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 |
PlayStation 3 (2011) and Xbox 360 (2011) The Sims 3: Pets is an adaptation of the The Sims 3: Pets PC game, but unlike that version it... |
Windows (2009) The Pre-Order Pack includes:
Guaranteed copy of The Sims 3
Downloadcode for one of the following five songs depending on... |
Macintosh (2012) and Windows (2012) The Sims 3: Showtime (Katy Perry Collector's Edition) includes:
The Sims 3: Showtime
An A4 poster of the front cover... |
Macintosh (2012) and Windows (2012) The Sims 3: Showtime is the sixth add-on for The Sims 3 and focuses on three new careers: singer, acrobat,... |
Macintosh (2009), Windows (2009), Xbox 360 (2010) and PlayStation 3 (2010) The Sims 3 is, like its predecessors, a real-time simulation game where the player controls the lives of one or... |
iPhone (2009), Android (2010), bada (2011) and Windows Phone (2010) The Sims 3 for smart phones is very similar to its big brother on the PC.The player starts out with... |
Macintosh (2009) and Windows (2009) The Sims 3: World Adventures is an add-on for The Sims 3 with a holiday theme. The player can travel... |
Windows (1998) and Macintosh (1998) SimSafari brings Africa to you. Imagine yourself in rugged bush country, peering through binoculars at vast herds of elephants, zebras... |
Windows (2001) This compilations bundles 2 expansions for The Sims:The Sims: Livin' Large
The Sims: House Party |
GameCube (2003), PlayStation 2 (2003) and Xbox (2003) The Sims: Bustin' Out is the console sequel to The Sims and the second Sims game to appear on the... |
Windows (2008) The Sims Carnival SnapCity is a simplified version of the classic city-simulator game SimCity 2000. One of entries of the... |
Windows (2008) and Macintosh (2008) Castaway Stories is the third game in the the Sims Stories series, a spin-off of the Sims franchise. The gameplay... |
Windows (2005) and Macintosh (2006) This is a collection of the original Sims games, all in one release.The compilation includes:
The Sims.
The Sims Livin'... |
Windows (2002) The Sims: Deluxe Edition combines the original game with the first expansion pack, Livin' Large, on to two CD's.Included in... |
Windows (2003) This is a compilation that includes the full version of The Sims, The Sims Livin' Large expansion pack, and The... |
Windows (2005) Two of The Sims expansions packaged together:
The Sims: Unleashed
The Sims: House Party |
Windows (2005) 2 of The Sims expansions packaged together.The Sims: Vacation
The Sims: Superstar |
Windows (2005) 2 of The Sims expansions packaged together.The Sims: Hot Date
The Sims: Makin' Magic |
Windows (2005) 3 of The Sims expansions packaged together.The Sims: Unleashed
The Sims: Superstar
The Sims: House Party |
Windows (2005) This package bundles 3 expansions for The Sims:The Sims: Hot Date
The Sims: Vacation
The Sims: Makin' Magic |
Windows (2004) This compilation set contains the original The Sims game and all seven expansion packs ever released for it, plus a... |
Windows (2001) and Macintosh (2002) This is an add-on for the Sims that adds a whole new dimension to the game. Finally you are able... |
Windows (2001) and Macintosh (2001) The Sims: House Party is an add-on pack for The Sims and is all about, well, parties. Everything in it... |
Windows (2002) SimSig is a freeware train simulator of modern UK railway signalling systems, from the point of view of a railway... |
Windows (2007) and Macintosh (2007) Life Stories is the first title in the The Sims Stories series, part of the larger Sims franchise. Unlike the... |
