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Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0

Another of the Sims 3 expansion packs, Sims 3: Late Night is definitely not a disappointing game. Like its predecessors (Sims 3: World Adventures and Sims 3: Ambitions), it is chock full of new features.

If you have a fasterskills mod downloaded, you must delete it and download and updated version, or else your Sims will refuse to do anything involving the new expansion pack.

Gameplay Overall: 5.0

Basic Controls, Layout, and Basics

The new expansion pack, as with the other games, keeps the basic layout. So no confusion to be had in this area. However, it's worth noting that new Create-a-Sim sliders have been added. For both genders, there is an additional muscle tone slider, and for women, there is an additional breast size slider. Yes, they actually made that a slider. >_> Nonetheless, it keeps the overall game running smoothly, and besides this, nothing else is changed.

Graphics

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My Sim playing the new piano instrument
As per usual, the graphics quality may vary according to your system's performance and overall conditioning. However, no matter the setting, you can be assured you'll have good graphics. The lighting is also nice, especially with the added black lights feature. In addition to these factors, the additional 
Create-a-Sim sliders allow room for an even wider variety of Sims! As such, the graphics stand as amazing still. Though remember that in most cases, if your game is running slowly, it's best to lower graphics quality. Though you may not like doing so, I can assure you your game will run smoother. There are some lagging problems when the game is put into super fast-forward mode, though. Beware of this.


New Features Rating: 5.0

Like the previous expansion packs before it, Sims 3: Late Night comes with a multitude of features, all of which are listed below with some details.

The Celebrity/Star System

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Get stylin' clothes and look cool
The highly anticipated feature of this game was the celebrity rating feature. This feature is a system of five stars which symbolizes your celebrity status. Through factoring together Celebrity Points, you get your rating. The more famous you are, the more discounts and freebies you'll receive. You'll also gain access to exclusive clubs and be invited to craploads of parties.


So, what are these celebrity points? They're points you get from many different things. From people taking cell phone or pro pictures of you for the press, to exclusive missions and opportunities which you can receive, and even just knowing other celebrities. All of these things factor into your celebrity status, and wealth also plays a large role. You want to know how to cheat your way in? Use the familfunds cheat and make yourself rich, then just bribe the guards with the 'high' option to get access everywhere. However, it does take work to be a celebrity. You're under a lot of scrutiny, and you're always in the public eye. Despite this, it's a great system!

New Build Mode Features

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A screenshot of the new electronic gates.
In addition to the additive ability to create half-height walls, you also have the freedom to now build pools on any floor which you so desire. Feel like having a pool with a view? Put it on the roof of your new high-rise penthouse! Not fond of heights? Give it windows to view the world from where it is. It's a pretty nifty feature, backed by the ability to create fountains. To these fountains, you can add intricate spouts and whatnot. Get fancy with it! You can also make curved fountains, so you're not just limited to those boring rectangular fountains. You also have new floors, wall coverings, windows, archways, doors, and more! As mentioned by the picture, you can also have fancy electronic gates. Just make them your front door, lock them, and you have yourself a five-star, private house! Party till your Sim goes to the bars and gets all high.


You can also create elevators and use the prefabricated high-rise buildings to make your home look all fancy and eloquent. Hell, some of the best clubs are only available on the twenty first floor!

New Building Types

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A view of The Grind
Not satisfied with some of those old haunts? Move onto Bridgeport, and blow your cash buying drinks for everyone at all new types of hangouts! From the high-class lounges (which also hold more surprises, and include the celebrity oriented Plasma 501), to the bars (such as the sports bar) which you can use to throw your celebrity Sim into the public eye, and even to the swankiest clubs (such as The Grind), you can party till you drop. Don't forget the additional private homes and all that good stuff! You can also create celebrity-only areas! In addition, when you move to Bridgeport, you also get the all new subway system. But beware, you can be mugged. And you know what? It's not fun when your Sim loses his film award to some assholes down underground.

New Buy Mode Objects

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Can't... stop... Damn... Pacman
Even the celebrities need somewhere to hang when they get home! The all new modern-type furniture is here for you. From the elegantly curved new bathroom ware, to the additional things you can use to pimp out your home, this game comes stuffed with new buy mode crap. You can also purchase black lights, which can be used to keep your party going all night, until all the guests are drunk on the floor. Okay... no one goes to the floor drunk... But you get my drift. Right? Anyway, you can also buy the all new effects machine, which creates pretty fake effects ranging from flames and snow to smoke and laser lights. The all new Gobo Disco Ball also adds class to your party, flashing around and giving all your guests seizures and headaches. But who cares!? You've got a butler and a maid at your disposal to mop up the vomit and blood! (Fine, no one bleeds or vomits...) You're rich, you're famous, flaunt it! Throw extravagant parties with your all new celebrity groups while you're at it! The brand new high-end sofas and fireplace will hold them until they're sober enough to go home! While they wait, they can help themselves to your own personal drink mixmaster guru! Belly up to your own personal bar and order everything from a mood drink to a party drink.

Become a Creature of the Night

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A Sim during the transformation
Become your very own Phantom of the Opera... Vampire style. And no, these vampires aren't the suckish sparkling type. These are true, seductive, creatures of the night. You don't run around being these things' girlfriends. You run from them. With the additional positive nighttime moodlets and the negative daytime moodlets, these beasts are even more realistic. Now if only they didn't ask to suck someone's blood and just went ahead and bit them! Still, you get all new interactions and features. From the ability to read minds in order to learn traits of others, to an all new seductive air and faster running, you get it all! You can even make people think of you to seduce them further.


But it seems we've reached a dilemma! How does one become the music of the night? Well

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A Sim completing the transformation
it's a long, complicated process. But despite this, it's quite rewarding. You must befriend a vampire. To do this, you must first find one. To do this, pull out your Simoleons and get to work bribing the guards at the best, most expensive lounges there are! Once you meet one... or at least... after I met one... I just bugged the hell out of them every night, inviting them over and chatting with them repeatedly. This will get your friendship boosted, and after you've become best friends, simply use the 'Ask to turn' action on them. However, beware. This action only works after you've become a good friend of theirs. In addition, the process takes several days. This screenshot shows what happens when a Sim is finally complete in their transition into 'awakening into eternal darkness', as some describe being turned.

Jam Out with New Instruments!

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A Sim playing the bass
Have you always wanted to make a Simlish band? Well now you can! Find some fellow virtuosos by traveling around the town and Starting jam sessions on any of your shiny new instruments! Now with the ability to play the piano, bass, guitar, or drums, you're free reign to create a band! In addition, you also get the option in buy mode to furnish your home with your very own grand piano! Play on a stage, catch some gigs, show up to said gigs, and rock it out. I need to experiment more, but it seems when you begin jam sessions, you can play jazz or blues. Of course, it doesn't hurt to use a mod and just learn all the instruments yourself. You know... just in case... you know... if the band you find sucks. Oh, and did I mention you manage your band? So you can kick anyone that displeases you! Hahaha!

Direct Your Own Film

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A Sim writing a screenplay
From the two branches in the all new film career path, you can become a well-known film director (from the Director path), or a famous actor/actress (from the acting path). All you do is show up, work hard, hang with the staff, and get your pay and fame. Both positions also hold importance in fame, so be sure to keep up a good image! But besides this, both jobs have their perks.


In addition to new opportunities, you also get recognized! A helpful trait would be the all new Star Quality trait, which makes it easier for your Sim to be and get famous. Also, as a director, you can open up your laptop or power on your computer, and start writing your screenplay. You can then sell those screenplays to get some money and boost your ob experience. Awards are also given, including the Sim-style Emmy, and the Best Film Director, among others.


Game Details

Game Name: Sims 3: Late Night EP

Game Series

The Sims 3
Comes After: The Sims 3, The Sims 3: World Adventures, The Sims 3: Ambitions

Genre(s)

Life simulation, Strategy

Release Date(s)

26 October 2010
28-29 October 2010

Game Rating

Entertainment Software Rating Board: Rated Teen for: Crude humor, Sexual Themes, and Violence

Game Distributors

Electronic Arts

Game Developers

Electronic Arts Mobile 
Visceral Games

Game Platform(s)

Mac OS X
Windows
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Looking for it? Find this cover art.



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