14 DAY TRIAL // Electronic Arts has announced through its EA Play Label The Sims Medieval a new series of games in the well-known Sims franchise. This comes to confirm earlier rumors that said the franchise would be moving to the middle ages. This is the setting for new gameplay elements to be added to the Sims formula. For example, players will be able to create heroes, go on epic quests, build and command a kingdom.
“The Middle Ages is a time of intrigue, legend, and excitement. It offers a perfect backdrop for a brand new series from The Sims studio due to the limitless stories that can be told,” said Scott Evans, general manager of The Sims Studio at EA in a press release. “The Sims Medieval offers a new way for players to experience The Sims which we hope fans will enjoy, and it features gameplay that fans of strategy and role-playing games will find appealing such as controlling an entire kingdom and quest-based gameplay mechanics.”
The Sims Medieval will allow players to control characters belonging to each strata of the society of Middle Ages, from Kings and Queens to Blacksmiths or Peasants. They will experience the world in many different ways, depending on the player's decisions. The Sims could embark on a quest to create a legendary sword, one to protect the kingdom from an evil wizard or even to arrange a royal wedding.
In the tradition of the Sims franchise, EA promises that there will be many customization options available, both in terms of the characters' traits and the objects they will own. Heroes will also have a fatal flaw associated with them. Quests will not be the only focus of the title, with other day-to-day activities included, from forging new armors and competing in tournaments to having babies and trading goods. The Sims Medieval will be released in spring 2011 for the PC and Mac.