'The Sims 3' vs 'The Sims 4': Worth the time to build a new life in new gameplay?

"The Sims 3" has gotten a successor in the form of "The Sims 4" on Sept. 2 last year. However, it seems that many loyal fans have not mustered the courage to take a step to the newer game and leave the 2009 title. However, this is not merely for sentimental reasons as many believe that "The Sims 3" is still the better choice in terms of gameplay. 

Apparently, the major downside of the new title is its patience-draining loading time. While this may be due to the computer's capacity (which makes it a case-to-case basis), many users have expressed the annoyance of having to wait for a while for their Sims to do something. 

"Warp Work" is also frequently mentioned now that the title marked its return. With this implemented on "The Sims 4," players are required to go on and play while their characters are out working (and wait for them to come home after some time). 

However, creating Sims on the new title has become more customizable. Although the amount of modifications in "The Sims 3" is already admirable, creating the characters in "The Sims 4" gives players more control by direct manipulation. They can easily give their characters curves or broader shoulders, a pointier nose or squinty eyes rather than going through a lot of options as it was in "The Sims 3." Also, players can now change how their Sims walk, sound and behave while setting their personalities and aspirations, big and small. Any quality and attribute, even those that do not go well together, can be infused into one Sim. 

The new Build mode is also a treat, allowing players to make a home with much more detail yet without complications. By just dragging and making shapes, players can give their house a more personal touch. To make things quicker, gamers can place fully-furnished rooms as part of their abode as they build other areas of the home from scratch. The selection of design elements have been made much broader and resizing spaces is incredibly smoother, as the items inside the room being adjusted automatically follow. Changing the house's height is also painless in "The Sims 4." All these extraordinary improvements can be attributed to the game's better graphics.  

With this, the neighborhood is made richer with a more vibrant feel as it becomes a place where "anything" can happen. "The Sims 3" was a bit limited in terms of this, as some places Sims visit cannot be seen internally. Sims on the new game have unique stories to tell, which also influence players' Sims in all aspects. 

"The Sims 3" has received a bunch of expansion packs. These include "Fast Lane Stuff," "Pets," "World Adventures," "Supernatural," "University Life," "Katy Perry's Sweet Treats" and tons of others. "The Sims 4" should be getting equally exciting packs, too. EA has already rolled out one, the "Outdoor Retreat" pack, which transports Sims outside for a night of camping. 

Despite these plus points, fans are still arguing which title is better or if "The Sims 4" can be considered an upgrade. Bleeding Cool states that the game has not been very popular to patrons due to inadequate tweaks and enhancements when compared to the 2009 simulation game offering. 

Electronic Arts offered "The Sims 4" for PC from Jan. 22 up to Jan. 24. On their Origin game download service, players could get it for free for two days. After that, players were required to purchase or delete the game. Bleeding Cool stated that EA putting it up for grabs without charge may not help the game at all as those who downloaded the game for being a free offer may witness the game's "shortcomings."