|---------------------------------------------------| | The Sims Vacation : Complete NPC Guide | |---------------------------------------------------| |Written by : AC Chua (albino_chua@edsamail.com.ph) | |Last Update : June 30, 2002 | |Version 2.2 | |---------------------------------------------------| ================================================================================ >>>>> Version History <<<<< Version 1.1 - (May 14, 2002) First Version. Version 1.11 - (May 15, 2002) Fixed up some minor errors in grammar and word spacing. Version 1.2 - (May 16, 2002) Fixed the format of this FAQ for better viewing. Version 1.3 - (May 17, 2002) Added a new Review Section. Version 1.4 - (May 18, 2002) Made some minor corrections with character placements. Version 1.5 - (May 19, 2002) Added more info for the Headless Ghost, Entertainer, Mime, the Violinist, Janitor Sonya Claire The Bear, Genie, Drew Carey and Servo. Added 2 new NPC's (Space Aliens and Evil Clone) as well as a new section, (Miscellaneous Info). Edited the title's format. Version 1.6 - (May 23, 2002) Corrected the description for the Pizza Delivery guy. Version 1.7 - (May 25, 2002) Added more new links where my FAQ can be found. Version 1.8 - (May 27, 2002) Added more info for the Cashiers/Shopkeepers, Evil Clone, and Police Woman. Added 2 new NPC's, the Clown Catcher, which is available thru the official Sim website, (www.thesims.com) and SimGhosts. Version 1.9 - (June 3, 2002) Made a correction, removed the Braided Cowgirl from the list since she's not an NPC. My mistake! Added a new NPC, Santa Claus. Edited the description of the fireman to make more sense. Version 2.0 - (June 4, 2002) Made corrections on the descriptions of some characters. Version 2.1 - (June 16, 2002) Added some contributor's tips. Check the credits section for more details. Version 2.2 - (June 30, 2002) Made some corrections with the Santa Claus. Added more info for the caterer, Drew Carey and Headless Ghost. ================================================================================ >>>>> Table Of Contents <<<<< 1. Introduction 2. Contact 3. Review 4. NPC's a. The Sims b. The Sims : Livin' Large c. The Sims : House Party d. The Sims : Hot Date e. The Sims : Vacation f. Extras 5. Miscellaneous Info 6. Credits 7. Copyright Info =============================================================================== >>>>> Intro <<<<< Part of the excitement of playing "The Sims" are the several Non- Playable Characters that appear when certain things happen. If you're like me and had some problems looking for a certain character in the game, then I hope that this FAQ will be able to guide you into the right way. This FAQ will try to name all NPC's, and on what expansions they appear in. I don't want to ruin the excitement for everyone so I'll just give a brief description for each NPC. ================================================================================ >>>>> Contact Me <<<<< Corrections, Additions, Clarifications, Comments and Suggestions are all welcome. I know that there are still many characters and descriptions lacking from this FAQ. If you know any extra info and would like to contact me regarding this FAQ, you can email me at albino_chua@edsamail.com.ph I will, of course, give you full credit for your contribution. If you email me, please put Sims in your subject and indicate the version you read and the site where you found my guide. Do not ask me about serial numbers or technical problems 'coz most probably, I wouldn't know how to solve them. ================================================================================ >>>>> Review <<<<< Around 2 years ago, I was addicted to this new game everyone was talking about called "The Sims". I've been a fan of SimCity 2000 and I kept wondering if the new game was just as good so I decided to get it. At first, I discovered that my computer's specs weren't good enough for "The Sims". After hearing all the good things about the game, I just couldn't wait anymore. I was so eager that I bought a new PC right away. And then IT started; many days and nights were spent with "The Sims". "Mania" was the word to describe my fixation. I don't know exactly why I was so obsessed with the game. After all, there's nothing special about being able to control people's bladder and hygiene. The obsession didn't stay for long. By the time, "Livin' Large" was released, I was already sick of the game. Not even a new expansion pack could renew my interest. But then, 2 years and 3 expansion packs later, I decided to give it another shot. And so I bought "Vacation" in addition to the "Hot Date" and "House Party" expansions that I borrowed from a friend. Now, I don't play "The Sims" as often as I did before. While new expansion packs like "Vacation", "Hot Date" and "House Party" couldn't bring back that "mania", these expansion packs can still be considered as deserving additions to the best-selling "Sims". The 6.3 million selling game is not just a game anymore, it has also been embedded into popular culture; it'll go on as a true classic. ================================================================================ >>>>> NPC's <<<<< This section is divided into 6 parts. I placed each NPC in the order of which they appear at the 4 different expansions plus the original game. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >>>>> The Sims <<<<< (Original Game without expansions) 1. Newspaper Delivery Person - Probably the most common NPC in the game. Appears everyday at around 9am to deliver the paper. 2. The Maid - For $10 an hour, the maid will clean up dirty dishes, toilets, wet floors, etc. All it takes is a phone call to avail of her services. 3. The Gardener - Appears every 3 days to water your plants. Similar with the maid, service costs $10/hr. 4. Postal Woman - She appears every 3 days to give you your bills. You'll find them inside the mailbox where she placed them. 5. Repairman - Fixes everything from broken TV's to overused computers. The charge is a bit high ($50/hr). I suggest you let your sims handle the repair provided that they have mechanical points or else they might get electrocuted. 6. Fireman - When your house is on fire, you can always call the trusty fireman for help. If you have the fire alarm installed in the room that is burning, he'll come automatically. If not, you can call him by phone but it takes more time for him to come that way. 7. Police Woman - In charge of the neighborhood's welfare, there are a few "rules" you must remember. Be careful having your parties late at night. The policewoman will come and charge you $$$ for parties 11:00PM and beyond. But she'll warn you first. Also, having a burglar alarm around the house is an advantage since it automatically calls the police whenever a burglar robs your house. If your burglar is caught, you'll be given $$$$$ to compensate for the stolen items. For Livin' Large : the police will come if you use the chemistry set while having 2 or less logic points and she'll complain about the stench of the chemicals. Again, she'll fine you ($500 this time). 8. Pizza Delivery Guy - Tired of having to cook the same meal all the time? You can call your nearest pizza place for a delivery right at your doorstep. Pizza costs $40 each. 9. Burglar - (See Police Woman) Creeps into your sims' house in the middle of the night. 10. Repo Man - Looks like someone from Pest Control. His reporizing gun will absorb your house objects if you don't have the money to pay your bills. 11. Social Worker - Take good care of your SimBabies or they just might be taken away by the Social Worker. Pay attention to their warning, 'coz it is the last and only one. 12. SimGhosts - Ever wonder what happens to your sims when they die? Well, they're not OVER yet! They still come back from the dead once in a while to haunt the living. Done in random, the dead sims do their haunting at around midnight. You must have the dead sim's urn or tombstone in order to have them appear as ghosts. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >>>>> The Sims : Livin' Large <<<<< 1. Servo - The robot maid costs a whopping $15,000. Servo's an all-in-one maid, repairman, gardener and cook. Works anytime (24 hours) as long as there's something that needs to be done. Click on his pod to get him going. 2. Grim Reaper - The Grim Reaper is a cool addition to the Sims game. This time, you're allowed to plead and play a Rock, Papers, Scissors game to decide the fate of your dying Sims. If you win, your Sims will live but if you lose, he might turn them into zombies. Then again, he might just let them die if he feels like it. 3. Genie - Comes with the Antique Lamp. Just clean the lamp and he'll appear. Be careful! For every two good wishes there are 3 bad ones. The Genie can be used only once a day. 4. Tragic Clown - He'll appear if you have the Tragic Clown Painting. As the name says, the clown will bring nothing but misery to your Sims and lower their overall mood. (Read Miscellaneous section) 5. Male and Female Monster - Your Sims may turn into monsters through the chemistry set. You have to make a chemical of purple color to do the trick. Your sim will remain that way for a few hours during which he/she will throw a fit and destroy whatever object crosses its path. Everything except the art easel! Yes, the monster loves to paint! What's more, the painting can be sold for a LOT of money! 6. Space Aliens - They are the only NPCs that can't be seen. They appear through a purple light to abduct your Sim. This happens only if your sim is using the telescope. After a short time, the abducted Sim reappears, albeit with a small difference. His/her personality has been changed. 7. Evil Clone - You have to make a Dark Green chemical through the chemistry set to create a clone. Since it is an NPC, you cannot control it. The clone is an exact opposite of your Sim (personality-wise). They fade away in a matter of hours. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >>>>> The Sims : House Party <<<<< * This expansion features a lot of NEW NPC's (for your party needs) 1. Headless Ghost - During the party, have a Sim with six or more charisma & creativity points "tell a story" while gathered around the bonfire. There's no telling when a headless ghost might just appear...... 2. Drew Carey - Throw an especially good party and he might just drop by along w/ his limo. Like all party guests, he will mingle and have fun, especially with female guests. 3. Male and Female Strippers - Err...I mean "Entertainers". Buy the large cake under Miscellaneous and click on the command, "Hire Male/Female Entertainer", depending on what you choose. Be careful though 'coz the entertainer might stir some jealousy with the other people in the party. 4. The Mime - Bore your guests to death and the Mime will surely come. While he will try to raise the mood by a bit, the mime is also known to steal objects in the house! So keep a close eye. He'll leave only if the party mood gets better. 5. Pink Gorilla - Sometimes, the Pink Gorilla appears as replacement for the Female Entertainer. The gorilla will entertain the kids, too. (Read Miscellaneous Section). 6. Caterer - Call him when you're throwing a party. For an all-you-can-eat fee, he'll replenish your buffet table & punch bowl whenever they run out. But be careful, he's known to forget his work during the party. He likes to stroll around & chat with guests and his bad social skills will ruin their social ratings. He will also rummage through the costume trunk so keep a watchful eye. 7. Party Crasher - These rowdy crashers come during mediocre to (Guy w/ bandanas) fairly good parties. They tend to destroy objects. 8. Party Crasher - Can be easily spotted from the crowd by their (Euro Punk) outrageous outfits and dyed hair. You can't find them in your neighborhood and they appear only during parties. 9. Boxers - When you hire a male entertainer through the large cake, there is a small chance that a fit, nerdy or tragic clown (if you have Livin' Large) boxer will appear instead of the usual male stripper. He will do the same things the stripper does. (Read Miscellaneous section) 10. Santa Claus - Yes, there is a Santa Claus in The Sims! Buy the plate of cookies just a little before midnight & place it on a table beside the fireplace. Make sure you have a Christmas Tree nearby and he'll appear while your sims are asleep. He'll leave a gift for each of your sims plus an extra special present! The "present" is randomly chosen but I got a stereo once. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >>>>> The Sims : Hot Date <<<<< 1. Mrs. Crumplebottom - Perhaps the most interesting NPC in Hot Date, Mrs. Crumplebottom guards Downtown from any "improper acts". Just don't have her in the same room while your sims kiss, hug and make-out. As the Old Prude would say, "Why don't you get a room?" 2. Rental Shack Person - He comes as Jack if you have Gimme Gamble's rental shack or Zack if you have the Rental Shed au Naturel instead. Your sims will need to approach him if they need to rent anything Downtown or in Vacation Island (Note: for the latter, Sims : Vacation is required) 3. Waiters/Busboys/Cooks - They are required if you want a smooth-running restaurant. Podiums automatically hire waiters, Dishwashers = Busboys, Stove = Cooks. 4. Janitor Sonya - Responsible for keeping the Downtown area clean and working, you can often see her mumbling to herself or dancing with her mop. 5. Cashiers/Shopkeepers - Each type of cash registers hire certain types of Cashiers (or Shopkeepers). Required when building shops. The Ice Cream and Hot Dog stands automatically hire store clerks as well. 6. Pianist - Just place a piano in Downtown and she'll appear during play mode. 7. Violinist (Carlo) - Not sure how you get him to appear but my guess is that you need to build a posh restaurant, meaning the most expensive amenities. Your sims can interact with him by requesting a song or by tipping him with $20. Don't tip him and you might just end up with a cheesy mini-puppet show. 8. Claire the Bear - Often seen in the front yard digging for scraps in the garbage can. If you have a teddy outside, she will talk to it. She also appears in Downtown to disrupt picnics by raiding the picnic baskets. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >>>>> The Sims : Vacation <<<<< 1. Vacation Director - She's always there with your family during your vacation. She's in charge of coordinating with the Vacation Island Staff in order to make your sims enjoy their stay. Ask her all that you need to know about Vacation Island. 2. The Beach Shark - Found in the Beach Portion of Vacation Island. These wandering entertainers help keep kids (and their parents) in a good mood. 3. Archie Archer - Found in the Forest Portion of Vacation Island. These wandering entertainers help keep kids (and their parents) in a good mood. 4. The Yeti - Found in the Snow Covered Portion of Vacation Island. These wandering entertainers help keep kids (and their parents) in a good mood. 5. Hotel Staff - They range from the Front Desk Clerks where your Sims check-in to the Janitors that keep watch for any mess 24 hours a day. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >>>>> Extras <<<<< * This section features NPC's that are not applicable for any of the other sections above but are nonetheless, official NPC's of The Sims. There are many websites that feature new NPC's or NPC replacements. Those user-created NPC's/alternatives shall not be included. Only official Maxis/The Sims releases will be included here. 1. Clown Catcher - When all else fails, these experts can take care of your little "clown problem" in a friendly, professional manner. This NPC is available for download from the official The Sims website, www.thesims.com. It is included in this FAQ since it is an official NPC of Maxis, creator of The Sims. Livin' Large is required. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This FAQ currently covers 46 NPC's. There could be more. Again, if you know any additional info or if you wish to make corrections, please email me at albino_chua@edsamail.com.ph. Put "The Sims" as your subject and please indicate the version you read and the site where you found my guide. See Contact section for more details. ================================================================================ >>>>> Miscellaneous Info <<<<< Killing your NPC's ------------------ I tried to burn, drown and confine my NPC's but none of these strategies seem to work. Thus, I have come to the conclusion that you cannot kill NPC's. They may disappear after a long time of "solitary confinement" and they might get stuck during a fire but they will not die. Get rid of that Clown ! ----------------------- The Tragic Clown can be a nuisance to your sims. Here are some ways to get rid of that pest. 1. Don't buy the Tragic Clown Painting. 2. Put the painting on top of the fireplace and let the painting burn. The clown will burn as well. 3. Keep your Sims happy and he will leave. 4. Download the Clown Catchers from www.thesims.com Surprise Cake Dancers ! (by Joseph Grabko) ------------------------------------------ Buy two cake dancing cakes. Then, hire a male cake dancer. Then, try to hire another male dancer with the other cake. The message "You've already hired that cake dancer!" will appear. Ignore this, and click "OK". Keep trying to hire another male cake dancer, and sooner or later you will either get the Tragic Clown or Elvis. The same can be done with hiring two females, but you will get someone in a pink gorilla suit. Submissions of other strategies/miscellaneous info dealing with NPC's are welcome! ================================================================================ >>>>> Credits <<<<< Maxis : Creator of The Sims and all expansions. Chris Edric Tan : For lending me "House Party" and "Hot Date". Christopher Manson (tychoa@hotmail.com) : For pointing out that Claire the Bear appears in Hot Date. Glynnys Chua (synnylg@yahoo.com) : For pointing out that each order of Pizza costs $40 instead of the $30 that was previously stated. Alyssa (OoDawn2DreamoO@aol.com) : For pointing out an NPC I missed, Santa Claus. Si (MrFreak@youareadork.com) : For supplying info regarding the Boxer. Catania Tami (cataniaf@uplink.net) : Made some corrections regarding the Grim Reaper, Monster, Boxer, Pink Gorilla, Mrs. Crumplebottom and Rental Shack Person. Joseph Grabko (coolgamer167@hotmail.com) : For pointing out corrections regarding the party crashers and extra info about the monsters, pink gorilla, caterer, headless ghost, Drew Carey and boxers. Contributed one tip under Miscellaneous info section. Anders Aughy (malinger@hotmail.com) : For pointing out that the Santa Claus appears in House Party instead of Livin' Large. ================================================================================ Copyright 2002 A.C. Chua ( Albino C. Chua ) This FAQ is meant for personal use. You may distribute it to other people who might find this FAQ useful provided that you do it for free and no money is generated from this FAQ. If you wish to put this FAQ on any other site, please email me first ! This FAQ can be found at : www.gamefaqs.com <- The most recent version of my FAQ can always be found here. www.neoseeker.com www.actiontrip.com http://dlh.net www.cheats.de www.gamewinners.com www.cheathappens.com