Simulation games try to roughly describe processes from reality. Typical for these games is that they are mostly based on logic, for example the physical laws. It is not uncommon for the simulation to overlap with other genres. This can be observed in particular with real-time strategy and racing games.
On the Xbox, countless simulations can be experienced. In Forza Motorsport, players test their driving skills. In the agricultural simulator one works as a farmer. And Die Sims asks the question: What if one had made other life decisions?
Bluff, Bet and Win: Poker Club
Poker Club is a poker simulation released in 2020 with cash games and tournaments. With tournaments, Poker Club shines with 10 different tournament modes: For example, shootouts, in which only the last player at a table remains in the tournament - or superturbos, in which the blinds climb quickly. Above all, its tournaments prepare Poker Club excellently for playing online poker with real money.
If there are not enough players in the pool, the remaining places in the tournament or cash game will be filled with bots. Players can join existing clubs or start their own club with friends if they wish. With increasing success, perks are unlocked.
Farming Simulator: Playing to Work
The Farming Simulator is a often ridiculed simulation series. It has been published since 2008. In Germany, the Farming Simulator - believe it or not - is one of the most successful computer games. The LS22 was sold worldwide 3 million times.
At the beginning of the career mode, the farm is hardly worth mentioning, and only a few machines are available for use. The goal is to manage wisely and develop sources of income. Cultivating fields and caring for animals - this is the everyday life of the farmer. Nevertheless: The farmer himself seems to neither know hunger nor thirst, nor need sleep. The focus is clearly on the management of the farm.
Racing Drivers in Training: DiRT Rally and Forza Motorsport
The transitions between arcade racing game and simulation are fluid with racing simulations. The main difference is the driving behavior of the cars. Mario Kart can be played with the Joy-Con without any problems - while Assetto Corsa is almost unplayable with a controller. The fact is that racing simulations are best controlled with a steering wheel. The Xbox is compatible with various steering wheels, whose prices differ drastically.
Forza Motorsport probably strikes the best balance between simulation and arcade. The
MudRunner and SnowRunner are vehicle simulations in which the player drives trucks and other off-road vehicles and transports logs and trailers from A to B. What sounds simple is made more difficult by the impassable terrain. In MudRunner, the jalopy often gets stuck in the mud, while in SnowRunner the - already unsecured - roads even freeze over. Both games present brave drivers with increasingly complex-looking challenges. The Sims is a life simulation in which players create an alter ego - a Sim - and accompany him or her on their life's journey. If desired, the player also creates a family of Sims. This, however, increases the difficulty because every Sim has needs: hunger, urination, hygiene and energy are just a few of the needs that need to be continuously quenched. In the character editor, the player adjusts the appearance and clothing of the Sims. Characteristics are also set here. Sims can interact with other characters in the game. This way friendships are formed that can lead to love relationships. The Sims also has a build mode in which the player becomes an architect, i.e. plans the floor plan, places furniture, etc. Building strategy has been more at home on PC than on Xbox for a long time. And that, even though Microsoft established a popular brand among strategy games with Age of Empires in 1997. This is set to change in 2023: Microsoft has given in to the wishes of many players and announced that Age of Empires will be released on Xbox. What often prevents publishers from releasing strategy simulations on consoles is the control. With the mouse and keyboard you can navigate more easily through the menus. However, what is often forgotten: Xbox supports mice and keyboards. These can be easily connected to the console via USB. Easy to use on Xbox One and Xbox Series is the building simulation
SnowRunner and MudRunner - toiling through snow and mud
The Sims - life in fast forward
Building and conquering cities - from Age of Empires and Cities: Skylines
Don't take yourself too seriously: Goat Simulator and Untitled Goose Game
For a few years now, there has been the trend of releasing simulation games that only show the simulator in name. In Goat Simulator, for example, the player embodies a goat that has set out to cause as much damage as possible. In addition, Goat Simulator is based on the Ragdoll engine, which often causes absurd moments with its movements.
It's also pretty crazy in Untitled Goose Game. This time the player is a goose that ticks off a to-do list in each level - and has to interact with the environment and drive some NPCs to white-hot rage to do this. Untitled Goose Game can also be played in co-op for two.
The Surgeon Simulator is guaranteed to have trained no one to be a surgeon. At least this is to be hoped. The deliberately difficult controls make it almost impossible to operate surgical instruments without putting the patient in danger. Sometimes the operation takes place in odd environments - for example in the weightlessness of space.
Simulation games: one of the most popular genres
The simulation is at the center of numerous video games. Even Red Dead Redemption 2 - primarily an action-adventure - has built in simulation aspects. Revolver heroes should always keep an eye on their horse's needs bars, for example. Furthermore, it is rarely advisable to duel with bears in the forest.
Via the Xbox Game Pass, interested gamers have the opportunity to take a look at one or the other simulation game without incurring high costs. Maybe there's a simulation that's worth living through for the long term.
