On to the main part of this pack, the build and buy mode along with the new lot type. I admit, I really dislike building small. I find it tedious and full of compromise so when I say I really enjoyed this challenge (and that is what it is, a challenge for the builders), I mean I really did enjoy it. I think the fact that the new lot type adds a challenge, much like my fixer upper series or any sort of legacy challenge, is a jumping off point for creativity. Sometimes boundaries in a sandbox game can make it more freeing, as opposed to restrictive.
New Lot Type: Tiny Home Residential
This is the main item added to this pack. It is much more than just adding a new community lot type which we have gotten in the past. Being a residential type with 3 tiers, this adds a challenge (yes i am going to overuse this word) to building. With each tier you get increasing rewards with include longer lasting buffs, cheaper bills, more comfy items and so forth. The smaller the house, the more buffs you get. The tiers for tiny homes and number of buffs are:
3. 65 - 100 tiles MAX - Small home (2 buffs)
2. 33 - 64 tiles - Tiny Home (4 buffs)
1. 0 - 32 tiles - Micro Home (6 buffs)
You cannot go over 100 tiles for a tiny home lot. If you are over it will be much like an uncompleted community lot. It is a very comfortable number though, and dare I say easy. Not a builder? Best to start at this level. When counting tiles, we are talking foundation tiles here, so when you go up a level you can apply a ceiling to that room. This does mean there is wiggle room to skirt those rules like just using floor tiles outside or on a lean-to, but strictly speaking the count is just foundation tiles. There is 2 counters; one on a blue bar at the top of the screen, and the other on the left in the same location as community lot requirements would be located. So there is no messing up. You can’t lock in the size you want to build though, so you will just need to be aware of the counters if you want to make a specific-sized house.
Buildmode:
Not really a buildmode pack to be honest. A single door was added in an MCM style. Would work with other items from base game or other packs, so not useless. Would have been nice to have some matching items, or swap it out for more build mode items. Feels a bit lost in the pack to be honest.
Buymode:
There are 33 unique items added to this SP (35 in the catalogue not including the single door above) which is a decent number and all in a unified style. They range from comfort items to lighting and lots in between. The main theme of this pack is multi-use and smaller living space so we have combo items and smaller items of previously large scale objects.
Now this is where it gets interesting. Murphy beds are back. I really do not get the argument that murphy beds should have been in Discover Uni. Have you actually seen a murphy bed in a real dorm? Have you ever seen a murphy bed outside of a guest room come study? I don’t associate them with Uni but they make sense here as a space saver. Much like the booths from Dine Out which are packaged items together but also available separately, we have a standard murphy bed, one with an inbuilt sofa, and a matching cabinet. This cabinet can be snapped to either side of the murphy bed which adds storage and just carries over the design of the main item. It also acts as a bookshelf as well.
This, like all the other items in the pack, fall into a contemporary take on MCM style. The items look very polished and not oversized compared to a lot of previously released Maxis content. This style is so versatile is really is a welcome addition. Personal favourite is the small 1 tile coffee table that i never thought I needed. This is going to compliment the Bowling Night SP and the MCM items from Get Famous nicely. Don’t have those packs? There is still enough items to work on their own and mixed with other packs for more eclectic style. MCM is just so versatile.
When it comes to other combo objects we have TVs which are combined with stereos and bookcases so that saves a lot of room. There are 2 versions; a small wall-mounted TV, and one is a 2 tile cabinet that feels very 90′s but not cringey like you might think. Having 3 objects in one really is a blessing when building small.
I really love the new vanity and toilet that were added as well. Simple designs which are nice and neutral so easier to combine in designs. The addition of another 1 tile desk design is also very welcome, especially after the release of University. Sometimes you just can’t fit a 2 tile desk in a room. That brings me to the book decor and the patch. The fact this was considered, implemented, and patched in for pre-existing items is just wonderful. Now you don’t need a huge ass bookshelf (despite all the combo items) to read a book. The decor sized items are perfect for clutter, and I love functional clutter.
So overall, I do feel this is one of the best Stuff Packs for the way I play. And that is because it is more focused on the building aspect of a pack. How often can we say that about other packs we have gotten? Sure, there are plenty of build and buy items, but this is actually gameplay for builders. I really have enjoyed these unexpected packs like this and Strangerville that aren’t the usual stuff simmers expect. Sometimes it’s good to step out of the box that is made of all those preconceived ideas on what should be in a Sims game, and just make something that is good. Will everyone like this? No. But But the same can be said got Moschino, Vintage Glamour, or even Dine Out. But this definitely offers something to a different demographic of players then is the norm for most releases. It may also inspire the players to try out building for themselves. If there is one thing I know about the community, it’s that they love a challenge (and how to bend the rules).
If you want an item preview of the objects and colour choices that come in this pack, I highly recommend checking here.