Good reason for *not* getting FFS (Family Fun Stuff)

[Pegasys]

There have been many arguments about how FFS is a ripoff because it contains only 60 items that should have been included in OFB. While I understand the argument, it really didn't sway me and I was still contemplating getting it. However, a much more cogent reason has emerged.

It seems that if you have FFS, and you upload a lot, the only people who will be able to use the lot are other people who have FFS. This appears different from the Holiday pack - if you have the Holiday pack, but you don't use any Holiday items in a lot, people can still use the lot. But now there's a new icon on the lot Exchange for FFS just like the other EPs. 

I think many people will not be getting FFS so builders beware - if you install FFS your audience may shrink considerably. It's one thing to require the newest EPs which have real building changes but to require a booster pack is a bit much.

[BlueSoup]

I saw this too, and it's disappointing.  I know Maxis wants to prevent piracy by forcing you to register and the disk for playing, blah blah blah, but if I did get FFS, I wouldn't be able to upload a Sim, lot, business, anything.

Gah.

[Emma]

Well I'm not getting it. I can't stand OFB and have uninstalled it. I actually doubt if I would buy any more expansion packs for my game now. I like it the way it is!

[JenW]

Yeah, I heard that it installs like an EP so I was afraid this was going to happen, dammit. I think I'm going to get it but put off installing it for a while and finish up some lots to upload before I have to add another requirement to them.

* jenwarren kicks EA.

[Fat D]

it even has a new loading screen, no more than 4 different objects (the two pescados, the underwater dresser and the stepping stone rug) and few useful clothing items, must only for children which would be great for every age, like the accesoires.

[Pegasys]

Does it have new music in the loading screen? I know this sounds awfully picky, but I like the OFB opening music and don't want it replaced yet.

Meh. I'm definitely going to put off getting this.

[JenW]

Yes, it has new music...I don't have it yet, but my coadmin at the Literate Sim has it and has made a couple of posts about it (link is in my sig).

[vcline]

When I saw the title of this thread, I thought it was referring to the FFS Lot Debugger.    Glad to see I was wrong.

[viromancy]

There have been many arguments about how FFS is a ripoff because it contains only 60 items that should have been included in OFB...

An even more pertinent reason for not getting it might be that, to judge by the advance publicity, it's complete crap and is better off not being included at all. In real life I've found that, as a general rule, you should run screaming from anything that advertises itself as appropriate for a "family" setting, be it "family fun" or "family friendly" or "family entertainment". "Family Fun Stuff" seems to carry the principle over into virtual reality.

Your mileage may vary, of course.

[jsalemi]

Well, I was in Target today, and they had it on sale, so I picked it up for 'research purposes'.   It does install like an EP (CD code and all), because if you have only the original game it adds the relationship stuff that came in with Uni/Nightlife (influence, turn on/offs, furious reactions) and the sim inventory.  Doesn't otherwise appear to break anything, though, as there aren't any new interactions I've found yet in about 1/2 hour of poking around with it.  And most of the stuff it adds is for kids, it appears.  So for most folks with more than the base game, it's probably not worth it to buy.

[jrd]

FFP has new loading music and a screen. It's "SP1" (Stuff Pack 1), as opposed to XPn (Expansion Pack n).

There are NO new interactions or scenarios at all, just a few okay objects and some horrid clothes/hats. And three blank houses with some of the new objects in the lotbin.
I'm not buying or installing it.

[BlueSoup]

The game will usually reset the custom content catalog - go into options, turn them on, save and exit and they should show with the next time you turn it on.

As for the flashing blue, perhaps a CEP thing that's not compatible with the booster pack?

[ZiggyDoodle]

and some horrid clothes/hats.

Oh great, that's just what we need.  More ugly hats.

Had no plans on buying it anyway but will remember the ugly hats in case I have a brain fart while in a software store.

By the way, I read a post from someone claiming FFS deleted his houses.  But that appeared in the Land of the Lemmings, so it was probably user error.

[BlueSoup]

Maxis has never been known for logic.  It shouldn't have been necessary, but who knows what kind of bugginess that was introduced?  We already heard of a major one direct from Maxis themselves, and I don't know if Pescado, TJ and Crammyboy are planning to get it?  If they don't, then they prolly can't make the pretty, shiny hacks either.

[syberspunk]

Maxis has never been known for logic.  It shouldn't have been necessary, but who knows what kind of bugginess that was introduced?  We already heard of a major one direct from Maxis themselves, and I don't know if Pescado, TJ and Crammyboy are planning to get it?  If they don't, then they prolly can't make the pretty, shiny hacks either.

But the thing is... if it's just Objects... then why would/should you need fixes for Objects?!?!?! The majority, if not all of those objects that I've seen aren't exactly brand new. They are existing dresser/drawers, beds, carpets, and decorative stuff that isn't even all that pretty anyways.

So if all of these are pretty much just regular old objects, with maybe new meshes, why should these be buggy? It just seems really retarded to me that, in their attempt to make the content pirate proof, they buggered it all up. So... even those people who legally purchase it are having problems they shouldn't. How stupid is this? That outfits were the reason lots and sims were disappearing. I just don't get that.

I am definitely going to pass on this worthless piece 'o crap. And I encourage everyone else to do so as well. Don't be a sucka foo'! 

Ste

[BlueSoup]

I don't understand how a bunch of CC can make the lots disappear and all sorts of funky thing happen either.

Anyone ever have this problem with CC from fansites making the lot disappear? I know I've never had that.

Stupid Maxis. 

[Nivaya]

Ugh, what IS it with Maxis and their sick hat obsession? Personally, none of my sims are behatted, if I wanted to see chavs and old people, I'd look out of my window, plenty of ugly hats there...>.>
And the FFS hats are particularly ugly, from what I've seen...

And I don't want to crap up my game even more, for the sake of some ugly hats. And also some stuff. I can crap up my game with STUFF for free, thankyouverymuch.

[Entgleichen]

I think the reason that it's buggy is, because it contains some gameplay elements from nightlife. So, it's not only objects in FFS, even if someone who owns all EPs, doesn't see it in the game.
But I have all EPs, so I don't need this overexpensive 'Almost-Nothing' either.

I don't believe that Maxis is stupid anymore. I believe they have gone nuts.

[Liss]

well dammit I was looking forward to some more kid-friendly objects and was hoping to get this for my birthday.  I build houses though, so much for that idea.  Stupid EA.

[radiophonic]

Well, if anyone has learned anything from the last three EP's and the stupid Holiday add-on it's: Don't buy right away!

[TreyNutz]

By the way, I read a post from someone claiming FFS deleted his houses.  But that appeared in the Land of the Lemmings, so it was probably user error.

I saw a post like that too.  She uninstalled the FFS pack, restored her backup to get her lot back, and then reinstalled the pack.  She was going to work with a test lot next to see what happens.  I haven't heard anything since.

I, unfortunately, have already ordered the FFS pack, although it hasn't shipped yet.  I wonder if I can cancel the order.

[anelca]

i am quite happy to buy expansion packs
what i am not happy to part with my cash for is a Booster pack containing crap. even worse, crap which can interfere with how my game plays
and agreeing with Nivaya here, i would be ecstatic if maxis would burn the hats, chav (i don't need or want a bunch of ASBOs running round my 'hoods) or otherwise styled, and stupid costumes
trouble is if they did do that who knows what they would put in their place

[Jysudo]

Some folks are experiencing flashing red walls after installing this SP.
And it might just be because Maxis had upped system requirements for it, found this on BBS

Originally Posted by DitzyDahling
apparently Maxis upped the specs on the video graphics card for this booster pack. I have the same problem. I can run Sims2, Uni and OFB, but when I install FF all my walls in every house flash red/black. I've already uninstalled the booster from my game as I couldn't get it to stop and I already have the latest driver update. if you haven't updated your video driver, then try that... maybe it'll fix yours.

I am not sure how true that is but it seems insane to increase specs for OBJECTS?! What the hell are they thinking?

[LK]

Reason 23: Family Fun Stuff can be abbreviated to "FFS" which is a blatant rip-off of JM's hacks.  Maxis is just trying to capitalize on JM's success.

[Jysudo]

Your reason really makes me laugh and yeah I have to agree with it