julianne koss's review of The Sims 4
Date last edited: 12-06-2024 at 05:33PMClick here to view trailer
Rating: Teen
Review:The First Media Key: Balance
The first media key introduced in Infinite Bandwidth is balance, which greatly influences our attitude and approach towards media. In the text, the idea is presented that as Catholics, we should be opened minded to what we see in the media, which is seen as highly controversial. It is also emphasized that we are called to “exercise self-control" in accordance with our open-mindedness, so as not to corrupt ourselves or challenge our religious compass. (CP 52) We are meant to consume media in a very intentional manner, which requires prayer and contemplation in order to maintain our balance.
The Sims 4 is a video game that allows for balance to be found if the user tries to achieve it. There are challenges that can take up time if the user lets them, but these are not required portions of the game. You can choose to complete the challenges to earn Simoleons, the currency of the game, to improve your house or buy more clothes for your sim. If you don't find a balance within yourself and limit your usage, it is not a very balanced experience overall.
The Second Media Key: Attitude Awareness
Attitude Awareness is the second media key discussed in Infinite Bandwidth. This media key focused greatly on considering the creators intentions and motives behind each post in order to maintain a critical and balanced point of view. As stated in the text, “every piece of media carries some kind of message,” (Gan 40) which goes to show that even if we perceive a piece of media as indifferent, it can still be subtly ill intentioned.
This app does not require very much attitude awareness, as it is meant to be unbiased and distant from any form of media. The Sims 4 is a social simulation game, which does not allow anyone to post personal information, opinions, beliefs or otherwise, and therefore only provides an outlet for fun and stress relief. There are some aspects of the game that younger audiences may need to be prepared for, but they are all a part of the human life cycle.
The Third Media Key: The Dignity of the Human Person
The third media key in Infinite Bandwidth is the dignity of the human person. In the text it is stated, “Our bodies aren't cages that contain a soul. They're part of us, and because of that, they too have a great dignity.” (Gan 53) This quote is one of many that goes to show we as human beings have free will, and because we are born to resemble the Lord, we are to use that will chose the good. The good in this case is our own dignity, to dignify ourselves and respect our bodies in order to glorify God.
This app is meant to be played rather than consumed, and therefore does not have a lot of relevance to this media key. Despite this, the parts of this game that are more mature are handled extremely well. At no point in this game can you see any nudity. When sims are procreating, or “WooHooing” as it is referred to in the game, the characters both go under the blankets of a bed fully clothed maintaining dignity. All the sims in the game are presented in a modest fashion at all times.
The Fourth Media Key: Truth-Filled
The fourth media key of truthfulness encourages us to seek the truth amongst the excessive amount of deceit in today's society. In Infinite Bandwidth, Dr. Gan discusses that the role of media in our lives should be to spread and receive the truth, about God and about all other things. According to the text “it should not tell lies about God or about the human condition.” (Gan 68) If we view the media, especially social media, through this lens we will have a much more balanced and healthy relationship with it in turn.
The app does have some truthful aspects to it, but as a whole it is not entirely truthful due to it being a fictional game. In The Sims you are simulating real life, so there are aspects such as the life cycle, family relationships, romantic relationships, and societal structure that are presented in a truthful manner. Despite this, the game is still fiction, so there are some sci-fi and typically impossible touches presented within the game, making it less truthfilled.
The Fifth Media Key: Inspiring
The next media key is inspiring, which is meant to help us weed out any content that is not ultimately helping us get to Heaven. We are called to ask ourselves if the media we are consuming is bringing us closer to Christ or closer to things of this world, and if the content is inspiring us to become better Catholics. Often times the media is so diverse and extensive that it can be easy to skew your perception, but it is important to sit back and be sure that the media you consume strictly motivates you to become a better Catholic.
This game could be perceived as inspiring to some, but overall, I don't think its main role is to inspire its audience. It is possible that it influences some people to pursue their interests more through the game, as well as outside. I can picture this game influencing people to pursue career paths in real life due to their enjoyment of the game, such as architecture and design, but I don't see the game as a whole inspiring many people.
The Sixth Media Key: Skillfully Developed
The sixth media key is skillfully developed. The church believes that the media should be skillfully developed. (Gan 99) The text also makes it known that the spirit behind the media is important, despite this not being the most important key. Catholics must be cautious when consuming media to ensure that what they are receiving is valuable information, that was carefully and intentionally crafted.
The SIms 4 is very skillfully developed. The graphics are very impressive, and the developers spent a lot of time and consideration making the different aspects of the game. The Sims franchise has grown exponentially over the years, and it is no longer the simple game it once was. Almost every aspect of the game is fully customizable, which is incredibly impressive and skillful to pull off.
The Seventh Media Key: Motivated by and Relevant to Experience
The seventh media key discussed in Infinite Bandwidth is that it is motivated by and relevant to experience. According to the text, this means “media should take its cue from Christ and be rooted in the realities of the world we live in.” (Gan 116) It also goes on the state that “it should reflect our experience of the human condition.” (Gan 116) Media is meant to be created to be consumed in a way that is relatable and understandable to our current society, in a way that is also rooted in Christ and His teachings.
The Sims 4 is somewhat relevant to experience. It is inspired by real life, as it is a simulation style game. It stimulates real people's experiences and relationships, and you can even make it mirror your own. The game can be as realistic or fictional as you please, and therefore it can reflect real life experiences very well.
Overall, The Sims 4 is a well-developed video game that has something to offer to everyone. The game follows the seven media keys well, and is a great option for people who need a break from media and opinionated conversations. Though it seems harmless, it is important to consider how any video game affects you and your personal life, especially how much time you spend consuming them.
Seven Keys:Balanced:
Attitude:
Personal:
Truth-filled:
Inspired:
Skillfully Made:
Experienced:
Overall Rating:
28/35
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