I spent $20 on this UGLY green EA MANSION from the Sims 3 store... but was it worth the money?

[@eraserheadchicken]

Heads up for anyone considering buying this, it’ll be on the Daily Deal for under 500 Simpoints on June 16th!!

[@Rekowcski]

too bad EA doesn't do rain cheques lol

[@IunahYT]

No longer up to date so you must unpin

[@ElvisLivesUpstairs]

​@@IunahYTu can get it all free the whole store

[@headache_7422]

The house is amazing, but the realization that EA can absolutely nail the builds when they want, (or when they expect you to pay extra 20$), is making me soo annoyed.

[@Rekowcski]

I feel taken advantage of... but i ADORE this manor

[@patriciaking7150]

I was lucky. A friend over on the now defunct The Sims Daily site, was getting ready to get out of the Sims 3, and had tons of simpoints left over, so she actually gifted me this set. And yes, sadly some of the windows do glitch. But I love this set, and almost always play the dilapidated house. When I do, I move in a Sim with no skills, and as they gain some - mostly in handiness, painting, and gardening - I let them "fix" the place up. Of course, they have to have enough simoleons to cover the cost of replacement items - minus the trade-in they get when I delete the old item. It makes for an interesting play.

[@Rekowcski]

Someone was kind enough to give me a couple things off the sims 3 store, but this one I specifically chose and got myself. I love the build objects and I think it’s miles ahead anything the sims 4 is putting out. I think the price is high for what it is.. but I got mine on sale “daily deal“

[@ki4815]

EA must have hired a professional cause this is too good 😂

[@Rekowcski]

hahahaha you're probably right

[@indeboss]

Reviewing Store stuff is a great idea! I played in this house in Roaring Heights and it fit pretty well too (but I know nothing about architecture, so). The house itself is gorgeous and probably has more items in it than the entire Strangevile. Also, did you notice that these 2 cabinets at 7:33 are actually the same item from 8:50 but built into the counters using moveobjects? Now it's actually prohibited to use MOO for pre-built lots in TS4, as told by one of the devs.

[@Rekowcski]

oh wow what detail! I know that in sims 3 they are allowed to use MOO bc I see stuff like that even in the base game... and yeah now it can't happen in TS4 i think bc if you generate a lot (like from the gallery) and you DON'T have MOO, then the items just disappear if they intersect.

[@indeboss]

@@Rekowcski I remember that dev said they're not using MOO in their builds so that users would be able to reverse all the changes they could possibly make if they don't know about this code, but looking back, reading about this limitation, and considering the base game didn't even have MOO at first I guess they just didn't bother to fix the core mechanics

[@Lavendelaura]

I've recently gotten addicted to the sims 3 again after like 5 years of not playing it, and you my friend have been my knight in shining armor, still making TS3 content in 2022. It's amazing that because of you there's still recent content for people like me to watch!! Thanks for the laughs, dude :)

[@Rekowcski]

im glad u enjoy it... honestly i was playing the sims 4 for years and no one cared so I'm glad to be playing a game I ACTUALLY enjoy, and everyone else seems to as well!

[@littlewalrus1373]

I've spend quite a good amount of money on TS3 store only because I was too chicken to download CC. I finally got over it and started getting my stuff from Around The Sims 3. The creator has amazing stuff that's even better than the items from the store. The only thing worth getting from the store is the worlds and a few build items.

[@Rekowcski]

you're right... i really like a lot of the store worlds actually although I loved this venue, I dont think any others will come close

[@littlewalrus1373]

@@Rekowcski I got this venue on sale but those broken windows and doors alone are worth the money. I made an abandoned funeral home and this set was absolutely perfect for it. Very different from anything EA has ever given us.

[@littlewalrus1373]

@-- Baptiste -- I rarely buy any of the hair or clothes unless I can get them on a sale but alot of them can be quite nice.

[@karinako1265]

If all the EA's buildings were like this one, we would be living in the perfect society

[@Rekowcski]

unfortunately sunset valley looks like the counterfeit version of this style lol

[@karinako1265]

@@Rekowcski it's not only about style, I mean it would be very nice if all The Sims 3 builds have this level of attention to details, color combination, etc. But we have what we have: ugly bathrooms and half empty rooms :(

[@Juan_Ignacio_0k]

Holy sh, The Then version of the house is beautiful, i'm mesmerized O_O! and the creativity in the Now version omg! i kinda want to go and buy that house like right now

[@Rekowcski]

I would NEVER say spend $20 on an EA build... but honestly I don't regret it...

[@gabriel_de_bettin]

I want this house in real life… and in the sims 3… my fave thing from the store is the oven that comes with monte vista, that is the best

[@Rekowcski]

I use that oven in so many builds! haha

[@indeboss]

Talking about other Store objects, I think the ticket machine (from the movie theater lot) is such a great tool for public lots since it has a lot of settings on who can access the room and I always put this machine in pre-built museums since I don't find it realistic that they're just free

[@Rekowcski]

that's very creative, I bet you could use it for all kinds of community lots to be honest

[@lj2265]

This is why you should look for the Daily Deal spreadsheet lol I only paid $5 for this venue when it came up a bunch of weeks ago. And I just got the Last Venue of Amore with the gondola for $8 instead of $19 yesterday. And this morning I got Grim's Ghastly Manor for like $5

[@Rekowcski]

I actually got this one for half off I think. It’s tricky though those sales are all over the place.

[@allisoncampbell1631]

Honestly, would LOVE to see you go through and renovate all of the houses in SIMS 3

[@Rekowcski]

i was going to, then I did the landgraab mansion and it burnt me out... I should start smaller when I try again heh

[@fizziepop4421]

@@Rekowcski redo sunset valley so we don’t have to 😅

[@Rekowcski]

@@fizziepop4421 it would be a challenge, maybe one day ill release a fixed sunset valley

[@RRSIMMER]

Plumbbob95 has renovated SV and can find it on her channel 👏🏻

[@fizziepop4421]

@@Rekowcski I’m currently doing a rotational style play in that town.. I managed to fix most of the interior but the shape of some of those houses is so bizarre I have no idea where to even start 😭

[@fernandaa7334]

Please keep reviewing store stuff! There is a lot of sets and the reviews on yt are almost 10 years old. There is a lot of content potential there, and a lot of ridiculous and variable stuff too. I like that the outside archways/gates are inspirated in sims 1 archs.

[@Rekowcski]

I've already grabbed a few things that I knew I would like, but some of it sure looks interesting i have mixed feelings on the board walk

[@fernandaa7334]

@@Rekowcski the version of the house now could be a good rags to riches sorta of challenge, the sim would have to fix the house with only the money that they could get without a job. I feel inspired for your video hahaha

[@Rekowcski]

move in, set funds to zero and maybe turn off bills, you'll be good to go!

[@fernandaa7334]

@@Rekowcski maybe setting a goal like 10k for fix each room can be fun

[@MikaelaCher]

So i know this is like supposed to be a more victorian type mansion but on the outside it kindda looks like a pre-Great Depression mansion, like from the 20s kind of. And then it was abandoned, which also fits better with history because many 20s mansions were abandoned after the Great Depression hit! It also gave me massive Hill House vibes

[@Rekowcski]

You are quite right, it has classic elements that you would see in a 20s mansion that avoided Art Deco aesthetics. I’ve also noticed some legit colonial details, and of course the roofing and tower appear gothic... I think it’s a classic sims hodgepodge of styles they mixed, but at least it’s all styles I enjoy!

[@tiaw95]

Maybe you could do something like a ‘how to improve the exterior of an ea build’ type video. Just the basic things on what to do first, what to adjust, add, take away etc :)

[@Rekowcski]

Thanks that's a great idea! I was thinking of doing a build tutorial, but I couldn't think of what to focus on. This way it's quick an easy tips to fix houses we end up in anyway.

[@RRSIMMER]

I honestly don’t mind splurging on the store, but I will say the pricing should be much lower due to the sims 4 being out for over 7 years now. I’ve always been happy with things I’ve bought from the store though👏🏻

[@Rekowcski]

i agree I always wondered why it's still full price... i bet lots more people would buy things if it were less expensive

[@sla-un6ug]

I am shocked, EA can actually build? I was impressed by the then version, but the now blew me away. And I love how much story potential this house has! You could play as ghosts, or a Sim who loves architecture and bought this house to renovate it. You could renovate it step by step as your Sim earns more money. Love it!

[@Rekowcski]

i have no desire to even renovate either build, and thats so rare for EA houses lol

[@5959-z6p]

those are beautiful mansions!! the details they put especially in the Now mansion is amazing. twinbrook could never 😬 my fav store items would be the deliciously indulgent bakery set. i could live my dream as a baker lmao, definitely recommend that set. esp if you add Sim State's Open for Business mod, you can start your own home bakery in sims 3!

[@Rekowcski]

i've heard lots of people love the bakery! also there are several mods specific for it, like the one you mentioned so it's sure to be useful

[@16taysia]

Also the library is to die for!! 😍🥰

[@missliss2581able]

One of my favorite pieces of store content! I use the build stuff constantly. Right now I’m building a New Orleans inspired town and especially the French Quarter. Those ornate ironwork fences come in HANDY and look beautiful in other colors (I use MOO to place those lighted columns that come with the carousel/big top set in the same colors inside some of the fences. It gives a really cool look)

[@Suppitschele21]

That attic was giving me Casper vibes

[@CureSmileful]

I choose store over the splitting hair stuff packs that come with the sims 4, because Store explored other cultures and historical eras in very fun way! I want to focus on two paintings that come with that build, they both changed in "Now", they look creepy and I think "Timeless Beauty" is a reference to the book "the portrait of Dorian Gray"

[@MS-Melas]

I have to get this😃 especially because Riverview and Midnight Hollow are my standard towns were i always play in. But I'am not paying 20 euros or so for 2 houses. They want a bit over 20 euros for expansions so i'am not paying for this 😅.

[@Rekowcski]

i actually got it on sale at least... i wanted it and i noticed it was going to be half price in 2 hours so i waited (i'm a frugal sim)

[@Suppitschele21]

Wow. The sims 4 EA/maxis team could never.

[@Rekowcski]

lol we got a basement in a strangerville and we were lucky to have it

[@fivosfivos5644]

I always wanted to take a closer look at this house from the Store and I am glad that you gave us this option

[@Rekowcski]

glad you got to take a look before you spent the money, personally I am very happy with the build buy either way and I love it.

[@bellabelle3227]

I *HAD TO* jump off my roku after watching your vid and come to my computer to comment! I have played Sims since the beginning of 2, so I am quite familiar with the cash-grabs and controversy that came with 3. But I am finding myself getting back into TS3 this last year after my toxic relationship with 4 ended a long time ago, but I missed The Sims. While I was never a fan of the store when it first launched, I do love that you can get individual items (not necessary to buy a whole set) if you want now. Guilty of purchasing stuff recently too (the cupcake shop)! And I also love that these items are still available for an "old" game and that they still go on sale regularly! But moreso, I LOVE that there is still FREE FREE FREE stuff there too -- Get the holiday collections (yes, PLURAL collectionS) for FREE, including a XMAS tree, cute Santa outfits/hats, and other holiday stuff! Seriously, go get it so you have it before they put a $ on it - cuz ya know, EA = $! As for this house, thanks to your vid, I may have to get this ... I can imagine playing as a single down on your luck sim moving to a new town and into deceased grandma's run down place and finding that mess. You have to get a job and fix it up as you can afford to (1 part per weekend) or even update it to modern stuff as you go too (kitchen/bath). This sounds SUPER FUN! TS3 is STILL cheaper for what you get than anything in TS4. At least you know you are buying something that works instead of wasting your money on ... well, you know. I have never commented on one of your vids -- but while I am here .. just a big THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for not only doing what you do, but doing it in TS3, where content (and especially QUALITY content) is so lacking! Much love to you!

[@Rekowcski]

the cupcake shop is very popular, you're not the first one to comment about it haha thanks so much, im trying my best to show the world that the sims 3 is where it's at... I believe it's the best sims game we will ever get

[@sipsu77]

Honestly blown away by the quality of the build

[@Rekowcski]

I remain shocked to this day

[@alkv7604]

I like TS3S but the first thing that comes to my mind on it is the doll virus (i didn't experience it myself, only watched videos on it) i find it quite interesting

[@Rekowcski]

that was from the exchange I think, not the store.. but I could be mistaken, I wasn't around for that disaster initially.

[@allisonrood4985]

looooooove this house. this was the first thing i ever bought from the sims 3 store!!!

[@Rekowcski]

It was the first “non-world” i bought haha

[@hopelessromantic3786]

As someone who still plays the sims 3 with mods I've been loving the sims 3 kick your on right now

[@mim9000]

Aaaa when EA tried, imagine. Another lovely build, really enjoyed watching you analyse this!

[@Rekowcski]

ugh now im tempted to buy something else off of the store lol

[@mim9000]

@@Rekowcski do itttt

[@IsaoSoichiro]

I haven't used sim points but definitely will for a new world. My fav part of sims 3 is just wandering around doing random crap and looking at things.

[@whynikkiwhy]

At this point you could react to anything green, and I'd watch it 😂

[@Rekowcski]

fortunately I can just turn on any sims game and there will be a bunch of unnecessary extra green x

[@whynikkiwhy]

@@Rekowcski good, more content for us! Haha

[@Lovlyb35]

That Manor is one of my favorites.

[@quarendeen44]

I would totally get this! I love the dilapidated version. And I kinda have a love hate relationship with the sims 3 store lol. I love the exchange and other worlds but omg it's EXPENSIVE 😅

[@Rekowcski]

lucky palms was worth every penny, but ooof it was pricey hahah i totally get it.

[@federicao4609]

This house is so beautiful! wow! 😍

[@Rekowcski]

It really is! i loved it

[@nerd0Chija]

Hello, so YT algorithms blessed me with your EA houses review series videos so I checked more stuff and liked it, so I'm there. Definitely, I always welcome TS3-focused channels because they are still very rare (you know still The sims 4 is a game that dominates the simmer parts of YT heavily). Enjoy your new nerdy viewer. I also love the idea of The Sims 3 Store reviews, because even when TS3 was popular, people rarely did videos about it. Also, did you know that many wonderful TS3 CC creators are doing great TS4 to TS3 conversions? And I mean buy and build stuff from the base game, expansions, game packs, stuff packs, and kits. Would you be interested in maybe hunting for them and adding them in the future in the game?

[@Rekowcski]

I totally know what you’re talking about. I know someone did backyard stuff and I thought it was super cute. I’m down to check that stuff out. I’m planning on more videos so I’m sure it will make its way in

[@nerd0Chija]

@@Rekowcski I could easily recommend a few creators. I will not post links, because YT isn't the biggest fan of them (but you can easily google them). The most know quality CC creator that does conversions and their own CC is Sandy with her Around The Sims 3 webpage (she also does CC for TS4 (and she has done CC for TS1 and TS2 in the past)). Her CCs are always for free, but the newest sets are time-gated because she added early access feature for her Patreons (and I understand that, because hosting a website costs money) Twinsimming (nicknamed Twin) has its own TS3 CC Tumblr focused on the conversion of TS4's Maxis build and buy objects for base, packs, expansions, and kits. Deniisu's Simblr is another person on Tumblr who does 2t3/4t3 conversions, mostly Buy Mode with a side of accessories. She mostly does Maxis stuff conversions, but also from time to time converts stuff done by other simmers. Mspoodle's website on Wix named Mspoodle's Meow is a mixed bag of CC and mods, but still worth checking. Sometimes is a mod for TS3, sometimes she rips interesting elements from the rabbit hole, sometimes she converts stuff from other TS3, sometimes she fixes TS3 Store object or base/EPs/SPs and etc. xto3conversionsfinds is a Tumblr CC find blog that catalogs and reblogs all posts related to conversions from x to TS3. They have a nice tags system, and yes they also list all TS4 to TS3 conversions. Also, they have a separate tag for TS4's Maxis-made build/buy. (Bonus) misc blogs, not related to conversions, but still has cool stuff to check out: Sweetdevil's sims is a Tumblr mostly focused on TS3 store retexture/fixes for clothes and hairs and age conversions. She also sometimes does it for clothes and hairs for base/EPs/SPs (she also rarely does it to other simmer's work). She also has an interesting side blog where she lists all of her own and others TS3 Store CAS fixes, retextures, and age conversions. MissyHissy's School For Gifted Sims is a webpage hosting tons of different types of custom career mods. Most of them are based on real jobs, so definitely they are good universal stuff to add to your game. Missy Hissy has also her own forum (but people are more active on Discord) and her own Discord and she always welcomes all TS3 players. Sorry for such a huge infodump, but I hope it was useful for you x). Have a good day and enjoy TS3 in their new slowly rising golden age.

[@MaxineAndrew]

I am unable to process the possibility of you liking an EA build 😖😂 This was awesome! The compliments kept coming! I need to own this already because I really enjoyed this video 😁

[@Rekowcski]

I think this is worth the money IF you like the old fashioned stuff. These build buy can be used on a variety of old builds so honestly I'm happy with the decision I made (:

[@samuelcp179]

I am so so glad I found your channel! Thank you for showing off all the lots, I miss the sims 3 worlds so much so I love living my memories through your videos, and seeing my favourite homes again

[@Rekowcski]

I’m glad you’re enjoying it! I’m filming the next one as we speak ;)

[@samuelcp179]

@@Rekowcski yay! For now I’m certainly going to watch many of your other videos :) Thank you for your content

[@foxi-n2u]

This is actually stunning!

[@Rekowcski]

I don't usually recommend store items because they're expensive, but I use these items ALL the time and I loved the build

[@loke2534]

I normally don't comment on videos, but I've been watching yours for a while now and they're honestly one of the highlights of my day 💚 It's so nice so see someone play a Sims game other than the 4th. - Also I think you mentioned a Discord server at some point, but I can't find much about it. Is there any way of joining or is it a members/invite only? 👀

[@Rekowcski]

hi, welcome and thank you x, it means so much to be able to entertain people here u go discord.gg/ZCAGQfbq

[@loke2534]

@@Rekowcski 😊💕 Thank you so much!

[@ViceCityExtra]

I think its nice, but also very greedy especially as some items aren’t integrated properly into the actual game. Like the thumbnails in buy mode are different or the way it ties into skills is weird etc

[@ViceCityExtra]

Also since some items need store fixes that player have made. Specfically the gates and fences

[@Rekowcski]

great point, i've heard some people have problems with that stuff

[@mate544]

You really should take a look at the Daily Deal spreadsheet because no Store set is worth $20. Saves a lot of money. As for the venue itself, I think this is probably one of the most beautiful lots EA has ever made. Feels like a player built it, has a ton of detail and doesn’t feel empty.

[@Rekowcski]

i got mine from the daily deal, dont worry, it was a couple weeks ago, I just didnt get around to reviewing it yet :p

[@thegreenmanofnorwich]

I have it and always saw it as yellow rather than green.

[@josiebell9506]

This house would be great for a story line Legacy challenge

[@CarlDillynson]

The only thing I bought from the store is a good amount of the worlds. The fact that they’re all still about 25+ USD though after over 10 years of being available is ridiculous tho.

[@Rekowcski]

Someone was kind enough to gift me lunar lakes and roaring heights... they are amazing worlds, but my goodness you're right, what a steep price

[@CarlDillynson]

@@Rekowcski I’m missing Lunar Lakes, Lucky Palms, Midnight Hollow and Aurora Skies. My favorite store worlds for visuals are Monte Vista and Sunlit Tides and my favorite store world to play in is Hidden Springs (although the architecture there is awful lol)

[@Rekowcski]

My favourite all around is lucky palms, but I agree with the playing in hidden springs thing.

[@WarthogRacer]

If you use the freerealestate cheat in edit town and move in a bin family, you don't need to move a Sim into an empty lot and use the motherlode cheat.

[@Rekowcski]

thank you, when you play the sims for so long, old habits die hard hah

[@magnus87]

What I like the most about the Sims 3 Store is that you can buy worlds!!! You have 11 to choose from and being open as TS3 allows, you can enjoy just exploring them. I don't understand why EA doesn't sell new worlds for TS4!!!!, which in theory should be easier to develop since they are smaller.

[@Rekowcski]

my favourite things from the store are the worlds... lucky palms, midnight hollow... roaring heights! LUNAR LAKES! Each one is iconic!

[@ajhare2]

If I built the house I would've put the office door into the foyer where that couch is lol

[@lilfawn2700]

I can’t believe you got this green house I’m crying 😭😭😂

[@lilfawn2700]

Edit, I love green, I’m totally getting this house! So cool!

[@Lmfaochriss]

Love ea.. but ive spent tooooo much money on packs especially having to rebuy them so I will be getting it for free as a reimbursement😭🤣

[@Rekowcski]

if you bought 'my wedding stories' they owe you the money back as far as I'm concerned :p

[@missliss2581able]

Check your EA account and see if you have an orange button that says “redeem sim points” when you click your user name. I had to rebuy all the packs last year and a few weeks ago I realized I had 3,500 sim points sitting in my account I’d never redeemed. I used them to get the farmers market and surfing machine and whatnot

[@Lmfaochriss]

@@missliss2581able thank you for that actually.. Im just tired of spending money on the sims franchise tbh even ts3 store is wayyyy to over priced still and ts4 is just a rip off honestly

[@Lmfaochriss]

@@Rekowcski I did buy that trash pack.. it's so sad they are losing there core audience we are adults now it doesn't hit the same .. I'm back in my sims 3 phase .. I wish they would update it to 64 bit

[@gazerew]

what is this mod that you talked about that makes sims less likely to get stucked when passing each other??

[@toshj177]

The only thing I want from this manor is the stairs! and it's so annoying you have to buy everything just to get to the stairs! A lot of the stuff from the sims 3 store are sold in sets you can't buy one item you want sometimes! I have heard this manor can cause crashing for some people so picture spending $20 and your game crash over it.

[@Rekowcski]

I'm going to be using the venue so I'll let you know if I get any crashes.

[@toshj177]

@@Rekowcski I pray you don't!!!! Lol I believe some simmers are thinking it's the roof pieces that causes the crash? No one sure though

[@jessaye4921]

How much simoleons did it cost then and now?

[@lilah5273]

I love the sims 3 store

[@Rekowcski]

me too, it's where i waste my money instead of sims 4 kits haha

[@lilah5273]

@@Rekowcski same, no regrets tho. I’d love to see more sims 3 store reviews :)

[@MimeHTF5]

in which world did you place the house?

[@Rekowcski]

mysimrealty.com/EMPTYWORLDS_DeeryMeadows.html

[@MayumiSaegusaShiba]

how do you go first person?

[@Rekowcski]

you just have to hit "tab" in live mode

[@MayumiSaegusaShiba]

@@Rekowcski thank you!

[@lyrik5725]

What world is this?

[@Rekowcski]

mysimrealty.com/EMPTYWORLDS_DeeryMeadows.html

[@16taysia]

It's a bit expensive but it's kinda worth it...😅😅😅

[@Rekowcski]

i regret nothing lol

[@16taysia]

@@Rekowcski that's okay, I wouldn't either LoL 🤣

[@Life_Universe_Everything]

The worst part about the Sims 3 store is the price…

[@Rekowcski]

i literally only could get this because it was on sale lol

[@Life_Universe_Everything]

@@Rekowcski I believe there’s a chart for when things are sale, been a while since I last checked it.

[@Rekowcski]

@@Life_Universe_Everything that's exactly what I used

[@alyson_l27]

I'm baffled that you pay for store content I mean.... 🏴‍☠️

[@jonathanb1579]

I’m not supposed to say this but you could have simply downloaded it from the internet lol

[@Rekowcski]

it's too late for me... but you got for it :p

[@midnandlinkforever]

It’s a 10 but at what cost (answer: $20)

[@Rekowcski]

Don’t forget your soul lol

[@imelliam]

$20 for one house lmao. EA is RIDICULOUS.

[@Rekowcski]

I love the roof pieces though 😫