Werewolves, witches, vampires, oh my! Sims go 'Supernatural'

2 hrs.

Winda Benedetti

The incredibly popular and long-running Sims franchise has for more than a decade?now?given us?the power to create virtual people with all manner of virtual personality quirks?and then help/torment?them as they?live out their virtual lives in virtual houses and virtual towns?of our?creation.?

But now, things are about to get creepy (that is,?if you didn't already find managing?the lives of tiny virtual people creepy). EA's Maxis label announced Wednesday?that in September it will unleash the?Supernatural Expansion Pack for "The?Sims 3."

With this expansion, players will be able to choose from a variety of "supernatural lifestyles" for their Sims to live out. That is, you'll be able to?create werewolves, fairies, witches and?vampires, "customizing characteristics that range from the hairiness of a werewolf?s body to the shape of a fairy?s wings," according to the press release.?

You'll be able to cast spells and brew elixers.?Yes, it's as if ?"Harry Potter" and "The?Twilight Saga" have crashed "The Sims." (EA and Maxis know a trend when they see one.)

"'The Sims 3 Supernatural' allows players to dive into powerful new gameplay that showcases a darker side of The Sims,? said?Scott Evans, general manager of?The Sims Studio, in the press release. But he promises the Teen-rated?game will retain the usual playfulness and humor that is the hallmark of the best-selling?franchise.

Of course, this isn't exactly the first time "The Sims" have taken a turn for the occult.?EA jumped on the?vampire express?train with the "Late Night" expansion in 2010. But EA promises players that "Supernatural" will allow them to create "more intriguing vampires."

It also promises zombie attacks.?And who doesn't love zombies?

For a preview of the ghoulie?goodness, check out the trailer:

Winda Benedetti writes about games for msnbc.com. You can follow her tweets about games and other things?here?on Twitter?or join her in the stream?here?on Google+.?And for more video game news and reviews be sure to check out the In-Game Facebook page?right here.

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