The Sims 4: Jungle Adventure Review (funkyjourno)
I loved this pack, definitely one of my favourites. It is so much better than Outdoor Retreat for a vacation world. Visually, it is beautiful and game play-wise, it actually rewards you for your Sim's skills; high gardening skill allows you to go through the jungle gateways without the need for a machete (a negative aspect of the game is getting supplies from the marketplace - very hit and miss as not everything is available at any one time). High fitness skill increases your chance of success with the chance cards. Having the herbalism skill (Outdoor Retreat required) and making a supply of insect repellent means you don't have to worry about buying certain supplies from the marketplace. Improving the archaeology skill (introduced in this pack) makes the temple section easier. I would also recommend a vacation of 3 nights and, if you have Outdoor Retreat, getting a tent and cooler to keep in your Sim's inventory, as it can take a bit of time to explore, especially if you want to do excavations. I also advise purchasing the 'waterproof' reward trait for your Sim, as given the setting, it of course rains a lot.
You will need to return to Selvadorada more than once if you wish to fully explore the world, as not all parts are accessible in any single visit, and to make the most of the new skills in archaeology and Selvadorian culture (incidentally, both of these skills are available as elective classes, if you have the University EP). For the gardeners, there are new harvestables to collect and grow yourself.
The puzzle solving element once you reach the temple is fun (although takes some time) and as the temple resets each visit, it's never quite the same experience twice. The treasure found at the end is worth a large amount of Simoleons, as are some of the artefacts you can excavate, and although archaeology is unfortunately not a new career or degree (though there are new aspirations linked to it), you can build the skill up enough to easily make a living as a self-employed expert.
The build items are lovely and include new floor and wall tile patterns, and new indoor and outdoor plants.
Overall, if you are looking for something for your adventurous and outdoorsy Sims, and love a bit of immersion and problem solving and are not after instant gratification, this is a fun pack to get.