It's that age old expression: If I could go back. I know I'm not the only one who dreams of reliving the glory days (or haze) of college. Dorm life, parties, sporting events, and the occasional bit of learning. The sad truth is that while I enjoyed my college experience, I can't help but wonder what I could've done differently. Now, thanks to a new expansion pack for The Sims 3 I can get that chance.
The Sims 3 University Life sends your Sim back to school, to a university rife with new opportunities, activities, and major specific objects. You gon' learn today! It's not just about being a book worm though; University Life goes beyond the classroom and allows you to explore a whole new college town full of new places to visit and extracurricular activities.
So what kind of things can you do in The Sims 3 University Life? In short, basically anything you can do on a real college campus. Visit the local comic book store, Keith's Komics, or be artsy at the Roasted Toasted Beans barista. New major-specific objects cater to your major. Broadcast your own radio show as a Communications student or learn anatomy using the skeleton as a Science and Medicine major. Or perhaps you'd rather learn through class activities, lectures at the student union, or join in social activities.
Come on, though, let's get real; you probably partied in college. Maybe had I done so less I'd be doing something better than writing about video games. Regardless, parties are also a big part of University Life -- from hosting bonfires by the lake or doing "juice" keg stands at a dorm party.
Be careful who you get caught up with though. There are three social groups on campus -- the nerds, the rebels, and the jocks -- each offering their own advantages, ranging from dream jobs to an extra trait. And just like in real life, your decisions are deeply interconnected. For example, if you are a Fine Arts student benefiting from the Avant Garde trait, you can develop your Street Art skill and cred with the Rebels by tagging and spray painting -- just be careful of the cops.
Decisions you make are interconnected, and will have effects on your life outside of college. From your career path to the friends you make, the choices carry over to your job after college. Having a degree will result in faster promotions and higher paying entry-level jobs. If you become a legend with your social group, you can even land a "dream job" like a sports agent or even a video game developer.
The Sims 3 University Life is expected to arrive in March 2013 for PC and Mac. A trailer will be uploaded shortly, but in the meantime check out the first batch of screenshots.