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 |
Windows 3.x (1995) Tower is a game whereby the player can become an air traffic controller. The main objective is to ensure the... |
Amiga (1990) In Tower FRA, the player takes the role of an air traffic controller assigned to one of five German airports.... |
Game Boy Advance (2006) An enhanced port of The Tower, better known as SimTower, for the Game Boy Advance. Build your tower, set up... |
Windows (2010) Tow Truck Simulator 2010 allows the player to drive around the city in one of four different tow trucks. The... |
Nintendo DS (2008) Toy Shop is a simulation game in which you take the role of two siblings, Mel and Mark, who have... |
DOS (1989) Tracon: Air Traffic Control Simulator lets you play the role of controlling the air traffic at the Los Angeles airport.... |
DOS (1990) and Amiga (1992) Tracon is an air traffic control simulator, giving you the position of a so called "ATC" (air traffic controller). You... |
Windows (1995) and Windows 3.x (1993) Tracon is an air traffic control simulator, giving you the position of a so called "ATC" (air traffic controller). You... |
Windows (2004) This title is based off of Home Designer Suite, but includes 20 challenges based on rooms that Trading Spaces redecorated.... |
Windows (2000) In this business simulation the player has to manage the whole traffic network from a little village in the beginning... |
Windows (2008) Traffic X is an expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator X in the Traffic series of add-ons that has been running... |
Windows (2003) Train Collection is a compilation of the following railway and train related games:
Rails Across America
Ultimate Trainz Collection
Trainz... |
DOS (1988), Commodore 64 (1987), ZX Spectrum (1988) and Amstrad CPC (1988) In the months before France is liberated by the Allies in World War 2, Germany tries to take Paris' collection... |
Windows (2010) The Train Giant is the ninth main entry in the long-running A-Train series. It is an economical simulation in which... |
PlayStation 2 (2003) This game is part of the Japanese Train Simulator series by Ongakun and features videos shot from the cab of... |
Windows (2003) Train Tracking is a game about one of Britain's more bizarre pasttimes, Trainspotting. You start the game with only an... |
Windows (2008) Trainz 2007 Deluxe Edition is a compilation of the following games:
Trainz Railroad Simulator 2007 (German version)
Trainz 2007 Expansion... |
Windows (2008) Trainz 2007 Expansion Pack is an expansion pack for the German version of Trainz Railroad Simulator 2007. The game comes... |
Windows (2008) Trainz Classics 3 is a sequel to Trainz Railwayz and add-on for Trainz Railroad Simulator 2006. It comes with the... |
Windows (2006) Trainz: Driver Edition is a compact version of Trainz Railroad Simulator 2006 where you can have the same driving experience... |
Windows (2002) Trainz: Paint Shed is cosmetic add-on to Trainz: Virtual Railroading on your PC. It allows repainting of the train models... |
Windows (2003) In this 3D railroad simulator, you can operate locomotives from the golden age of steam to the modern present in... |
Windows (2004) The deluxe edition of TRS2004 comes with the Steam Service Pack 4 and the Passenger Service Pack 2 by default.... |
Windows (2005) Trainz Railroad Simulator 2006 is a 3D railroad simulator. The game comes with a series of ingame workshops to teach... |
Windows (2007) Trainz Railroad Simulator 2007 is a railroad simulation game in the Trainz series. Like previous games you are placed in... |
