The Sims 2 is set some 25 years after the original game. In addition, the game features clear days of the week with weekends when children could stay home from school, vacation days when adults could take time off work.
Aspiration points are acquired through the fulfillment of wants, which could, in turn, be used to purchase aspiration rewards. Consequently, the level of the aspiration meter determines the effectiveness of a sim at completing tasks. Each sim exhibits wants and fears according to their aspiration and personality. Another major feature is the aspiration system. Sims also age through six life stages from infancy to old age and subsequent death. The sequel, developed by Maxis, takes place in a full 3D environment as opposed to the dimetric projection of the original game. Electronic Arts released The Sims 2 on September 14, 2004.
