The Sims 2 is a sequel of the computer game The Sims. It was released on September 16, 2004 by Electronic Arts and includes a new 3D graphics engine. The complexity and the realism of the game compared to its predecessor have been increased. In the first seven days after the launch, more than one million copies were sold worldwide, making it an instant success. The game was followed by the release of The Sims 3 and then The Sims 4 more than a decade later.

In The Sims 2, every Sim has genes that are in some ways predictive of his life. If two Sims get a child, mental and physical characteristics are incorporated into the “creation” of the child. In addition, the sims can now go through six ages: baby (three days), toddler (four days), child (eight days), teenager (15 days), adult (29 days), senior (depending on career level) (31 days). After the time as a senior death inevitably follows. Sims can die in various ways: from illness, drowning, fire, insects, electrocution, old age, satellite crash, fright and starvation. At each death, the spirit of the Sims has a different color. In addition, in The Sims 2 you have more design options in the creation of new characters. Among other things it is possible to design the head of the Sims according to his ideas. So you can, for example, synonymous people from film and television adjust.

There are also Reward items and Wishes: Whenever the player fulfills a wish to a Sim, there are reward points for which special items can be purchased. If the Sim was successful in his job and has reached a high level, there is a special job reward. With these rewards you can build up the most important job ability faster. In September 2006, a DVD version of the game was released, which completely replaces the CD version. In June 2014, due to the cessation of support for The Sims 2, a The Sims 2: Ultimate Collection, which contains all previously released expansion packages and mini add-ons, was released.

The Sims 2 System Requirements

Minimum:

• OS: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista/Windows 7
• Processor: Pentium III or Athlon
• Memory: 256 MB
• Graphics: 32 MB 3D accelerated video card (NVIDIA GeForce2/ATI Radeon VE/Intel Extreme Graphics or better)
• Storage: 3.5 GB

Recommended:

• OS: Windows XP / Vista / 7
• Processor: Pentium 4 or Athlon XP
• Memory: 512 MB
• Graphics: 64 MB 3D accelerated video card (NVIDIA GeForce3/ATI Radeon 8500/Intel Extreme Graphics 2 or better)
• Storage: 3.5 GB