The art style is actually pretty phenomenal. I liked the Sims 3's, but the sims in 4 are just so much more expressive and distinct.

Really, when you play it, it's more like a step sideways than a step backwards. It's about as great as 3, just in different ways, which is a shame because the games have been steadily improving - 2 was mind-boggling compared to 1, same with 3 compared to 2 (though some people disagreed). 4 would have been a huge jaw-dropping revolution had it come after 2, but it did not. But while I'll agree that 3 is the best of the series, I still think 4 is definitely worthwhile. I was pretty skeptical myself and I did not intend to buy it until Seasons come out, but I got it for Christmas, and I am honestly loving it much more than expected. There's still a lot of heart in the game and it's great for different reasons than 3. It's just not as big a revolution as it could have been.

So I recommend you at least give it a shot There's really a lot to love.