I never got any of the Stuff packs before, just because I thought they weren’t worth it and were just a way to cash in on the franchise name. Recently, I found this one on sale for $9.99, and I got it mostly because of the price tag, since it seemed like a good bargain to add a few new things to my Sims game. So what comes in this mini-expansion? And is it really worth buying?
Celebration Stuff is the mini-item pack for those Sims who love throwing parties. Birthday bashes, anniversary celebrations, backyard weddings… if you’re planning one, this is the item pack for you.
Let’s start with the new objects. No party is complete without a buffet table, so a new one is included with some festive and colorful cover options, plus matching small round tables and a long three-tiled table. There are four new chair designs: folding chairs with a balloon decoration or a little flower bouquet, a pseudo-throne chair and banquet hall style covered chairs. There is also a festive bar, outdoor umbrellas and ceiling lanterns to match the table patterns. Of course, there are balloons, banners, floral arrangements, floral archways, balloon archways, birthday cakes and wedding cakes to help set the whole thing up.
There isn’t much to talk about regarding the building section, just a few carpets and wallpapers that don’t really stand out much from what we already have (especially if you have most of the real expansion packs like I do).
As far as the new skins, you will only be getting new formal styles for the whole family in this Stuff pack, no new casual clothing. The new tuxedos for men come with a little rose on the lapel and in five different colors, while the women get a few more dress options. There are five new dress styles for the ladies, one for teens and two for little girls, so you can have brides, bridesmaids and flower girls dressed appropriately for the occasion. But although the dress meshes (the shapes) are interesting, the textures don’t really make them justice, and I’m already planning to make my own. There are a few new hairstyles for the ladies as well, some up-dos with flowers, veils and a tiara.
I expected more objects to use in game, though what caught my eye were the skins. I must say though, they are very simplistic and the textures aren’t very detailed. In fact, the bridal gowns and even the bridesmaid dresses are really bland. At least it gives me some interesting mesh bases to create some awsome formals for my game.
Personally, I was pretty disappointed with the contents of Celebration Stuff, and I think the full retail price isn’t fair for what comes in the box. I’m glad I only paid half of it (here it’s a regular $19.99), and I’m even more reluctant to get a Stuff pack now than I was before.