While never officially comparing itself to The Sims, inZOI undeniably shares a lot of similarities at first glance. But after peeling away the (admittedly gorgeous) surface layer, it is clear that inZOI is going for a different experience; one that feels more grounded, slower-paced, and visually stunning.
InZOI is still in development, but from what we have seen so far, it looks like it is going to be an impressive take on the life simulation genre. And for those who would like a ‘new’ alternative to The Sims, this could be it.
More Realistic Graphics & Character Creation
One of inZOI’s biggest selling points is its graphics. You can create highly realistic characters alike yourself, a friend, or your favorite celebrity. The attention to detail is incredible, making The Sims 4’s cartoonish style look outdated in comparison.
And it is not just the zois themselves. Environments, homes, and objects are all very detailed, creating a more immersive world. Of course, this higher visual quality comes at a cost, you will need a solid PC to run it smoothly.
An Open-World City (With No Loading Screens!)
One major frustration with The Sims 4 is its isolated neighborhoods and loading screens. InZOI, on the other hand, offers a fully open-world city where you can drive, walk, or explore without interruptions.
Your car plays a big role in the game, acting as both transportation and an extension of your character’s lifestyle. And beyond just exploring, you can customize the city itself, from billboards to animals, trees, and other decorative elements. It is a level of control you never had in The Sims series.
Not only can you travel seamlessly between locations, but it is also incredibly easy to switch between different groups of Zois. Using the interactive map, you can instantly jump between characters, allowing for a more interconnected gameplay experience. No matter if you just want to check in on your friends across town or manage multiple households, the process is very intuitive.
More Realistic Human Interactions
Gone are the quirky, exaggerated animations that define The Sims. InZOI opts for a more natural approach, using AI-driven behavior and emotions to create believable interactions. Conversations flow more organically, and relationships seem to develop in a more grounded way.
Even object textures and clothing make use of AI-generated elements, something that could help solve a long-standing Sims problem: the lack of a proper color wheel and restricted customization options. In inZOI you can customize every aspect of your clothing: the length, the shape, the color, and the texture.
On top of that, inZOI features a karma system that tracks your good and bad deeds. If you help a neighbor, lie to a friend, or act selfishly, your Zois will take notice, and they will not be afraid to judge or scold you for your actions. This adds a new layer of depth to interactions, making your choices feel more meaningful in the long run.
A Slower-Paced Life Sim With Consequences
One big difference? The passage of time.
In The Sims 4, time moves fast, forcing players to constantly pause and micro-manage. InZOI, on the other hand, takes a more relaxed approach, letting players truly explore the world and enjoy fulfilling their character’s needs.
Some players may find it too slow, while others might appreciate the chance to take things at their own pace. But a slower pace does not mean less responsibility; Your world changes over time, and you will need to keep up with it.
For example, your house actually gets dirtier the longer you live in it. Dust, clutter, and mess will accumulate over time, meaning you will have to clean regularly to keep it tidy. It is a small but immersive detail that makes daily life feel even more dynamic.
Product Placement in a Life Sim?
One interesting twist: real-world brands are in inZOI. From Hyundai cars to Samsung and LG appliances, the game embraces product placement in a way we have not really seen before in the genre.
It might be a smart financial move for Krafton, but it remains to be seen how players will feel about it.
Can inZOI Replace The Sims?
Krafton has been clear: they are not trying to replace The Sims. Instead, they see InZOI as a fresh alternative that can co-exist alongside it.
And that makes sense. The Sims has been around for 25 years, with countless expansions and features that will not be available in inZOI at launch. Expecting it to be a Sims-killer on day one would be unrealistic.
But if you are looking for a new life sim experience, one with next-gen graphics, open-world gameplay, and deeper AI-driven interactions, inZOI is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Would you play inZOI over The Sims?
