There’s been a lot of speculation in the past couple of days about whether or not Sims 3 is going to make its February release date.  Most are citing the fact that the UK Sims 3 official site has changed the release date from Feb. 20th to TBA:

EA UK screenshot

Everyone [including 1up and Wired] seems to be running scared and using a quote from Edge Online that is quoting EA as saying, “[they are] evaluating the launch window” and “The game looks great and in the near future we’ll have more information”.  The problem is that I can’t find the original press release that Edge Online is quoting from.

But, I did find a release from EA US with the release date still set for Feb. 20th:

EA US Sims 3 screenshot

I also looked on Amazon.com and on GameSpot.com and both are still listing Sims 3 as being released on Feb. 16th [Amazon] and Feb. 20th [GameSpot].

Amazon.com screenshot

GameStop.com screenshot

The reason I would like to read the original press release is because I have a sneaking suspicion that this might be a UK delay only and not include the US market but I can’t confirm that without reading the release.

Eurogamer.com specifically mentions European retailers in their piece which only seems to confirm my suspicions that this delay may only affect folks across the pond.

So, until further notice, expect the worst but hope for the best.  If I can rustle up a copy of the “delay” press release then I’ll let you guys know.

BUT, from my digging, I’m going to say that I think that the delay is a European delay.

I normally get my expansion packs via the EA Store.  Sometimes this means that I get my expansions/games a little bit later than everyone else, BUT, I don’t have to go anywhere to get the games.  And, since I am at heart a very lazy person, not going anywhere has a very strong pull.

However, with this expansion, Amazon.com is offering a cool incentive to pre-order through them: GlowStation 90XD.

The more I think about it, the more I’m considering the purchase from Amazon.  I would get a cool new computer bonus AND could continue with my hobbit ways and not have to leave the house since the game would be delivered to my front door.

Hmm…I wonder if there are other cool pre-order bonuses out there?

Off to look.  I’ll let you know if I find any.

*Edited to add that the same pre-order bonus is available through the EA Store if you wanna just download the game like I normally do.*

Since you can apparently NEVER have enough Stuff Packs, Maxis and IKEA are presenting the latest in a LONG line of Stuff Packs:The Sims 2: IKEA Home Stuff.

You can pre-order the game through Amazon or via direct download from EA’s website.

The Stuff Pack will be released on June 23rd and promises to be well worth the $19.99…assuming you dig IKEA.

I’ve gotten a BUNCH of emails for people complaining about the cost of Sims 2 and asking me to somehow wave my magic computer wand and make is so they can download Sims 2…for free.

First off, I paid for all of my various versions of Sims 2. I know it sounds bitchy, but why in the world would I give it to you for free?

Also, it would be illegal for me to redistribute my copy of Sims 2 to you. I’m sure you’re a really cool person and you help old people across the street and stuff but I’m not risking a fine or jail time for anyone.

Lastly, have you checked out the price of Sims 2 lately?

Let me back up.

You can get Sims game for $31.98 on Amazon.com. Every stinkin’ one of them.

If you’re aching for Sims 2 then you can get The Sims 2 Deluxe - Sims 2 and Nightlife - from 18.98.

Also, Maxis just released Double Deluxe which gives you The Sims 2, Nightlife and Celebration Stuff all starting at 30.98. [Prices include shipping.]

So, while I understand that for some of you guys 18.98 might seem like a lot of money, think of how quickly you could save up the cash.

That’s four Venti White Mochas at Starbucks.

That’s about four Quarter Pounders w/cheese and fries from McDonald’s.

That’s…well, you get the idea.

Save your money. Buy the game and start enjoying one of the most popular computer games created. I promise you won’t be sorry. And if you find a site where I can play Sims 2 online for free then let me know.

I know April is a long way away, but, why not look forward to things to come. Right?

According to Amazon, The Sims 2: Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff is set for an April ‘08 release. But, you can go ahead and preorder now.

This little stuff expansion feeds into my obsessive need to perfectly design my sims’ environment. I don’t know about you, but I snatch up each new “stuff expansion” when they first come out. I’ll do the same with Kitchen and Bath.

From EA’s website comes the promise of : “[the] sleek new look you’ve been dreaming about with a stylish refrigerator, food processor, toaster oven, and more…renovate the kitchen into the warmest room in the house with romantic touches including new themed wallpaper, wood-carved counters, and ceiling-mounted hanging pot racks…contemporary design options such as elegant sectional mirrors, quad-quadrant ceiling lighting with a modern flair, and graceful countertop basin sinks…cozy new tiles, fancy towel racks, romantic paintings, designer rugs…a hair turban, spa mask, cooking aprons and luxuriant cashmere pullovers for around the house”

I’m squealing with delight you just can’t hear me.