Now that Enchanted by Nature has been out for a couple of weeks and I’ve had the opportunity to play with the expansion, I want to share my thoughts. There are aspects of the pack that I absolutely love, as well as some elements that I find confusing or view as missed opportunities. Overall, though, the pack is quite enjoyable, and if you’re interested, Fairies are a magical addition to your game.
What I Enjoy in the Enchanted by Nature Expansion Pack
1 – The Buy Items
One of the highlights I discovered in the pack comes in a very small package: the mushroom shelves. They are absolutely lovely and can hold many smaller items, including plants. In my opinion, the items in this pack are quite solid and effectively meet the theme’s needs. I also really enjoy the details in the new counter and cabinet set. This set provides a natural feel while maintaining a clean and modern look, and it comes in many swatches that I will find useful in my game. If you would like to read my full review of the Build and Buy items in the pack, please check it out HERE.
2 – The Addition of More ‘Shops’
I was thrilled to discover a garden shop in Sprucederry Grove. I love the idea of Sims needing to go to specific places to get items, even if it’s currently just a rabbit hole. The concept of a fishing shop and a used bookstore is equally appealing to me. These small additions create a more immersive experience and add variety to the gameplay. I believe they are essential for making the neighborhoods feel more vibrant and alive. Each unique shop adds character and gives players a chance to explore and discover new items or activities, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the game.
3- The Apothecary Skill & New Career
I always enjoy discovering new entrepreneurial opportunities for Sims in the game, and the addition of the Apothecary skill introduces yet another exciting avenue for creativity and income. This skill enables Sims to craft various remedies and elixirs, broadening their options for interacting with the game’s economy.
One of the standout features is the ability to enter the new Naturopath career. This career path is particularly appealing because it allows players to work from home, offering flexibility and convenience. I truly appreciate this option, as it adds a layer of realism and adaptability to the gameplay. In addition to pursuing a career as a Naturopath, players can also sell their homemade remedies and elixirs through Plopsy, an online marketplace within the game.
Moreover, the Businesses and Hobbies system provides another avenue to monetize these skills. Players can create their own businesses centered around the Apothecary theme, allowing for even more creativity in how they operate and manage their enterprises.
4 – The Fairy Wings
I am actually quite pleased with the number of different Fairy Wings that came with the Enchanted by Nature Expansion Pack. Each design is unique, showcasing a variety of colors and intricate patterns that truly bring the fairy characters to life. The attention to detail in each wing is remarkable, with shimmering textures and delicate shapes that catch the light beautifully. It’s exciting to mix and match these wings with different outfits and accessories, allowing for endless customization and creativity. This variety really enhances the overall gameplay experience, making it feel more immersive and magical. The expansion pack has definitely added a new layer of enchantment to my collection!
5 – Very Simple to Become and Unbecome a Fairy
The process of becoming a fairy is relatively straightforward and can be achieved in several ways. First, you need a fairy seedling, which you can obtain in multiple ways: you can ask a fairy for one, find one, earn one, or even purchase one online. This seedling calls upon Mother Nature. Once you have it, simply speak with her to request her blessing, and then proceed to the transformation pool to complete the process.
Even without prior knowledge of this feature, I managed to figure it out within fifteen minutes, despite some game crashes.
To return to being a non-fairy, simply repeat the process. Ask Mother Nature to remove her blessing, and then go to the pool to transform back into a regular Sim. The simplicity of this process leads me to believe that players will easily enjoy creating and playing as fairies, a major feature of this game pack. The ability to both become and unbecome a fairy is an important aspect that enhances gameplay for Simmers.
What I Did Not Enjoy with the Enchanted by Nature Expansion Pack
1 – The CAS for Non-Fairies
I struggled to create looks using only the new CAS content in my CAS Review of Enchanted by Nature. And let me tell you, it was a struggle! So I did not thoroughly enjoy my CAS experience. However, I am super excited to see some of these items recolored.
2 – The Buggy Starts
The video review was a struggle. It’s really frustrating when you get something new and it doesn’t work right! I have come to expect small issues when games and expansions are released; however, this was particularly bad, prompting a quick update. After I conducted research on the crashes, it appears that some Simmers are affected, while others, such as those using the Wedding Pack, are not. I didn’t experience many crashes with the Wedding Pack, but others did.
3 – The Coast of Adhmor
The neighborhood called the Coast of Adhmor is reputed to be a popular tourist destination. However, it has a Gnome Exhibit Museum, a rabbit hole fish store, a rabbit hole grocery store, a gnome statue, and 3 residential lots. The neighborhood is absolutely gorgeous, but sadly, it lacks anything particularly touristy aside from the gnome museum. We’ll say that when I read the description, I expected a lot more. In my mind, I envision fishing vacations and gnome enthusiasts. And, not to mention, I am still upset that the ice cream shop is not a rabbit hole store.
Summary
Overall, I think Enchanted By Nature, aside from the crashes, can be a really good pack for Simmers. The pack is very niche, but still offers playable additions to the game, even if you do not play or use occult Sims. This pack introduces a variety of new gameplay elements that enhance the overall experience, making it fresh and engaging. The build-and-buy items are beautifully designed, adding a charming aesthetic to any lot. The nature-themed objects and decorations enable creative landscaping and home design, making them perfect for those who love to immerse themselves in a serene outdoor environment.
In addition to the new items, the gameplay features introduce unique interactions and activities that can be enjoyed by all Sims. Even if you’re not particularly interested in the occult aspects, there are still plenty of features that integrate well with existing gameplay, encouraging exploration and creativity.
I am still considering building a metaphysical shop with the Businesses and Hobbies Expansion Pack features. The apothecary skill, which enables the creation of potions, herbal remedies, and various wellness products, would allow me to cater to a wide range of customers seeking natural solutions for their health and well-being. In addition to the apothecary, I am also excited about the forging skill. This will let me create unique items, such as tools and decorative pieces, that resonate with the themes of mindfulness and self-exploration. By living off the land, I can gather herbs, plants, and other resources to minimize costs and maintain sustainability.
