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 |
Macintosh (2007) and Windows (2007) Alice Greenfingers is a light sim garden growing game. You start the game on an empty field with just a... |
Macintosh (2008) and Windows (2008) Alice Greenfingers 2 is the second game in the Alice Greenfingers series of light sim games. As in the first... |
Wii (2008) Alien Crush Returns is a modern-day update to the classic TurboGrafx-16 title Alien Crush. It is a downloadable WiiWare-exclusive title,... |
Windows (2005) Aliens burst onto your desktop and fill your reels with radioactive feature power!Alien Zone is a simulation of a slot,... |
DOS (1992) A Line the Sand is a conversion of the board war game by TSR of the same name.It depicts a... |
DOS (1991) All-American College Football is a football simulator allowing the player to coach a college football team. The game is officially... |
Windows (2000) Allegiance is an online multiplayer game (the only offline component is the tutorial) with action and strategy elements. The game... |
Macintosh (1996) and Windows (1996) Alley 19 Bowling is a happy-go-lucky bowling simulation which features an atmosphere of 1950s America. The theme, music, sound effects... |
DOS (1991) Allied Forces combines Gunship and M1 Tank Platoon in one package. Released after the Gulf War, it featured a patch... |
Game Boy (1998) This is Acclaim's first handheld entry in the All-Star Baseball series and is different from it's N64 counterpart.There are six... |
Windows (2004) A promotional compilation of a variety of Jeep related games. Several songs by popular musicians are also available on the... |
J2ME (2004) In this ski jumping simulation, you can test your skills on tracks in seven countries: Poland, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany,... |
DOS (1997) Alpha Storm is a spaceship simulator and a first person shooter. You can travel through star systems. Encounter enemy fleets... |
DOS (1986), Commodore 64 (1986), Apple II (1986), Browser (2001), Android (2009), iPhone (2009) and iPad (2010) Alter Ego is a game which tries to simulate life itself. The player creates a character with different personality statistics,... |
DOS (1991) Amarillo Slim Dealer's Choice is a poker simulation featuring several game variations, including 5, 6 or 7 Stud, Mexican, Hold... |
Windows (1999) AMA Superbike puts you in the hot seat of professional AMA Superbike racing. You choose which class of racing you... |
Windows (2001) The player has to look after Sea-Monkeys in a virtual fish tank, providing them with food and oxygen. They are... |
Windows (1998) and Macintosh (1998) Amazon Trail 3rd Edition is an educational quest up the Amazon river. The game begins in a museum where an... |
DOS (1993), Windows 3.x (1996), Macintosh (1997) and Windows (1997) The protagonist of the game sees a strange dream: a black jaguar appears and introduces himself as a servant of... |
NES (1988) In this game, you become a candidate for becoming a new United States president. You choose a candidate out of... |
Commodore 64 (1992) and ZX Spectrum (1992) American 3D Pool is a one or two player game featuring both pool and billiards.The Pool simulation features one player,... |
Windows (2000) American Airlines is one in a series of add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000.This pack gives the player ten pre-programmed... |
DOS (1986), Commodore 64 (1987) and Apple II (1986) The American Challenge: A Sailing Simulation is a sailing simulation which features eight courses. The player races against computer opponents... |
Windows (1996) and Windows 3.x (1996) American Civil War: From Sumter to Appomattox is a historical war game centered around the Civil War. The game plays... |
Windows (2006) American Civil War: Take Command - Second Manassas is a sequel to The History Channel - Civil War: The Battle... |
