Simulation
Description
Simulation games are created with the goal of putting the player in control of a certain activity while attempting to make it as realistic as possible.
In the strictest sense of the word, all electronic games are simulations, since they cannot exist without simulating aspects of real life. However, simulation genre only includes games that
focus (entirely or mostly) on imitating real-life activities. That does not mean that simulation games must be completely realistic; for example,
space combat simulation games simulate an activity that is (yet) unknown to human beings. The distinguishing feature of simulation games is their emphasis on realism and detail comparable to those encountered in real life.
Most simulation games are not story-driven, since they concentrate on describing general activities, not concrete situations. Among notable exceptions are
Wing Commander games, which combine space combat simulation with a continuous narrative.
Simulation themes vary greatly; theoretically, they are limited only by the amount of activities known to human beings. Simulation themes include, for example,
traffic networks,
medical care,
romance,
music, and many others.
Simulation games can be roughly divided into five main groups:
- Managerial simulations put the player in a position of a manager or a similar role.
- Construction simulations primarily involve building, for example cities.
- Life simulations may deal with human life or life in general.
- Professional / Social simulations are dedicated to specific social activities and professions.
- Vehicle simulations allow the player direct control of a vehicle with a certain sense of realism, for example plane, space ship, tank, etc.
Simulation can also be used as a modifier for other genres, for example Strategy (realistic re-creation of historical battles), Racing / Driving (particularly realistic vehicle-handling, tuning, repair, etc.), or Sports (team management, training, trading, etc.).
 Game Title |
Windows (1997) Consider to be the heir to the Tank Platoon throne. Follow a campaign mission in the Ukraine, Iraq and Bosnia.... |
PlayStation (1996) The game features a young vampire who reaches (vampire's) adulthood. But in order to become mature he must suck the... |
Nintendo DS (2007) Another game in the Ubisoft's Imagine series of games that show female children and early teenagers the basics of some... |
Nintendo DS (2007) Another game in the Ubisoft's Imagine series of games that show female children and early teenagers the basics of some... |
Nintendo DS (2008) Another game in the Ubisoft's Imagine series of games that show female children and early teenagers the basics of some... |
Windows (2008) and Wii (2008) This is another game in the Ubisoft's Imagine series of games.This time, the player plays Lily, a girl raising and... |
Nintendo DS (2009) With the school's sports teams losing game after game, and no crowd support, the player, along with her best friend... |
Nintendo DS (2007) Another game in the Ubisoft's Imagine series of games that show female children and early teenagers the basics of some... |
Nintendo DS (2008) Another game in the Ubisoft's Imagine series of games that show female children and early teenagers the basics of some... |
Nintendo DS (2008) Another game in the Ubisoft's Imagine series of games that show female children and early teenagers the basics of some... |
Nintendo DS (2008) Another game in the Ubisoft's Imagine series of games that show female children and early teenagers the basics of some... |
Nintendo DS (2008) Another game in the Ubisoft's Imagine series of games that show female children and early teenagers the basics of some... |
Windows (2004) In this historic city-building game by the designers of Pharaoh, set in the ancient Egypt, the focus is on the... |
Windows (1999) and iPad (2012) Starting on an untouched planet you have to expand your empire throughout the whole universe. Colonise more planets, fight against... |
Windows (2009) This is a digital compilation that contains the following games:
Incoming
Incoming Forces |
Browser (2010) This bare-bones simulator allows would-be lottery enthusiasts to simulate participation in the Mega Millions Lottery, a major American lottery system... |
DOS (1984) In this strategy game, three to seven players (1-6 humans and at least one computer-controlled) compete to progress from tribe... |
Windows (1997), PlayStation (1997) and SEGA Saturn (1997) This arcade game is based loosely on the 1996 blockbuster movie "Independence Day." Interspersed with cutscenes lifted from the film,... |
Windows (2001) The Badlands cluster, a century after the first Independence War. You are the son of Felix, a miner who was... |
Windows (1999) This title is a compilation of Independence War and its expansion pack Independence War Defiance. In Independence War, there is... |
Windows (1997) The Indies, colonists from Earth, and the Commonwealth are engaged in a never-ending war in Space. As an officer of... |
DOS (1989) and Amiga (1990) The famous Indianapolis 500 Mile race, held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the Memorial Day weekend, is one... |
Windows (1997) This game is very similar to Transport Tycoon. The biggest difference is that you don't only have to connect producers... |
Windows (2002) This sequel to 1997's Industry Giant brings new innovations, such as three new industry sectors, business that is affected by... |
Windows (2003) Industry Giant II: 1980-2020 is an expansion pack for Industry Giant II. It focuses on the period of 1980-2020 with... |
