The Sims 2 is a strategic life simulation video game developed by Maxis Redwood Shores and Amaze Entertainment and initially released in 2004. It is the second installment in the famous Sims franchise, where players have to create a Sim, which is a personalized character, and manage their life from creation to death. One of the biggest differences with the first game is that in The Sims 2, the world is in full 3D.

Gameplay

Here are some of the main features of The Sims 2:

Create: The Sims 2 is the first game in the franchise that comes with the possibility to fully customize the facial features. The player can now set up the color of the hair and the shape of the noses, for example, giving characters the possibility to smile, blink, and frown.
Life: Players are in full control over the lives of their characters. Starting from the moment they are created and up to the moment of their death, players get to guide their Sims through life. There are six stages in the life of a Sim: babies, toddlers, children, teenagers, adults, and elders (there are also young adults in The Sims 4: University).
Families: In this installment, there is a Families button that allows Sims to start their own family: this is possible for both different and same-sex couples, but also through adoption. The pregnancy in The Sims 2 lasts three days (three times 24 minutes) and the baby inherits some of the features of its parents - those are revealed when the baby goes to the toddler stage (after three days).

Personality: In addition to the facial features, the player is also free to choose the personality traits of their Sim. 25 points can be divided into 10 categories: sloppy, neat, shy, outgoing, lazy, active, serious, playful, grouchy, and nice. Also, depending on the skills and the number of friends, each Sim can undergo a different career path and get promotions.
Social Interactions: New social interactions are added in the Sims 2 and can create memories. Social interactions can be related, however, to certain age groups and personality traits.