EA has announced the re-release of two classic titles, The Sims and The Sims 2, as part of the Legacy Collection to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the iconic franchise. The games are now available on PC via the EA app, Epic Games Store, and Steam. Players can purchase the games individually or as part of The Sims 25th Birthday Bundle, which includes all previous downloadable content (DLC), but does not feature updated graphics.
According to EA’s announcement, this revival of beloved titles aims to honor the franchise's legacy and the dedicated community of fans. “To celebrate our legacy and honor the incredible fans,” the company stated, “we're re-releasing two fan-favorite titles containing familiar neighborhoods and beloved characters – such as the sneaky burglar, unpredictable genie, and Sunny the Tragic Clown – who started it all.” The announcement was made on January 31, 2025, and has generated significant excitement among enthusiasts of the series.
This Legacy Collection provides players with all previous DLCs and original characters and music. For The Sims, users get not only the base game but also The Sims 4: Throwback Fit Kit and all DLCs, including Livin' Large, House Party, and more. Similarly, the The Sims 2 Legacy Collection contains the original game and The Sims 4: Grunge Revival Kit along with all its associated expansions.
While the nostalgia factor is undeniable, EA has clarified these re-releases do not come with remastered graphics or gameplay enhancements. Although both games have been updated for compatibility with modern computers and operating systems like Windows 10 and 11, they retain their classic visual styles. The games will run at their original resolution, but players can scale pixels for larger monitors using the Alt+Enter function.
Players hoping for smooth gameplay have reported varying degrees of dissatisfaction. Following the re-release, players flooded forums with complaints ranging from game crashes and file deletions to Direct X conflicts. Reports show instances of disappearing food and furniture, as well as save file issues. EA is currently investigating these problems and has issued several advisories to assist players experiencing difficulty.
“Sul Sul Simmers,” EA’s statement read, addressing the community by acknowledging the problems players face. “We recognize some fans are currently experiencing various issues with The Sims: Legacy Collection and The Sims 2: Legacy Collection. We are currently investigating these issues and hope to have more information on fixes soon.” They urged players to contribute to the process by submitting bug reports along with evidence like screenshots and diagnostic files to help expedite the investigation.
One aspect of the project's significance is its role as the first ever digital release of The Sims, which had previously only been available via original disc copies. The game's original format made it especially difficult for enthusiasts to find and play without user-created patches, which were often cumbersome to deal with on modern systems. The Legacy Collection was intended to make the game more accessible for new players and veterans alike.
Despite the complications plaguing the re-release, the excitement around the revival cannot be underestimated. Longtime fans of the series have shared their anticipation on social media platforms, reminiscing about memories spent building virtual homes and guiding their Sims through life’s challenges. Many players express enthusiasm for the nostalgia trip these re-releases provide, sparking conversations among community members who fondly look back on their gameplay experiences.
Pricing for the Legacy Collections is also notable, with The Sims Legacy Collection priced at Rs. 1,199 and The Sims 2 Legacy Collection at Rs. 1,799. Those wishing to get both games bundled can purchase the 25th Birthday Bundle for Rs. 2,199. The pricing reflects the expanded content within each collection, aiming to deliver value to dedicated fans of the series.
While the core visual experience remains anchored to the early 2000s, the Legacy Collections certainly manage to evoke nostalgia by delivering classic gameplay alongside modern compatibility features. Yet, user feedback reveals there is work to be done to restore faith among players hoping to appreciate these re-releases without the frustration of technical issues.
EA has reiterated its commitment to addressing the community’s concerns, preparing patch updates, and ensuring world-building fans can continue creating their Sims' lives with ease. The company appears to genuinely value the relationship between players and the franchise, and it will be interesting to see how quickly they can resolve these challenges.