I definitely recommend Sims 3. When it's on sale, it doesn't hurt to just buy the base game and play it before deciding to buy expansion packs or refund it.

Sims 4 and Sims 2 have a lot of similarities, but Sims 3 is so unique with the open world and CREATE A STYLE tool. This tool lets you recolor practically anything allowing you to change textures, patterns, colors, and you can get your furniture to match! Sims 2 and 4 furniture don't have any matching pieces or the colors are always off. The create a styling tool is something a lot of 3 fans still miss. I didn't have as much custom content in 3 for furniture just because I could use the tool to match things well.

If you do install 3, there are issues with the graphics on modern computers. There's a file that has to be edited, and it's annoying to do it, but if you go to Carl and Pam's Sims Forum under the technical help section, they explain well how to do it and sometimes even upload the file so you won't have to edit it. I suggest you go to their forum for help.

The good thing about the Sims 4 is that it's good to go with modern computers. Unfortunately, the bugs are just as bad as 3. I haven't even installed the Seasons expansion yet because of the current bugs it added.

I definitely recommend Sims 3. When it's on sale, it doesn't hurt to just buy the base game and play it before deciding to buy expansion packs or refund it. Sims 4 and Sims 2 have a lot of similarities, but Sims 3 is so unique with the open world and CREATE A STYLE tool. This tool lets you recolor practically anything allowing you to change textures, patterns, colors, and you can get your furniture to match! Sims 2 and 4 furniture don't have any matching pieces or the colors are always off. The create a styling tool is something a lot of 3 fans still miss. I didn't have as much custom content in 3 for furniture just because I could use the tool to match things well. If you do install 3, there are issues with the graphics on modern computers. There's a file that has to be edited, and it's annoying to do it, but if you go to Carl and Pam's Sims Forum under the technical help section, they explain well how to do it and sometimes even upload the file so you won't have to edit it. I suggest you go to their forum for help. The good thing about the Sims 4 is that it's good to go with modern computers. Unfortunately, the bugs are just as bad as 3. I haven't even installed the Seasons expansion yet because of the current bugs it added.