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" Also available on: iPhone Developer: The Sims Division Publisher: EA Genre: Life Simulation Few things are more inevitable in the gaming world than Sims expansion packs. EA has bolstered the series with a barrage of additional content over the years, and there was no reason to think that its latest iteration would be any different. Released back in June, The Sims 3 proved a worthy addition to the fold, building on many of its ideas while remaining true to its roots. The game certainly shone in the new features department, despite feeling somewhat light in content. In many ways, The Sims 3: World Adventures has arrived just in time. As fans&amp;#039; hunger for additional features hits critical mass, EA delivers what is arguably its most significant expansion to date. Unlike add-ons to previous editions, this one introduces mould-breaking gameplay elements as well as those obligatory bonuses. World Adventures brings some international flair to the table, but this is much more than the gimmicky vacation packs of old. Introducing exotic locations in China, Egypt and France, the title delivers no shortage of additional bells and whistles, except this time they come bundled with innovative new gameplay features that add adventure elements to the mix. For the first time in Sims history, players will find themselves hunting for treasure, raiding ancient tombs and solving puzzles. Although its formula was far from turning stagnant, it is refreshing to see the developers take a different perspective and breathe new life into the game. The debuting features have been skilfully integrated, so players will pick up the additional mechanics in no time. When you first arrive in a foreign location, you are taken to a town that functions as a base camp. Here you can tend to your Sim&amp;#039;s basic needs, mingle with the locals and learn new skills. The most striking point of interest in each town is the adventure board, which serves as a means of selecting your missions. Item retrieval quests mark a radical change of pace for the game. Rather than leisurely menu perusing and endless mouse clicking, players are given light RPG components to contend with. Raiding tombs comprises trap disarming, unearthing secret passages and block sliding puzzles. While it doesn&amp;#039;t sound like anything revolutionary, integrating these features into a Sims title has a profound effect, although they could have been more challenging. Rewards on offer include gems, precious metals and ancient artefacts - all of which can be used to purchase Visa points, buying you more time abroad. Solo trips are definitely recommended over family vacations, as the implications of the latter are sure to induce a migraine. With one Sim off on a mission and the other acquainting themselves with the locals while the kids learn martial arts and nectar making, it becomes impossible to so much as tend to their basic needs, let alone focus on the individual story elements. A lack of balance in this area of the game means that the only option is to send your characters abroad one at a time.  It isn&amp;#039;t all pillaging and problem solving. There&amp;#039;s further variety to be found in the shape of new skills specific to each culture. Your Sim can master martial arts in China or pick up photography in France, and there are a host of bonuses associated with acquiring these abilities. For example, those adept with their cameras can take part in scavenger hunts, or just use their photographic skills to document their travels. Items looted from tombs will return home with you, taking pride of place on your coffee table. There is even an option to build your own puzzle-filled tomb in the basement of your house, which provides plenty of entertainment when other Sims come to visit. In addition to new gameplay and skills, there is all of the extra content fans have come to expect from these add-on packs. There are new outfits, furniture, characters and bonus items to play with, all replete with international flavour. With three towns packed with these features to explore, World Adventures is sure to keep fans coming back time and time again. The developers&amp;#039; satirical take on each of the three cultures represented is both quaint and in keeping with the Sims&amp;#039; legacy. The word &amp;#039;stereotypical&amp;#039; often springs to mind, but in a tongue-in-cheek sense rather than a vulgar one. From the vibrant decor to the stylish architecture, the designers have dreamed up something both visceral and imaginative, and the result will cost you every minute of your free time. With all of the additional bonuses and new customisable features in place, World Adventures is everything you would expect from a Sims expansion pack and then some. The inclusion of expansive gameplay mechanics elevates this offering far beyond the realms of mere add-on, giving it the feel of a sequel in its own right. Lacking none of the style and humour that we have come to expect from the series, this is one holiday destination worth visiting. Just remember to leave the family behind.  &amp;gt;What do you think of the game? Share your views "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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