The Sims 3 (and now, Sims 4) is basically a self-directed soap opera complete with custom made Sims, wardrobe, makeup, relationships, emotions, careers, sex, life, death, weddings, funerals, ghosts, babies, and kids of all ages for kids of all ages. Actually, I utilize only a small segment of the game's capabilities. Not only that, one also stops there too-no, floorplans to fool with, no structural engineering, in fact, no architectural drawings whatsoever. With the Sims, one begins by creating the 3-D rendering. CAD programs usually start with a floorplan which, eventually results in 3-D illustration. It works backward from most CAD software.

Even if you use basically only one element of the game (the highly sophisticated home design features) it takes some time to work your way through all the intricacies.

As with all computer games, especially simulation games, the learning curve is steep, though always lots of fun. If you're a frustrated would-be architect whose creative streak is much wider than any notable engineering streak, this game is terribly addictive. I obviously have a yearning for Minimalist beach house.

The sims 3 houses designs