Info about The Sims™ 4 Realm of Magic:

Official game description:
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS PACK
============================
About the Game
==============
Explore a supernatural world and master the art of wizardry in The Sims™ 4 Realm of Magic.\* This countryside town may look and feel like other neighborhoods, but once the secret portal is unlocked, the true magic begins. Potions, wands, and even a floating world will charm your Sim, but beware of spells gone wrong! Learn the craft of wizardry, summon a familiar for protection, and immerse yourself in this spellbinding realm.  
**Key features**  
*   **Discover the neighborhood** — An unreal world awaits your Sim, and when you stumble upon the secret portal there are mystical discoveries at every turn. Interact with familiars, cast spells on Sims around you, and concoct potions for friends and enemies.  
*   **Learn the craft** — Study up on classic teachings, learn from sorcerous mentors, and become a Spellcaster by completing a quest. Collect and cast spells to make Sims fight, conjure food, or even turn others into objects. Create drinkable potions to make Sims fall in love, remove unwanted curses, or live forever!  
*   **Get real familiar** — An ethereal familiar — or protector — will help your Sim become the Spellcaster they were destined to be. Summon a dragon, a fairy, or the familiar that best suits your Sim’s personality as a personal guard and give it a creative name.  
*   **Dress for supernatural success** — Get in the spirit of sorcery with outfits that suit your Sim. Over-the-top attire is cauldron-ready, while a subdued ensemble is perfect for casting new spells. Collect wands and brooms to finish the look, then decorate rooms with enchanting objects.

Release date: Jun 18, 2020

Categories: Life Simulation, Magic System, Character Progression, Single-player Story, Resource Management, Exploration


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $9.99 - $14.99
  - Reasoning: The reviews consistently indicate that the content is enjoyable but overpriced at its standard retail price, with most users stating they only consider it a good value when purchased on a sale. Typical sale discounts on this DLC bring it to around 50% of the original price, which suggests a fair price range that reflects the community's perceived worth of the content.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The quotes provide only qualitative time references: 5 minutes to explore the map, 'a matter of hours' to become overpowered, 'several hours of grinding' for a bugged trait, and 'only a few hours in' as current playtime. None of these offer precise, quantifiable values for total game completion, story completion, average session length, or endgame time. The 5-minute figure is about exploring the realm, not completing all content, so it cannot be used for gameCompletion or sessionLength. Because no exact or reliable numbers are given, all playtime metrics remain unsupported.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Realm of Magic starts with weak, meaningless spells and a grindy, bland progression, but becomes more agreeable once a few new spells are unlocked, making it a 'clicks after' experience.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Unlocking a few new spells
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: pointless first Mischief spell; overpowered early spell and potion remove challenge; bland magic system with limited detail; repetitive grindy interactions to slow learning; useless and buggy familiars
  - Unlock drivers: unlocking a few new spells
  - Conditions: may be better for players tired of repetitive skill building; recommended as an end-game investment; more enjoyable when playing without cheating; compared unfavorably to Vampires DLC which has weaker early unlocks
- Player Archetypes:
  - Theme Enthusiast Roleplayer (buy)
    - Motivation: To live out magical and wizarding fantasy in roleplay and creative building.
    - Playstyle: Creates witch/wizard sims, focuses on magic-themed interactions, and builds appropriate environments.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: The Sims 3
  - Value-Conscious Buyer (sale)
    - Motivation: To get the best value for money without overpaying for limited content.
    - Playstyle: Waits for sales, compares against other packs, and weighs the benefits before purchasing.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Casual Power Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: To gain magical abilities quickly without effort or complex progression.
    - Playstyle: Uses the pack to bypass skill grinding, relying on magic as an effective cheat-like tool.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - DLC Comparer (no buy)
    - Motivation: To select the most distinct and replayable supernatural content across DLCs.
    - Playstyle: Compares pack features, may already own other supernatural packs, and recommends alternatives over this one.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: The Sims 4: Vampires; The Sims 4: StrangerVille


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Potions are very useful (weight 0.44): The potion system is a favorite feature, with players noting the usefulness of immortality, rejuvenation, and instant revival potions. Potions can fill needs, prevent death, and provide convenience, making expenses irrelevant.
- Magic is highly useful (weight 0.41): Players consistently praise magic as handy and fun, noting it simplifies chores, fills needs, and offers convenience. Specific spells like Scrubbaroo and Repairo are highlighted as awesome.
- Realm of Magic area beautiful (weight 0.38): The Realm of Magic and Glimmerbrook are frequently described as beautiful, cool, and amazing, with a detailed fairytale atmosphere. Many players enjoy exploring this magical world.
- Crafting potions is favorite (weight 0.32): Crafting potions in the magic cauldron is a top feature, with players enjoying the process and unique effects. Mass production and storage make potions extremely convenient.
- Spellcaster gameplay is fun (weight 0.31): Playing as a Spellcaster is widely enjoyed, with cool abilities and powerful spells. Spellcasters are seen as robust and practical, offering flexible gameplay without the limitations of other occult types.
- DLC is enjoyable and valuable (weight 0.29): The pack is considered thoroughly enjoyable, very good, and worth the value. Players express love for the expansion, noting it provides many hours of gameplay and enhances the base game significantly.
- Potion mechanics prevent death (weight 0.29): Immortality, rejuvenation, and revival potions effectively eliminate death by old age or accident. These potions are highly valued for their life-saving benefits.
- Build/Buy items are charming (weight 0.23): Art Nouveau style building and interior items are a major charm, with solid furniture and architecture options. Some items offer cheaper alternatives with better looks.
- Progression and training are satisfying (weight 0.23): Training and learning new things feel more in-depth than typical Sims mechanics, with satisfying power progression over time. The talent tree and hereditary bloodlines add depth.
- Magic provides transportation options (weight 0.19): Broomsticks offer faster travel than walking, running, or biking, and are described as nice and practical. Teleportation spells add further convenience for getting around.
- Mischief spells add chaos (weight 0.19): Mischief Magic spells are praised for allowing players to annoy, freeze, burn, and control other Sims. This chaotic element is a source of fun and hilarity for many.
- Familiars are a favorite feature (weight 0.19): Familiars, including companion orbs and pets, are praised as fun, useful in duels, and showcase personality. They travel with players and provide encouragement.
- Combat spells provide entertainment (weight 0.19): Spells that freeze, burn, or control other Sims are satisfying and hilarious. This includes blasting neighborhood Sims with fireballs and creating chaos at gatherings.
- Spells have high utility (weight 0.16): Spells allow teleporting, instant cleaning, gardening, repairing, duplicating items, and affecting emotions. This wide utility makes magic indispensable for everyday sim life.
- Life-state is non-obtrusive (weight 0.15): Spellcasters can be played without managing extra mechanics like sun allergy or bloodlust, making them easier for occult beginners. This non-obtrusive life state enhances gameplay without burden.
- Dueling offers fun rewards (weight 0.15): Dueling is seen as very fun, with uncertain outcomes and good rewards including glory, knowledge, and resources. The dueling system adds depth and replayability.
- Great for roleplay and scenarios (weight 0.14): The pack is great for roleplay and scenario play, allowing players to live out wizard dreams and create themed families. It works well with other packs and aesthetics.
- World has no loading screens (weight 0.06): Traveling between floating rocks in the Magic Realm has no loading screens, making exploration seamless and enjoyable.
- No bugs encountered by players (weight 0.06): Players report encountering no bugs in the pack, indicating a solid technical performance. This reliability adds to the overall positive experience.

Common complaints:
- Magic Realm is empty (weight 0.66): The Magic Realm is criticized for being deserted, small, and lacking activities, with only one enterable building and a few lots. Many reviewers note that exploring the entire realm takes only about five minutes.
- Spells are unbalanced cheats (weight 0.52): Several reviewers state that spells, especially Copypasto, are overpowered and feel like cheats, trivializing gameplay and removing challenge. This includes concerns about unlimited duplication and the ease of satisfying needs with early spells.
- Magic system overpowered (weight 0.48): The magic system is seen as overpowered and imbalance-breaking, especially when combined with other DLC, making the game too easy. Risks like curses and death are easily nullified, and many spells function as cheats.
- World is too small (weight 0.47): Both the new world and the Magic Realm are criticized for being too small, with limited lots and buildings. This makes exploration quick and reduces the sense of a magical place.
- Overpriced for content (weight 0.42): Many reviewers feel the DLC is overpriced for what it offers, with some wishing it were cheaper or combined with other packs. The value proposition is consistently criticized.
- Content is lacking depth (weight 0.39): The pack feels bare bones, missing features, and lacking depth compared to other packs, with few activities and little replayability. Reviewers express disappointment with the amount of content and missed opportunities.
- Pack not worth price (weight 0.38): Many reviewers feel the pack is overpriced for the content offered, with several stating it is not worth the cost and regretting the purchase. The perceived lack of value is a recurring theme across multiple clusters.
- World design is lackluster (weight 0.35): The new world and its buildings are often described as ugly, mundane, and poorly designed, lacking a magical atmosphere. The town is boring, and the magic school and courtyard are unimpressive.
- Duels are broken (weight 0.33): Magic duels are criticized as buggy, random, and lacking player input, with outcomes not based on skill. Many reviewers find duels unengaging and unbalanced, sometimes resulting in no winners or constant failures.
- Bugs and glitches (weight 0.28): The pack is reported to have several bugs, including issues with familiars, aging suspension, and facial features disappearing when creating spellcasters. Some reviewers doubt EA will fix these issues.
- No gameplay depth (weight 0.28): The gameplay is described as boring and repetitive, with little to do beyond basic tasks. Many reviewers find the pack not fun and lacking in engaging mechanics.
- Spell learning is grindy (weight 0.27): Learning spells is described as extremely slow and repetitive, requiring waiting long periods between interactions with NPCs. The process is seen as a grind that takes too long to acquire all spells.
- Familiars are useless (weight 0.27): Familiars are widely considered nearly useless, with very few interactions and no real utility beyond summoning or dismissing. They also cause bugs, such as preventing pet walking, and lack depth.
- Limited lots and buildings (weight 0.27): There are very few empty lots for building and only one enterable building in the magical realm, with the rest as empty shells. This severely limits player creativity and exploration.
- Leveling is unsatisfying (weight 0.23): Leveling up is described as grindy and unrewarding, with slow progression and lackluster rewards. Some reviewers note that leveling sometimes does not work properly and is less fun than in the vampire DLC.
- Potion brewing undermined (weight 0.22): Potion brewing becomes unnecessary due to spells that duplicate items and books that give free potions. This reduces the need for ingredients and makes the potion system feel redundant.
- Spells are useless (weight 0.19): Many spells are considered pointless or useless, with some like Inferinate and Zipzap feeling completely ineffective. Reviewers note that the magic tree is cluttered with useless spells, reducing overall interest.
- Missing traditional magic (weight 0.18): The pack lacks classic mage designs, relying instead on a modern Harry Potter-like approach. Reviewers miss medieval or Victorian era aesthetics and feel the pack lacks a unique identity.
- Spellcaster life state issues (weight 0.18): Becoming a spellcaster is unclear and not explained, and spellcasters cannot use magic if they are also vampires. Additionally, creating a spellcaster can cause facial features to disappear.
- Progression is too fast (weight 0.14): With simple items like apples, progression is very quick, making the game too easy and reducing challenge. This ties into the overall feeling of the pack being unbalanced.

Gameplay feedback:
- Potion crafting mechanics (weight 0.4): The game includes a detailed potion crafting system using cauldrons and ingredients. Potions can restore needs, affect body shape, and provide various benefits.
- Rich spell system (weight 0.38): The expansion introduces a comprehensive spellcasting system with 24 spells across three schools, learnable from NPCs. Players can become wizards and use magic for various utilities.
- Spellcaster life state (weight 0.27): Spellcasters are a new occult life state with unique abilities and traits. They can be created, inherited, and leveled up through gameplay.
- Magic realm location (weight 0.23): The Realm of Magic is a new explorable area with a magical school and dueling grounds. It is small but detailed, with a hidden area and floating islands.
- Magic utility functions (weight 0.22): Magic can perform household chores like repairing appliances, cleaning, and preparing meals. These functions serve as convenient cheats for players.
- Magic duels (weight 0.18): The game features magical duels, but outcomes are random rather than skill-based. Duels can be performed for fun or gain.
- Comparisons to vampires (weight 0.18): Spellcasters differ from vampires in abilities and mechanics, such as not needing to feed and having more varied spells. This pack resembles the Vampires pack in progression.
- Overpowered spellcasters (weight 0.18): Spellcasters are considered extremely overpowered, making life easier for Sims. They can duplicate objects, resurrect, and become immortal.
- Overcharge risk system (weight 0.15): Spellcasting builds charge, which can kill the sim if not vented. This risk/reward system adds tension but requires management.
- Broomstick transportation (weight 0.14): Players can travel using broomsticks, which provide faster movement. Brooms are included as items and have special properties like resale value exemptions.
- Learning and training (weight 0.14): Spellcasters learn spells through NPCs, books, and dueling. However, cooldowns between learning sessions can be long.
- Alchemy and economy (weight 0.13): The DLC includes alchemy for money-making and skills that reduce prices in the magic world. Brooms have special resale value rules.
- Small but detailed world (weight 0.13): The Realm of Magic is a small location with limited buildable areas, but it is detailed and includes a hidden area. It features portals for travel.
- Hereditary spellcasting (weight 0.1): Spellcasting abilities are hereditary, allowing magic to be passed down through generations. This adds a legacy aspect to gameplay.
- Cauldron food preservation (weight 0.1): The cauldron can make food that never spoils while stored, such as Mac and Cheese with 12 servings. This provides convenient long-lasting meals.
- Familiar orbs (weight 0.09): Familiar orbs allow players to walk around with a flying creature, adding companion mechanics. These creatures can be purchased and bound.
- Curses and backfires (weight 0.06): Spells can backfire into curses, adding unpredictable elements. Curses can have negative effects on the caster.
- Occult classification (weight 0.06): Spellcasters are classified as a type of occult in the game. They have unique life state traits and can be created as characters.
- Sandbox magic system (weight 0.06): The magic system is sandbox-like, allowing flexible spell usage. Players can use magic for various purposes without many restrictions.
- NPC guide availability (weight 0.05): A character named Reina da Magia guides players through the magic system. NPCs also serve as teachers for spells and potions.

Performance notes:
- Crash bug after pack (weight 0.07): Players report that the pack causes the game to crash, which is a severe issue affecting game stability. This high-impact problem likely prevents gameplay entirely for affected users.
- Familiars have bugs (weight 0.07): The pack is described as buggy, particularly in relation to familiars. These issues likely include glitches or broken interactions that reduce the experience.
- Numerous potion issues (weight 0.07): Players mention that potion-related bugs are prevalent. These may involve incorrect effects, failures to work, or other disruptions.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended by many (weight 0.38): Multiple reviewers strongly recommend this pack, with some calling it a definite purchase even at full price. The high praise comes from clusters emphasizing its value and enjoyment.
- Best bought on sale (weight 0.33): A significant number of reviewers suggest waiting for a discount, as the price feels more appropriate during sales. This is a common sentiment across several clusters, indicating that the pack's value is tied to its cost.
- Good for magic fans (weight 0.26): The pack is recommended for players who enjoy witchcraft, wizardry, or the supernatural side of The Sims. It appeals to those who like roleplaying as witches, wizards, or Harry Potter enthusiasts.
- Compare with Vampires pack (weight 0.22): Several reviewers mention that the spellcaster pack is similar to the Vampires DLC, and recommend choosing one based on personal preference. Some even suggest buying both in a bundle or waiting for a sale that includes both.
- Not worth full price (weight 0.19): Some reviewers feel the pack lacks depth, variety, or is overpriced for the content, suggesting waiting for a deep discount. This sentiment is captured in clusters that caution against buying at full price.
- Enjoy premade characters (weight 0.1): Reviewers encourage playing with the premade characters and following their stories, adding value to the pack beyond just gameplay features.
- Good for convenience players (weight 0.1): The pack is recommended for players who want their Sims to live more comfortably and conveniently, possibly through the added gameplay elements.
- Alternative: Hogwarts Legacy (weight 0.06): A few reviewers suggest spending more money on Hogwarts Legacy instead of this pack, implying that the pack may not satisfy hardcore Harry Potter fans.
- Avoid if seeking balance (weight 0.06): One reviewer notes that the pack is not for players who value game balance and working for rewards, as it may offer overpowered or easy gameplay options.
- Useful with mods (weight 0.05): A reviewer highlights the benefit of using the 'Occult Hybrid Unlocker' mod to combine vampire and spellcaster abilities, enriching the gameplay experience.

Other player notes:
- Comparison to Vampires DLC (weight 0.38): Multiple reviewers compare this pack unfavorably to the Vampires DLC, citing better progression, balance, and content quality in Vampires. Some prefer Vampires overall.
- High DLC pricing criticized (weight 0.27): Reviewers criticize the pack's high price relative to its content, often calling it typical of EA's pricing. Recommendations include waiting for sales or buying other games instead.
- Comparison to Sims 3 Supernatural (weight 0.23): Reviewers compare the content and spellcasting system to Sims 3's Supernatural, finding the latter broader and requiring more effort. Sims 3 magic is deemed more fun and versatile.
- Art Nouveau aesthetic praised (weight 0.23): Positive feedback highlights the Art Nouveau style of build/buy content, windows, and doors. Some purchased the pack solely for these items and plan to use them.
- Build and interior style (weight 0.21): Besides Art Nouveau, the pack includes props, clothing, hairstyles, and building functionality. It pairs well with Vampires for a 19th-20th century atmosphere.
- Monetization and DLC packs (weight 0.19): Criticism focuses on the game being monetized through separate DLC packs, with developers seen as greedy. The pack is sold at a price deemed overvalued relative to its content.
- Harry Potter inspired pack (weight 0.16): The pack heavily draws inspiration from Harry Potter, serving as a homage without the license. Reviewers note it feels like Harry Potter rather than a unique magical theme.
- Balance and progression issues (weight 0.16): The DLC is considered a balance breaker, with progression compared unfavorably to Vampires. Some features like the Potion of Immortality are too easy to obtain, reducing challenge.
- Realm of Magic too small (weight 0.15): The new Realm of Magic location is noted as small with limited lots, lacking expected features like magical classes or a cafe. Some find a secret amazing place, but overall disappointment.
- Missing features and content depth (weight 0.15): Reviewers list potential features not implemented, such as different skills and paths. The pack's content is not as wide as previous magic iterations, lacking depth and quality.
- Bugs and refund wishes (weight 0.15): Some reviewers express frustration over bugs and wish for a refund. EA is not expected to fix these issues, and workarounds like locking doors have downsides.
- Comparison to other occult packs (weight 0.14): Spellcasters are compared to other paranormal beings, with some calling this the best version across the franchise. Others prefer Sims 1 magic expansion.
- Pack is unique but limited (weight 0.14): It is the only DLC catering to wizards and witchery, offering a substantial amount of playtime. However, it lacks wide content and has pricing issues.
- Mods can enhance gameplay (weight 0.13): Mods like 'Deadly Spellcasters' and 'Occult Hybrid Unlocker' can improve the experience, but some mods cause issues like unwinnable duels. Modding offers solutions but not officially supported.
- Good for different player types (weight 0.13): The pack is considered good for all types of people, but intended for those who want to use cheats without knowing debug console. It is not too difficult.
- Steam purchase experience (weight 0.13): Purchasing the pack on Steam was organized and easy, with the pack and collection added to Steam. Some reviewers shared screenshots.
- Better alternatives recommended (weight 0.11): Some reviewers suggest buying other games or packs instead, like Hogwarts Legacy or Vampires. This DLC often falls short in content quality and quantity compared to alternatives.
- World more detailed than Forgotten Hollow (weight 0.1): The new world is praised for being more detailed than Forgotten Hollow from Vampires. However, it remains small with limited lots.
- Pack integration with other DLC (weight 0.1): The pack works with other DLC like Vintage and Seasons, but may be better suited for Vampires. Integration is not always seamless.
- Magic system lacks depth (weight 0.1): Compared to Sims 3, alchemy was a standalone skill and magic required more effort. This pack's system is less complex and rewarding.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.23): Players feel the pack lacks depth and creativity, offering only small worlds, uninspired spells, and poor dueling mechanics. The high price and comparison to previous magic-themed packs heighten the sense of missed potential and wasted opportunity.
- Frustration (weight 0.11): The pack is criticized for being unbalanced and buggy, with an extremely slow spell-learning process and broken dueling. Players also face game-breaking bugs and find the system repetitive and limiting, especially the inability to combine magic with vampirism.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.1): Players enjoy the practical and fun aspects of magic, such as casting spells, dueling, and crafting potions. The spellbook RPG-style progression and the ability to use magic creatively provide engaging and satisfying gameplay.
- Love (weight 0.08): Players love the expansion for its magical theme, Art Nouveau design, and the ability to live out witch or wizard fantasies. The spells, potions, and familiars are seen as invaluable additions that enhance gameplay.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.06): The overpowered nature of spellcasters provides convenience and fun, allowing players to use magic anywhere and perform entertaining actions. The new life state and CAS items also contribute to overall satisfaction with the pack.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Players appreciate the convenience and utility of magic, such as repairing items and using potions, which enhance gameplay. The quality of the create-a-sim items and the beautiful map are also valued.
- Excitement (weight 0.03): The expansion offers many spells, a cool magical realm, and convenient potions, generating excitement about the potential to drastically change gameplay.
- Frustrated (weight 0.03): Players are frustrated with the high cost of separate DLC packs, the lack of enjoyment in creating wizards, and technical issues like game crashes.
- Disappointed (weight 0.02): Disappointment arises from the high cost and small amount of content, as well as magic feeling like cheating, which reduces challenge and fun.
- Excited (weight 0.02): The pack excites players by offering a wizard life experience with familiars and magical realms, invoking Hogwarts vibes and the possibility of playing as an evil character.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): The expansion allows overpowered and humorous scenarios, such as making people go crazy at gatherings and trivializing needs and money, providing amusement.
- Annoyed (weight 0.01): Players are annoyed by overcharging mechanics, the need to practice, curses, and NPC sims trespassing on their lots.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Players experience joy from controlling specific game elements and from the fun of gaining magical abilities.
- Pleased (weight 0.01): Players are pleased with the variety of activities like youth potions and fire play, and the fun and useful content at a reasonable price.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Regret stems from poor implementation, such as broken leveling and slow spell learning, making the purchase feel like a waste.
- Impressed (weight 0.01): Players are impressed by the cheat-like abilities of spellcasters to duplicate items and by the quality of clothes, decorations, and spells.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Players admire the Art Nouveau style and the beautiful Realm of Magic world with its graphics.
- Satisfied (weight 0.01): The magic system is satisfying due to its convenience and lack of side effects, and the potion-making feature is rewarding.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Content becomes trivial quickly, and the empty magical world leads to boredom.}