Journey to Batuu is an gratifying new recreation pack for The Sims 4 and a worthwhile glimpse into the Star Wars universe, nevertheless it sadly lacks ambition in terms of doing one thing new with the property. At instances, it looks 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 price taking for the value.
Pros
A artistic and trustworthy imaginative and prescient of the Star Wars universe
Introduces a trio of fascinating areas to discover
Star Wars followers will adore the entire fan service on show
Cons
Feels like a glorified vacationer attraction at instances
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 enduring sci-fi franchise into a few of its greatest 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 eventualities, however Journey to Batuu typically comes throughout as a glorified vacationer attraction as an alternative of the daring growth to the basic components 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 may be missing in mechanics and depth, Journey to Batuu is an undoubtedly attractive and trustworthy exploration of the sci-fi universe. Based on Galaxy’s Edge, the theme park of the identical identify, the growth pack could have you exploring three distinct neighbourhoods as you tackle missions, earn new objects and easily spend time thrusting your avatar into awkwardly treasured 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 together with her fellow patrons with no care on the planet. 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 growth pack’s development being tied to missions as an alternative of providing you with freedom to experiment with it by yourself phrases. Immersing your self within the universe outdoors of the narrative is playful enjoyable, but you’ll wish 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 could have you performing duties for Journey to Batuu’s three factions: The Resistance, First Order and Scoundrels. Tasks it is advisable to 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 growth 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 method that feels massively satisfying to play.
Previous expansions have explored missions and targets to finish, however they had been built-in into the broader sandbox philosophy that makes the sport so gratifying to play. Here, you’re whisked away to a fantastical land till you determine to return dwelling with your whole new spoils in tow. You may very well be cynical and contemplate it little greater than a glorified commercial for Galaxy’s Edge, however that’s promoting it quick.
Exploring Star Wars as a mean citizen does have its attraction. The franchise nearly 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 ingesting 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 growth 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 could be taken again to your neighbourhood within the base recreation, which supplies incentive to see the whole lot via to the tip, however will seemingly solely attraction to hardcore followers who actually wish to mine the whole lot there’s to supply. I didn’t have a lot of a purpose to maintain going as soon as clearing the entire primary 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 areas, nevertheless it’s as much as you whether or not all this effort is price it to see a handful of iconic characters bark out just a few phrases in Simlish. Sadly there isn’t any approach to ‘Woohoo’ Kylo Ren, however there’s at all times mods for that kind of galactic fantasy.
Verdict
Journey to Batuu is an gratifying recreation pack for The Sims 4 and a worthwhile glimpse into the Star Wars universe, nevertheless it sadly lacks ambition in terms of doing one thing new with the property. At instances, it looks 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 probably a journey price taking for the value.