The Sims 4 Crystal Creations is perhaps the best Stuff Pack for the game yet
It feels somewhat strange to say, but the enjoyment we've gotten out of The Sims 4 Crystal Creations surpasses that of many of the full-sized expansions we've played.
Crystal Creations is 'just' a Stuff Pack, available at a fraction of the cost. And yet, despite Stuff Packs being a lot smaller in scope and packed with fewer features, it is up there as one of the more memorable pieces of paid content for The Sims 4 from the last few years.
The pack has a longevity to it that many others do not have. The main selling point — crafting jewellery that sometimes gives buffs — can be integrated across most types of gameplay, adding a new set of tools on top of the existing sandbox experience.
Sims can create pieces, including rings, bracelets, and necklaces, from metals and crystals while using the new Gemology Table. Levelling up the Gemology skill provides more options when it comes to designing the jewellery.
The cosmetic side of the customisation is worthwhile in itself, with Sims able to accessorise as well as add a personal touch to their designs. From a storytelling perspective, it feels more rewarding to, for example, gift a handmade pair of earrings or propose with a specially-designed engagement ring.
However, jewellery can also provide the wearer effects depending on what crystal is used. The effects are recharged by placing the piece on a crystal grid, which is affected by the lunar cycle (some moon phases will speed up recharging).
There is a large range of buffs to experiment with. Some will help Sims gain skills faster, while others will benefit their relationships.
There are some that will help to mitigate negative moodlets. A few quirky ones are thrown in there as well, like increasing the chances of giving birth to triplets or summoning the Grim Reaper.
Cross-pack compatibility is also welcome. One effect, for example, slows down the speed at which a vampire's thirst or a werewolf's fury rises.
While mechanically, this feature is rather modest compared to some of the more headline-grabbing additions we've seen over the past year, there is a lot to play around with here and it complements the overall game really well.
Progression is a big part of storytelling in The Sims — whether it's growing a family, advancing a career, forming relationships, making money, or just experiencing life — and there will always likely be an effect that you can take advantage of.
The effects aren't game-breaking, but can help to make life smoother while adding an extra element to consider in live gameplay.
Some people have likened the crystal effects to activating cheats. It's not a bad comparison, particularly when considering how cheat codes have become a major part of the experience for many Simmers.
The smart thing, though, is how the act of gaining these buffs is embedded in the actual gameplay, as part of a spare-time activity for Sims to master. Unlocking everything takes some time, yet at the same time it is rewarding and somewhat immersive.
How everything comes together is a wonderful surprise. Crystal Creations manages to over-achieve and mix up the game in an interesting and engaging way, while also remaining comparatively affordable.
Is it our favourite Stuff Pack to date? Very possibly. If it's not, it's close.
Between this and Home Chef Hustle, the developers have more than delivered with its recent Stuff Packs, and it goes to show that it doesn't matter how big or small the idea is — as long as it's done well.
The Sims 4 Crystal Creations is out now on PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox.
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