The Sims 4: Island Living is the seventh expansion for the game and so far seems like one of the most in-depth in terms of new gameplay. I’ve been playing for a good few hours now, and yet I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of what this unique pack has to offer. Here are my first impressions of Island Living.

What Island Living Adds To 'Build And Buy' Mode

At first glance, the build and buy catalog appears to be lacking, at least in terms of quantity. The last two expansions, Get Famous and Seasons, really spoilt us in terms of build and buy items and Island Living has far fewer new objects in comparison. However, what we did get fits perfectly with the new world.

The objects all feel very tropical and totally at home in the new region of Sulani. They also include some fun new objects for sims to interact with such as aqua zips and floating loungers. While they may not be as numerous as in some other packs, the quality is very high and everything feels useful.

Island Living's New 'Create A Sim' Items

Create A Sim is heavily focused around warm weather clothing, something which has been lacking. There are new swimwear options as well as t-shirts, shorts, and sarongs. The range of clothing is reasonable but is slightly disappointing for younger sims, mainly toddlers.

The colors of the new items perfectly fit the island vibe and the new jewelry is a nice touch. There are also new tattoos, which is great to see.

Yes, You Can Be A Mermaid

You can create a mermaid in Create A Sim, choosing your own custom options for both mermaid form and human form. Mermaids don’t have a hygiene level; instead they have hydration. This is replenished by being in the water.

At first glance, mermaids seem fun to play and appear to have a couple of special powers which is a nice touch. The hydration mechanic is also well balanced and easy to replenish, meaning you don’t have to be conscious of it all the time.

So Much To Explore In Sulani

Gameplay is where this pack really shines. I’ve been playing for a few hours now and I feel like there’s still so much to explore. Already the welcome wagon is much improved, bringing kava to drink, instead of fruitcake to keep in the fridge for all eternity. You even get to keep the kava bowl they bring it in.

There are sand castles to build, sun tans to develop, fish to catch, boats to sail and even a cave to explore. I also showered in a waterfall and made friends with a dolphin.

Living on the island brings an entirely new aspect to the pack, and it’s one which is much needed. I was always sad that I couldn’t live in the beautiful jungle of Selvadorada, being able to live on the beach in Sulani is healing those wounds.

Overall I’m really pleased with the way this expansion has come together. The depth of it is still surprising me and I feel like I could get totally lost in this new world. I can’t wait to play some more and get further into Island Living.