****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I've found myself turning to "The Sims Medieval" over "The Sims 3" lately--just wanting a change, I guess. It has a charming simplicity to it and runs much better on my Mac (I think it's crashed like twice the whole time I've had it). Because I use both a Mac and PC, I get physical CD copies when I can that'll run on both platforms so I don't double-buy.The disk came quickly from the vendor in the condition promised and installed just fine on both my computers. Registration was simple and easy and got me into game immediately. Be aware that the launcher's promised discount registration reward is only good on certain Origin things--not simpoints, pre-orders, or new releases.Ingame, the expansion adds a bunch of objects, hairs, makeups, and clothes, and adds some new functionality to the game in the way of eagles and falcons, as well as interrogation chairs with cute animations and a new ability to dig holes for treasure (some of it found via maps you must assemble, but most of it just by running around digging randomly--and yes, you can fill in the holes once you're done digging them). A major ingame multi-quest series, a war between two factions, is added to the many quests that you can send your Heroes on, and there are some fun new Traits and kingdom Ambitions. Of these, "Dread Pirate" is without a doubt my favorite new trait--it lets you give Secret Pirate Handshakes to other pirates, use pirate maneuvers in fights, lead pirate raids, and rob mailboxes for pirate tribute (exactly like how the Spy already does it, but it doesn't pay as well). The raids get all kinds of cute stories and outcomes, including one that is a direct nod to the original "Ghostbusters" movie. The new weapons are a blast, seriously--my Spy uses Frostfang, which turns her into a shimmery blue ghost-looking gal for the duration of the fight. I also like the variety of falcons and parrots--falcons bring ancient bones and meat back, while parrots bring treasure and fruit back; their operation can be a little clumsy, especially in how they stop all other interactions until they're dealt with, but overall they are fun to play with. I enjoyed the a multitude of new potions and smith creations available to make and liked seeing the new Achievements to reach.This expansion is still age-appropriate for the Sims Medieval setting: T for Teen. There's nothing too overt about any of it, though, so mature younger kids will probably do fine with this game. It has no cursing, no overt sex, no nudity, and it's no more damaging to religion or morality than the first title was.I can see someone being disappointed with this set because it really doesn't hugely expand the game in terms of objects/CAS stuff, and it only includes one Ambition and a few new Traits. Also, be advised that it doesn't actually introduce any new professions for your Sim heroes, despite the title of the expansion set; the only thing that comes close is that "Dread Pirate" trait, but it sits atop your profession like any other trait might. But me, I personally really liked the added gameplay stuff and the new multi-quest war, which hangs over the entire game; even in non-war quests, daily responsibilities may include war needs like making boarding pikes and acquiring wigs for disguises. I liked that over-arching structure."Pirates and Nobles" continues the Sims Medieval franchise by adding a few new perks that revitalize the gameplay. If you have been thinking falcons and digging for treasure sound neat and you've liked the idea of more pirate-y or Tredonian-y stuff ingame, then you might like this expansion a lot.
