Best Simulation Games

The Longing

Released: Mar 5, 2020

Critic rating: 70.0 / 100

Rating: E10+

Genres: Puzzle, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Adventure, Indie

Platforms: Linux, Android, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Nintendo Switch

Game modes: Single player

In utter loneliness, miles below the surface, it is your task to...

Nekopara Vol. 2

Released: Feb 20, 2016

Critic rating: 67.9 / 100 • 26 votes

Rating: M

Genres: Simulator, Adventure, Indie, Visual Novel

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch

Game modes: Single player

Business is booming for La Soleil, the patisserie run by Kashou Minaduki with his two catgirls, Chocola and Vanilla, his sister Shigure, and the Minaduki family's four catgirl sisters.

Lake

Released: Sep 1, 2021

Critic rating: 66.7 / 100

Rating: M

Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Adventure, Indie

Platforms: Google Stadia, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Game modes: Single player

It's 1986 - Meredith Weiss takes a break from her career in the big city to deliver mail in her hometown.

Need for Speed II

Released: Mar 31, 1997

Critic rating: 60.0 / 100

Rating: E

Genres: Racing, Simulator

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation

Game modes: Single player, Multiplayer

There are three main game types.

Zoo Tycoon 2

Released: Nov 9, 2004

Critic rating: 70.0 / 100

Rating: E

Genres: Simulator, Strategy

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac

Game modes: Single player

Zoo Tycoon 2 is the sequel to Zoo Tycoon.

Slime Rancher 2

Released: Sep 23, 2025

Critic rating: 67.8 / 100 • 33 votes

Rating: E10+

Genres: Shooter, Simulator, Adventure, Indie

Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5

Game modes: Single player

Continue the adventures of Beatrix LeBeau as she journeys across the Slime Sea to Rainbow Island, a land brimming with ancient mysteries, and bursting with wiggly, new slimes to wrangle in this sequel to the smash-hit, Slime Rancher.

Phantom Doctrine

Released: Aug 14, 2018

Critic rating: 75.4 / 100

Rating: M

Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical, Adventure

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Game modes: Single player, Multiplayer

Set in 1983 during the Cold War, Phantom Doctrine is an alternate history thriller in which players lead The Cabal, a secret organization dedicated to fighting a global conspiracy committed to controlling the world by pitting world leaders and nations against one another.

NHL 15

Released: Sep 9, 2014

Critic rating: 62.2 / 100

Rating: E10+

Genres: Simulator, Sport

Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One

Game modes: Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative

12 PLAYER NHL COLLISION PHYSICS For the first time in any sports game, real-world physics affects every player through every on-ice collision with the new 12 Player NHL Collision Physics. Utilizing the power of the next generation consoles, and building off the critically-acclaimed NHL Collision Physics system, every player on the ice is governed by physics at all times. Feel the hard-hitting chaos of NHL hockey through true-to-life secondary collisions, net scrambles and player pileups, capturing the desperation of every shift. REAL PUCK PHYSICS The puck is one of the most complex items in the game to authentically replicate and it finally gets its due in NHL 15. Completely rebuilt puck physics result in a more realistic feel to every puck interaction. Everything on the ice, including the ice surface itself, is live which leads to the unpredictable and authentic puck spins, rolls and bounces seen in a real NHL game. AUTHENTIC PLAYER & EQUIPMENT MODELS The Next Generation Hockey Player has been rebuilt from the ice up. Now player models have three distinct layers - the body, equipment, and jersey. Each layer interacts independently, making every contact with the puck or other players even more realistic. Dynamic Cloth technology adds an extra layer of realism as it reacts to the player’s movement as they explode up the ice, helping bring the speed of the game to life. UNPRECEDENTED PLAYER LIKENESS Powered by the same technology that brought the most realistic representation of the athlete to EA SPORTS UFC, NHL 15 delivers groundbreaking player likeness, emotion and animation. From the strides a player takes to get up the ice to the emotion on their face after scoring a game winning goal, the players are as real as they’ve ever been. SUPERSTAR SKILL STICK Now all the tools of an NHL superstar are in your hands. The revolutionary Skill Stick has evolved to give even more control to the player. Protect the puck, receive passes without breaking stride, and discover an arsenal of sweet new dekes, all with an intuitive right stick control scheme that is easy to use but packed with depth. AUTHENTIC ARENAS There is no feeling like being there, and we are giving you the best seats in the house. The power of the next-gen consoles finally allows the NHL franchise to capture every detail of an NHL arena. Unique arena elements from 19,000+ seat capacities to lighting and player entrance tunnels are captured with a level of detail not possible on the previous generation. Now those home games will truly feel like home. NEW COMMENTARY TEAM New voices for a new generation. NHL 15 welcomes the NBC Sports commentary team of Mike 'Doc' Emrick and Eddie Olczyk to the broadcast booth. TSN analyst Ray Ferraro will provide game insights at ice level. Combined with Real Life Broadcast Integration that will feature real-world pre-game video commentary with Doc and Eddie set against in-game visuals, NHL 15 takes a revolutionary step forward in sports videogames; where the lines between the real world of sport broadcast and the game are blurred. NBC SPORTS GAME DAY PRESENTATION The most realistic broadcast package in a video game to-date is possible because of a new partnership with NBC Sports. Set the scene with the NHL on NBC crew welcoming you to the city during the game intros and immerse yourself in an experience that matches what you see on television with NHL on NBC graphics and branding. LIVING CROWDS NHL 15 sets a new standard in videogames with over 9,000 individual crowd models with 4x the animations of previous generations. Take a look through the glass and you’ll see fans hold up signs with your name on them, costume wearing superfans, or even sections full of team rivals rooting against you. Feel their behavior change after dropping the gloves, landing a big hit, or scoring a clutch goal. The crowd is alive. VISION AI An elevated level of player intelligence, Vision AI features evolved awareness with players reading and reacting to potential plays. Scoring area recognition, pass anticipation, and enhanced team breakouts all improve the flow of the game.

Toribash

Released: Mar 1, 2006

Critic rating: 67.5 / 100 • 26 votes

Rating: T

Genres: Fighting, Simulator, Strategy, Indie

Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac

Game modes: Single player, Multiplayer

Toribash is an innovative free-to-play online turn-based fighting game where you're able to design your own moves.

Enlisted

Released: Nov 10, 2020

Critic rating: 67.5 / 100 • 42 votes

Rating: M

Genres: Shooter, Simulator

Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox One

Game modes: Multiplayer, Co-operative, Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO)

Enlisted is a squad-based first person MMO shooter covering key battles from World War II.

Robocraft

Released: Aug 24, 2017

Critic rating: 67.4 / 100 • 38 votes

Rating: E10+

Genres: Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Indie

Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac

Game modes: Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative, Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO)

Robocraft is a sandbox building and vehicular combat game where players get to create their own robots/vehicles and use them to fight others.

EA Sports UFC

Released: Jun 17, 2014

Critic rating: 68.6 / 100

Rating: T

Genres: Fighting, Simulator, Sport

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Game modes: Single player, Multiplayer, Split screen

Electronic Arts teams with Ultimate Fighting Championship to bring the ferocity of mixed-martial arts to players everywhere.

Reigns: Game of Thrones

Released: Oct 18, 2018

Critic rating: 73.8 / 100

Rating: T

Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Tactical, Adventure, Indie

Platforms: Linux, Android, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch

Game modes: Single player

Through the fiery visions of Melisandre, claim the Iron Throne as Cersei Lannister, Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and more to carefully navigate the complex relationships and hostile factions of the Seven Kingdoms.

Digimon World

Released: Jan 28, 1999

Critic rating: 67.3 / 100 • 97 votes

Rating: T

Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Adventure

Platforms: PlayStation

Game modes: Single player

Digimon world is a game that allows a player to raise their own Digimon and teach it to battle.

Operation Flashpoint: Red River

Released: Apr 21, 2011

Critic rating: 65.3 / 100

Rating: M

Genres: Shooter, Simulator, Strategy

Platforms: PlayStation 3, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox 360

Game modes: Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative

Stand together with the US Marines in Operation Flashpoint: Red River, the ultimate tactical infantry shooter.

Wii Fit

Released: Dec 1, 2007

Critic rating: 73.5 / 100

Rating: E

Genres: Simulator, Sport

Platforms: Wii

Game modes: Single player

Wii Fit is an exercise game consisting of activities using the Wii Balance Board peripheral.

WWE 2K16

Released: Oct 27, 2015

Critic rating: 66.5 / 100

Rating: T

Genres: Fighting, Simulator, Sport

Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox 360, Xbox One

Game modes: Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative

Get in the ring and Raise Some Hell with WWE 2K16 The undisputed champion of wrestling video games with the biggest roster in WWE games history.

Emily is Away

Released: Nov 20, 2015

Critic rating: 67.2 / 100 • 153 votes

Genres: Simulator, Adventure, Indie, Visual Novel

Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac

Game modes: Single player

Sign In again.

The Sims: Hot Date

Released: Nov 12, 2001

Critic rating: 67.1 / 100 • 28 votes

Rating: T

Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac

Game modes: Single player

The Sims: Hot Date is the third expansion pack for The Sims, representing an entirely new experience for your Sims - dating!

Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality

Released: Apr 20, 2017

Critic rating: 71.8 / 100

Rating: M

Genres: Puzzle, Simulator, Adventure, Indie

Platforms: Windows Mixed Reality, PlayStation VR, SteamVR, Oculus Rift

Game modes: Single player

Rick and Morty have teleported into your living room for a cutting-edge VR adventure from Adult Swim Games and Owlchemy Labs (Job Simulator).

NBA 2K22

Released: Sep 9, 2021

Critic rating: 73.3 / 100

Rating: E

Genres: Simulator, Sport

Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Game modes: Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative

NBA 2K22 puts the entire basketball universe in your hands.

Domina

Released: Apr 3, 2017

Critic rating: 67.0 / 100 • 29 votes

Genres: Simulator, Strategy, Indie

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)

Game modes: Single player

Domina is a Gladiator management game.

A Game About Digging A Hole

Released: Feb 7, 2025

Critic rating: 66.9 / 100 • 51 votes

Rating: E

Genres: Simulator, Adventure, Indie, Arcade

Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Android, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

Game modes: Single player

A minimalist game about digging a hole in the garden of a newly purchased house.

Need for Speed: No Limits

Released: Jan 6, 2015

Critic rating: 66.9 / 100 • 29 votes

Genres: Racing, Simulator

Platforms: Android, iOS

Game modes: Single player, Multiplayer

A racing game for iOS and Android where players bring their driving fantasies to life, building a fleet of the world's hottest street racing cars.

Riders Republic

Released: Oct 28, 2021

Critic rating: 77.2 / 100

Rating: T

Genres: Racing, Simulator, Sport

Platforms: Google Stadia, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox One

Game modes: Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative

Jump into the Riders Republic massive multiplayer playground!