InZOI is a new, fresh competitor in the life-simulation category, already earning itself a lot of comparison to (and, subsequent evaluation of) The Sims 4. However, while both games certainly have their similarities, there are also a few key takeaways in which they can learn from one another. Here are five key things The Sims 4 could learn from InZOI’s approach.
Cars
One of the most interesting mechanics in InZOI is cars. Through use of their phone, Zois can purchase a car of their choice, which can then be used to transport them around town in animated cutscenes between each load. However, the biggest appeal of this feature is the fact that players can turn on manual driving and control their own car to get to and from different locations.
If The Sims 4 could pull off something similar, it would certainly be a huge plus – as there is generally much more to do in the Sims worlds due to how long they’ve been around. Even driving your Sim to and from work each day would bring a bit more immersion to the screen and add another layer of entertainment.
World Editing Tools
A feature that has earned much praise from those participating in InZOI’s early access gameplay experience is none other than the City Editing Tools. These options enable players to customize the cities in which their Zoi live to a much deeper level than what is available in The Sims 4.
For example, InZOI players can not only customize lots and family layouts, but the appearance of their city. This involves changing the types of trees and foliage, customizing billboard advertisements, adding extra decorations to the streets and attractions, and customizing the colour of all these new additions to really add that personal touch. Furthermore, players can customize the environment of their world, creating such significant changes that they can even transform the world and all attractions into a post-apocalyptic dystopia.
Animation Details
While InZOI has taken a realistic approach rather than a toon-ified style in terms of graphics, The Sims 4 still has that unique stylistic charm. However, an area that InZOi had undoubtedly drawn comparison to, is the character and action animations. These in particular have really started to show The Sims 4’s age when put on a side-by-side comparison.
For example, food preparation animations in InZOI are much more detailed and life-like. Rather than stabbing at their ingredients randomly and throwing them into a bowl, players will watch their Zoi prepare each step of the meal – including individually prepping different ingredients by slicing, chopping, and mixing.
Utilizing Modern Technology
Obviously, The Sims 4 is a much older game by comparison, so InZOI does have the advantage of properly utilizing modern technology in the game. However, the way in which InZOI has incorporated these features thus far has been very entertaining and interesting. So, if the Sims were to ever give the game a major update/revamp or potentially release a new PC title, they could take influence from how InZOI has made the most of these new possibilities in gaming.
Players are able to scan their own faces with the capture tool, and then have their Zoi mirror their facial expressions and movements in real time. In addition to this, players can use the 3D Printer feature to upload 2D images of objects and have the game turn them into 3D objects/furniture for their Zoi’s home. This type of creative freedom and accessibility is so impressive – there’s no need for the likes of mods and custom creations when you can simply have the game whip up your dream objects on your behalf!
Character Customization
Lastly, character customization has kicked off with a very strong start in InZOI. While on a base level, the game does not offer as many different hairstyle options, InZOI enables characters to use colour sliders to pick custom colours for all of their clothing, hair, and accessories, rather than being limited to specified colour swatches like in The Sims 4. In addition to this, players can customize clothing to a new level, even customizing the likes of patterns and new textures.
InZOI also has the built-in Canvas feature, which is like The Sims 4’s Gallery, but for everything you can imagine. With a few clicks of a button, players can download endless hairstyles, premade Zois, premade outfits, clothing items, furniture/objects, and more! Essentially, there’s no need for browsing endless mods and CC from different sources – it’s already all available in-game, making highly detailed character customization more accessible than ever.
