The Sims : A Retrospective, History & Deep Dive FULL DOCUMENTARY

[@TrueNorthLocks]

Just the music brings back so many memories 🖤🖤🖤 I actually met my now husband on The Sims Online in 02 😂 We've been together for almost 22 years and have a daughter. Thanks Maxis!!!

[@kv1942]

Wow that’s amazing!

[@federicao4609]

That's great!

[@caitlin8274]

omg that’s crazy!

[@Haffmatthew]

That’s beautiful! You should check out the modern iteration of the sims online that’s fans have made available to us all for free. 😊

[@jasondomican1991]

Oh that is genuinely so beautiful congratulations

[@monicherisch]

Why does this video feel like a true crime documentary??? I'm having a great time, though. Amazing video. Edit: It was just the intro. I'm not scared anymore.

[@mamaof3kids4keets28]

I was an adult when the game released, in my early 20's. I noticed I am much older than many I hear reminisce about the game. I used games like this to relax and unwind after a hectic workday.

[@Rekowcski]

I was 10 when the sims 1 came out and I'm older than the other simtubers 😭

[@benn87]

@@Rekowcski I was 13.

[@Rekowcski]

@@benn87 We are in LGR's age bracket haha

[@NikkiNotion]

I was about that age too!

[@TheDawnofVanlife]

Me too played Sims in my early 20s and never could afford the expansions. Lived with mom and worked a crappy little job. My mom barely touched the home computer, so it felt like my personal machine tho it was in the family room. I rotate sims 2 and 4 these days and have a laptop and a desktop better for games. But sims is absolutely a fun after work chill activity when I don’t want an intense game.

[@louismartinez4335]

I was about 10 when I first played The Sims and it was at my neighbors house. I would go over and play for hours as my family did not have a proper computer at the house. Two years later, my oldest brother convinced my parents to get a power Mac G4 and they did. Apple had The Sims available at the time and I spent countless hours playing it. This brings back so many memories. I’m a 30 year old who now plays Sims 4 on a laptop!

[@Rekowcski]

I was 10 years old too playing the sims 1... I played the base game at my cousin's house then when "living large" came out I HAD to have it!

[@UppityBaldGinger]

That intro movie man. The first time I saw it on my screen.....what a good time. I miss the good ol' days.

[@pelluna941]

As I have revisited The Sims 1 recently as an adult, I can confirm that it is a hidden survival horror game. What was pure innocent fun in childhood, has now uncovered its harsh depiction of modern capitalist society. Playing it can feel mostly exhausting, like real life. But around that dark core, there is still a lot of creative fun to be had! Some aspects surprised me with their depth, like dating in community lots, which honestly felt the most fun compared to newer Sims games. Thank you for this excellent essay! Your channel is amazing 🎉

[@Rekowcski]

Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoyed the video and have an appreciation for such a classic gaming experience ❤️

[@apparentlyawesome1]

I came upon The Sims franchise during Sims 2 so this was a cool way to learn about the one I missed. Here's hoping they shock us all during the summit and announce they're bringing Sims 1 and 2 back to play. I know it won't happen but I can dream 😂

[@AnAverageGoblin]

abandonware has both for free.

[@VultureSkins]

You can try emulating :)

[@therainbowcat3]

The framing of this video was so unique! I feel like I just played the Sims for the first time ever (again)

[@Rekowcski]

That was exactly what I was going for!

[@almostyummymummy]

Jesus... barely four weeks after the game came out, I turned 29. I spent so many hours on it. Even pulled a few all nighters, knowing it was not a good idea given the job i had at the time. Oh, that music brings back so many happy memories.

[@friskykicks]

i LOVE the progression of chaos in this retrospective. very true to TS1

[@gingerconnoisseur7395]

The acting?? The quality??? Amazing! 👏 👏 👏

[@Rekowcski]

Thank you I did my best x

[@leslie2149]

This was awesome! The Sims was a game I wanted to play from the moment I read my first article on the first game. Unfortunately I had no computer to play it on and wouldn't have one for several years. I did get Sims on the PS2 so that helped! Ah, the joy of sims who grump about a lack of sleep! Housemates who refuse to answer a phone! The no days off from work or school! The burglar music that scared me half to death the first time it played, the social worker taking my baby away because my sim was too busy complaining about being woken up to go and take care of her, the Goths constantly mourning at the graves of loved ones and the wonderful build/buy music. Ah. Thank-you for the tour down memory lane. Now I think I have to boot up my game and go play some!

[@GargamelGold]

Rekowski, Part 2 could be a brief overview of all the Sims 1 expansion packs. Also hoping you do a Sims 2 retrospective and maybe even a Sims 3 retrospective as well

[@Rekowcski]

We all know I probably won't bother with sims 4 haha

[@GargamelGold]

@@Rekowcski, You probably should try to do a single video on some of the things EA actually did right with the Sims 4, just to be fair, since there are at least a few things that are kind of hard to argue with.

[@Rekowcski]

@@GargamelGold that would actually be groundbreaking.... if i did this video i would credit you for the idea thank you

[@GargamelGold]

@@Rekowcski, Thanks. I actually suggested it to you awhile back

[@geertjanvredeveld1435]

When I was 10, I remember eagerly starting up The Sims for the first time. Prior to that, I had played SimCity 3000 and SimCity 3000 Unlimited (borrowed from the library) and stumbled upon a short trailer of The Sims in the files. I was thrilled and begged my dad to buy it for me. It felt like ages, but one evening my dad surprised me with The Sims after coming home from work. Despite my super slow-loading PC, I played it that evening and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. I eventually collected every expansion pack. The best part of that time was definitely the music, and I still listen to The Sims soundtrack on Apple Music once in a while.

[@Rekowcski]

I've been using sims 1 music in my videos for a long time. They're free from copyright problems and, of course, are exquisite to listen to

[@mynameism14]

I liked it even before watching. So much research, such great editing! I know how hard you must have worked on this video and I can't even express how much I appreciate it. TS1 will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for keeping it alive.

[@Rekowcski]

Sims 1 needed to be immortalized and I hope I captured the vibe 💕

[@adlersebastian]

what an AMAZING documentary! i'd love a video like this for the other games of the franchise as well 🥺

[@waretaSL]

Man, this is great. The production value is just insane. Thanks so much for the great video!! ❤

[@Rekowcski]

Thanks i did it all myself 😭

[@westanimesims]

The music and mood bring ls back nostalgia! Wonderfully written descriptive writing as you walk through the experience playing the Sims 1 in the early 2000s.

[@Rekowcski]

I wanted to do something different so I'm glad it came through 💕

[@benn87]

0:30 That just put a huge smile on my face. Not many games manage to do that anymore.

[@juliettehout3746]

It has been more than 20 years… And I still have the Sims1 on my laptop that I play occasionally and STILL find out new things. This game is so amazing that people still play it years and years later❤️

[@Cutheresmt]

"HE IS A BOOMER" made me LOL

[@roseandlotus]

@@Cutheresmt same! SO FUNNY!

[@xbjrrtc]

I love the spooky, true crime background music 😂 Love you, Rek

[@Rekowcski]

thank you cat xo

[@krazykaid]

HOW DOES THIS ONLY HAVE 17k VIEWS

[@Rekowcski]

Sadly, KZbin isn't a meritocracy 😭

[@krazykaid]

@@Rekowcski awh that sucks, I hope you get more recognition :)

[@HarperSophia]

@@Rekowcskiyup because I had no idea this was here until I went to your channel. It didn’t come across my subscribed stream of videos on the home page.

[@RRSIMMER]

I bought this game at a garage sale when I was a kid and became a simmer ever since☺️ Also put the sims 1 soundtrack in my videos when I started on KZbin and after that found other simmers doing the same and it’s so calming ☺️

[@Rekowcski]

I've been doing it for years! They're royalty free and great pieces, you can use them in non sims content as well

[@bookoflovee]

this made me want to play the sims 1 again! also princess ea bio description 😭😭😭 i hope this becomes a series, very funny and well done mwah ❤

[@Rekowcski]

Princess EA sneaks her way into so many of my videos 😭

[@xXOpenYourHeart759Xx]

I love the subtle roast of EA at 18:23😆 Great video! I never knew all of the specific stats traits have on gameplay.

[@Rekowcski]

Most have my videos have some sort of EA shade hidden in them XD

[@_niconiconii]

Recowski! This is not the content i was expecting from you but I love it. I like that you chose to tell it like a story and not just factually. It made it a lot of fun.

[@Rekowcski]

I really wanted to do something unique, thank you for noticing

[@_niconiconii]

@@Rekowcski You absolutely did! I think telling it as a narrative makes it special and memorable :)

[@davidfl4]

Your documentary inspired me to write a horror story told from the perspective of a sim🤘loved this😁

[@nathanbentley1939]

I, for one, would love to see a follow-up going over the expansion packs.

[@thejinks-lx4qf]

Welcome back we missed you

[@Rekowcski]

Thank you, my break was secretly making this haha

[@XionSolitude]

_Tbh you make me feel comforted, you remind me of something I don't have I guess. A good friend to sit and chat with about stuff we obsess over, someone to listen to ranting about the sims XD I love infodumps but rarely hear ones I'm interested in personally so this is fun to listen to. The other comment is correct you do have a good voice for voiceovers it actually sounds quite professional. I'm not well so your videos keep me some company too. Sorry for tmi just trying to say your content is a positive impact that's all. Well done, it's very informative._ Hope your kitty Kyle is doing well 🌈✨🐈 My childhood best feline friend looked a bit like him she was either a Maine Coon or a Norwegian Forest cat, probably the latter cause I'm from UK. She was called *Fluffy* (for obvious reasons), I found her when she was just a kitten... was playing in my nan's back garden she was a stray & my nan immediately took her in, she was technically with me the most though, I miss her so much

[@skyla611]

THIS MADE MY ENTIRE WEEK!!

[@Rekowcski]

Thank you me too! Haha

[@lyannastark3839]

I love Sims 1, that music just tugs on my heart strings.

[@umyeahisurehopeitdoes]

this video is HUGE! congrats on making a masterpiece of a project! this feels complete, is really informative, has a great comfy vibe and, most importantly, is amazingly interesting thank you so much for making this documentary. it defenetly feels like it was made with much love and makes us, as watchers, love this too

[@Enoxix.]

Played it so much back in the days! Really considering just buying an old PC with disc drive and buying The Sims 1 with all expansion packs physically…

[@BelgianDude]

your low voice actually fits a documentary very well! A missed job opportunity! :D

[@TheRealCharter]

Oh man, one of the good things that came out of a partnership with EA is crossover content, watching the cycle through clothing options, I completely forgot that they had outfits straight from Command and Conquer Renegade.

[@ed8817]

I love this video and have had it playing almost every day since it came out. The amount of work is staggering! Here’s hoping you might be inspired to make another video for sims 2 and 3!

[@mim9000]

WELL DONE REK! An amazing vid, gosh you can feel the effort.❤❤❤

[@Rekowcski]

Thank you I tried my best 😩 💕

[@Leto85]

12:18 I remember I made a Sim with no points filled in only to get an opposite personality via the Geny lamp: meaning my Sim got all character values maxed out. In a way it was an early Supersim version.

[@JessMRyan]

This was awesome! I didn’t discover the Sims until Sims 3 so I missed these early years, and I thoroughly enjoyed this video!!

[@mnaryobimo8755]

I still play The Sims 1 Complete Collection regularly, of course getting a job isn't my priority, since I always use rosebud cheat so I can fully enjoy building houses, have a date and vacation without financial limit, because keeping them in green plumbob mood is hard already

[@Rekowcski]

I play sims 1 too but usually don't cheat. Superstar is a fun rags to riches without cheats but boy is it rough, and you can forget dates, pets and vacations haha

[@mooniecrooks]

Thank you so much for this. I have been playing The Sims games since 2000 and the emotions I feel watching this! Fills me with joy and nostalgia. And serves as great entertainment while I play The Sims 4 and enjoy my afternoon.

[@vanyadolly]

I'll always keep coming back to TS1. It has so much charm and complexity that was never entirely captured in the newer games. It is frustratingly difficult, but that's also why there's still things to achieve after 20 years.

[@deletedaccount1990]

I remember the hype this masterpiece had brought into the world back in the day. I was in fifth grade. I was a kid. And yet, even then, it was all about The Sims. They talked about it back in recess. They talked about it everywhere. My mother and I were huge fans of this game on the family pc. And then my little sister followed with the tradition when Makin' Magic came. And I didn't care about the fact that they said it was a 'dollhouse' game and me being a boy. I loved it.

[@amandalovesthesims2]

This was an amazing video. The thought and effort put into it…wow. I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve watched it three times! Thank you so much for this❤

[@JaynaeMarieXIV]

That fire at the end just blew my mind.

[@pangaeawriter8766]

Thanks for the fun look back! I had the original Sims, and have also had 3, 4, and Medieval. Still enjoy the last 3 listed, though 3 is my favorite,

[@ThatDayDreamer_]

19:26 I thought I was going crazy when you repeated near enough the same sentence xD "These lots may be more expensive than buying a house, but you'll be spending that money on everything. From walls to windows to hardwood, and furniture."

[@princesenoro]

You know what's weird back then when I used to play this game? I really thought I could build the actual houses in detail the ones that you can see in the intro vid that plays when you start the game. Back then, there weren't any foundations when you build!

[@Rekowcski]

Or gabled roof pieces haha

[@NerevarineKing]

Although I started with Sims 2 as a child I eventually went back and played the original and found it very charming.

[@cybergyaru8144]

This intro is just perfect! You inspire me to explore my favorite school days games and I LOVE IT Thank you a lot!

[@Rekowcski]

Thank you I tried to do something different

[@TheMya1988]

Wow, this was very impressive❣ I began my Sims journey with Sim City, and when The Sims first came out, I never knew how challanging the game would be, so I thoroughly relate to discovering the "cheats menu". 😂 With the introduction of expansion packs, life got more complex, but easier to manage motives (without using cheats). I do remember everytime I moved my Sims to that mansion, it was a big let down, because I had invested so much time building an even bigger and more luxurious mansion on the first lot I purchased lol.😂 I do still go back and play from time to time, and through the years, The Sims still pulls at my heart strings (even though I still find Sims 2 to be the best in the series). I am so glad that I was recommended your videos, and I am having so much fun exploring your content❣ Thank you for sharing with all us Sim fans, old and new❣🥰

[@federicao4609]

Hello Reko! This is really very well explained. Lol to the biography description of Princess EA and your sim version 😅 Have an awesome day!!

[@Rekowcski]

Thanks I knew you would enjoy this one x

[@applecider]

i almost cried with that introduction duude

[@ShanFindsPixels]

Awesome documentary Reckowski!!! ❤ Such a nostalgia hits to me again 😅 I miss Will Wright so much.

[@victorial9772]

I would do anything to go back to playing this for the first time again

[@fey_wolf6309]

the inspiration drawn from architectural design shows so well that in my childhood ts1 was used in my art school to show us the basics of design and entertain us when the teacher needed to go away for a while :D

[@Rekowcski]

Yes I think despite being a game, sims has the most realistic building in any game to date.

[@lindseybeeching4232]

Those walls with first the frame are so cool!

[@PadelbootStudios]

"Your Sim, previously cheering on a rubber plant, obeys." The dry way of saying this line sells it. :D Interesting way of doing a retrospective by putting the viewer into the position of playing the game, so to speak. Haven't seen this approach yet and I enjoyed it very much. It transports the sense of wonder, discovery and frustration that the game projects. Any plans on doing this for the other Sims games too or was this more of a one-time thing to pay proper respect to the origins of the franchise?

[@Kikimora857]

Ah, the Sims 1, the most accurate simulation of real life. I was obsessed with it as a kid. I remember it was leaving me feeling rather sinister but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

[@chertz2533]

This is amazing! You deserve more subscribers, seriously! You're one of my favorite Sims youtubers.

[@Rekowcski]

Thank you I put my all into this one! Sims videos are usually so lazy, mine included haha

[@TooCruel4School]

So psyched to watch this!

[@theresakisslinger]

Wow, I'm flashed. That nostalgia. Amazing video. How much work has to be put into it. Thank you, that's really wonderful to look at.

[@theresakisslinger]

Hahahaha, and Princess EA's descriptions at 12:49, OMG I can't take it anymore, love your humor. By the way, I pressed the "I like" button before your video even started ;)

[@Rekowcski]

It took me most of the month, I'm glad you enjoyed it! And you know it's not a Rek video without some EA shade

[@TubeCody]

OH MY GOODNESS this is incredible 😳🥹 I love this!!

[@mikedaniels969]

Your choice of words was highly entertaining. Well done, friend. That was really great ❤

[@Rekowcski]

Thank you! 💕🥰

[@LoveeeJonesss]

What a lovely stroll through memory lane! Dude your intro was amazing. I mean the whole video was, but especially the intro. I had to show it to my boyfriend.

[@Rekowcski]

I'm glad you liked it 💕

[@metalbabee]

This is soooo good!! Thank you for taking the time to put this together, you did a fantastic job! 💖

[@Rekowcski]

Thank you so much!!

[@pabloluna589]

Duude 🎉 this a great video!! Thank you so much for the throwback!

[@isacl1ment]

Absolutely wonderful video and a great channel I just discovered! Thank you!

[@nervosims]

i see longform sims content and consume it like a capri-sun pouch

[@Rekowcski]

I love Capri Sun! Especially in 1997

[@LinyEskarlate]

Loved it!! Next you should try talk about sims 2 and 3, I'll love to watch!!

[@Darkheartfries250]

Just commenting to give the video some attention! Looking forward to watch this, always fun to listen about the game that started it all

[@Jop3lius]

1:03 this video is supposed to be just about me yet im not mentioned even once throughout the entire video.

[@Rekowcski]

Next time you can be one of the sims in the end 😜

[@chelecassia]

I love it!!! Never played the sims 1, but have all my respect!! I Love your channel!

[@Rekowcski]

I figured even if you didn't play sims 1, this would explain how other were thinking and feeling at the time

[@HarperSophia]

Thank you so much for this. It archived the best way to play, and it’s hilarious.

[@HugeAckMan420]

43:00 Easiest way to get the fire going like that is to launch a firework using the and pause the game as it's about to land. With the move objects cheat enabled (which is needed to do the rugs like that) you can actually catch the firework (not the launcher) and move it indoors. Let it hit the ground, or sell it. It's not like the bully can stop you!

[@BeJeweled28]

12:45 dreams come true. I really enjoyed this video. It needs more views and likes!

[@Rekowcski]

Thank you I am proud of it 🙏

[@jupitersnoot4915]

Me, who has never played this game in my life and wasn't even born yet when it came out: ah yes, I do remember that, much nostalgia. Very remember.

[@Rekowcski]

@@jupitersnoot4915 I'm very glad you enjoyed travelling back in time 😂

[@WildHeart7777]

Man does that music bring me back

[@adamcourc]

NEVER CLICKED SO FAST

[@RachelOlivia668]

Love this!! I have missed seeing your videos showing up on my feed.

[@Cadorkis]

Great video for beginners or anyone curious about the game! 👏

[@brizybell]

I gotta go play some sims now after watching this! I’d so love to see you do a let’s play of the sims 1!

[@Rekowcski]

theres a couple old streams you can find in the meantime! I am usually playing the "superstar" expansion, its one of my favourites

[@brizybell]

Thanks I’ll definitely check those out! I love superstar though I normally use magic to get all 5 stars cuz it’s so difficult!

[@Rekowcski]

@@brizybell I never really played with the magic as a kid because it was "too complicated"... now im olde and realize that it's the best spellcasters pack in the whole series 😭

[@brizybell]

It definitely is the best in the series but also can be difficult especially the dragons or getting the magic crystals to grow! Even as an adult it’s a pain I didn’t figure it out till I was in college and could google all the information! I’m still learning new stuff I just found out last week if you enchant a flamingo decoration and you have a dog the dog will stand up/float like it’s a sim waving it’s paws and start talking to the flamingo I had to to do a double take when I saw it! This game has so many hidden gems I sometimes wonder if anyone will ever find them all!

[@BeatrizSilva-hz7hf]

Absolutely loooooooooved this You are great! If you enjoy doing this type of video pleeeeeease continue

[@Rekowcski]

I wish I could do videos like this all the time

[@BeatrizSilva-hz7hf]

@@Rekowcski i can only imagine the amout of work and time put into them. But, at least for me, i don't mind waiting longer eheh

[@Rekowcski]

If the algorithm picks it up then I'll do all the games 😭

[@judialbert1349]

Loved this! I hope you plan to do something similar with Sims 2, Sims 3, and Sims 4.

[@Rekowcski]

I would love to do a video on all 4!

[@Icarusabove]

43:12 It's funny how the fire doesn't really spread. The rest of the house just combusts at once lol

[@Rekowcski]

You're right 😂 without 50 rugs it will probably travel a tile or two at a time

[@lou9611]

Amazing Video!!! Missed you 😢🥰

[@acottonsock]

LOVEEEEE!! fantastic work!! 🤍🤍

[@Rekowcski]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! It was fun to try something new

[@DokisKalin1]

wow very underrated video. thanks!

[@Rekowcski]

thanks i loved making it

[@QueenKaganootz]

it makes the death of nearly all my sims feel a little bit better knowing they are just a part of a long and celebrated history of sims dying via fire (on their own mind you)

[@Rekowcski]

Killing sims was the most fun thing to do as a child 😭

[@karlostouro]

back when developers still put love into making games

[@missbilbybadinage1199]

I remember in late 1999 getting bored of SimsCity & Sims tower, wanting to play with the Sims themselves... But then while snooping through the CD ROM double disk files, I discovered a little movie file (I forget if it was either an ani or mov). When it started playing I screamed O... M... G...! 🤯 My friend thought we'd got the batman virus again (don't ask). Nope, it was a trailer for the Sims. The rest is history. 😁

[@meggie2192]

Love this. Very nostalgic. Thank you ❤

[@Rekowcski]

Thank you that's very kind

[@tramnguyen0000]

Very good quality video. Thank you for making this

[@Rekowcski]

thank you, i tried my best~!

[@lynne519]

This is so, so cool, Rek. Thank you for all your hard work. Are you planning on making future vids featuring gameplay from Sims 1?

[@Rekowcski]

I love streaming sims 1 so I'll probably do that next month once I move!

[@lynne519]

@@Rekowcski That'd be great fun! Good luck with the move! 😊 xx

[@djramshead]

10:40 Also a cheeky bonus to having the maximum outgoing stat - a very socially outgoing Sim will always hop into the hot tub without a swimsuit 🤭

[@Rekowcski]

It's crazy the sims 1 has more personality details than sims 4 😭

[@jessieBell666]

This was amazing, thank you.

[@Rekowcski]

Thanks it's my favourite video I ever made 💕

[@Brenmuffins]

The sims was such an obvious passion project. I miss when the franchise had that level of soul too. The current iteration is only a vehicle for dlc

[@davimachaado]

I love your content and specially your voice!

[@RosesTeaAndASD]

I need to build a room, fill it with sims & light it on fire🔥😈 Lets boot up Sims1!