Wouldn't want to turn this into an "us against them" (those who think the game is PERFECT as is and those of us who think it needs improvement) -- I don't think the game sucks, but I'm a little more on the side of 'it lacks something' -- I agree with Suzi -- once one generation has passed, there really isn't anything too exciting to look forward to. The upgrades don't cost $60K @ $15K each it's $45K - I got them all in Gen2 and now it's just an ant farm.

I have a few upgrades to buy (pinball and Treadmill) but as I've read on the threads they don't affect the actual game play that much...it's simply a decoration.

It's a great game, I give it a healthy B -- but I think a lot of us see greater potential for future incarnations, hoping there is VF2.

Love, hugs and kisses

It's not an us and them, I just replied with the options that keep the game more interesting to me.

The level 2 upgrades cost $5,000 x 3 = $15,000, then $15,000 x 3 = $45,000 totalling $60,000. You must have had high paid earners by gen 2, as I've only been able to upgrade level 2 ($5,000 each) in 2 career rooms. I haven't been that lucky.

I said earlier, I understand where you're coming from, I just find it more entertaining to me. I don't think it's perfect either. I'd like to play at night (their night) during the day, but it seems they get too exhausted by doing this. That is a bit of a downside, but I guess it comes with the territory of having day & night. I'd also like to see them move faster when they reach 55. And I'd like kids to stick around longer than 18, so there are things I'd like to see that I put in the suggestions thread.

If you buy the treadmill (don't know about pinball yet as I'm saving my cash ) and praise them, they get on there and run really fast. It's quite funny. They do use all the options you buy, feed the birds, fish, relax on the hammock so they are worth buying if you haven't tried them out. It gives them more leisure activities and adds more excitement to them walking around.

I haven't seen how to feed the birds or fish. How do you do that?

I totally agree with Bren. I am a HUGE LDW fan and own all the games vv1, vv2, vv3, FT, PT (my fav) and VF. I like to cruise the the forum to see how others play and experience the games and the thing that make me laugh the most is people who are looking for cheats so soon after the game is released. These games are not meant to be quick plays and I think if people had to wait a little longer and try to find out how to solve the puzzles, rather than get the cheats they may find the games more enjoyable.. I have a very stressful job and I enjoy some of the little quirks that these games present especially after I play them for a while. While solving the puzzles and collecting are a fun way to keep you engaged in the game; as Bren stated the peeps will not do everything you want them to do. My husband plays as well and used to get very frustrated when the peeps did not want to just work, and as I explained to him, how would he he feel if his boss only wanted hime to work and not have down time. So my advice to everyone is these are virtual peeps try and get to know and enjoy them. On another note, I would like there to be more options of upgrades to work for and the ability to have more than 6 kids per generation. Just sharing my thoughts

Boy, your store most have all the good stuff come around in the first generation if you can get everything done the first time around. I'm about half through the second generation in one of my families, and I'm still waiting for that darned tape!

Guess I never thought about it but yes, most of my repair stuff does come along in the first generation.

I found the game a bit (a lot) slow, for my tastes, so I just started another family and then another. With 3 families, I find that I spend as much time as I want, or don't want, with them, and don't get frustrated as easily. I do wish, however, that the messages sent to the player (me) were more varied. Oh, and the big one for me? People who are 50 years old do NOT walk slower than people who are 40! LOL I KNOW, well, almost. Will be 50 later this year. Slow them down at 60 and let them live a while longer.

Hmmm....lots of fodder for thought here. So - to add my own, here goes. I agree about the bordedom issue. I felt that way at first. Then, I realized that I had to learn how to train my family in the most effective manner. I had been praising some good behaviours that became a real nusuiance later on. How many times does someone need to dry their hair???? ha ha ha

I am still puzzled at how my peeps will find their career. How does this become set? My oldest child just went off to college - with no input from me. Believe me, I am sooo glad. I totally believe in college...(can you tell I'm a MOM?).

I have also found that my peeps second child is really quite good at school work. She seemed so NOT into it, maybe the scolding and rewarding (candy & fruit included) worked.

I WOULD LOVE TO SEE WHAT LIES OUTSIDE OF THE GATED YARD. LDW, I feel disloyal to even suggest it. I cannot fathom how much work went into designing interactive games. Boggles my mind, which is why I love to BUY your hard work & talent...

Ideas for the next versions (please don't get a headache for my even suggesting it...)

1: Could the parents visit the kids at college, orperhaps take them on an outing - musuem, park, etc. Make it cost plenty so the rewards are there.

2: Loved Plant Tycoon. I would like to see a garden shed where a florist/horiculturist could plant some flowers around the yard. Perhaps one of the peeps could go to college and learn how to come home and plant organically - which would lead into an organic Farmer's Market career. Naturally, it wouldn't be as difficult as Plant Tycoon, just the same type of challenges the peeps have now.

I am truly enjoying this game. I was really tired of the others and this one came along! I am so glad I played through the slow part of the game to get to where I am now - still in my 1st generation, mind you...but I am enjoying all of it.

Thanks LDW. May your minds stay fresh & full of "magic".

They go get bread from the side of the kitchen to feed the fish & birds. If you've only just bought them, the kids may not do it just yet, but they will. If you praise them too many times, they will feed them a lot!

They call the birds too, and bother the fish, so there's quite a few extra activities with the fish & birds. They are so cute when they call the birds.