If you have never gotten any Sims game, get this one. This one is the best play wise, and is the best Bargain also. It is better than the first Sims, BUT... it is also better than Sims 3, even with the better graphics of Sims 3. The graphics are the only improvement of Sims 3, and even at that, there are some things (mostly the Sims themeselves) that still look better than the ones in Sims 3. There are some fun actions they left out of Sims 3 that are in Sims 2, as well. For instance, in Sims 3 you can no longer throw a drink in someone's face. Want to trap someone in a building and committ arson. You can in Sims 2. In Sims 3, forget it. The fire department can always put out the fire no matter how much you block them from the fire. Sims 3 also doesn't have the 1st person camera option that everybody wanted. In short, if you already have this one, then do what I whish I would have done and don't even bother with Sims 3, because you already have the better Sims game.

Double Deluxe is a good starter package. You get the original Sims 2, and you get the expansion pack that gives you the ability to own cars as well as a couple of other stuff packs. And when you get this basic package, you can then use a lot of the free content available online for download to add to the basic game, also. If you liked The Sims in the early 2000s and want to get a Sims 2 package at a good deal, this would be the one to get.

And you really can customise even just the Double Deluxe a LOT with the free content! I made a whole Medieval total makeover package with the free content I found online, all of it compatible with the content of Double Deluxe. Cars, walls, furniture. The free, fan-made content alone is worth the trouble to get Double Deluxe, which comes with the base package AND cars (which are well worth the trouble to get!).

After dusting off the original Sims, I decided it was time to upgrade. The Sims 2 provides new challenges and items to keep things interesting. I especially love that Sims grow up through stages, although I really hate the baby stage (that's just a preference thing though). I have families which have gone through several generations now and the house and goals have changed dramatically, which makes this a great game for killing some free time. :)

Another one of those great change of pace games when you've dove into too many serious ones. Either treat your sims like pets you wish to see grow or as patients in some sort of mental asylum. Sicko. Anyway, great investment and I highly recommend it.