Paralives, an indie life sim, has been making waves since its early access release last week. While it's impressive that a small team of just 15 people created a legible life simulator, it's hard not to compare it to the mighty The Sims. The game's early access state is a bit buggy, but it's still a joy to build houses, create characters, and explore a small town. However, the game feels like a direct copy of The Sims, lacking the depth of gameplay that makes the original so captivating. The storyteller system, which offers daily goals through a series of buffs and bonuses, feels shallow and repetitive. The build mode is a direct rip from The Sims 4, and the conversation system, while unique, is still a bit too formulaic. The game's art style is different enough to be pleasant, but it ultimately feels like The Sims wearing a different skin. The author hopes that the team can free themselves from their inspiration and develop a unique language of life simulation. The comparison to The Sims is inevitable, and the game's early access state doesn't help. The lack of features like pools and swimming is a disappointment, but the team promises these will come later. The author wonders what a non-Sims life sim would look like, and questions whether Paralives can truly break away from its inspiration. The game's success is undeniable, but the question remains: can it truly stand on its own?
