Verdict
Journey to Batuu is an satisfying new sport pack for The Sims 4 and a worthwhile glimpse into the Star Wars universe, nevertheless it sadly lacks ambition on the subject of doing one thing new with the property. At occasions, it seems like a glorified vacationer attraction, and the lukewarm narrative would not pull you in sufficient to really feel worthwhile. But for hardcore followers, that is positively a journey value taking for the value.
Pros
A inventive and devoted imaginative and prescient of the Star Wars universe
Introduces a trio of fascinating places to discover
Star Wars followers will adore the entire fan service on show
Cons
Feels like a glorified vacationer attraction at occasions
Narrative is weak and lacks room for experimentation
Key Specifications
Review Price: £17.99
Release Date: Out Now
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mac
Genre: Simulation
Ever because it picked up the Star Wars license, it was solely a matter of time till Electronic Arts labored the long-lasting sci-fi franchise into a few of its largest properties, and The Sims 4 is arguably the proper candidate. Its core expertise is outlined by participant alternative, giving them the instruments to discover their digital lives with charmingly goofy penalties.
Translating this into the world of Star Wars might have led to some pleasant situations, however Journey to Batuu usually comes throughout as a glorified vacationer attraction as an alternative of the daring enlargement to the traditional system it might have been. Fans of the franchise will nonetheless adore a lot of what’s on supply right here, however these hoping for a extra complete exploration of Disney’s universe might really feel dissapointed.
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While it is likely to be missing in mechanics and depth, Journey to Batuu is an undoubtedly attractive and devoted exploration of the sci-fi universe. Based on Galaxy’s Edge, the theme park of the identical identify, the enlargement pack can have you exploring three distinct neighbourhoods as you tackle missions, earn new objects and easily spend time thrusting your avatar into awkwardly valuable conditions.
You’ll start within the Black Spire Outpost’s Oga’s Cantina, an institution the place aliens from across the galaxy collect to gamble, barter and drink their collective sorrows away. I had a blast merely sitting by the bar ordering just a few drinks and watching as my character conversed along with her fellow patrons with out a care on the earth. Language has been given a enjoyable Star Wars-esque tinge, so it’s the identical outdated gibberish with a lovable new twist.
From right here you’ll journey to Resistance Camps and First Order Outposts whereas finishing new missions and targets, with a lot of the enlargement pack’s development being tied to missions as an alternative of supplying you with freedom to experiment with it by yourself phrases. Immersing your self within the universe exterior of the narrative is playful enjoyable, but you’ll need to earn foreign money and meet main characters like Kylo Ren and Rey as an alternative of sitting round like a Gonk droid.
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Missions can have you performing duties for Journey to Batuu’s three factions: The Resistance, First Order and Scoundrels. Tasks that you must carry out are pretty simplistic, and can oftentimes reward you with foreign money and different cool unlockables related to the Star Wars universe.
As I discussed earlier, questlines may even lead you to assembly iconic characters from the movies, which is a cool bonus even when they seldom pop up within the environments of their very own accord. The story-driven nature of the enlargement has good intentions and seeks to attract you into the broader universe, however I really feel The Sims 4 isn’t constructed for a linear, self-contained journey like this, a minimum of not in a means that feels vastly satisfying to play.
Previous expansions have explored missions and targets to finish, however they have been built-in into the broader sandbox philosophy that makes the sport so satisfying to play. Here, you’re whisked away to a fantastical land till you resolve to return residence with your entire new spoils in tow. You may very well be cynical and take into account it little greater than a glorified commercial for Galaxy’s Edge, however that’s promoting it brief.
Exploring Star Wars as a median citizen does have its enchantment. The franchise virtually at all times follows heroes of galactic proportions as they search to overthrow evil empires, whereas right here you’re only a random fellow who occurs to be performing some duties for the world’s many organisations. Learning in regards to the individuals who exist on this world and what makes them tick is an eccentric distraction, it’s only a disgrace a lot of it feels synthetic.
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Progression isn’t fruitless although, and there’s loads of fanservice available for individuals who love consuming blue milk and partaking in lightsaber duels. You can craft your personal saber to battle with different characters, and even construct your personal droid to accompany you whereas exploring every location. These are welcome additions which assist make this enlargement really feel alive, even when it solely serves to bolster the general aesthetic as an alternative of offering any actual substance.
Furniture and objects you earn all through Journey to Batuu will be taken again to your neighbourhood within the base sport, which supplies incentive to see every little thing by to the top, however will possible solely enchantment to hardcore followers who really need to mine every little thing there may be to supply. I didn’t have a lot of a motive to maintain going as soon as clearing the entire foremost missions, past attempting just a few absurd issues with the locals.
You can ultimately climb the ranks of various factions by partaking in story quests, which is motivation sufficient to discover past the three main places, nevertheless it’s as much as you whether or not all this effort is value it to see a handful of iconic characters bark out just a few phrases in Simlish. Sadly there isn’t any method to ‘Woohoo’ Kylo Ren, however there’s at all times mods for that form of galactic fantasy.
Verdict
Journey to Batuu is an satisfying sport pack for The Sims 4 and a worthwhile glimpse into the Star Wars universe, nevertheless it sadly lacks ambition on the subject of doing one thing new with the property. At occasions, it seems like a glorified vacationer attraction, and the lukewarm narrative doesn’t pull you in sufficient to really feel worthwhile. But for hardcore followers, that is presumably a journey value taking for the value.
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Gaming Editor
Jade is the Gaming Editor at TechSwitch. She handles all issues gaming whether or not it’s information, critiques, occasions or foolish options. Seen at retailers resembling MTV UK, Kotaku and TechSwitch (clearly…
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