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 |
Nintendo 64 (1999) The Nintendo Pokemon creations make their way to full 3D battles in a recreation of the Pokemon battle sequences seen... |
Game Boy Color (1998) A Gameboy version of the popular card game, in the Pokemon Trading Card Game, your character must collect cards, form... |
Commodore PET/CBM (1980) Poker is a simple gambling game. The player can bet money and is dealt five cards. A pair returns the... |
Game Gear (1993) Poker Face Paul's Blackjack is a card game where the player starts out with a certain amount of money on... |
DOS (1992) Poker Galore is a simulation of the classic Video Poker gambling machines. You have six different variants of Video Poker... |
J2ME (2008) Pokermillion 2009 is a mobile poker game that features a large amount of different poker game types (including rarely-seen stuff... |
Macintosh (2010) and Windows (2010) Hidden in a back alley lies a secret club, known as The Inventory. Here, assorted video game characters hang out... |
DOS (1987) This game is based on a miniature golf course in Rochester, NY. You have two courses to play on, both... |
DOS (1992) Pole is a quiz game, inspired by Russian TV show Capital Show «Pole Chudes» (similar to Wheel of Fortune). The... |
DOS (1996) Pole Position is another German sports-business simulation. But you’re not manager of a Soccer team – you manage a Formula... |
Windows (2010) Pole Position 2010: Management Simulation is a managerial simulation where the player is responsible for the athletic and financial success... |
Windows (2009) Pole to Pole is an add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator X and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight.... |
DOS (1996) Pol-Gol! is the successor to the 8-bit soccer management game Trener. The game allows you to choose one of the... |
Windows (2008) Police Brutality is Jason Rohrer's third game in his series of Game Design Sketchbooks written for the website The Escapist,... |
Windows (2008) This is your chance to run for president in the 2008 presidential race, set in a turn-based strategy game.Players are... |
Windows (2004) Have you ever wanted to have a real say in the political system of the United States? Would you like... |
Windows (2011) Polizei is a simulation about the German police. Players take the role of a team of two control cops: a... |
Windows (2008) Polnyj privod 2. Daurskij marafon is add-on for Polnyj privod 2: HUMMER. Extreme Edition or Polnyj privod 2: UAZ.
The... |
Windows (2008) Polnyj privod 2: HUMMER. Extreme Edition is 4x4 Hummer with three major changes
If Polnyj privod 2: UAZ is installed,... |
Windows (2009) Polnyj privod 2: Legendarnye vnedorozhniki Rossii. UAZy ehpoxi 1990-x is the fourth cars pack for Polnyj privod 2: UAZ. It... |
Windows (2009) Polnyj privod 2: Legendarnye vnedorozhniki Rossii. UAZy nashego vremeni is the fifth cars pack for Polnyj privod 2: UAZ. It... |
Windows (2009) Polnyj privod 2: Legendarnye vnedorozhniki SSSR. UAZy ehpoxi 1960-x is the first cars pack for Polnyj privod 2: UAZ. It... |
Windows (2009) Polnyj privod 2: Legendarnye vnedorozhniki SSSR. UAZy ehpoxi 1970-x is the second cars pack for Polnyj privod 2: UAZ. It... |
Windows (2009) is the third cars pack for Polnyj privod 2: UAZ. It adds 18 new UAZ vehicles from 1980s to ride.... |
Windows (2008) Polnyj privod 2. Sibirskij prizyv is add-on for Polnyj privod 2: HUMMER. Extreme Edition or Polnyj privod 2: UAZ.
It... |
