Let's Play The Sims 2 | Downtown S01E01 | The Phelps sisters

This is the first episode in my new Downtown let's play series, and we're starting out getting to know the Phelps sisters: Trista and Lakshmi.
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[@anachibi]

It's interesting to see how you figure out their characters. I often struggle with townies I'm not familiar with.

[@tonya615]

I love your playstyle so much! Watching you setting up a new hood gave me so much ideas for my own gameplay. And the way you get to know your sims is very interesting. To consider more than one hobby and even randomising it! I never thought of it, but I have to admit, it bothered me that sims of the same aspiration often are the same or to similar. Thanks for this episode, hope you are feeling better and the series can continue now! Can't wait! but I will ;)

[@AniBats]

Aw thank you so much, Tonya 🥰

[@townie-trait]

I really enjoy how calming your videos are. It’s like watching a friend playing the game next to you.

[@AniBats]

Aw thank you, that makes me really happy to hear 🥰

[@bclaire3887]

Hahaha love the Swedish touch with the Fjallraven Kanken bag in the bedroom ;)

[@AniBats]

Haha you caught me 😂

[@_P_a_o_l_o_]

Oh wow, 355 Sims?? How is this number so high? I wouldn't want to be in your shoes lol. But I'm so excited to see this new series! Thank you for all your content

[@AniBats]

Thankfully not playables - that would have been like my Pleasantview x3 😂 But yeah, I think it's a pretty normal number for all sims around the hood (townies, npcs etc)

[@TheGauld007]

So excited to see this Ani. I can’t wait to see how you build the world as we go along. When I’m moving in townies I often remove the random hobby enthusiasms they have as they can clog up want slots. If you remove it like you do with increasing or removing skills with boolprop then it’ll get rid of the wants once you just “reroll wants” with the sim blender. So you could consider that if you’d want the sims to show more variety in wants initially. But I can see how having the random hobbies initially also gave you some things to do. I love that the randomisation gave you Lakshmi or “Joy Despret” lol. Can’t wait to see her drama once all the boys have moved in. It’s funny that both the sisters have a high interest in crime. Perhaps that could allude to a certain family background in the crime world. The names are a funny mix too. Trista meaning someone “noisy or full of sorrows” and Lakshmi being a “good sign or omen”. Quite a contrast. Art and tinkering are pretty big differences too. Very old work skills/new age abstract “flowery” hobby lol. It’s cute that they both seem to like the girly pigtails and pink aspects though. Lots of potential for their story!

[@AniBats]

Thank you, Thomas 🥰❤ Hmmm that's interesting I hadn't thought of that!🤔 I think I like them having some enthusiasm in different hobbies to start out, because it makes it feel more like they have lived a life prior to me starting to play with them so I think I'll keep it, but thank you for suggesting it. Haha yeah, a great start, right? 🤭 I look forward to see the drama too lol I love the idea of them coming from a family involved in crime: that would explain why they left and why their parents aren't in the picture anymore. Wow that is so cool, I hadn't thought of looking up the meaning of their names, thank you for sharing that ❤ That's definitely an interesting contrast!

[@sopey6238]

I am so excited to see what you do with this series!

[@Meg-lb9bw]

This was such a fun episode to watch! Lakshmi is very cute; I loved her aesthetic and your ideas for her to be into cosmetology. I always found knowledge/romance sims to be interesting and a bit difficult to figure out, so I'm excited to see what happens with Trista. My headcanon is that their parents were in the criminal career/got involved in something dangerous so that is why they are living alone now, and why Trista had the lifetime want to become a criminal. I'm glad for Lakshmi's sake you changed it lol! Your playstyle is aways so enjoyable to watch. You are very creative but also realistic, which is something I try to imitate in my own game. Thanks for sharing and I hope you keep feeling better!

[@AniBats]

Thank you so much, Meg 🥰 Oooh I love that idea! It would definitely make sense that their parents were involved in crime - Trista probably brought Lakshmi (as a child) with her to Simstate University to get away from all of that.

[@lichan2728]

I like the name Lakshmi! Lakshmi is also the Indian goddess of well-being, abundance and prosperity ❤

[@marijkebotes4999]

I think you are spot on with your descriptions of the Phelps. So looking forward to seeing how all the personalities integrate. Thank you Ani!

[@mrakyvkafi643]

Ooooh yes, we're playing now! I love to hear how you think about the sims and their backstories! Can't wait for the next family. Thank you for sharing.

[@AniBats]

Haha yeah 🎉🙌 Thank you so much ❤🥰

[@sierragracedesigns]

Hi! I started watching your videos a couple of weeks ago and as someone who only builds in the sims 2, I find your household makeovers so inspiring and they make me want to play the game itself! Keep up the good work! ☺️

[@AniBats]

Aw thank you so much, Sierra 🥰❤

[@nervosims]

it's so interesting to see how you set up your game!

[@oljamedvedjeva3763]

sooo excited to see your new series! everything looks beautiful as always. and I admire how much thought and effort you put in every household! Hopefully you get better soon! 💗 Will you be putting a hospital in this hood? Is there a possibility you'll make it available for download, similar to how you did with the business center for Malcolm? If it's not too much trouble of course. Anyway, congrats on a start of a new series! 🙌

[@AniBats]

Thank you so much, Olja 🥰 I will put in a hospital eventually, but I doubt that I'll put it up for download since it would involve so much cc and since it would probably become a pretty huge lot in a city like this. But perhaps something smaller down the line ❤

[@mizmiz80]

Love this! Getting to see your hood setup process is a privilege and an honor :)

[@femmefa7ale]

It's so fun seeing you get to know the sims right from the beginning and your set up! I'm loving the series Ani!

[@emiec5678]

Yaaaaay!! So happy to be here for the start of the gameplay part of this series 🎉 (I usually binge watch series when they at least 20 episodes in) Don’t remember if Phelps was the original name of one of the sisters or if you picked it when you chose to make then related, but it makes me think about the Phelps twins who play the Weasley twins in Harry Potter hehe It’s incredible how many ideas you have, you’re so creative! Can’t wait to see where life takes Lakshmi, I love your ideas about plastic surgery and fashion design!! About the tinkering hobby, if I may give a few suggestions, there are the train set and the remote controlled toys as well. There’s also the option to blog about tinkering, so one could be an expert on the subject without actually practising it? Or maybe a youtuber who does DYI videos! And repairing / upgrading objects, you could have a sim who loves to thrift old and vintage trinkets to repair/upgrade them, and then either collect or re sell them in their own store. Don’t really know how any of that would play out in-game but if it gives you ideas I’ll be happy ! Thank you for this great video once again, have an awesome day ❤

[@AniBats]

Wiii, thank you for being here, Émie 🥰 Phelps was Trista's last name originally, and Lakshmi's name was Byall. There's actually another townie in Downtown with the last name Phelps originally: Zion. While setting up I accidentally named him and his twin brother Justus Phelps as well, and I ended up with two Phelps families. Realizing this, I decided to instead give them Justus' last name Andersen, which after reading your comment I realize was a good call because otherwise I would have had a real set of Phelps twins lol 😂 Thank you so much, you're so sweet ❤ Oh, you're right! I tend to forget about the train set and the remote controlled toys - I think it's because the train set is so huge, and the toys I generally just use for children 🤔 Blogging is a good tip too, thank you, it would make a lot of sense. I LOVE your idea of having Trista (or another tinkering interested sim) thrift for old objects and repairing them, although I agree that it's difficult coming up with a good way to manage it gameplay-wise. It would be epic though, and I love the idea of a little refurbishing shop with second hand items. Thank you ❤ Have an awesome day you as well!

[@kalika-1590]

already love this series, love how you developed their character and interests, their apartment is so cute, excited to meet everyone in the neighborhood and see what you plan for them!

[@AniBats]

Thank you, Kalika 🥰❤

[@gabyfraga9294]

A Downtown episode! I was waiting for this! Seeing you mention the thing about how you need to set the percentages on the sim blender and all of a sudden I’m wondering if I missed that and that’s why all of my sims are always so straight lol I’ll have to check that later You have a good point about the hobbies and aspirations being always tied to the same kinds of sims. It has been annoying me too lately, I might start randomizing them as well. People of all kinds of personalities have all types of different hobbies. Could generate some very interesting combinations About the tinkering hobbies, I would suggest robot crafting but I think you may have the mod that makes it science. In that case, she does give me woodworking vibes. I guess because of the garden and the artsy vibe of the house, it makes me feel that woodworking would have a bit of a country / natural / artisan vibe to it, idk, but I feel like it fits her Between the options for Lakshmi, I like the fashion and the cosmetology ones a lot. It does give me a nice vibe for her. Maybe she can own a hairdressing salon eventually, or a high-end clothing store. Both sound quite fitting for downtown :D Great start, it’s quite interesting to slowly get to know the sims with you like this. Very fun! Can’t wait to see where we go next :D

[@AniBats]

Thank you, Gaby 🥰❤ It could be - I was caught completely unaware "randomizing" my teenagers in Pleasantview for the longest time before starting to get suspicious. Then I tried out keeping randomizing the same sim over and over again and realized that I was only getting straight 😂 Yeah exactly, interest in hobby activities really shouldn't be tied to personality like that in real life I think, all kinds of people do all kinds of things with their freetime. You're right, I have that mod, but then again she is into science too. But of course, it would defeat the purpose of letting her build her tinkering hobby. I do like your thoughts on the woodworking - there really is something country/boho-chic about her - perhaps it's the braids, the flanel shirt and jeans skirt 😂 (or maybe the cowboy had she had at first). Thank you, I think I'm leaning more towards the stylist path for her too. You're right, a salon would be a great fit for her - or perhaps she could be matched up with the studio I'll set up for the celebrity gameplay - she could style people before the go onto the filming set 🤔

[@gabyfraga9294]

@@AniBats omg on set makeup / hair and costume work sounds amazing! I love this idea!

[@Shadowfire1223]

YESSS I'm so excited for this series!! these are a whole new slew of townies to play with and I'm gonna enjoy it

[@AniBats]

Yey, thank you 🥰❤ Haha yeah the romance aspirations are going to make things interesting no doubt! Thanks for the suggestion, a science center sounds interesting 🤔 I've had a lot of fun playing with the one in Pleasantview so if there are more science interested sims in the hood, it could definitely be fun. I have considered the mod, but I have decided against it - I actually prefer having the servings collected on the serving plates since it makes it easier to keep track of what's in the fridge.

[@oljamedvedjeva3763]

Damn, sorry for polluting the comment section with many comments instead of a single bigger one, but I comment as I watch. Career idea for the older sister: since she's into tinkering and science, plus is shy but neat and active, maybe she can be into robotics? Not necessarily plumbot level, but she can make cleaning, watering and security robots and her future partner can sell them in a little business.

[@AniBats]

Oh don't worry about that, I appreciate you taking the time to comment - doesn't matter if it's several or one big one ❤ Hmmm that's a really great idea actually, I can totally see that. I do have a mod that makes the robot station give science hobby enthusiasm instead of tinkering, but she's into science too so it could definitely be a good mix. I'll keep that in mind! 🥰

[@ShadowGames666]

it like the idea of Lakeshmi going into cosmetology. i think she just took the medical career to save up to get the makeover chair and a building for her business

[@AniBats]

Yeah that makes sense, considering their living conditions, I'm sure she's picked the first best job just to be able to help Trista out. I'm leaning more towards the stylist path for Lakshmi so I think that'll end up being what I go with ❤

[@ShadowGames666]

@@AniBats ive done tha story line where they have no money so i make the teen grab the first job that pops up for extra money

[@Em_101]

Finally sitting down and watching this video. Lovely way to wind down after a busy day. I enjoy watching how you set up the hood and excited to see where this series goes! ❤️

[@MsKittyKitty555]

I get that weird "invite someone home" then it asks your sim to change jobs thing a lot. I'm not sure what the specifics of it are, but I think it's either a result of the game wanting to give you one of the chance cards that says "coworker thinks you would be great in the ... career track" and not being able to find a townie to fill a name in or it's a quirk with the more careers bundle that adds the npc jobs for your playables. I added the career pack around the same time as the no townie regen mod for a custom hood, so I have no idea which one it is or if it's something else. I'm leaning towards the career pack being the cause because the game may not recognize the custom careers to generate the chance card correctly. I love this game.

[@AniBats]

Oooh that's interesting! 🤔 I've had the npc jobs mod in my game for years but haven't see it before that I remember, but of course I haven't used the full pack but only three of the careers in it (maid, bartender and handyman). However, I did recently add in another custom job (Jacoban). I wonder if it has anything to do with that 🤔 Your theory sounds plausible - after all, making a whole new career is probably very complex, and I'm sure there are these kinds of issues can be difficult to avoid.

[@TeaAddict]

Loved this!!! So fun to see the start of this hood and to watch your process of figuring out the Sims and getting to know them 😊 can't wait for there to be a Downtown Highschool aha, that's going to be drama central I can tell

[@AniBats]

Thank you, Beth 🥰❤ Haha oh yeah, that's going to be interesting for sure 😂 Can't wait to see how the teens interract with one another.

[@goranmilosevic420]

Yay loved this! Thanks a bunch for this series

[@letitsimmer94]

What an interesting start, love what you have done with the apartment. Especially the backyard garden, really cool!

[@merlee5942]

It's cool seeing how you set up your neighborhoods! The sisters' apartment turned out so cute. They both are very talented, so there are a lot of career options for them. I find it's very easy to get caught up in the cycle of trying to set everything up when I'm starting a new integrated hood, because I want everything to be perfect 😅 but it's such a good idea to play 1 round before setting up the schools and such because you can build out the neighborhood more organically

[@AniBats]

Thank you, Merlee 🥰❤ I know, it's so easy to get trapped in the set up phase and thinking, as you say, that it must be perfect at once - I've been there so many times before. But this way I have found is much better to keep the interest alive and not to burn out on it, if that makes sense

[@sleepycozygamer]

your voice is so comforting!

[@argeliacepedahernandez361]

Hola Ani, no sabía que estabas enferma pero alegra mucho saber que te sientes mejor, estaba tan emocionada por ver este video🎉 y como siempre todo wooow, me encanta tu modo de juego aunque para mí sería algo complicado, pero adoro ver tus videos, lo mire todo mientas mi hijo tomaba su siesta😅, ahora quiero toda tu carpeta de cabellos 😅 Que alegría volver a verte por acá, por cierto, ya terminé mis departamentos y casas adosadas, ahora necesito resolver como tomar las fotos y mostrartelas❤

[@AniBats]

Thank you so much, Argelia ❤🥰 Many of the hairs are up on my pinterest: www.pinterest.se/anionebats/ I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures! I'm on tumblr, twitter (x) and am checking in on the r/sims2 (reddit) at times, so any of those places could work for sharing them.

[@BellaDovah]

Hope you’re feeling better! Can’t wait to see how the sims start to interact with each other. It’s interesting to observe you getting to know them, as I often struggle to develop much of a character behind townies!❤

[@7hkey]

Hi, first time watcher here :) Neat editing: with the speeding up the more repetitive parts and especially adding text regarding the mods you use! Can I ask, how are the driveways linked to specific apartments? Till now the only way I knew for appartment sims to have a car was to have the appartment entry door going through the garage - not very elegant ;p

[@7hkey]

Oh, youtube just suggested your downtown 0.2 video: Invisible fencing! So basically the driveway is enclosed in the "garden" that is accessible to only one apartment? Brilliant!

[@AniBats]

Welcome to the channel! ❤ Thank you so much for the feedback on the editing. It's not something people often comment on so it's super helpful to know if it works or not. Yeah exactly, invisible fences combined with the driveway extention and not the one where they pull in from the road. So the cars sort of teleport in ts3 style, but it works!

[@7hkey]

@@AniBats I finally implemented it, and worked! Yes, as you mentioned, pity that the "car rolling into the street" animation gets replaced with a teleport - I still appreciate the feature: better a teleport than the game crashing or throwing an error when the car on the extension driveway doesn't have a clear path to the street. At least we can still see the sims entering the car, instead of teleporting into it *cough*latestsimsgames*cough* - Gotta love how lovely crafted the Sims 2 animations are. :) Thanx again for sharing your playthrough/building :)

[@Alexandre2133]

Hi Ani, I hope you're feeling better! Do you use any terrain replacements? And what do you think of using a Clean UI to change the classic blue color? I've found a black one and I think you would like it. Excited for the donwtown storiessss

[@AniBats]

Thank you, Alexandre 🥰❤ Yeah, I have these terrain replacements: Lush: Criquette's "Rural Charm" criquette-was-here.tumblr.com/ruralcharm Desert: iCad's edited CuriousB terrain dramallamadingdang.tumblr.com/post/162351350319/ Dirt and concrete: CuriousB's "RadianceSeasons" bundle simfileshare.net/folder/21391/ It's probably just nostalgia, but I actually think the classic UI is the best one. If I would change it though, I think you're right that I'd like the black one the best 😊

[@ShadowGames666]

oooooh yay sims video....... i muchly need this as my sims game refuses to open unless i remove the sims 2 folder and restart new after closing every time and i cant figure out why :(

[@AniBats]

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear that! Are you deleting the cashe files regularly? It sounds to me like that kind of issue - whenever the game has refused to open for me, it's been the cashe files causing it.

[@ShadowGames666]

@@AniBats yeah, but i found out that it was one of the CC clothing or furniture i got so im now doing an overhaul of cc

[@AniBats]

Oooh man, digging out offending cc is always so rough, I'm glad you found it!

[@ShadowGames666]

@@AniBats it is, i didnt find the specific cc that caused it but remember the sites i used. so wont beb using those sites fr cc despite liking the items from it

[@oljamedvedjeva3763]

Oh, also, there's a Career calculator by Cindy from PleasantSims that can potentially help in a situation where you're not sure what career to choose for your sim.

[@8484terry]

Hi, I really enjoy your video, is there a specific enb (lighting) mod that you use? It looks great

[@AniBats]

Thank you 🥰 I use the classic Gunmods's Radiance Light System: modthesims.info/d/290746/gunmod-s-radiance-light-system-2-4-4-29-09.html

[@melekbens881]

Heyy ! thanks for the lovely content! I really love this apartment can you share it?

[@AniBats]

Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying it 🥰❤ I don't have the time currently, but perhaps sometime next year. No promises though

[@melekbens881]

thank you🥰❤ ! Do you use reshade? If so which preset cause your game looks lovely and realistic @@AniBats

[@AniBats]

I don't use reshade but I do have a lighting mod: Gunmod's Radiance Light System 2.4: modthesims.info/d/290746/gunmod-s-radiance-light-system-2-4-4-29-09.html If you do decide to get it, I recommend getting it with the Scriptorium, where it's included with automatic installation. That way you also get a great program that allows you to easily install cc stairs, fireplaces etc without editing the game files 😊 The Scriptorium is here: modthesims.info/d/192613/the-scriptorium-v-2-2f-bugfix-radiance-2-4.html

[@melekbens881]

Oh ! I never knew there was a version like that! Thank you so much Ani! @@AniBats

[@emmaandersson9838]

random, are you Scandinavian?

[@emmaandersson9838]

and what cc hair is the little sister wearing with the braids/ponytails? :)

[@AniBats]

I am yeah, swedish 😊 The hair is called "Freaky" and was made by Leahlilith, converted by Rentedspace, and retextured by Lunacress. It's available on this page: lunacress.dreamwidth.org/23431.html

[@emmaandersson9838]

Alltid tyckt din vibe varit nostalgisk så that makes a lot of sense haha, tack för länken och fin kanal! Keep it up