On paper, certain jobs can be tiring and stressful to work as in real life. However, when you turn them into video games, they can be super fun and entertaining.
Hence, the simulation genre is born. These games allow us to work in jobs that we don’t want to do in real life. While there are so many simulation games out there for you to choose from, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best ones that you should definitely try!
Let’s begin!
1. Stardew Valley
Tilling soil and waking up at 6 in the morning to manage your plantation can be a drag. In Stardew Valley, you can do all these with just a couple of clicks!
Live your life as a farmer on a farm that you’ve inherited from your grandfather in Pelican Town where you will also get to meet countless residents that you will form relationships with. Plus, you can even start a family with some of the residents in Stardew Valley!
If your dream is to be a farmer but you dread having to carry crops and water plants, do them all with a tap or a click in Pelican Town where you have everything a dream farm has to offer!
2. The Sims
We think that it is pretty justifiable that The Sims franchise can be hailed as one of the greatest simulation games out there. It essentially provides you with a second life. An alter ego, where you can live your life as how you want it to be.
The biggest selling point of The Sims games is its realism. They are very grounded in real life where everything you do has a cost and consequence. That said, it still allows you to live your desired life but you will have to work for it to happen!
3. Football Manager
Dreaming of becoming a football manager can be seen as a pipe dream for us casuals. To achieve that, you will need to earn a coaching license which is not easy to get.
Not to worry though, the Football Manager franchise gives you the opportunity to take control of an entire football team even without professional coaching training. Sounds irresponsible, but we’re learning on the road with this one!
Don’t underestimate the realism of the Football Manager games though. As your football team’s virtual manager, you must manage the team from top to bottom. You need to be sound in your transfer and tactical decisions or you’ll surely fail in this game.
Therefore, if you want a work-from-home football managerial role, we highly recommend trying out some of the Football Manager games!
4. Microsoft Flight Simulator
We already know how awesome it is to be up in the air as a pilot from movies like Top Gun and Sully. It’s a high-pressure job that requires the fittest of conditions which, to be honest, many of us fail to meet.
Fortunately, Microsoft Flight Simulator does not require players to undergo a fitness test to play the game. With just a couple of clicks to launch the game, you are well on your way to becoming a virtual pilot.
In this franchise, players can choose to customise their own aircraft or even choose planes that are reflective of their real-life counterparts. Areas like airports and landmarks are all designed to look as realistic and detailed as possible.
The games don’t really have a plot as it focuses more on immersion and realism. It is also safe to say that the Microsoft Flight Simulator is perhaps the most “real” simulation we have on this list.
5. Thief Simulator
Robbery is an offence in real life but in the video game realm, you can be a dedicated thief and be rewarded for it.
Unlike real life, playing as a thief in this game requires extensive knowledge and preparation to ensure success. You need to be quick on your feet and keep your instincts keen to pull off your crime seamlessly.
By mastering these thievery skills, you will make many neighbourhoods your playground where you go from house to house to claim valuables. It’s super fun but just don’t do it in real life!
6. Two Point Campus
You’ve revived an old farm. Built your own hospital and zoo. Now it’s time to maintain your very own campus!
Two Point Campus is one of the latest simulation games to hit the market. Not only are you tasked with designing your campus, but you need to also take control of every matter—small or big.
Here, you’ll need to make sure that all of your students are happy with their learning environment. To do that, you’ll need to build enough facilities and hire ample staff to work and create an efficient education ecosystem.
Knowledge is power, and Two Point Campus allows you to build a place where it fosters and cultivates it.
7. Chinese Parents
We’ve all heard the stereotype that Chinese parents are strict and demanding. Well, it’s time to put the theory to the test with Chinese Parents!
Simulate your life as a typical Chinese student where you need to overcome the oriental challenges a Chinese household poses. Ace tests and make new friends, all in the form of mini-games!
Honestly, this game might seem goofy and meme-ish, but Chinese Parents is actually a very original game that differs a lot from other simulation games. Its sardonic tone and irreverent humour are an ironically good combination for the genre. Hopefully, we’ll get to see more of this concept integrated into future simulation games!
Well, that pretty much marks the end of our list! Do you have any simulation games you wish would make it to this list? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re looking to purchase the games above, do check out our OffGamers official site here for your video game needs!
