I received the codes from the EA Creator Network for the latest kits, Urban Homage and Party Essentials, and I finally got a chance to check them over. Short version: these kits really aren't for me. I don't dislike them, they either aren't my style or designed for an activity I just don't enjoy.
Urban Homage is nice that it was a Collab with Ebonix to give sims of colour some clothing that feels authentic for the style it's delivering, but for me, I just don't have many sims that would benefit from it for telling their story. The fit is nice and neutral (not too baggy or fitted), nice variety of colour, and a bit of personality too. I would have liked to see more then just clothing though. A new set of boots such as a combat or timberland-esque would have been nice, or a new hairstyle or two. I don't know if I am just conditioned to think that is what a CAS kit should include, or if the kit feels unfinished because it lacks those items. The jeans are definite favourites, even if i wish it had a better bootleg cut. The tee is also lovely with the graffiti prints. I would love to see more kits like this though. There are many regions, ethnicities and demographics thats aren't represented much in regular packs that kits could cater for so although it's just not really my style, I would love to see more.
Party Essentials did feel incomplete until I started looking at it like a decor kit, then it came together. Can't say I am a fan of the colour palette though. My favourite was the pastel rainbow, and I kind of wish it had more of that swatch style. The golds, bright pinks and blues just felt a little... overwhelming to me. Given time I could probably make them work. I am thankful the bar was designed as a standalone object though. The curse of regular bars is they often look unfinished if not integrated with island counters and they are already too large as it is. This item strikes that right balance. I still desperately want a drinks tray so i can avoid having to huge a 2x1 object just to have access to bar drinks. The lights definitely needed a medium wall height option at a minimum, same with the streamer items. The new record player is a nice addition too. I just can't see myself using this kit much because it's relatively niche category. I don't like the party mechanic of TS4 so I doubt i will use most of these items much, if at all apart from the table, bar and record player.
Anyway, those are my thoughts. If you do want to grab them, because you like throwing parties or really dig the Urban homage look, remember you can use my code PEACEMAKER at checkout to directly support me as a creator via thesims.com or EA App.
