent of The Sims 1, especially from the House Party expansion. Players can expect to find new love seats, chairs, couches, end tables, bar stools, and more. However, the lack of new kitchen counters and limited variety in some furniture categories might disappoint builders looking for more.
The introduction of vibrant colors like oranges and yellows is a refreshing change from the usual blues and greens prevalent in other packs. Notable new gameplay objects include the heart bed—a vibrating bed with customizable RGB lighting and various swatches—and the costume chest, which allows Sims to change into different outfits for role-playing scenarios.
Despite these additions, the Build and Buy mode falls short in terms of quantity and variety. The nostalgic elements are charming, but the overall selection feels limited, leaving players wanting more.
Create-A-Sim: A Missed Opportunity
Create-A-Sim (CAS) in the Love Struck pack is one of the weaker aspects of the expansion. The clothing options, particularly for male Sims, are disappointingly limited, with many items feeling redundant or overly gimmicky. The pack leans heavily on revealing outfits, crop tops, and costumes, offering little in terms of everyday wear.
While the addition of tattoos is a highlight, offering unique and story-driven designs, the overall selection of hairstyles and clothing lacks innovation. Players have expressed frustration with the repetitive nature of the CAS items, noting the need for more diverse and culturally representative options.
New Gameplay Features: Romance Redefined
One of the strongest aspects of the Love Struck expansion is the introduction of new romance mechanics, including turn-ons and turn-offs, and dynamic relationship labels. These features add depth to Sims’ interactions, making romantic relationships more complex and varied. The inclusion of new traits, such as Romantically Reserved and Love Bug, further enhances the gameplay, allowing for more nuanced storytelling.
The Cupid Corners dating app is a new way for Sims to find love, offering customization options for profiles, traits, and preferences. However, the app’s functionality is somewhat limited, with long load times and missed opportunities for deeper customization, such as the ability to write custom profiles.
World Overview: A Beautiful but Limited Setting
The Love Struck expansion introduces a new world with three neighborhoods: Vista Hermosa, Mar Plaza, and Muo Corone. These areas offer a mix of residential and community lots, each with its unique vibe. Vista Hermosa stands out as a tight-knit, scenic community, while Muo Corone provides a more urban, city-living experience.
Despite the beauty of the new world, the lack of new lot types and innovative community features is a letdown. Players have voiced a desire for more diverse lot options and interactive spaces, such as festivals or new types of venues.
Final Thoughts on The Sims 4 Love Struck
Overall, The Sims 4 Love Struck expansion pack brings some intriguing new elements to the game, particularly in terms of romance and relationships. However, the limited Build and Buy options, underwhelming Create-A-Sim content, and lack of new lot types make it difficult to justify the full price. For veteran players, the expanded romance mechanics offer some replayability, but new players might find better value in other expansions.
If you’re considering purchasing the Love Struck expansion, it might be wise to wait for a sale. For those looking to explore the expansion without breaking the bank, check out this discounted option to get the pack at a reduced price.
