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.
 Game Title |
 Windows (2003) It is the 27th century, and humanity has fled the surface of the Earth, plagued by radioactivity, into the depths... |
 Windows (2000), PlayStation (1998), PSP (2009) and PlayStation 3 (2009) Theme Aquarium is a simulation where the player has to build and manage a sea life centre. This includes buying... |
Nintendo DS (2007) Aquarium by DS is a fish tank simulation in which the player can choose from 30 different underwater animals. Additionally,... |
 DOS (1988), Amiga (1988), Atari ST (1988), Commodore 64 (1988), ZX Spectrum (1989), Amstrad CPC (1988), BBC Micro (1988) and Electron (1988) This is the game of the long running BBC quiz show of the same name. Two teams of three battle... |
 Xbox 360 (2013) Arcadecraft is an economic simulation in which the player takes over and manages an arcade from 1980 to 1986. The... |
 DOS (1992), Amiga (1992), Atari ST (1992), Commodore 64 (1990), Atari 8-bit (1990), ZX Spectrum (1990) and Amstrad CPC (1990) Simulation of slot machine. Player throws several coins in the slot and begins his career. During the improvement of his... |
 DOS (1994), Amiga (1994), Amiga CD32 (1994) and BlackBerry (2013) Arcade Pool is an overhead viewed pool game designed to be easy to control. The game includes the most standard... |
Amiga (1995) Using the game engine from Arcade Pool, Team 17 recreate the more complex game of snooker. The viewpoint is still... |
Windows (2008) ARCA Sim Racing ‘08 is a stock-car racing simulator which simulates the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX season.The game is based on... |
 DOS (1996) In the future, resources became increasingly scarce, leading to continuous wars between various countries on Earth. The surface of the... |
 DOS (1987), Amiga (1986), Atari ST (1986), Commodore 64 (1986), Apple II (1986), ZX Spectrum (1988), Amstrad CPC (1988) and PC-98 (1988) In 2005, aliens have taken over Antarctica. You are sent in to combat them with the new super tank, the... |
Genesis (1992) A Ressha de Ikou MD is a real-time railroad simulation game, and part of the A-Train series from Artdink. Based... |
 Nintendo DS (2007) Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? is based off the Fox TV game show of the same name and... |
 Windows (2007) Step into the hit FOX TV show and match your wits against 5th grade school children. Answer questions taken from... |
 Windows (2008) and PlayStation 2 (2008) Similar to the earlier game, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, Make the Grade is a simulation of the... |
 Windows (2007) This Gold Edition contains: ArmA: Combat Operations (base game) ArmA: Queen's Gambit (expansion pack) |
 Windows (2006) ArmA: Combat Operations is a direct descendant of Operation Flashpoint, but the name is no longer used as Codemasters holds... |
 Windows (2009) ArmA II is, as its predecessor ArmA: Combat Operations a military shooter with a high focus on realism. The game... |
 Windows (2010) A compilation of the games: ArmA II ArmA II: Operation Arrowhead |
 Windows (2010) ArmA II: Operation Arrowhead is the first add-on to ArmA II. It either runs stand-alone or can be integrated into... |
 Windows (2007) ArmA: Queen's Gambit is an expansion pack to ArmA: Combat Operations. It requires the original game to play and adds... |
Windows (2000) In this Post-apocalyptic war setting, you must guide your forces through hordes of well-armed enemies using many different weapons of... |
MobyRank
Top games by as rated by the press:
- 97 Alter Ego
- 95 Wing Commander
- 95 Gran Turismo
- 92 Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger
- 92 Slam Tilt
- 92 Rock Band
- 92 Guitar Hero II
- 92 Guitar Hero II
- 92 Guitar Hero
- 92 Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec
Games must have at least a MobyRank of 80 to be considered.
MobyScore
Top games by as rated by our users:
- 5.00 1942: The Pacific Air War Scenario (1995)
- 4.72 Aces: The Complete Collector's Edition (1995)
- 4.72 Aces: The Complete Collector's Edition (1995)
- 4.61 Air Warrior (1992)
- 4.61 Air Warrior (1990)
- 3.74 A-Train (1990)
- 5.00 A-Train (1995)
- 5.00 Bassin's Black Bass (1994)
- 5.00 Best Before (2010)
- 5.00 BFRIS Zero Gravity Fighter Combat (1999)
Games must have at least 1 votes and a MobyScore of 4.0 to be considered.
Basic Genres
Simulation is part of Basic Genres. This group of genres contain: