Final/Reflective Post on "The Sims"

My last 9 weeks of video gaming as been a very exciting time for me! I mean that both in a good way and a frustrating way. I was so thrilled about having the opportunity to learn a video game for school, it sounded great! Then it all started. How do I play this game? Who are these people? Where do they live? I did not know they need jobs to pay for things they needed. Where are the instructions? Then I began creating my own families and I "tried" to build them a lovely home which turned out to be nothing but a pile of dirt! I guess you realize that I have never played a video game before, (not since Pac-Man anyway!) I was so lost! Time after time I struggled to make my family happy and successful. Well somehow that never happened. My family was messy, hungry, dirty and sad. For me, this was when the fun began. The music in the background was morbid sounding. The characters slapped each other, yelled at each other and cried. The graphics had me in hysterics. One afternoon I was playing with one of the families I created, and the one gentleman actually went to the bathroom on the livingroom floor!!! Not only was I shocked, I could not stop laughing. The refrigertator was facing the wall and I could not turn it around. Suddenly this game took on a whole new meaning. I wanted my family to be miserable!! Yes, believe it or not. I was starting to really enjoy this game.

After a few weeks of "miserable" fun, I decided I better "cheat" just a bit and learn how to play this game the"right" way. My daughter helped me realize that I was making part of the game harded then I should be. She showed me an easier way to play "The Sims". Suddenly my family was happy and they all had jobs or went to school. I have to admit, this was a lot easier and enjoyable, but somehow it wasn't as crazy as before. My daughter also took the time to show me some of the simpler ways to handle the characters. For example, calling a neighbor over to talk was good for them. Allowing them time to eat and to paint was also important to them.

The time I spent on this game was a wonderful learning experience for me. It also made me realize I have so much more to learn about computers before I start working has the librarian and "MEDIA SPECIALIST" in our school.

"A Little Help"

This week I finally started looking on the computer for some "cheats" on "The Sims". Of course, I did not have too much luck. Most the cheats I found were for Sims Xbox, PS2, DS , GBA. Not that I know what all this means, however, I check with my 16 year old daughter and she said they could not help me. So I begged and pleaded with her to spend a little time on the computer with me and help me. Guess what? She said "yes"! First off, Amy, my daughter, explained to me that I don't have to create my own family or build my own home. She clicked me right into a beautiful home, two stories, with a mom, dad and daughter. The husband already had a job, the daughter was off to school, and it was the mom who needed a job. So we went outside, found the newsapaper and got her a job too. We also found them some neighborhood friends they could spend time with and visit. Guess what else was in the house? A painting easel. So whenever someone needed some extra points for comfort, they could just paint. My family did not have to share one bed. Whenever someone was tired, there where plenty of beds and couches for them to choose. Suddenly "The Sims" seemed just a bit easier now! However, the family got along! The was no yelling or crying. I think I missed it just a little!!