Insimenator.org

The Sims 2, Expansion Packs, & Stuff Packs

Below you will find detailed information on the Base Game and all additions to date, along with my commentary and thoughts.

I encourage you to PM me with your additions and non-English game information so this list can be made as complete as possible.

The Sims 2 (base game)
Release Date: September 17, 2004
Latest Patch Version: 1.0.0.1022

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/sims2.jpg)
Box Cover Image
 

• "TS 2" -- Common Abbreviation
• "模拟人生2" -- Chinese Title (Simplified)
• "模擬市民2" -- Chinese Title (Traditional)
• "ザ・シムズ2" -- Japanese Title
• "Os Sims 2" -- Portuguese Title
• "Los Sims 2" -- Spanish Title
• "Les Sims 2" -- French Title
• "Die Sims 2" -- German Title
• "De Sims 2" -- Dutch Title

The Sims 2: Special DVD Edition (base game + bonus content)
Release Date: September 17, 2004
Latest Patch Version: 1.0.0.1022

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/sims2dvd.jpg)
Box Cover Image

The Sims 2 Holiday Edition (base game + 2005 Holiday stuff)
Release Date: November 2005

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/sims2holidayedition.jpg)
Box Cover Image

The Sims 2 Deluxe (base game + Nightlife EP)
Release Date: May 8, 2007

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/ts2deluxe.jpg)
Box Cover Image
ATTENTION: For information about Nightlife  EP, see below

The Sims 2 Bon Voyage Limited Edition (base game + Nightlife EP + Bon Voyage EP)
Release Date: September 4, 2007

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/ts2ltded.jpg)
Box Cover Image
ATTENTION: For information about Nightlife & Bon Voyage EPS, see below

The Sims 2 Free Time Limited Collection (base game + Nightlife EP + Free Time EP)
Release Date March 26, 2008

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/freetime_ltded_front.jpg)
Box Cover Image
ATTENTION: For information about Nightlife & Free Time EPS, see below


Base System Requirements (PC)
If you have a T&L capable video card with at least 32 MB of video RAM then you need at least:

• 800 MHz processor or better
• 256 MB RAM if Windows Vista, XP, Windows ME, Windows 98 or Windows 2000
• At least 3.5 GB of hard drive space

If you have a non-T&L capable video card (an Intel Extreme Graphics or a Radeon 7000/VE Series) then you need at least:

• 2.0 GHz processor or better
• 256 MB RAM if Windows Vista, XP, Windows ME, Windows 98, or Windows 2000
• At least 3.5 GB of hard drive space

Get the most current driver for your video card. The manufacturers usually have the video drivers on their sites for you to download. Visit the nVidia site (http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp), the ATI site (http://www.ati.com/support/driver.html) or the support site for your computer's manufacturer for the latest drivers for those video cards.

Supported video cards (and the more video memory the better):

• ATI RadeonTM series (7000 or better)

• Radeon 7000/VE series (non-T&L; requires 2.0 GHz processor)
• 7200, 7500
• 8500, All-In-Wonder 8500
• 9000, 9200, 9500, 9600, 9700, 9800
• X300, X600, X800

• Nvidia QuadroTM series

• Quadro, Quadro2, Quadro4

• Nvidia Geforce series (GeForce2 and better)

• GeForce2
• GeForce3, 3 Ti
• GeForce4, 4Ti, MX 420, 440
• GeForce FX 5200, 5600, 5700, 5800, 5900, 5950
• GeForce 6600, 6800

• Intel Extreme Graphics (non-T&L; requires 2.0 GHz processor)

• 82845, 82865, 82915

[/LIST]

Base System Requirements (Mac)

• Operating System: Mac OS X 10.3.8 or later
• CPU Processor: PowerPC G4/G5
• CPU Speed: 1.2GHz or faster
• Memory: 256 MB or higher
• Hard Disk Space: 3GB free disk space
• Video Card (ATI): Radeon 9000 or better
• Video Card (NVidia): GeForce FX5200 or better
• Video Memory (VRam): 32 MB or higher
• Media Required: DVD Drive

Beosboxboy says:
   known Maxis-acknowledged catastrophic bug involving remote control car; almost no support for custom objects; in some language versions of the game custom meshes cause fatal error when sim is hired for employment; this continues to be a problem for many in all EPs AFAIK; three versions exist: CD, DVD (Deluxe), and Holiday - IMHO there is not particular benefit from buying the DVD version, and the Holiday combo inherits the bugs of the Holiday 2005 SP

What The Patch Fixes:
   

• This patch addresses some issues with uploading lots and exporting lots.
• Fix to prevent accidental deletion of game data files.
• Added support for Hungarian languages.
• Fixed Custom Content Browser support for Asian territories.
• Fixed bugs related to downloadable objects.
• Re-enables the in-game browser for Asian territories (was disabled in the previous patch).
• Fixes "the jump bug" causing Sims with a large number of memories to reset, or "jump," when performing interactions.
• Visitors will no longer kidnap a baby or toddler by leaving the lot while carrying them.
• Sims can now plan outfits for toddlers by using the changing table.
• Fixes a crash that would occur when viewing snapshots while simultaneously deleting pictures.
• Prevents pixelization from showing through walls when the Sim is behind the wall.
• A Sim whose fiancé dies can now become engaged again.
• Maids can now clean up pizza boxes and baby bottles.
• Fixes problems with the grim reaper and social worker that would disable save UI.
• The plumbbob will no longer appear in an NPCs chest when they marry into a Sim's family.
• Sims no longer get stuck on community lots when a Sim autonomously chooses to leave in the same car that they arrived in.
• Stargazing on the ground no longer satisfies the "Stargaze with Telescope" want.
• Fixes a problem with Sims' jobs not functioning properly when 3 or more Sims go to work in a helicopter.
• Babies now age transition properly when the Help With Birthday interaction is cancelled.
• Fixes the extremely rare problem where the UI would become disabled when an elder dies of old age.
• Fixes a problem where small objects (mostly toys) could be deleted when a Sim interacts with other nearby objects.
• The custom content browser no longer closes when an active link is double-clicked.
• Fixes the problem where coffee cups would occasionally be deleted when an interaction is cancelled.
• An adopted baby no longer snaps to the ground when the social worker that deliver it puts it in a crib.
• Sims now take a copy of all clothing in the family's inventory when they move out.
• Fixes a couple of cases of buy/build mode becoming disabled when the social worker arrives on the lot.
• Fixes the problem where the teddy bear would occasionally float after being put down.
• Teens no longer get the unsatisfiable "Write a Novel" want.
• Fixes a problem with the newspaper delivery person getting stuck on lots containing a high number of objects.

System/Config issues:

• Users with limited user accounts can now run the game.
• Improved performance with Radeon X800 cards. Users continuing to experiencing problems should update to the 4.10 driver.
• The game no longer affects a user's modem settings when connecting to the internet via the modem.
• Fixes a problem with default collections not being available when user data is regenerated.

The Sims 2: University Expansion Pack
Release Date: March 2, 2005
Latest Patch Version: 1.1.0.284

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/sims2uni.jpg)
Box Cover Image

• "TS2:Uni" -- Common abbreviation
• "TS2:EP1" -- Alternate abbreviation
• "模拟人生2：大学生活" -- Chinese Title (Simplified)
• 模擬市民2：夢幻大學城 -- Chinese Title (Traditional)
• "ザ・シムズ2 キャンパスライフ！" -- Japanese Title
• "De Sims 2: Studentenleven" -- Dutch Title
• "Die Sims 2: Wilde Campus-Jahre" -- German Title
• "Les Sims 2: Académie" -- French Title
• "Los Sims 2: Universitarios" -- Spanish Title
• "Os Sims 2: Na Universidade" -- Portugese Title (Portugal)
• "The Sims 2: Campus Life! Data Set" -- Japanese Title (translated)
• "The Sims 2: Na Studiach" -- Polish Title
• "The Sims 2: Studentliv" -- Swedish Title
• "The Sims 2: Univerzita" -- Czech Title
• "The Sims 2: Vida de Universitário" -- Brazilian Title
• "The Sims 2: Yliopisto" -- Finnish Title

Base System Requirements (PC)
If you have a T&L capable video card with at least 32 MB of video RAM then you need at least:

• 800 MHz processor or better
• 256 MB RAM if Windows Vista, XP, Windows ME, Windows 98 or Windows 2000
• At least 3.5 GB of hard drive space

If you have a non-T&L capable video card (an Intel Extreme Graphics or a Radeon 7000/VE Series) then you need at least:

• 2.0 GHz processor or better
• 256 MB RAM if Windows Vista, XP, Windows ME, Windows 98, or Windows 2000
• At least 3.5 GB of hard drive space

Get the most current driver for your video card. The manufacturers usually have the video drivers on their sites for you to download. Visit the nVidia site, the ATI site or the support site for your computer's manufacturer for the latest drivers for those video cards.

Supported video cards (and the more video memory the better):

• ATI RadeonTM series (7000 or better)

• Radeon 7000/VE series (non-T&L; requires 2.0 GHz processor)
• 7200, 7500
• 8500, All-In-Wonder 8500
• 9000, 9200, 9500, 9600, 9700, 9800
• X300, X600, X800

• Nvidia QuadroTM series

• Quadro, Quadro2, Quadro4

• Nvidia Geforce series (GeForce2 and better)

• GeForce2
• GeForce3, 3 Ti
• GeForce4, 4Ti, MX 420, 440
• GeForce FX 5200, 5600, 5700, 5800, 5900, 5950
• GeForce 6600, 6800

• Intel Extreme Graphics (non-T&L; requires 2.0 GHz processor)

• 82845, 82865, 82915

[/LIST]

Base System Requirements (Mac)

• Operating System: Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later
• CPU Processor: PowerPC G4/G5
• CPU Speed: 1.2GHz or faster
• Memory: 256 MB or higher (512 MB recommended)
• Hard Disk Space: 2GB free disk space
• Video Card (ATI): Radeon 9000 or better
• Video Card (NVidia): GeForce FX5200 or better
• Video Memory (VRam): 32 MB or higher (64 MB recommended)
• Media Required: DVD Drive

Beosboxboy says:
   known Maxis-acknowledged catastrophic bugs involving saving lot while cellphone is being used, remote control car still an issue, advertising of many items grossly out of control, YAs get stuck as YAs after graduation/dropping out or stuck in the Uni neighbourhood if dropping out, numerous others; massive shift in custom object support method; adds "young adult" pseudo-life stage

This Expansion Pack adds "Lifetime Goals", which is pretty good, since meeting these goals will bump up the sims' aspiration score substancially; a serious drawn-back (whoever) is all the wants "spam" for University related crap for your sims outside of universities (e.g., "go to college", want sim to go to college", etc.).  This spam will supercede other wants in some aspirations, basically this was imposed on the sims to make you use the university part of this EP after installing it.  Mods are available on a number of sites for getting rid of this spam.

This Expansion Pack also adds a new life stage (i.e., age), but this age is paper thin and applies only to those sims that actually go to college. Once started, the only way to end the life stage on a happy note is to graduate college.  The Young Adult life stage end at the end of the graduation party or upon dropping out/expulsion from college for low grades.  In any even, in the absence of some mod, as soon as you are no longer enrolled in college it is just a matter of time before the game forcefully takes control of the sim and send them by taxi to the regular neighbourhood.

Unlike real life, once your sim leaves the college for any reason, he/she can never go back unless you do some serious interference with the normal operation of the game.  Also, without a mod like InTEEN, all adults you move into college sub-neighbourhoods will be reverse aged to Young Adults and all teens aged up to Young Adults.

A common question is pregnancy in college neighbourhoods and why it doesn't work (see this thread (http://www.insimenator.org/showthread.php?t=19285) for a full discussion); pregnancy in university neighbourhoods can be done, but doesn't advance as in a normal neighbourhood unless a mod is involved.  When your sim graduates or returns to the neighbourhood, the pregnancy will begin to advance.  Be forewarned!  If you use a cheat to accelerate a pregnancy so the baby is born in the college neighbourhoods, then you need to understand two things, the babies will not age (without cheats or a mod) and when your sim graduates he/she will NOT take the baby back to the regular neighbourhood with him/her!

Un-patched, this is Expansion Pack is a buggy nightmare.  Be sure to patch it as soon as possible!

What The Patch Fixes:
   

• Fixed an issue where Angela Pleasant was not properly calling Dustin Broke to sneak out of the house.
• Fixed a problem in University where Dustin Broke would bring Angela Pleasant home every day from school.
• Fixed a bug where inventory items and all memories were being deleted after joining a Greek house.
• Popular Sims' facial animation would cease to play when talking to other Sims.
• Fixed an issue where hard-earned diplomas could be stolen or repossessed.
• Prevented teens from receiving the "Win Young Entrepreneur's Award" Want when it is already satisfied.
• Prevented an exploit with the Resurrect-O-Nomitron that allowed more than 8 Sims to live on a lot. (caused many other issues)
• Fixed some animation problems that occurred when a young adult Sim prepared cereal on top of the mini fridge.
• Eliminated a rare improper reset when canceling a cell phone call on community lots
• Fixed an issue where the game would freeze if the user input frame for paintings or the camera appeared during a special event cinematic
• Prevented improper animations from running if a teen Sim age transitioned while sitting down
• Fixed a reset that would occur when hanging out with a Sim that is trying to leave for class
• Fixed a rare instance of a reset that occurs when canceling sleep with a specific interaction next in queue
• The Grim Reaper will no longer fail to leave a lot if multiple Sims die and the lot is left empty.
• Squashed a rare scripting error that occurred when hanging up a cell phone.
• Exercise machines introduced in University are now unbreakable.
• Fixed a rare instance where the Mascot NPC would become stuck in place after pulling the sprinkler prank.
• Fixed a problem where the Greek Letter Decorations were temporarily unelectable after placement.
• Fixed an obscure looping reset that occurred when loading a lot during an active pledge scenario for a Sim who has moved to a different lot.
• Eliminated a bad reset that prevented Sims from becoming enemies of one another.
• The proper text notification is now displayed when a pledge is denied entrance to a Greek House due to relationship score.
• Prevented a rare instance where dormies could become stuck in a semi-transparent, unelectable state.
• Sims could not sit on a barstool at the Bachman Busbar (cheap bar)
• Fixed a reset that happened when meeting professors in a well populated neighborhood
• There was an issue with the game locking up when in cameraman mode while a pregnancy state transition occurred or a Sim burned to death.
• There was the possibility that when using multiple nannies, one could become stuck on the lot indefinitely. Even after dismissal.
• Prevented an issue where nannies would become stuck in their car attempting to exit the lot.
• Sick Sims can no longer die of disease while on community lots.
• The lifetime want to "Max Out 7 Skills" would not properly satisfy if the final skill point was gained via a SimVac aspiration reward object.
• Chocolate puddles generated by the "Shokolade 890 Chocolate Manufacturing Facility" are now visible.
• Fixed a reset that happened when NPCs walked by lots in well populated neighborhoods
• A scripting error would occur if a Sim was influenced to clean up pizza boxes.
• Asking too many Sims at once to freestyle would result in scripting errors.
• The "Buy a Fountain Costing at least 600 Simoleons" Want has been removed from the game.
• Placing "Myne Door" dorm doors diagonally no longer causes entire rooms to turn invisible.
• Player controlled young adult Sims now properly retain their semester gauge level when being asked to move in to another lot.
• Sims no longer play the extended browse animation when purchasing an item from the clothing rack.
• Shortened the amount of time that children show their A+ report cards off to their parents
• Fixed issues that occur when the same Sim dies on multiple lots.
• Lowered frequency of Child Sims aborting queue actions in favor of greeting their parents as they returning from work.
• Fixed a very rare instance where Sims age meters would not properly reset after age transitioning.
• Fixed a problem where in very specific circumstances age transitions would fail.
• Ringing cell phones no longer wake up napping Sims.
• Text in the neighborhood lot information text box was not always being properly updated on University Lots.
• Fixed a bug that prevented large groups of Sims from entering the helicopter carpool.
• Sims who write great novels now receive the memory for "Wrote Great Novel" rather than the Sim who answered the royalty check phone call.
• Fixed an issue that could cause the text notifications, reminding a player that their class or final was approaching, not to display.
• Fixed a major issue where loading a lot with the remote control car in use would make all memory and job icons blank.
• Pregnant Sims are now able to use handhelds in their inventory.
• Fixed a problem that caused pianos that have been owned for a certain amount of time to cease providing fun.
• Fixed a case where the baby bottle was teleported from a Sim's hand leaving the hand in a permanent grip state.
• Level 6 Greek Houses can now accept pledges
• Eliminated a problem where Greek Houses were not accepting the proper amount of pledges per level.
• Sims can now Propose > Move In or Propose > Marriage towards non player young adult Sims that they became engaged to while in college.
• Fixed an improper reset specific to Lucy Burb returning home from school with good grades.
• Fixed an instance where the player was unable to exit or save the game if they cancelled an adoption related interaction with the social worker.
• The "Cheer Up" interaction no longer causes crushes between Sims.
• Zits are now removed from any Sim that enters university. (growing into a young adult)
• Sims no longer get crushes from playing handhelds together.
• Babies are no longer available in the pool of online chatters.
• Fixed an issue where assignments were being lost within a few of the taller dining tables
• Squashed a bug where toddlers were not able to learn to walk when being taught with smart milk and a thinking cap.
• Fixed issues with Sims clipping through one another while sitting at bars
• Fixed a conflict that occurred between a simultaneously visiting headmaster and grocery delivery person.
• Fixed a specific problem that would occur while traveling in an well populated neighborhood.
• Fixed an issue where Sims' thought bubbles would clip through heads of Sims.
• The "Stay Home from Work" want can now be satisfied.
• Fixed a reset that occurred after multiple generations of large fam lies that prevented death from completing properly for Sims in large, multi-generational families. Symptoms included missing inheritance, tombstones, and a lower Sim population cap per lot.
• When being called for dinner, the headmaster will no longer decide to leave immediately after arriving on the lot.
• Fixed various resets with the nanny that would occasionally prevent the nanny from being dismissed
• Improved the cleanup of kicky bags (automatically cleans up any invisible kicky bags on lots)
• Prevented an issue where the headmaster could get stuck indefinitely in a hot tub under certain motive conditions.
• Reduced the possibility of non player characters becoming stuck in dormie's rooms due to door locking.
• Fixed a reset that occurred while multiple Sims watched TV on sectional sofas.
• Book cleanup has been improved to prevent the potential deletion of unintentional objects, such as vehicle portals.
• Sims can now feed smart milk to toddler Sims sitting in high chairs.
• During a joy buzzer social, the camera now only shakes if the selected Sim is involved in the interaction.
• Fixed a rare occurrence of a reset that would leave a user unable to save or quite after a Sim gave birth.
• User created paintings created prior to installing an expansion pack can now be sold or deleted.
• The player will no longer receive text notification messages that deceased Sims "are no longer friends. "
• Installing University on top of userdata that includes service NPC vehicles saved on lots no longer causes errors.
• Eating marshmallows now provides a slight hunger motive boost.
• Usability of custom content management has been improved by retaining the most recent page of content after deleting an object, wall, or floor.
• Fixed a rare issue that in various situations caused a pregnant Sim experiencing morning sickness to die. (aka Sudden Pregnancy Death Syndrome)

The Sims 2: Nightlife Expansion Pack
Release Date: September 13, 2005
Latest Patch Version: 1.2.0.355

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/sims2nl.jpg)
Box Cover Image

The Sims 2: Deluxe (base game + Nightlife)
Release Date: May 8, 2007
Latest Patch Version: 1.2.0.355

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/ts2deluxe.jpg)
Box Cover Image

• "TS2:NL" -- Common abbreviation
• "TS2:EP2" -- Alternative abbreviation
• "模拟人生2：夜生活" -- Chinese Title (Simplified)
• "ザ・シムズ2ホットナイト！" -- Japanese Title
• "De Sims 2: Nachtleven" -- Dutch Title
• "Die Sims 2: Nightlife" -- German Title
• "Les Sims 2: Nuits de Folie" -- French Title
• "Los Sims 2: Noctámbulos" -- Spanish Title
• "Os Sims 2: Na Noite" -- Portuguese Title (Portugal)
• "The Sims 2: Hot Night! Data Set" -- Japanese Title (translated)
• "The Sims 2: Nattliv" -- Swedish Title
• "The Sims 2: Nocní zivot" -- Czech Title
• "The Sims 2: Nocne Zycie" -- Polish Title
• "The Sims 2: Uteliv" -- Norwegian Title
• "The Sims 2: Vida Noturna" -- Brazilian Title
• "The Sims 2: Yöelämää" -- Finnish Title

Base System Requirements (PC)
In order to install and play The Sims 2 Nightlife you must have The Sims 2 installed and meet the hardware requirements listed below:

• Windows Vista, XP, ME, 98, or 2000 operating system.
• 1000 MHz (1 GHz) or faster processor.
• 256 MB or more RAM.
• At least 1.5 GB of additional hard drive space.
• Supported T&L-capable video card with at least 32 MB of video RAM.

Supported Video Cards:

• ATI Radeon series 8500 or better (7x00 models no longer supported), All-In-Wonder 8500, 9000, 9200, 9500, 9600, 9700, 9800, X300, X600, X700, X800, and X850.
• NVIDIA GeForce 2, 2 GTS, 3, 3 Ti, 4, 4 Ti, 4200, 4600, and 4800.
• NVIDIA GeForce MX 420, 440, and 460.
• NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200, 55500, 5600, 5700, 5800, 5900, and 5950.
• NVIDIA GeForce PCX 5300, and 5900.
• NVIDIA GeForce 6200, 6600, and 6800.
• NVIDIA Quadro, Quadro2, and Quadro4.
• Intel Extreme Graphics 82865, 82915, and higher.

NOTE: If you have a non-T&L capable video card, such as Intel Extreme Graphics, then you need at least a 2.4 GHz processor.

Base System Requirements (Mac)

• Operating System: Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later
• CPU Processor: PowerPC G4/G5
• CPU Speed: 1.2GHz or faster
• Memory: 256 MB or higher (512 MB recommended)
• Hard Disk Space: 2GB free disk space
• Video Card (ATI): Radeon 9000 or better
• Video Card (NVidia): GeForce FX5200 or better
• Video Memory (VRam): 32 MB or higher (64 MB recommended)
• Media Required: DVD Drive

Beosboxboy says:
   known Maxis-acknowledged catastrophic bug involving vampires biting NPCs; this EP changes the censor grid method; increased problems with custom content cataloguing method, custom clothing mesh become increasingly problematic after this EP is released; starting with this EP lighting mods now begin to have high risk of face template corruption in sim packages.

This is one of the two "must have" additions to the game on account of both the wide array of added interactions and the drivable cars.  The new urban centres (downtowns) with the expanded restaurants, night clubs, and shopping are actually a great and much needed addition. We could have done without the vampires since Maxis went with some stupid monolithic notion of vampires that has not been tenable since the days of Varney the Vampire (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varney_the_Vampire).

What The Patch Fixes:
   

• Includes The Sims 2 University bug fixes. See complete list above.
• Fixed an issue with cell phones being removed from Sims' inventories after installing Nightlife.
• Purchasing specific dining tables introduced in Nightlife would not satisfying the "Buy a Table" want.
• Fixed an obscure issue that occurred when attempting to place the same tombstone multiple times.
• Fixed an issue where a Sim being embarrassed could force the Sim out of poker interactions.
• Fixed a Nightlife installation issue that left the user in pause mode whenever they visited a community lot via a taxi.
• Wants for specific electronic devices no longer roll in after a Sim owns that electronic device.
• Diplomas that were in the career reward panel for University now properly appear in the inventory after installing Nightlife.
• Sims that are seated in a car will no longer stand up inside the car to change clothes and remain standing for the drive to work.
• Capped the amount of half walls allowed on a single lot in order to prevent graphical corruption that would occur when this limit was broken
• The lot view options are now saved properly after exiting and restarting the game.
• Pre-placed tombstones will now appear in build mode when transported to community lots.
• Fixed an issue that, in certain regional versions of the game, caused the voice audio for the karaoke machine to be intermittent or non-existent.
• Prevented diplomas from switching ownership if this update is installed after Nightlife but prior to loading University created lots containing diplomas.
• The "maxmotives" cheat will no longer interfere with the availability of sleep related interactions involving beds, coffins, and sofas.
• Fixed an improper "$jobTitle" string was being displayed when Sims were asked about their jobs in some regional versions of the game.
• Fixed a rare bug that could cause a Sim drinking a potion to vanish from the game.
• Fixed an issue where NPC Mrs. Crumplebottom was causing objects.package to be corrupt.
• Fixed an issue where Custom Terrain paint was being uploaded with packaged lots and spread to other users' machine unintentionally.
• Addressed an issue where cell phones could not be placed in a Sims inventory before making a phone call on it first.
• Electro Dance Spheres can now be used at all skill levels properly.
• Fixed a rare issue where when a Sim was juggling would cause random objects to be deleted.
• Dorm Cooks will no longer duplicate on previously played lots after installing Nightlife.
• Cowplants will no longer have their faces squished after eating Nightlife’s NPC\’s.
• Sims will no longer get a memory of making out with themselves in the hot tub under certain conditions.
• The Mad Scientist career track will no longer have a conflicting message about missing a day of work and having the day off.
• Moving lots with University Graduates into the Sim Bin and back into the neighborhood will no longer cause all of the diplomas to belong to one Sim, instead the will belong to their original owners.
• Sims will now be able to use Cell Phones and MP3 players if placed on tables.
• Young Adult Male Sims can no longer get pregnant and give birth by using the Electro Dance Sphere.
• Vampire NPC’s can now be influenced to drink Vamprocillin-D properly.
• Pollination Technician 9 family tree is now showing all correct branches.
• Sims can now work out if there is a rug in front of the TV.
• Many multi-tile objects can now be placed against walls after being placed into a Sims inventory and then the Sim changes lots.
• Fixed an issue where Sims were randomly getting stuck playing poker indefinitely.
• Addressed an issue where using the eyedropper tool allowed players to place objects on a lot beyond the amount of money they currently have.
• Computers are no longer able to be placed in a Sims inventory if the computers are turned on.
• Sims playing the hand held games will no longer get a memory about meeting themselves.
• The NPC Gypsy Matchmaker will only come by to initially greet new Sims in a neighborhood once per neighborhood instead of every new lot created.
• Fixed an issue where University Sims were randomly getting taken back to their original neighborhood during their Freshman year.
• Fixed a rare occurring of an issue where Sims could not move off of a University lot after graduating.
• Flaming Bags of Poo should not be delivered indefinitely after a bad date.
• Teen Sims age transitioning directly to an Adult Sim that has chosen not to go to college will no longer receive a memory that they have completed their Freshman year.
• Having a Family Reunion will no longer overrun the memories panel of a Sim with a memory for every interaction during the Family Reunion party.
• Fixed an issue so that dorm rooms will be hidden again when Nightlife is installed.
• The want “Stay Home From Class” can now be fulfilled by Pleasure Aspiration Sims that Skip class.
• Downtown NPC Sims now have ReNuYu Porta-Chug in their inventories so now they can all change their Turn On’s and Turn Off’s when they become controllable Sims.

The Sims 2: Open for Business Expansion Pack
Release Date: March 2, 2006
Latest Patch Version: 1.3.0.351

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/sims2ofb.jpg)
Box Cover Image

• "TS2:OfB" -- Common abbreviation
• "TS2:EP3" -- Alternate abbreviation
• "模拟人生2：商业生活" -- Chinese Title (Simplified)
• "ザ・シムズ2ハッピーショップライフ" -- Japanese Title
• "De Sims 2: Gaan het maken" -- Dutch Title
• "Die Sims 2: Open for Business" -- German Title
• "Les Sims 2: La bonne affaire" -- French Title
• "Los Sims 2: Abren negocios" -- Spanish Title
• "Os Sims 2: Aberto para Negócios" -- Portuguese Title (Portugal)
• "The Sims 2: Arbetsliv" -- Swedish Title
• "The Sims 2: Aberto para negócios" -- Portugese Title (Brazil)  
• "The Sims 2: Forretningsliv" -- Norwegian Title
• "The Sims 2: Funky Business" -- Italian Title
• "The Sims 2: Kauppa Auki" -- Finnish Title
• "The Sims 2: Megnyitottunk vár Az Üzlet" -- Hungarian Title
• "The Sims 2: Ve Svété Podnikání" -- Czech Title
• "The Sims 2: Wlasny Biznes" -- Polish title

Base System Requirements (PC)
In order to install and play The Sims 2 Open For Business you must have The Sims 2 installed and meet the hardware requirements listed below:

• Windows Vista, XP, ME, 98, or 2000 operating system.
• 1000 MHz (1 GHz) or faster processor.
• 256 MB or more RAM.
• At least 1.5 GB of additional hard drive space.
• Supported T&L-capable video card with at least 32 MB of video RAM.

Supported Video Cards:

• ATI Radeon series 8500 or better (7x00 models no longer supported), All-In-Wonder 8500, 9000, 9200, 9500, 9600, 9700, 9800, X300, X600, X700, X800, and X850.
• NVIDIA GeForce 2, 2 GTS, 3, 3 Ti, 4, 4 Ti, 4200, 4600, and 4800.
• NVIDIA GeForce MX 420, 440, and 460.
• NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200, 55500, 5600, 5700, 5800, 5900, and 5950.
• NVIDIA GeForce PCX 5300, and 5900.
• NVIDIA GeForce 6200, 6600, and 6800.
• NVIDIA Quadro, Quadro2, and Quadro4.
• Intel Extreme Graphics 82865, 82915, and higher.

NOTE: If you have a non-T&L capable video card, such as Intel Extreme Graphics, then you need at least a 2.4 GHz processor.

Base System Requirements (Mac)

• Operating System: Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later
• CPU Processor: PowerPC G4/G5 or Intel chipset
• CPU Speed: 1.2GHz or faster
• Memory: 256 MB or higher (512 MB recommended)
• Hard Disk Space: 2GB free disk space
• Video Card (ATI): Radeon 9000
• Video Card (NVidia): GeForce FX5200
• Video Memory (VRam): 32 MB or higher (64 MB recommended)
• Media Required: DVD Drive

SUPPORTED VIDEO CHIPSETS

• ATI Radeon: 9000, 9200, 9550, 9600, 9700, 9800, X600, X850, X1600
• nVidia Geforce: FX 5200, 6600, 6800, 7800

Beosboxboy says:
   sweeping change to game infrastructure to add support for businesses - custom content often must be made specifically for OFB or Pre-OFB version of games (chiefly refrigerators and support for being placed on business shelving); this is perhaps the least buggy release to date.  Others may disagree, but as packaged I find the idea of watching my sims work about as entertaining as stripping wallpaper. I would be more enthusiastic about this EP if EA had made it less an expression of manipulation, greed and capitalism.

What The Patch Fixes:
   

• Sims with final and class at the same time will no longer always miss final.
• Game will no longer lock out when traveling to a community lot from home in a car.
• Player is now reimbursed when using the “Move to Lots and Houses Bin” Tool on a  business lot.
• Game will no longer crash when deleting half walls that were placed adjacent to a stage.
• Pop up message that occurs after receiving a promotion accurately lists new job title, responsibilities, etc.
• The proper number of dates are now displayed in the memory for “50 First Dates.”
• Tilt, Spin, and Wobble will always restock properly.
• Game will not crash when entering EP2 lots after EP2 uninstalled.
• Servo’s Do Chores function will no longer override the Free Will off setting.
• Visiting Sims will no longer get stuck after drinking lemonade.
• Bug preventing player from sometimes leaving owned community lot fixed.
• NPC visitors will no longer get stuck if the exit points on lot are on uneven terrain.
• Wholesale Discount Difference is accurately subtracted when toggling items “Not for Sale”.
• Infinite OE no longer occurs when the Jacquets first visit J’Adore bakery after uninstalling EP2.
• Vampires do not keep vampire abilities after EP2 uninstalled      
• Players now gain creativity skill by working DJ Booth on home businesses.
• Placeholder textures on vampires that results from uninstalling EP2 fixed.
• Fixed exploit that allowed players to receive aspiration point refund after using aspiration rewards.
• While playing the J’Adore Bakery, second Sim can now enter taxi while there is a fire.
• NPC Reporter can now purchase lemonade from the lemonade stand without error.
• Female Sims wearing baseball hats now have the proper colored pigtail.
• Asking fifth person to join water wiggler no longer affects gameplay.
• Fixed infinite Electrono Ticket Machine pop-up message that occurs when Sim buys previously owned home.
• Managerial Interactions properly identified in Readme.txt file.
• Social bunny can no longer be killed.
• The “Under Construction” sign will no longer show up on the Electrono Ticket Machine if the users cancels the “Close Business” interaction.
• Hanging objects will now display properly when placed over a stage.
• Fixed a reset that could occur while groups of Sims play poker.
• Prevented a crash that could occur when a Sim tried to restock an object from their shopping cart.
• Former Nightlife NPCs will now have hair after uninstalling Nightlife.
• Game will no longer go into triple speed upon driving onto Downtown lot.
• Change text warning when moving a house to catalog bin.
• Open for Business toddler hair styles now appear in Bodyshop.
• The game will no longer load indefinitely on lots that contained ReNuYuSenso Orbs prior to installing Open For Business.
• Removed Call Taxi option on Secret Society lots.
• The “New Wave” and “Shopping” wall speakers will now retain their proper music type after transitioning between lots (instead of reverting to Techno).
• Added Open for Business icon to skins uploaded to the community website.
• Fixed a timing issue where saving a lot just as a Sim is about to go home could render the Sim stuck on the lot indefinitely.
• Resolved an issue where the “Reach Top of Career” lifetime and power wants would fail to satisfy if strings were pulled for the top level promotion.
• The proper warning message is now displayed when moving University lots to the lots and houses bin.
• Fixed a rare timing issue that could cause Sims to get stuck on lots if saved after the “Go Home” interaction is cancelled.
• Fixed rare object error that occurred during elevator use.
• The Open for Business icon now appears on the proper content in Body Shop.
• Sims will no longer get stuck on an owned community lot when traveling to lot in an owned vehicle.
• Players will no longer be locked out of live mode upon returning to occupied owned community lot.
• Furious setting will now decrease over time so that Sims do not stay Furious forever.
• Deleting an employee work outfit and exiting lot without saving will no longer cause lots to disappear upon returning.
• Families can no longer be combined when two separate families travel to the same community lot.
• NPCs now immediately sit down after accepting an Offer Free Makeover.
• Successful makeover for controllable customers now fixes previous failed makeovers.
• Successful makeover for controllable customers now brings up the Change Appearance UI.
• Ug-No-More Makeover Station can now be deleted properly while Sims are performing the “Be Stylist” interaction.
• Sims can now Offer Free Makeover to members of their family after starting a business.
• Offering a “Free Makeover” no longer causes Sims’ buy bar to empty.
• “Be Stylist” interaction will no longer drop out of queue if user performs social interactions while being the stylist.
• NPC Vampires will now return home correctly when visiting an Electrono ticket machine lot.
• Rooms built on half of the stage will now appear correctly.
• Sims will no longer get stuck in the car when the user saves during the “Get In” interaction.
• Cleanbots can now clean up baby bottles.
• Selecting different aspiration using the ReNuYouSenso Orb now displays correctly.
• Tombstones will no longer multiply themselves when saved on a shelf.
• Employees working as Baristas now bring in Simoleons.
• Making a single plate of hamburgers during breakfast hours now does not give out incorrect text notifications.
• Car stereos now turn on and off correctly after changing the stations repeatedly.
• “Offer Makeover To…” interaction now leads customers to browse the Salon Chair.
• Crafting stations and shelving can now be seen in neighborhood view.
• Employees will now quit a job correctly when quitting from a community lot.
• Sims can now make drinks from the bar on a home business.
• Families are now able to go to work when owning multiple cars.
• Teens will no longer have the same Small Business Career Work schedule and School schedule.
• Babies are no longer in the Downtownies pool for invited outings.
• Family Members will no longer glow green when using “Look for mark” perk.
• Puddles can now be mopped up with all wall items above them.
• One of the two Adult Sims will now be able to go to work if a Toddler is left at home without a babysitter.
• The oven portion of the restaurant stove cannot be used after food on it has caught on fire.
• Unfinished paintings on an Owned Community Lot can now be finished if a Sim leaves the lot and returns.
• Runaway teens will continue to remain on the controllable Sims skewer on the left-hand side of the screen
• Munchie Bots will no longer bring back invisible, non-interactable food when playing with multiple Munchie Bots.
• The Sim will now animate when using the ReNuYu Porta-Chug.
• Pool of Dateable Sims will no longer include special non-playable NPC characters.
• When being inducted into a Secret Society, the Sim will be taken to the Secret Society’s lot, not returned home.
• Hourly Wage for Sims formerly employed by user-controlled Sims is now consistent.
• Deeds that are placed on a Display Shelf and set “For Sale” will now display the proper price.
• Unintialized Servos will no longer cause rendering problems with Intel video cards.
• Teens will no longer leave a Business lot with unpaid goods at the time of curfew.
• Female Formal Dress now displays correctly in “Set Uniform” UI
• Thumbnail corruption for the Mission Seating line has been fixed for affected video cards.
• Baseball Cap is now removed when Sims change to Formal wear.
• Sims on a date on a community lot will no longer browse the Electrono Ticket Machine for the entire date.
• Single serving desserts no longer disappear from owner’s inventory upon restock.
• Sims will no longer vanish when traveling to non-owned community lots.
• Users are no longer locked out of live mode when visiting non-owned and owned community lots.
• Toddler Hairstyles now appear correctly in Bodyshop.
• Nanny track schedule will now coincide with Sims’ work schedule.
• User will no longer acquire Secret Society Funds when traveling to Secret Society Lot.
• Moveobject cheat can now be used to manipulate and place objects in out of bounds tiles.
• Re-entering custom college neighborhoods will no longer cause unmodified and/or occupied lots to disappear.
• Mission themed counters now have door/drawer opening animations.
• All hanging objects will now display properly over stages.
• Sim owned vehicles will no longer prevent fire trucks from leaving on a 3x3 Community lot.
• Bag of Poo will no longer break after installing The Sims 2 Family Fun Stuff.

The Sims 2: Pets Expansion Pack
Release Date: October 17, 2006
Latest Patch Version: 1.6.0.277

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/sims2pets.jpg)
Box Cover Image

• "TS2:Pets" -- Common abbreviation
• "TS2:EP4" -- Alternate abbreviation
• "模擬市民2：寵物當家" -- Chinese Title (Traditional)
• ザ・シムズ2 ペットライフ！ データセット - Japanese Title
• "De Sims 2: Huisdieren" -- Dutch Title
• "Die Sims 2: Haustiere-Erweiterungspack" -- German Title
• "Les Sims 2: Animaux & Cie" -- French Title
• "Los Sims 2: Mascotas" -- Spanish Title
• "Os Sims 2: Animais de Estimação" -- Portuguese (Portugal) title
• "The Sims 2: Bichos de Estimação" -- Brazilian title
• "The Sims 2: Djurliv" -- Swedish Title
• "The Sims 2: Dyreliv" -- Norwegian Title
• "The Sims 2: Házi kedvenc kiegészítõ lemez" -- Hungarian (Magyar) title
• "The Sims 2: Mazlíèci" -- Czech title
• "The Sims 2: Lemmikkielämää" -- Finnish title
• "The Sims 2: Pets-udvidelsespakke" -- Danish title
• "The Sims 2: Zwierzaki" -- Polish title
• «The Sims 2: Питомцы» -- Russian title

Base System Requirements (PC)

• 1300 MHz processor
• 256 MB RAM (512 MB RAM is recommended if you are running with a few expansion packs installed)
• Windows(R) Vista, Windows XP, Windows ME, Windows 98 or Windows 2000 Operating System.
• At least 1.5 GB of additional hard drive space (5.0 GB total is required if installing both The Sims 2 and The Sims 2 Pets Expansion Pack at the same time.)
• A T&L-capable video card with at least 32 MB of video RAM.

Supported video cards:

ATI Radeon(TM) series (8500 or better)

• 8500, All-In-Wonder 8500
• 9000, 9200, 9500, 9600, 9700, 9800
• X300, X600, x700, X800, x850
• X1300, X1600, X1800, X1900, X1950
• NVIDIA(R) Quadro(TM) series
• Quadro, Quadro2, Quadro4

NVIDIA GeForce series (GeForce2 GTS and better)

• GeForce 2, 2 GTS
• GeForce 3, 3 Ti
• GeForce 4, 4 Ti, 4200, 4600, 4800, MX 420, 440, 460
• GeForce FX 5200, 5500, 5600, 5700, 5800, 5900, 5950
• GeForce PCX 5300, 5900
• GeForce 6200, 6600, 6800
• GeForce 7300, 7600, 7800, 7900, 7950

S3 GammaChrome

• S18 Pro
• S18 Ultra

Intel(R) Extreme Graphics (see note below)

• 82865, 82915 and above

NOTE: If you have a non-T&L capable video card, such as Intel Extreme Graphics, then you need at least a 2.4 GHz processor.

Base System Requirements (Mac)

• Operating System: Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later
• CPU Processor: PowerPC G4/G5 or Intel chipset
• CPU Speed: 1.2GHz or faster
• Memory: 256 MB or higher (512 MB recommended)
• Hard Disk Space: 2GB free disk space
• Video Card (ATI): Radeon 9000
• Video Card (NVidia): GeForce FX5200
• Video Memory (VRam): 32 MB or higher (64 MB recommended)
• Media Required: DVD Drive

SUPPORTED VIDEO CHIPSETS

• ATI Radeon: 9000, 9200, 9550, 9600, 9700, 9800, X600, X850, X1600
• nVidia Geforce: FX 5200, 6600, 6800, 7800

Beosboxboy says:
   known custom content cataloguing bugs; Body Shop has Maxis-acknowledged catastrophic flaws; known face template errors; known species errors; known relationship errors; known accessory errors; now begins massive shift in layering method; sweeping change to game infrastructure to include pets - custom content frequently must be made specifically for Pets or Pre-Pets version of games.  I candidly hate this EP.  The only thing in the whole EP I can say I like is the werewolf, and it's no where as cool as I would have liked it.

What The Patch Fixes:
   

• Fixed an issue where pointed-ear dogs would become corrupt when moved into a lot.
• "Get a puppy" want is now satisfied when buying a puppy from a neighbor.
• Custom college lots will no longer be deleted if no Sims are living on it.
• Sims will no longer have Grand Vampire's hairstyle after being bitten by the Grand Vampire.
• Nightlife Game Tips are now correctly located in the Game Tips section.
• Influencing Sims to fight another Sim will no longer cause non-werewolf Sims to turn into a werewolf.
• Ground covers from lots can now be seen from Neighborhood view.
• "Barstool by Simulated Comfort" can now be used when 3 barstools are placed side-by-side.
• Werewolf, Vampire, and normal Sim skin types are now updating correctly at proper times.
• Graves moved to a community lot are now movable in Buy\Build Mode.
• Last member of a household can now be moved in when invited.
• Selling pets to other playable Sims now cause an exchange of Simoleans.
• "Rub Belly" want no longer appears for cats.
• Sims can now return home after visiting the Secret Society lot.
• Saved Headmaster scenario will now function correctly when Pets is installed.
• Pet houses no longer move off tile after a Pet Wohoo.
• Infants and Toddlers no longer appear in the "Invite Household" dialogue.
• Pet born of archetype breeds will no longer lose archetype attributes.
• Sims can now correctly try for baby under the maximum Sim limit.
• Cats no longer can become stuck in the litter box.
• "roofslopeangle" cheat will now function correctly.
• Custom Sims' face will no longer revert to a default face when moving them into a lot with pets.
• Turned on "HydroBot" and "SentryBot" are no longer deleted after installing The Sims 2 Pets.
• Two or more teens will no longer refuse to go to school if there is no nanny or adult on the lot.
• Hair no longer separates from Sims' head when werewolf teens turn into adults.
• Pets will no longer visit Downtown alone.
• Floor textures on stages no longer appear corrupt using the Eyedropper tool.
• "Tropico Avian Sanctuary" and "FMCU 3000" objects can now be deleted if the last Sim dies on the lot.
• Pets can now properly use helicopters to go to work with other Sims.
• Fixed a Chance card issue where Pets were fired instead of being fined.
• Sims are now able to call the fire department on an owned community lot.
• Awning can now be deleted from a saved lot.
• Sims will no longer lose career rank when pets retire.
• Puppies and Kittens can no longer be taken to work.
• Teens and Elders will no longer be promoted without meeting necessary requirements.
• Customer NPCs now change into new outfits that they have purchased.
• Breeding puppies now show genetic traits from their father.
• Pets Bodyshop is now compatible with older expansion packs.
• Extra erroneous panes in the "Glasses" category have been removed.

Last edit: 22. March 2007 -- corrected and added non-English titles

The Sims 2: Pets Holiday Edition (Pets EP + 2006 Holiday stuff) • Web Purchase Only

Box Cover Image Unavailable

See other posts in this thread for further information

The Sims 2: Seasons Expansion Pack
Release Date: February 28, 2007
Latest Patch Version: 1.7.0.158

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/ts2seasons.jpg)

• ザ・シムズ２　シーズンズ！ データセット - Japanese Title
• 模擬市民2：度假四季 - Chinese (Traditional)

Base System Requirements (PC)

• 1300 MHz processor
• 256 MB RAM (512 MB RAM is recommended for Windows Vista or if you are running with a few expansion packs installed)
• Windows(R) Vista, Windows XP, Windows ME, Windows 98 or Windows 2000 Operating System.
• 8x or faster CD/DVD drive
• At least 1.5 GB of additional hard drive space (5.0 GB total is required if installing both The Sims 2 and The Sims 2 Seasons Expansion Pack at the same time.)
• A T&L-capable video card with at least 32 MB of video RAM.

 
Supported video cards:

ATI Radeon(TM) series 8500 or better (9600 or greater required for Vista)

• 8500, All-In-Wonder 8500
• 9000, 9200, 9500, 9600, 9700, 9800
• X300, X600, x700, X800, x850
• X1300, X1600, X1800, X1900, X1950
• NVIDIA(R) Quadro(TM) series
• Quadro, Quadro2, Quadro4

NVIDIA GeForce series GeForce2 GTS and better (GeForce 6200 or greater required for Vista)

• GeForce 2, 2 GTS
• GeForce 3, 3 Ti
• GeForce 4, 4 Ti, 4200, 4600, 4800, MX 420, 440, 460
• GeForce FX 5200, 5500, 5600, 5700, 5800, 5900, 5950
• GeForce PCX 5300, 5900
• GeForce 6200, 6600, 6800
• GeForce 7300, 7600, 7800, 7900, 7950

S3 GammaChrome

• S18 Pro
• S18 Ultra

Intel(R) Extreme Graphics (see note below)

• 82865, 82915 and above

NOTE: If you have a non-T&L capable video card, such as Intel Extreme Graphics, then you need at least a 2.4 GHz processor.

Base System Requirements (Mac)

Requires the full version of The Sims™ 2 for Mac OS X to play

• Operating System: Mac OS X 10.3.9
• CPU Processor: PowerPC G4/G5 or Intel
• CPU Speed: 1.4GHz
• Memory: 256 MB or higher (512 MB recommended)
• Hard Disk Space: 2 GB free disk space
• Video Card (ATI): Radeon 9600
• Video Card (NVidia): GeForce FX5200
• Video Memory (VRam): 64 MB (128 MB recommended)
• Media Required: DVD-ROM

SUPPORTED VIDEO CARDS:

• NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200, 6600, 6800, 7300, 7800
• NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500
• ATI Radeon 9600, 9700, 9800, X600, X800, X1600, X1900

Beosboxboy says:
   This is one of the two "must have" expansion packs (Nightlife being the other one). This Expansion Pack actually adds a layer of verisimilitude to the game that is conspicuous by its absence in the game before.  This EP demands some pretty high performance from your video card, so you will want to make certain you have better than the base requirements or you will encounter a number of graphical errors.  The additions of this EP are more than skin-deep, the weather makes game immersion very pleasurable (even if the sims will annoy the piss out of you stopping activities to play in puddles, look out the window at the weather, etc), but the gardening and other interactive additions (e.g. playing catch, raking leaves, snow-ball fights, etc) make this EP worth both the money and the irksome bugs.

The Sims 2: Holiday Party Pack (2005)
Release Date: November 2005

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/sims2xmas2005_nonUSA.jpg)
Box Cover Image

• "Die Sims 2: Weihnachts-Pack" -- German Title
• "The Sims 2: Christmas Party Pack" -- Non-US English Title
• "The Sims 2: Joulupaketti" -- Finnish title
• "The Sims 2: Julpaket" -- Swedish Title
• "The Sims 2: Pacote Festa de Natal" -- Brazilian Title
• "The Sims 2: Zestaw Swiateczny" -- Polish Title

Beosboxboy says:
   known custom content cataloguing bugs, many must remove SP to regain missing custom clothing

The Sims 2: Family Fun Stuff
Release Date: April 13, 2006
Latest Patch Version: 1.4.0.142

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/sims2ffs.jpg)
Box Cover Image

• "模拟人生2：家庭娱乐" -- Chinese Title (Simplified)
• "ザ・シムズ２ ファミリーパック" -- Japanese Title
• "De Sims 2: Familiepret Accessoires" -- Dutch Title
• "Die Sims 2: Family Fun-Accessoires" -- German Title
• "Les Sims 2: Fun en famille kit" -- French Title
• "Los Sims 2: Decora tu Familia - Accesorios" -- Spanish Title
• "Os Sims 2: Diversão em Família - Acessórios" -- Portuguese Title (Portugal)
• "The Sims 2: Diversão em Família Coleção de Objetos" -- Brazilian Title
• "The Sims 2: Familiepakke – Stæsj" -- Norwegian Title
• "The Sims 2: Kul för familjen - Prylpaket" -- Swedish title
• "The Sims 2: Rozrywka rodzinna - Akcesoria" -- Polish title
• "The Sims 2: Pro rodinnou zábavu - Kolekce" -- Czech Title
• "The Sims 2: Family Fun Xtra Pakke" -- Danish title
• "The Sims 2: Perhepakkaus - Kamasetti" -- Finnish title
• "The Sims 2: Mesés díszletek - Cuccok" -- Hungarian (Magyar) title

Beosboxboy says:
   known Maxis-acknowledged catastrophic custom content cataloguing bugs - often cannot be resolved while SP is installed

What the patch fixes:
   

• Family Fun Stuff clothing assets will no longer disappear after creating a Sim with them in Create-a-Sim.
• Fixed object error that occurred when both the helicopter and nanny car arrived on family lot at the same time.
• Families can no longer be combined when two separate families travel to the same community lot.
• NPCs now immediately sit down after accepting an “Offer Free Makeover”.
• Successful makeover for controllable customers now fixes previous failed makeovers.
• Successful makeovers for controllable customers now brings up the “Change Appearance” UI.
• Broken Muchiebot no longer have dirty dishes stuck on their arms.
• Ug-No-More Makeover Station can now be deleted properly while Sims are performing the “Be Stylist” interaction.
• Sims can now Offer Free Makeover to members of their family after starting a business.
• Offering a “Free Makeover” no longer causes Sims’ buy bar to empty.
• “Be Stylist” interaction will no longer drop out of queue if user performs social interactions while being the stylist.
• NPC Vampires will now return home correctly when visiting an Electrono ticket machine lot.
• Rooms built on half of the stage will now appear correctly.
• Sims will no longer get stuck in the car when the user saves during the “Get In” interaction.
• Cleanbots can now clean up baby bottles.
• Selecting different aspiration using the ReNuYouSenso Orb now displays correctly.
• Tombstones will no longer multiply themselves when saved on a shelf.
• Employees working as Baristas now bring in Simoleons.
• Making a single plate of hamburgers during breakfast hours will not give out incorrect text notifications.
• Car stereos now turn on and off correctly after changing the stations repeatedly.
• “Offer Makeover To…” interaction now leads customers to browse the Salon Chair.
• Employees will now quit a job correctly when quitting from a community lot.
• Sims can now make drinks from the bar on a home business.
• Familes are now able to go to work when owning multiple cars.
• Teens will no longer have the same Small Business Career Work schedule and School schedule.
• Babies are no longer in the Downtownies pool for invited outings.
• Family Members will no longer glow green when using “Look for mark” perk.
• Puddles can now be mopped up with all wall items above them.
• One of the two Adult Sims will now be able to go to work if a Toddler is left at home without a babysitter.
• The oven portion of the restaurant stove cannot be used after food on it has caught fire.
• Unfinished paintings on an Owned Community Lot can now be finished if a Sim leaves the lot and returns.
• Runaway teens will continue to remain on the controllable Sims skewer on the left-hand side of the screen
• Munchie Bots will no longer bring back invisible, non-interactable food when playing with multiple Munchie Bots.
• The Sim will now animate when using the ReNuYu Porta-Chug.
• Pool of Dateable Sims will no longer include special non-playable NPC characters.
• When being inducted into a Secret Society, the Sim will be taken to the Secret Society’s lot, not returned home.
• Hourly Wage for Sims formerly employed by user-controlled Sims is now consistent.
• Deeds that are placed on a Display Shelf and set “For Sale” will now display the proper price.
• Unintialized Servos will no longer cause rendering problems with Intel video cards.
• Teens will no longer leave a Business lot with unpaid goods at the time of curfew.
• Female Formal Dress now displays correctly in “Set Uniform” UI.
• Thumbnail corruption for the Mission Seating line has been fixed for affected video cards.
• Sims on a date on a community lot will no longer browse the Electrono Ticket Machine for the entire date.
• Single serving desserts no longer disappear from owner’s inventory upon restock.
• Sims will no longer vanish when traveling to non-owned community lots.
• Users are no longer locked out of live mode when visiting non-owned and owned community lots.
• Nanny track schedule will now coincide with Sims’ work schedule.
• User will no longer acquire Secret Society Funds when traveling to Secret Society Lot.
• Moveobject cheat can now be used to manipulate and place objects in out of bounds tiles.
• Re-entering custom college neighborhoods will no longer cause unmodified and/or occupied lots to disappear.
• All hanging objects will now display properly over stages.
• Sim owned vehicles will no longer prevent fire trucks from leaving on a 3x3 Community lot.
• Bag of Poo will no longer break after installing The Sims 2 Family Fun Stuff.

Last edit: 22. March 2007 - corrected and added non-English titles

The Sims 2: Glamour Life Stuff
Release Date: August 13, 2006

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/sims2gls.jpg)
Box Cover Image

• "模擬市民2：時尚生活組合" -- Chinese Title (Traditional)
• "ザ・シムズ２ ゴージャスパック" -- Japanese Title
• "De Sims 2: Glamour - Accessoires" -- Dutch Title
• "Die Sims 2: Glamour-Accessoires" -- German Title
• "Les Sims 2: Kit Glamour" -- French Title
• "Los Sims 2: Todo Glamour Accesorios" -- Spanish Title
• "Os Sims 2: Glamour Acessórios" -- Portuguese Title (Portugal)
• "The Sims 2: Glamour Coleção de Objetos" -- Brazilian Title
• "The Sims 2: Glitter og Glam Stæsj" -- Norwegian Title
• "The Sims 2: Glitter & Glamour Prylpaket" -- Swedish title
• "The Sims 2: Szyk i elegancja - Akcesoria" -- Polish title
• "The Sims 2: Pro luxusní život - Kolekce" -- Czech title
• "The Sims 2: Glamour Life Xtra Pakke" -- Danish title
• "The Sims 2: Glamour Kamasetti" -- Finnish title
• "The Sims 2: Csilli-villi Cuccok" -- Hungarian (Magyar) title
• «The Sims 2: Гламурная жизнь – Каталог» -- Russian title

Beosboxboy says:
   known custom content cataloguing bugs - often cannot be resolved while SP is installed - occurs far less frequently than in earlier SPs

Last edit: 22. March 2007 - corrected and added non-English names

The Sims 2: Happy Holiday Stuff & Mini (2006) • Mini is Web Purchase Only

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/sims2happyholidaystuff2006.jpg)
Box Cover Image

• "模擬市民2：冬季派對迷你組合" -- Chinese Title (Traditional)

Beosboxboy says:
   does not seem to be as flawed as the 2005 Holiday release or the Holiday Sims combo-base game (which incidentally has been removed from distribution)

The Sims 2: Celebrations Stuff Pack
Release Date: April 3, 2007

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/ts2celebrations.jpg)
Box Cover Image

• The Sims™ 2 Pojdme slavit! Kolekce - Czech
• The Sims(TM) 2 Celebration!Xtra Pakke - Dansk
• Die Sims(TM) 2 Party-Accessoires - Deutsch
• Los Sims™ 2 ¡De Fiesta! Accesorios - Español
• The Sims(TM) 2 Juhlien! Kamasetti - Finnish
• Les Sims(TM) 2 Jour de fête ! Kit - Français
• The Sims(TM) 2 Bulis! Cuccok - Hungarian (Magyar)
• De Sims(TM) 2 Feest! Accessoires - Dutch (Nederlands)
• The Sims(TM) 2 Fest! Stæsj - Norsk
• The Sims™ 2 Impreza! Akcesoria - Polski
• The Sims(TM) 2 Celebrações! Coleção de Objetos - Portuguese (Brasil)
• Os Sims™ 2 Celebrações! Acessórios - Portuguese (Portugal)
• The Sims(TM) 2 Fest & bröllop! Prylpaket - Svensk
• Дополнение «The Sims(TM) 2 Торжества! Каталог» - Российская
• ザ・シムズ２ ホームパーティーパック - Japanese
• 模擬市民2：玩樂派對 - Chinese (Traditional)

Beosboxboy says:
   known custom content cataloguing bugs - often cannot be resolved while SP is installed - the lot that is included with the SP may cause problems and may corrupt neighbourhoods - not really much is in this one that is worth the effort of installing it.  It obviously needs a fix patch, but so far EA shows no signs of making one for it.

The Sims 2: H & M Fashion Stuff
Release Date: June 5, 2007

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/ts2handmstuff.jpg)
Box Cover Image

• The Sims(TM) 2 H&M® Fashion Xtra Pakke - Danish Title
• De Sims(TM) 2 H&M(R) Fashion - Accessoires - Dutch Title
• Die Sims(TM) 2 H&M®-Fashion-Accessoires - German Title
• Les Sims(TM) 2 H&M® Fashion Kit - French Title
• Los Sims™ 2 H&M® Moda Accesorios - Spanish Title
• The Sims(TM) 2 Divatos H&M® Cuccok - Hungarian (Magyar) Title
• The Sims™ 2 H&M® Fashion Coleção de Objetos - Portuguese (Brazil) Title
• The Sims(TM) 2 H&M® Fashion Prylpaket - Svensk Title
• The Sims™ 2 H&M® Móda Kolekce - Czech Title
• The Sims(TM) 2 H&M® Mote - Stæsj - Norsk Title
• The Sims(TM) 2 H&M® Muodin Kamasetti - Finnish Title
• The Sims™ 2 Moda z H&M® Akcesoria - Polish Title
• Os Sims™ 2 H&M® Moda Acessórios - Portuguese (Portugal) Title
• Дополнение «The Sims(TM) 2 Стиль H&M® Каталог» - Russian Title
• ザ・シムズ２ H&Mファッションパック - Japanese Title
• 模擬市民2：H&M 流行 - Chinese (Traditional)

Beosboxboy says:
   known custom content cataloguing bugs - often cannot be resolved while SP is installed - the clothing that is included is almost entirely female, very little added for guys - the clothing selections are IMHO butt-ugly and certainly not even the better things you might find at an H&M location - the build-mode items and objects are heavily biased towards the black, white, and red H&M theme, so much so that the SP is really only good for making H&M stores in the Weimar Republic flag colours. Unless you just love to waste your money on this sort of thing, I recommend passing on this one.

The Sims 2: Bon Voyage EP
Release Date: September 4, 2007
Latest Patch Version: 1.10.0.130

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/ts2bonvoyage.jpg)
Box Cover Image

The Sims 2: Limited Edition
a "combo" version of The Sims 2 & BonVoyage EP
Release Date: September 4, 2007

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/ts2ltded.jpg)
Box Cover Image

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS (PC)

• 1.3 Ghz processor (2.0 for Vista)
• 512 MB RAM (1GB for Vista)
• Windows(R) Vista, Windows XP, Windows ME, Windows 98 or Windows 2000 Operating System.
• 8x or faster CD/DVD drive
• At least 1.5 GB of additional hard drive space (5.0 GB total is required if installing both The Sims 2 and The Sims 2 Bon Voyage Expansion Pack at the same time.)
• A T&L-capable video card with at least 32 MB of video RAM.

 
Supported video cards:

ATI Radeon(TM) series 8500 or better (9600 or greater required for Vista)

• 8500, All-In-Wonder 8500
• 9000, 9200, 9500, 9600, 9700, 9800
• X300, X600, x700, X800, x850
• X1300, X1600, X1800, X1900, X1950

 
NVIDIA(R) Quadro(TM) series

• Quadro, Quadro2, Quadro4

NVIDIA GeForce series GeForce2 GTS and better (GeForce 6200 or greater required for Vista)

• GeForce 2, 2 GTS
• GeForce 3, 3 Ti
• GeForce 4, 4 Ti, 4200, 4600, 4800, MX 420, 440, 460
• GeForce FX 5200, 5500, 5600, 5700, 5800, 5900, 5950
• GeForce PCX 5300, 5900
• GeForce 6200, 6600, 6800
• GeForce 7300, 7600, 7800, 7900, 7950

S3 GammaChrome

• S18 Pro
• S18 Ultra

Intel(R) Extreme Graphics (see note below)

• 82865, 82915 and above

NOTE: If you have a non-T&L capable video card, such as Intel Extreme Graphics, then you need at least a 2.4 GHz processor.

MAC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

not yet available

Beosboxboy says:
   2 March 2008 addition: well, the fix patches are out, Pescado's corrective fixes in place, SimPE updated... I installed the EP and it's a lame goal-driven rat-maze, just like Vacation/On Holiday EP for the original game. Sadly, the whole point of a holiday is to do things like water-ski, snowboard, etc... all of which are conspicuous by their absence in Bon Voyage. No. Instead your Sims dwaddle about and learn how to fetch, roll-over, and be-a-pretty-boy-for-a-treat... not really, but if you're into that sort of sycophantic bizarreness, then you might enjoy BV.

The only parts of the BV ep I find of any merit are the camping and beach objects and the beach lots, the rest you could just as well do one time and all charm is lost.  Considering all of the market hype and the numerous bugs and complaints, it just isn't worth the money.  The hotel objects all look worse than stuff in The Sims (original) - which takes some considerable doing.  The build mode items might hold a little more charm if the sets were in any way complete; as it is many of them "theme" sets are only a handful of items that fall far short of dressing your neighbourhoods in Mayan splendour.

I have to say that pound for pound, BV is almost as worthless an addition as Pets ep.

Original post: As much as I want to like this EP, it really isn't stable or sane.  There are so many bugs in this EP that I have no intention of installing it on my system until after at least two patches have been released.

One Warez Group refused to "release this substandard software as the many existing bugs in the software left uncorrected by EA would result in us being blamed for the bugs and do nothing to improve our reputation." (Translated from Russian)

This EP uses SecuROM (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SecuROM) copy protection software, which is about like adding a combined spyware/virus/cancer to your computer.  The concensus of gamers that have encountered SecuROM in a variety of games can be reduced to this common wisdom: Don't.  Prior to this the majority of The Sims 2 components were released using SafeDisc (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SafeDisc) copy protection software which is far less "dangerous".

I strongly recommend that anyone interested in buying this take a look at this review at GameZone (http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r33151.htm) (external link) and this discussion thread at MATY (http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,9814.0.html) (external link, post at your own peril) before purchasing the Bon Voyage EP.

What the patch fixes:
Note: Not all fixes will take effect on existing The Sims 2 Bon Voyage saved games. If you have an existing lot, Sim, object or neighborhood that does not seem to be improved by this patch, we recommend that you replace the affected object, or create either a new family, lot or neighborhood, depending on what is affected by the bug.

• Sims will no longer have the option to call vacation service NPCs after acquiring the business perk "Head for Numbers" which was causing a crash.
• Sims will no longer have the option to "Call Taxi" using their cell phones if they have driven to the community lot with an own-able vehicle which was causing a crash.
• If the Sim misses the shuttle, it will no longer return to a vacation lot without the Sim at the end of the vacation. Sometimes, this caused the vacation lot to become unusable.
• Game will no longer create new vacation NPCs each time a lot is visited which was causing many issues due to character file overload. Any existing extra NPCs will be unlinked and their character files greatly reduced in size.
• Periodic Events Controller will no longer loop twice per hour through each neighbor which was causing extreme lag on certain machines.
• Autonomous water-balloon and snowball fights have been tuned so the interaction will occur less frequently.
• Housekeeper no longer repeatedly spawns.
• Children will no longer go on a vacation alone if their parent dies before van arrives.
• Riverblossomhills townies will no longer be invisible when The Sims 2 Seasons is uninstalled.
• Sims no longer pop out of hammock when WooHoo is rejected.
• Sims no longer get stuck during logrolling when trying to exit while another is entering.
• Children can now drink served juice.
• Undo and Redo can now be used on ClubCubes.
• Vacation guests no longer leave when a party at a vacation home ends.
• Locals now change back into native outfits after exiting water.
• Housekeeper now fills holes and fixes broken objects.
• Housekeeper now repairs servo.
• Sims no longer fall in love while chatting in a tent.
• Sim can now repair stereos.
• Pets no longer show platinum mood in thumbnail background.
• Bigfoot can no longer change appearance on the vanity table.
• Hotels no longer become Community lots after being visited by a Young Adult.
• Make Furry Friend vacation memento is now achieved by making friends with Big Foot.
• Souvenirs only restock when Sim has them in inventory.
• Sledgehammer Tool can no longer be used on Hotels by pressing "J".
• Sim no longer wants to learn a massage if they have already been learned.
• Polish Only: Fixed issue with hotel room pricing.
• You can now queue up multiple Dig For Treasure interactions.
• When clicking "Ready to Play" the Launcher now launches first.
• Sims can now be added to a group when "Walk To…" interaction is canceled and re-queued.
• Sims no longer become stuck in vehicle when transitioning from a Secret Lot to a Vacation Home.
• Customers reject a massage if the purchase price is set too high.
• Bigfoot can no longer be asked to go on Group Outing.
• Fire Dancer Mat and Food Stands cannot be placed in a Sim's inventory.
• Seating can now be removed from the Food Stands.
• Fire dancer mat cannot be set for sale.
• Having the Business Perks interface open when the vacation loading screen begins will no longer cause the game to freeze.
• Young Adults who are staying at a vacation home no longer have the option to Get Married or Move In another Sim.
• Sims can no longer assign others to be a masseuse.

The Sims 2: Teen Style Stuff
Proposed Release Date: November 5, 2007

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/boxart/ts2teenstylestuff.jpg)
Box Cover Image

The Sims 2: FreeTime Expansion Pack
Release Date: late March 26, 2008

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/ts2ftep.jpg)
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The Sims 2: FreeTime Lomuted Collection (base game + Nightlife EP + Free Time EP)
Release Date: late March 26, 2008

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/freetime_ltded_front.jpg)
Box Cover Image

Official Page: http://thesims2.ea.com/about/ep7_index.php (http://thesims2.ea.com/about/ep7_index.php)

Now your Sims can rediscover the joys of leisure time! Awaken your Sims' true passions in life as they discover and excel at all-new activities. Whether they're tossing a football with the family, practicing ballet, restoring cars with friends, or building train sets, your Sims now have more ways to build skills, enhance friendships, and make their lives more successful. Craft new, unique items for your Sims to use in their daily lives including clothing, pottery, and more. Your Sims will even unlock secret rewards by mastering their hobbies and advancing all-new careers. Explore a wide variety of new hobbies that will change your Sims' lives!

Features:
Discover your Sims' passion from a wide range of new activity types, from sports to science to arts and crafts. All-new hobbies include basketball, soccer, restoring cars, ballet, even searching for stars and planets!

Hobbies offer lifetime rewards. As your Sims master new activities they'll unlock aspirations, earn rewards, and uncover secret lots.

Once your Sims build up their skills, they can sell their arts and crafts or see how they stack up against the competition by entering dance, food, and video game contests!

All-new group activities are a great way for Sims to spend time with family and friends. There are even special activities for kids and toddlers, including an activity table for drawing and playing with blocks!

Hobbies can be full of unexpected moments, especially for Sims with low skill levels. Your newbie Sim might sew a bear with one eye, make a lopsided jar on the pottery wheel, get poison ivy while hiking, or who knows what?!

System Requirements (PC):

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

• 1.3 Ghz processor (2.0 for Vista)
• 512 MB RAM (1GB for Vista)
• Windows(R) Vista, Windows XP, Windows ME, Windows 98 or Windows 2000 Operating System.
• 8x or faster CD/DVD drive
• At least 1.5 GB of additional hard drive space (5.0 GB total is required if installing both The Sims 2 and The Sims 2 Bon Voyage Expansion Pack at the same time.)
• A T&L-capable video card with at least 32 MB of video RAM.

Supported video cards:

• ATI Radeon(TM) series 8500 or better (9600 or greater required for Vista)
• 8500, All-In-Wonder 8500
• 9000, 9200, 9500, 9600, 9700, 9800
• X300, X600, x700, X800, x850
• X1300, X1600, X1800, X1900, X1950

NVIDIA(R) Quadro(TM) series
Quadro, Quadro2, Quadro4

NVIDIA GeForce series GeForce2 GTS and better (GeForce 6200 or greater required for Vista)

• GeForce 2, 2 GTS
• GeForce 3, 3 Ti
• GeForce 4, 4 Ti, 4200, 4600, 4800, MX 420, 440, 460
• GeForce FX 5200, 5500, 5600, 5700, 5800, 5900, 5950
• GeForce PCX 5300, 5900
• GeForce 6200, 6600, 6800
• GeForce 7300, 7600, 7800, 7900, 7950
• S3 GammaChrome
• S18 Pro
• S18 Ultra

Intel(R) Extreme Graphics (see note below)
82865, 82915 and above

NOTE: If you have a non-T&L capable video card, such as Intel Extreme Graphics, then you need at least a 2.4 GHz processor.

Beosboxboy says: *pending release*

The Sims 2: Kitchen & Bathroom Interior Design Stuff
Release Date: April 2008

Box Image
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/beosboxboy/ts2kandbstuff.jpg)

Official Page: http://thesims2.ea.com/about/sp7_index.php (http://thesims2.ea.com/about/sp7_index.php)

Redesign your Sims' essential living areas into the most luxurious of spaces. Transform the bathroom into a romantic getaway with charming claw-foot bathtubs and calming lighting fixtures or give it a contemporary twist with beautiful glass showers, basin sinks, and more. Redesign your kitchen as you upgrade it with sleek appliances on granite countertops or romantic natural wood cabinets next to wrought iron stoves. Outfit your Sims in the perfect clothes and accessories to enjoy their lavish new rooms, from sumptuous spa robes to designer cooking aprons. Be your Sims' personal interior designer! Give them the kitchens and bathrooms of their dreams with a variety of new furniture, décor, and outfits!

System Requirements Same as The Sims 2

Beosboxboy says: Almost every item has already been created in the Sims community several times over, this Stuff Pack more than any other I have seen to date lacks any real point.

What Order Should I Install The Game's EPs & SPs?

Special Thanks to Chairman Greg for this list and his question in the help forum that resulted in this post.

• Base Game: The Sims 2 (any version)
• Patch: The Sims 2
• Expansion Pack: University
• Patch: University
• Expansion Pack: Nightlife
• Patch: Nightlife
• Expansion Pack: Open For Business
• Patch: Open For Business
• Stuff Pack: Family Fun Stuff
• Patch: Family Fun
• Stuff Pack: Glamour Life Stuff
• Expansion Pack: Pets
• Stuff Pack: Happy Holiday Stuff
• Patch: Pets
• Expansion Pack: Seasons
• Patch: Seasons
• Stuff Pack: Celebrations Stuff
• Stuff Pack: H&M Stuff
• Expansion Pack: Bon Voyage
• Patch: Bon Voyage
• Stuff Pack: Teen Style Stuff
• Expansion Pack: FreeTime
• Stuff Pack: Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff

Originally posted by Chairman Greg here (http://hullabaloo.simshost.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7860).

Some of you think that it does not matter what order the EPs and SPs are installed, this is not an idea EA/Maxis tech support would agree with.  The list above was confirmed for me by qualified EA technicians as the ONLY correct order.

Special Notes on the Aspyr Version for Macs
   I have continued testing the Mac version pretty thoroughly trying to resolves issues for Pets EP & other EPs/Stuff Packs. What I discovered is this: many meshes that have been made "bump-map enabled" may cause a crash of the Mac version, this is not a uniformly occuring bug and may deal more with video card drivers/extensions than anything else.

Another thing is the 12800 file limit, the Mac version can barely exceed that number of files in the downloads folder without a crash. The familiar problems of special characters and unicode characters in file names and long file names are still there, and with the Sims community being a world community, the chance of a Korean or Chinese character in the name is pretty high.

Display of some meshes is also problematic, many Mac users have reported a problem where the texture will not apply to the surface of the mesh or the fat/pregnancy morph of the mesh displays with an ugly grey texture even when not in use (I experienced this too in my testing).

Some hair truly unremarkable meshes will cause the Mac version to crash, and I am still figuring out why this occurs.

Then there are colour-binned hair recolours. Some of these work fine - others will cause a crash.

Whereas on a PC a duplicate mesh is more a nuisance than a fatal problem, it seems to always be a fatal error in the Mac version, and with Pets EP's version of Body Shop including meshes in the Sims2Packs, it is a hazardous thing to install any Sim made with that version of Body Shop.

Another consideration is that the game seems to not be affected by modifying the values in the max.proc, so one will additionally run out of resources and have rather crappy game performance no matter how you tweak the system.

As for hacks and mods. A good case example is InTEENimater. The InTEENimater depends on the various pieces loading into the game in a particular sequence. Much like extensions might run into problems if not in a particular order on the old MacOS (version 9 and earlier)

In Windows 98 systems using the FAT32 hard drive format, the issue seems to work based on the "write time" of the files to the hard drive. For a Windows 98, ME, or XP user with a FAT32 drive extracting the files one at a time in the order of their names generally works the trick to make it work.

In MacOS X it doesn't always work that way, and other techniques may be necessary - like renaming the files as one formerly did with extensions. There is no rhyme or reason to the way the game decided to load things in the Aspyr version that I have been able to determine. The people who have gotten the InTEENimater to work on Mac have generally tried many things and can't inform me which of the things they did made it work.

But my guess is extract the files one at a time in the order of their name, then delete the groups.cache and load the game - forcing the game to re-index the downloads. As I say, that is my best guess.

After seeing many of these problems first hand, I am not really sure I would have bought the Mac version for anything other than compatability testing, it seems plagued by far more bugs than the PC version. I appreciate all the hard work that went into porting the game to Mac, but I do not think I can recommend it or any Mac version of a PC game.

If you are wanting to play games - it still looks like a PC is the way to go because of the minute differences that are all the difference between an Intel-based Mac and a PC. Opinions vary, but I won't lie to you or allow a religion based on Steve Jobs sway my opinion: As a Mac-user for over 10 years, I have cordially hated my Mac since MacOS X came out.

There was a time not so long ago that I could run all Windows software on my Macs without a glitch, but that was under MacOS 9 and earlier.

More information about bugs with the Mac version of TS2 can be found in the Mac help section (http://www.insimenator.net/forumdisplay.php?f=317) of the forum.