Let’s embrace the spooky season by looking back at some cozy retro games. This week we look at The Sims: Makin’ Magic for PC.
Growing up, I was obsessed with WItchcraft! Ever since watching Charmed, I secretly wished (even pretended) that I was a witch! It seemed like Hollywood’s obsession with magic was felt everywhere too! Films like The Craft and Harry Potter were popular films at the time, especially the latter- it still is a popular staple to pop culture today. So it only made sense that one of the most popular gaming series at the time would popularise this trend.
Released in 2003, Makin Magic was the 7th and final expansion pack for the original Sims series. Like with any Sims expansion pack, Makin’ Magic adds to the core gameplay, providing exciting and magical elements for when the base game gets a bit stale.
Upon loading up a premade family or even creating your own, they’ll be visited by a mystery man who will deliver a box of magic equipment to get you started, even a hole in the ground which will take you to a new sub-neighbourhood called Magic Town. Comprising six community lots and three residential lots, Magic Town is the new sub-neighbourhood introduced to allow Sims to partake in many magical acts such as duelling, gathering ingredients, or even simply relax with some gumbo and golf.
Although the good witch, bag witch trait doesn’t exist, the game has three distinct themes for Magic Town to possibly complement your character’s aesthetic and magical journey. For the witch who probably dabbles in black magic, there is a part of Magic Town which is swimming in an eerie fog and is surrounded by dead, hollow trees. However, the complete opposite awaits for the white witch, as sims can revel in the lush greenery of nature, with beautiful vibrant trees and flowers in plentiful supply.
Also you have a carnival themed area to explore if none of those are to your personal tastes. Word of warning however, avoid if you have a major fear of clowns as they are plastered everywhere. There are fun balloons, popcorn machines everywhere, as there is a kooky rollercoaster for sims to enjoy.
As I briefly mentioned earlier, The Sims: Makin’ Magic offers additional, exciting gameplay to the base game. Perfect if you’re bored of the idyllic 1950’s Sim-burbia. In the comfort of your Sim’s home, they can conjure up charms and spells in cauldrons whilst following recipes in your family’s spellbook. These recipes are made up of a combination of ingredients, some you can purchase from Magic Town and others you obtain from bartering with its NPC’s.
You can also demonstrate what an amazingly, powerful witch you are too by challenging other Sims to a fuel at selected duelling stations in Magic Town. It’s not that epic, however the animations are so funny to watch. Just ensure that your skills are at a reasonable level or else you will have your booty handed to you. Not to mention be red faced with embarrassment. The same rule applies if you want to step on stage and put on a mafic show. Don’t pretend to be Penn & Teller if you haven’t invested in your skills and craft!
Overall, The Sims: Makin’ Magic is one of the best paranormal themed expansion packs that EA have ever done. Although we’ve had other similar packs released many years later, it has never really been able to top the magic and overall feel of The Sims: Makin Magic. Everything since then felt half assed, watered down or even soulless.
How to care for a dragon in The Sims: Makin’ Magic?
Dragons are relatively easy to look after in The Sims: Makin’ Magic, as they have very few motives such as hunger, fun and energy. Dragons will sleep in their nest to regain energy, eat anything from trash, toads, flowers etc to replenish their hunger needs and will entertain themselves by playing with other dragons, cats, dogs and even gnomes.
Although Dragons are deemed easy to care for, it’s important to ensure that their needs are cared for, otherwise they will torch items and furniture around them- posing a risk of life to Sims.
How to get magicoins on The Sims; Makin’ Magic?
Magicoins are the currency used in Magic Town in The Sims: Makin’ Magic. They can be used to buy ingredients and spells, as well as being used to purchase dragon eggs and much more. To get magicoins in The Sims: Makin’ Magic, the players can make magical ingredients at home and sell them to vendors in Magic Town, or even by successfully winning duels.
Where do you buy the rubber chicken in The Sims: Makin Magic?
Rubber Chicken is one of the magical ingredients needed in The Sims: Makin’ Magic to create useful spells. To get the rubber chicken in The Sims: Makin’ Magic you will need to barter trade with Apothecary Todd in Magic Town.