Knightlife: The Sims Medieval Announced
What's this? A press release has come tumbling through the RPS letterbox, bound in tattered leather and announcing the Spring 2011 release of The Sims Medieval. A full game of its own (presumably using the Sims 3 engine), The Sims Medieval will allow players to create their very own "Hero Sim (TM)" and then either head off on quests or focus on building up their kingdom. We're promised "drama, romance, conflict, and comedy" involving "characters from all walks of life, from Kings and Queens, to Knights and Wizards, Blacksmiths and Bards." Full press release, some screens and some thoughts after the break.
So this is what EA were experimenting with with the World Adventures expansion! The one for The Sims 3 which had you manually guiding your Sims through various hijinks. The idea of a Sims game that centres solely around quests is a logical enough idea, but I actually think I would have been more excited by a straight Sims game set in that American Renaissance Fayre interpretation of medieval times. Isn't that weird? After all these years and all these expansion packs, I just want more of the same? Aie.
The press release makes it sound like there will be a little bit of that, and that players will have to make sure they "carry out their daily responsibilities such as healing the sick, trading for exotic goods, or forging armor," but I suppose I'm after something even more mundane. Inviting the neighbours round so they can see your new thatch roof and the like. Taking an evening class in hunting. Being caught in the forest with the Lord's daughter, all that.
Anyway, here's that press release, transcribed from the original flaky paper:
Go back in time and get medieval! The EA Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced The Sims(TM) Medieval, a new series currently in development that places the popular Sims(TM) characters from The Sims(TM) game into the Middle Ages and brings players robust, compelling gameplay never seen before in the history of The Sims. For the first time, players can create heroes, venture on quests, build and control a kingdom, and play every Hero Sim(TM) character in the land. Creativity will soar as players tell stories like never before full of drama, romance, conflict, and comedy.
"The Middle Ages is a time of intrigue, legend, and excitement. It offers a perfect backdrop for a brand new series from The Sims studio due to the limitless stories that can be told," said Scott Evans, General Manager of The Sims Studio at EA. "The Sims Medieval offers a new way for players to experience The Sims which we hope fans will enjoy, and it features gameplay that fans of strategy and role-playing games will find appealing such as controlling an entire kingdom and quest-based gameplay mechanics."
The Sims Medieval offers players a chance to build up a medieval kingdom, controlling characters from all walks of life, from Kings and Queens, to Knights and Wizards, Blacksmiths and Bards. It provides a host of storytelling possibilities in the form of quests, from crafting a legendary sword to arranging a royal wedding, to protecting the kingdom from an evil sorcerer, to finding the fountain of youth. Every quest plays out differently depending on which Hero Sim the player is controlling.
The destiny of the kingdom rests in the players' hands. Will players build up their kingdom through internal expansion, or perhaps look for a more imperial type of domination, expanding their rule by conquering territories? Will they take on quests in pursuit of fame, or focus on the health and wellbeing of their people? The choice is theirs! With the start of every new game, players will be able to select a new ambition for their kingdom, and embark on a new set of stories.
Everything in The Sims Medieval is crafted to create an immersive medieval world, from the quest-based gameplay, to the medieval objects such as swords and stocks and thrones, right down to the warm look of the characters, and the painterly approach to the world itself. Players can choose to customize every new Hero that comes to the kingdom, including selecting their traits and their fatal flaw. Players get close to their characters, not only sending them on epic quests, but also making sure they carry out their daily responsibilities such as healing the sick, trading for exotic goods, or forging armor. From having a baby to competing in a royal tournament, what happens to their Sims is up to the player. The time of romance and chivalry is back with The Sims Medieval.
Developed by The Sims Studio, The Sims Medieval for PC/Mac will be available in spring 2011 and has not yet been rated by the ESRB. To download artwork, please visit www.info.ea.com. For more information about The Sims Medieval please visit www.info.ea.com or the official website at www.TheSimsMedieval.com.