The latest stuff pack from The Sims 4 marks a first for the franchise: a stuff pack that requires you to own an expansion pack in order to unlock all the content. While there is content for those who don't have the Cats & Dogs expansion, it's clear that this stuff pack is aimed at those who do own...

Super cute new pet-themed furniture; Lots of new pet outfits; if you're into that; Adorable rodent pets

Very few clothing and hair options added for Sims; Requires Cats & Dogs expansion pack to unlock all content; Only four new pets; with only cosmetic differences

Devoted fans of The Sims spend years playing each entry, continually expanding their sims' lives. Some have family lineages that span generations, and others hone their building skills to create iconic landmarks.

Earlier this month EA Maxis released the much anticipated The Sims 4. Introducing a new Emotion game mechanic and an updated Create-a-Sim and Build-Mode interface, but The Sims 4 begs the questions: are the changes enough to make it a better game than The Sims 3 In short, the answer is no.

- Build-Mode and Create-a-Sim are a good as ever; - New emotion-system and multitask abilities are nice; - Essentially the same Sims game we all know and love

- No pool; - Too many omissions (open-world; etc..; - Essentially the same Sims game we all know and love; albeit with a little less of everything

The Sims has returned once again. But does The Sims 4 offer something new or something better than its predecessors Read along as we give you our verdict of this fourth installment in one of the best-selling franchises of all time. The Sims 4 doesn't have a story in a traditional sense.

Great Visual Presentation; Addictive Gameplay

Lack of Many Core Features; Isolated World

For more than a decade, The Sims games have allowed gamers to experiment with digital realities where anything can happen. After creating a Sim, you are in charge of shaping their evolution and development, as well as relationships and community involvement.

High level of customisation; Installs well and runs good

Camera could be better in spots; Missing features from past games

The Sims is a long-lived series not only because of its history - it was born almost 20 years ago - but also due to the great support that Electronic Arts and Maxis have given each iteration through the years.

Almost a great sequel, but the improvements to the sims are overshadowed by the shopping list of peculiarly random missing features.

Multitasking, moodlets, and the revamped career systems are all great; Much more subtle community integration, and improved house and sims customisation

The missing features will seem obvious even to newcomers to the series, and at times the game feels like nothing but a dumbed down The Sims 2; Some relatively minor AI issues

The new generation of Sims begins with what feels like a bare-bones starter kit. It packs top-of-the-line Sims creation and house building tools, but styling options and activities are distinctly lacking.

The original Sims 4 had a lukewarm reception . It was missing features and elements that Sim fans expected to be in a Sims game. Through patching and content packs released over the past few years, the game has turned around and become closer to what fans wanted, and with Dine Out they continue in...

Makes running a restaurant fun; Building mode is simple and pleasurable; Incorporates other packs well

Its content is single-purpose; Not enough new items; A niche pack that will not appeal to everyone

Transitioning from The Sims 3 to is a little rough. The Sims 4 seems barren of content and features by comparison, especially with regard to the severely limited scope of the world and frequent (but much shorter) loading screens and noticeable absence of toddlers, pools, and cars.

Build Mode improved; Great emotions; Strong Create-a-Sim

Frequent loading; Lacks content