History YMMV / TheSims2

* HeAlsoDid: Jack Conte, who provided the voice for male teens, later went on to co-found the crowdfunding site Patreon.

* EvenBetterSequel: Along with reduced difficulty, better (though still far from perfect) free will interactions, dramatically improved graphics, audio, and gameplay, additions of "true" life simulation gameplay elements such as aging, weekdays (including holidays), many kind of food for the time of day, and in a later expansion, seasons, were marked as the best points of the series and what sets it apart from the (already revolutionary, despite its flaws) first ''The Sims''.
** For the ''Stories'' spinoff, Castaway Stories, by virtue of adding new content and new worldspace instead of the previous ''Stories'' games reusing assets from the core-game, although toned down for low-end players to be able to enjoy the game.

** This game popularized the practice ''The Sims'' has been known for of removing features and mechanics from the previous ''Sims'' game and then selling them back to the players as another expansion - partly due to the fact that including all of the features added to the first game with its expansions would have resulted in the game being way too big (the base game released on four discs and could take awhile to load on mid-tier computers at the time). Players largely forgave the game for it because it ''also'' started the trend of adding some unique mechanics for it, with ''its'' first expansion pack (''University'') being something far different than what was in ''VideoGame/TheSims1'' and ''Nightlife'' being seen as adding way more to the game than ''Hot Date''. Unfortunately, later expansions seemed to add less and less.
** Stuff Packs. While "Livin' Large" for the first game [[OlderThanTheyThink was arguably the first]] (if only because it was the first expansion pack ''period''), these "micro-expansions" added extra "stuff" to the game that for the most part, are just clothing and themes. They were largely ignorable (unless purchased as part of a collection) but later games (especially ''VideoGame/TheSims4'') would include actual mechanics as part of their "stuff packs".

** This game basically popularised the "Remove features and mechanics from the previous ''Sims'' game and then sell it back to the players as another expansion"-practice that ''The Sims'' has been known for - partly due to the fact that this would result in the game being way too big (The base game released on four discs and could take awhile to load on mid-tier computers at the time) Players largely forgave ''VideoGame/TheSims2'' for it because this game ''also'' started the trend of adding some unique mechanics for it, with ''its'' first expansion pack (''University'') being something far different than what was in ''VideoGame/TheSims1'' and ''Nightlife'' being seen as adding way more to the game than ''Hot Date''. Unfortunately later expansions seemed to add less and less...
** Stuff Packs. While technically [[OlderThanTheyThink Livin' Large was arguably the first]] (if only because it was the first expansion pack ''period''), these "Micro-expansions" added extra "stuff" to the game that for the most part, are just clothing and themes. They were largely ignorable (unless purchased as part of a collection) but later games (Especially ''VideoGame/TheSims4'') would include actual mechanics as part of their "Stuff packs".

** Stuff Packs. While technically [[OlderThanTheyThink Livin' Large was arguably the first]] (if only because [[SeinfeldIsUnfunny it was the first expansion pack]] ''period''), these "Micro-expansions" added extra "stuff" to the game that for the most part, are just clothing and themes. They were largely ignorable (unless purchased as part of a collection) but later games (Especially ''VideoGame/TheSims4'') would include actual mechanics as part of their "Stuff packs".

* SeinfeldIsUnfunny: Players of posterior games, mainly The Sims 3, may complain about The Sims 2 limitations, like the lack of customization of body types or the interactions restricted to the lot you are on. Besides that, The Sims 2 was hugely popular in the early-mid 2000's (it still has a very dedicated fanbase, though) and is the most innovative title in the franchise so far, considering it was the game that introduced aging, genetics and family trees.

* EvenBetterSequel: Along with reduced difficulty, better (though still far from perfect) free will interactions, dramatically improved graphics, audio, and gameplay, additions of "true" life simulation gameplay elements such as aging, weekdays (including holidays), many kind of food for the time of day, and in later expansion, seasons, were marked as the best points of the series and what sets it apart from the (already revolutionary, despite its flaws) first ''The Sims''.

* SpiritualSuccessor: ''2'' is obviously the sequel to the first one, but some of the Expansion Packs can be argued to be based on or versions of the ones from ''1'':
** ''Nightlife'' is the successor of both ''House Party'' and ''Hot Date'', since its theme is socializing with either friends or a partner in an urban setting. Just as ''Hot Date'', it introduces a dating minigame and a Downtown sub-neighbourhood, although it can be seen as an actualization or a better version of ''Hot Date''.
** ''Pets'' is a better version of ''Unleashed'', with more complex customization and psychology of pets. Both introduce cats, dogs and small pets to the game.
** ''Bon Voyage'' is a subversion of this, since the main concept is the same of ''Vacation'' ("take your sims to a different destination on vacation!") but the execution is radically different: the EP from ''1'' centers around a resort and building family relationships, ''Bon Voyage'' on acquiring memories and secrets from exotic locations.

* SeinfeldIsUnfunny: Players of posterior games, mainly The Sims 3, may complain about The Sims 2 limitations, like the lack of customization of body types or the interactions restricted to the lot you are on. Besides that, The Sims 2 was hugely popular in the early-mid 2000's (it still has a very dedicated fanbase, though) and is the most innovative title in the franchise so far, considering it was the game that introduced aging, genetics and family trees.

* GoodBadBugs: The [=PS2=] version of ''Pets'' has a funny yet disgusting glitch that makes the Sim eat expired food. To do so simply make sure that there's only one Sim in this house, then have a job, wait until the Sim has two ingame hours to the car come in, then prepare a food, but do not eat it. Wait of the car and right when the Sim enters the car, pause (not the game) the simulation, enable Classic mode and click on the food dropped in the floor and select "Eat" and do not exit Classic Mode. The Sim is programmed to eat the food after finishing the job and said food will expire after the Sim comes back to his/her house and what do you get? [[VideoGameCrueltyPotential Your Sim is eating his/her rotten food which makes the Sim gag and vomit.]]

** Lilith Pleasant: Misunderstood soul or nothing more than an angsty, rebellious, hateful teen? Was she neglected unfairly throughout childhood leading to her current personality, or has she always simply been a downright [[IncrediblyLamePun unpleasant]], rotten child from the start?

** Many players enjoy improving Lilith Pleasant's life, often at the expense of [[TheScrappy Angela's]] (Which isn't too difficult or unlikely as Lilith is set up for a more [[IncrediblyLamePun pleasant]] life as an adult since she's the love interest of [[NiceGuy Dirk Dreamer]] while Angela is dating the lawless lowlife Dustin [[MeaningfulName Broke]]... Seems obvious which family household would be more prosperous, with happier children).

** General Buzz Grunt is often seen as an abusive, hateful and irredeemable man by a significant part of the fanbase because of his [[HairTriggerTemper low amount of 'Nice' personality points]], because of his bad relationship with [[HatesTheirParent Ripp]] and because of the pressure he puts on [[MilitaryBrat Tank]]. However, the PSP game seems to indicate he's [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold just a grumpy and strict guy who undeniably has shortcomings, but can be genuinely friendly to people he likes]], and some fans choose to view him as such. The nature of his feud with Pollination Tech #9 Smith is also divisive. While retired, he was a Pollination Technician, thus one of the aliens who was in contact with humanity the most while knowing what his rulers wanted from humans ; it's easy to see why people like him can be both a threat to the government of Sim Nation and people of interest in the military's investigations about aliens. It's entirely possible that Buzz simply mistrusts his neighbor because of his past and his deal isn't simply {{FantasticRacism}}.

** General Buzz Grunt is often seen as an abusive, hateful and irredeemable man by a significant part of the fanbase because of his [[Hair-TriggerTemper low amount of 'Nice' personality points]], because of his bad relationship with [[HatesTheirParent Ripp]] and because of the pressure he puts on [[MilitaryBrat Tank]]. However, the PSP game seems to indicate he's [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold just a grumpy and strict guy who undeniably has shortcomings, but can be genuinely friendly to people he likes]], and some fans choose to view him as such. The nature of his feud with Pollination Tech #9 Smith is also divisive. While retired, he was a Pollination Technician, thus one of the aliens who was in contact with humanity the most while knowing what his rulers wanted from humans ; it's easy to see why people like him can be both a threat to the government of Sim Nation and people of interest in the military's investigations about aliens. It's entirely possible that Buzz simply mistrusts his neighbor because of his past and his deal isn't simply {{FantasticRacism}}.

** General Buzz Grunt is often seen as an abusive, hateful and irredeemable man by a significant part of the fanbase because of his bad relationship with [[HatesTheirParent Ripp]] and because of the pressure he puts on [[MilitaryBrat Tank]]. However, the PSP game seems to indicate he's [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold just a grumpy and strict guy who undeniably has shortcomings, but can be genuinely friendly to people he likes]], and some fans choose to view him as such. The nature of his feud with Pollination Tech #9 Smith is also divisive. While retired, he was a Pollination Technician, thus one of the aliens who was in contact with humanity the most while knowing what his rulers wanted from humans ; it's easy to see why people like him can be both a threat to the government of Sim Nation and people of interest in the military's investigations about aliens. It's entirely possible that Buzz simply mistrusts his neighbor because of his past and his deal isn't simply {{FantasticRacism}}.

** General Buzz Grunt is often seen as an abusive, hateful and irredeemable man by a significant part of the fanbase because of his bad relationship with one of his sons and because of the pressure he puts on his oldest child. However, the PSP game seems to indicate he's just a grumpy and strict guy who undeniably has shortcomings, but can be genuinely friendly to people he likes, and some fans choose to view him as such. The nature of his feud with Pollination Tech #9 Smith is also divisive. While retired, he was a Pollination Technician, thus one of the aliens who was in contact with humanity the most while knowing what his rulers wanted from humans ; it's easy to see why people like him can be both a threat to the government of Sim Nation and people of interest in the military's investigations about aliens. It's entirely possible that Buzz simply mistrusts his neighbor because of his past and his deal isn't simply {{FantasticRacism}}.

** General Buzz Grunt is often seen as an abusive, hateful and irredeemable man by a significant part of the fanbase, while the PSP game seems to indicate he's just a grumpy and strict guy who undeniably has shortcomings, but can be genuinely friendly to people he likes. The nature of his feud with Pollination Tech #9 Smith is also divisive. While retired, PT9 was a Pollination Technician, thus one of the aliens who was in contact with humanity the most while knowing what his rulers wanted from humans ; it's easy to see why people like him can be both a threat to the government of SimNation and people of interest in the military's investigations about aliens. It's entirely possible that Buzz simply mistrusts his neighbor because of his past and his deal isn't simply {{FantasticRacism}}.

** General Buzz Grunt is often seen as an abusive, hateful and irredeemable man by a significant part of the fanbase, while the PSP game seems to indicate he's just a grumpy and strict guy who undeniably has shortcomings, but can be genuinely friendly to people he likes. The nature of his feud with Pollination Tech #9 Smith is also divisive. While retired, PT9 belonged was a Pollination Technician, thus one of the aliens who was in contact with humanity the most while knowing what his rulers wanted from humans ; it's easy to see why people like him can be both a threat to the government of SimNation and people of interest in the military's investigations about aliens. It's entirely possible that Buzz simply mistrusts his neighbor because of his past and his deal isn't simple [[FantasticRacism]].

** The Landgraabs originally appeared as the main antagonists of ''The Sims'' console port, but has become popular enough to appear in every game afterward.

* VindicatedByHistory: When the game launched in 2004, it was seen as a ''down''grade from ''VideoGame/TheSims1'' simply because ''VideoGame/TheSims1'' had seven expansion packs worth of content that weren't available in ''The Sims 2'', some of which were later [[FranchiseOriginalSin sold back as future expansions]]. Over [[TurnOfTheMillennium the 2000s]] and after ''VideoGame/TheSims3'' and the [[TroubledProduction infamously troubled]] ''VideoGame/TheSims4'' launched with even ''less'' content compared to ''The Sims 2'' at launch (Some of which weren't even replicated ''with'' all of their expansion packs!), people started to forgive The Sims 2 for its perceived lack of content at launch. As many people grew older, they also realised just how much trouble that releasing with all the content of about seven expansion packs would have been to develop and {{load|sAndLoadsOfLoading}}.

** The most significant title change for an expansion pack in the Swedish translation is for Seasons - Året Runt (Year Round). Additionally, "Woohoo" is called "Myspys" which roughly translates to "cuddle-wuddle" (an expression often used in an intimate context).

* CompletelyDifferentTitle: A number of the expansion packs go by different names elsewhere:
** ''University'' is ''Académie'' (''Academy'') in French, ''Wilde Campus-Jahre'' (''Wild Campus Year'') in German, ''Studentenleven'' (''Student Life'') in Dutch, and also ''Studentliv'' (''Student Life'') in Swedish.
** ''Nightlife'' is ''Nuits de Folie'' (''Nights of Madness'') in French.
** ''Open for Business'' is ''La Bonne Affaire'' (''The Good Deal'') in French, ''Gaan het Maken'' (''Go Make It'') in Dutch, and ''Arbetsliv'' (''Work Life'') in Swedish.
** ''Pets'' becomes ''Animaux & Cie'' (''Animals & Co.'') in French, and ''Djurliv'' (''Animal Life'') in Swedish.
** ''Seasons'' is known as ''Au Fil Des Saisons'' (''As the Seasons Go By'') in French, ''Vier Jahreszeiten'' (''Four Seasons'') in German, and ''Året Runt'' (''All Year Round'') in Swedish.
** ''Bon Voyage'' is ''Jorden runt'' (''Around the World'') in Swedish.
** ''Freetime'' is ''Freizeit-Spaß'' (''Freetime Fun'') in German.

** ''University'' is ''Académie'' (''Academy'') in French, ''Wilde Campus-Jahre'' (''Wild Campus Year'') in German, and ''Studentenleven'' (''Student Life'') in Dutch.

** ''Open for Business'' is ''La Bonne Affaire'' (''The Good Deal'') in French, and ''Gaan het Maken'' (''Go Make It'') in Dutch.
** ''Pets'' becomes ''Animaux & Cie'' (''Animals & Co.'') in French.

* CompletelyDifferentTitle:

* {{Woolseyism}}: The English title for the 5th (''Seasons'') expansions pack was [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin straight to the point]], the French title was more poetic and (loosely) translated to ''As the seasons come and go''.