The classics The Sims 1 and The Sims 2 are back on digital stores in optimized versions. Electronic Arts has released the Legacy Collections, packages that include the base games and all expansions ever released. Available at Steam, EA App and Epic Games Store, the new versions arrive to celebrate the 25 years of the franchise, ensuring full compatibility with Windows 10 and 11.
The return of the games meets a long-standing demand from fans. Both games had been unavailable for purchase for years, and players who still owned physical or digital copies had difficulty running them on the latest operating systems. With the re-release, EA preserves the history of the franchise and allows new generations to discover the original experience of the series.
What's included in Legacy Collections?
Legacy editions bring all additional content released for the games, allowing players to enjoy the full experience without having to purchase expansions separately.
In the case of The Sims 1 Legacy Collection, players will have access to all the seven expansions released between 2000 and 2003, including:
- Enjoying Life (new activities and interactive objects);
- Partying (themed parties and new social interactions);
- Appointment Scheduled (romantic relationships and dating);
- On Vacation (trips to different tourist destinations);
- The Beast Will Catch You (pet adoption);
- Superstar (celebrity career);
- In a Magic Pass (supernatural elements and spells).
Already The Sims 2 Legacy Collection is even more complete, bringing eight expansions and nine item packs, including:
- College Life (academic life and student residences);
- Nightlife (clubs, meetings and vampires);
- Open for Business (management of own companies);
- Pets (interactive animals and pet breeding);
- Bon Voyage (tourist destinations and leisure activities);
- Four Seasons (dynamic weather and seasonal changes);
- Free Time (hobbies and new careers);
- Apartment Life (apartments, neighborhoods and social interactions).
Item packs include collections of themed furniture, clothing, and decorations, such as Teen Style, Glamour and Mansions and Gardens.
Adaptation to modern systems
Although Legacy versions are compatible with Windows 10 and 11, EA has maintained the essence of the original games, preserving their graphical and gameplay characteristics. This means that The Sims 1, released in 2000, still does not properly support widescreen (16:9) displays., since at the time of its release, 4:3 aspect ratio CRT monitors were the standard.
The Sims 2, released in 2004, has better compatibility with newer resolutions, but maintains its original interface and mechanics. Despite the limitations, EA's decision to maintain the authenticity of the titles reinforces the nostalgia and classic experience that fans know and love.
Prices and packages available
To the Legacy Collections are now on sale in digital stores. The Sims 1 Legacy Collection costs R$ 69, while The Sims 2 Legacy Collection costs R$ 109. The higher price of the second game is justified by the number of expansions and packs included.
Additionally, EA has released a special anniversary pack, the The Sims 25th Birthday Bundle, which includes both collections and two packs of The Sims 4 for R$ 139. About that, The Sims 3 remains without a complete edition, and purchasing all of its expansions separately can exceed R$ 800.
The impact of the re-release of The Sims 1 and 2
The return of the first games in the franchise represents an achievement for fans and an important move by EA to preserve its legacy. The Sims 1 and 2 were responsible for consolidating the series as one of the most popular life simulators in the world, and their return to stores allows old players to relive nostalgic moments and new audiences to discover the origins of the saga.
The decision to re-release optimized versions also reinforces a growing trend in the games market: the appreciation of remastered classics and adapted for modern systems. With The Sims 4 still receiving new content and rumors about The Sims 5, the franchise remains relevant and continues to expand its fan base.
Now, players can once again build their families, manage careers, build houses and, of course, remove the pool ladder to see what happens.