Two big changes separate the new game from its very successful (and elegantly designed) prequel. For one, the Sims themselves are much more dynamic, defined with a series of traits that make them more compelling and (at times) even more creepily human. More on that later. The biggest change is the seamless world.

In previous Sims games, time only progressed for the family that you were playing. As you lived out your life on your tiny lot, it was as though the rest of the world were paused. Characters outside of the family you were controlling never aged and never changed (unless they came over to visit and you killed them. Not that we tried.) In Sims 3, the idea of playing in separate lots goes out the window. The entire town is continually simulated, even the stuff that's happening offscreen. Want to go to the mall? Hop in your car or on your bike and zoom down the road. You'll pass other houses filled with active Sims. You'll meet people on the street. You'll meet friends at the mall as they wander in after work. It's all happening in one seamless simulation.