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 |
DOS (1994) SimHealth has a rather serious subject matter: the debate in the summer of 1994 over what kind of health care... |
DOS (1995), Windows 3.x (1995), Windows (1995) and Macintosh (1995) Save or develop the rainforest in a variety of different scenarios ranging over 40 different isles with different people to... |
DOS (1992), Windows 3.x (1992), Amiga (1993) and Macintosh (1992) A complex game in which you can create your own ecosystems, animals or vegetables, then watch them eat, evolve, mate,... |
Windows (2005) A collection of six Sim-themed games from Maxis and Bullfrog. This collection includes the four games from the previously released... |
Windows 3.x (1991) Simon is a simple implementation of Ralph Baer's electronic game Simon (itself an adaptation of Atari's ill-fated Touch Me); iconic... |
Windows (1996), Windows 3.x (1996) and Macintosh (1996) Made by Maxis, the company famous for its line of "Sim" games, SimPark deals with the simulation and management of... |
NES (1991), SEGA Master System (1993), Game Gear (1993), Amiga (1993) and Atari ST (1993) This game is actually a compilation of smaller games belonging to different genres. Krusty the clown appears in the beginning... |
iPad (2012), iPhone (2012) and Android (2013) The Simpsons: Tapped Out is a persistent world game set in Springfield. The game starts with a parody of itself,... |
Windows (2008) The Sims 2: Apartment Life (Limited Collection) contains:
The Sims 2: Apartment Life (expansion pack)The Sims 2: Double Deluxe |
Windows (2008) The Sims 2: Apartment Life is an expansion pack for The Sims 2, in which your Sims can now live... |
Nintendo DS (2008) In The Sims 2: Apartment Pets, you're living in your Uncle Bill's apartment. He gave the permission to change any... |
Windows (2007) and Macintosh (2007) Bon Voyage is the sixth edition in expansion pack for the original The Sims 2. Similar to the Vacation add-on... |
Nintendo DS (2007) The game is about surviving on an uncharted island. You control a character that has been washed ashore and help... |
Wii (2007), PlayStation 2 (2007) and PSP (2007) The Sims 2: Castaway is a continuation of the Sims 2 universe. This time around the player takes control of... |
Windows (2007) An expansion pack for The Sims 2 that let's you add stuff to spruce up your Sims' special occasions. Some... |
Windows (2007) This re-release of The Sims 2 includes:
The Sims 2
The Sims 2: Nightlife (second expansion)
Bonus DVD (tips &... |
Windows (2008) This is a compilation that includes:
The Sims 2 (base game)
The Sims 2: Nightlife (expansion pack)
The Sims 2:... |
Windows (2006) and Macintosh (2007) This extension adds new furniture, clothing, and decoration. There are 60 new items that includes castle beds, king chairs, wooden... |
Windows (2008) The Sims 2: FreeTime is an expansion pack for The Sims 2 that includes new games and activities for your... |
Windows (2006) and Macintosh (2007) Want to make your Sims live in the lap of luxury or want to make your other Sims feel jealous?... |
Windows (2006) and Macintosh (2007) Time to celebrate the holiday season once again. Have your Sims become bored with the gifts they got last year?... |
Windows (2007) H&M Fashion Stuff is the fifth Stuff add-on in The Sims 2 series, adding new objects, clothing and decorations, rather... |
Windows (2005) If you don't already have the Sims 2 here's your chance to have it along with all the 40 holiday... |
Windows (2006) In 2006, just like the year before, Electronic Arts released another Holiday Edition of The Sims 2 with the same... |
Windows (2005) Happy Holidays to all you The Sims 2 players here's a little add-on to fill your stocking with. With this... |
