Nowadays, games are pretty realistic with their physics. They are
now realistic enough that you can create the real thing in a virtual
environment. There are so many simulators out on the market these days, it’s
easy to pick up one that many consider as terrible. However, the ones that are
good do become the most sought after simulators.
Most simulators are based around everyday jobs. Whether it’s
driving a truck, train, managing a farm, racing a car, etc., there is a
simulator out there to give you an immersive feel of that part of the world.
When a simulator comes out, no matter what job it is replicating, there
are always going to be many that follow suit. The majority can be worse than
the original; very rarely does one come out that’s actually better. It can be
hard to know which one to go for. The best way to pick the best one is by being
recommended them.
Today, I would like to talk
about my top 7 simulators.
Number 7:
Spintires
If you like mud, and a lot of mud, then you would like this game.
The aim of the game is to drive across the countryside in vehicles that at
first glance, are more than up for the task of driving over any type of terrain,
but the moment you start trekking from one place to another, the thick mud,
massive puddles, and so many trees will test even the toughest of machines. You
can download the free demo to test how the game works, and if you like it you
can buy the full game, where you are given objectives, such as rescuing a stuck
vehicle, or delivering valuable cargo.
Just like the real world, you have to have patience when you’re
driving, because speed is not always the answer. If you go too fast, your
wheels can get dig into the mud and they may not be able to get out. You also
have to have your wits about you as well – making the wrong move can be game
over in an instant. Given the right circumstances, it can be a real nail-biting
game.
Number 6:
Tabletop Simulator
Back in the day, before computers started to dominate everything
game related, board games and card games provided the entertainment, and for
hours on end without getting boring in the slightest. This game simulates the
feel of playing the classics once more, and because it’s on the computer, you can
play with your friends wherever they are around the world.
The game includes the many classics such as chess, playing cards
so you can play all the card games ever. You can also create your own game, or
import a game that somebody else has created.
As well as creating certain games that aren’t in the game, you can
also invent your own games as well, with your own rules as well. Once you’re
happy with your game, you can upload it to the internet for everyone to
download. This can be a very powerful tool because this game proves that the
art of board games isn’t dying out at all.
Number 5:
Train Simulator
This is one of the more realistic titles on this list. This game
is what got me into simulators. It’s incredible attention to detail makes for a
very immersive experience. You get the option of completing challenges, or free
roaming from one station to another.
As good as it is, it does have some downsides, which is why it is
at number 5 on the list. The first problem is the base game doesn’t come with
that many routes, and if you want to by another route, you will have to fork
out the same amount of money as it is to by the base game, which is a little
bit too much. And, Train Simulator loves their DLC, because there are hundreds
pieces to download: Routes and new trains.
As awesome as it is driving a train, the real thing is always
better, and you are playing a game after all, which is why, after a while,
being restricted to the tracks can become a little repetitive, maybe even
delivering a monotone experience. However, after a short break, you will want
to go back to driving trains once more.
Number 4:
Gran Turismo 5
The developers of the Gran Turismo series have been delivering
realistic racing simulators for years. Every car you drive handles according to
the real thing, and there are a lot of cars. If you play it every day for an
entire month, it is guaranteed to either win or purchase at least one new car
every time. There are hundreds of tracks of famous places all around the world,
even some that are exclusive to the games.
I’ve singled out the 5 instalment in the franchise, because I
believe it’s the best in the series yet. The developers spend nearly ten years
making this game. They even released a standalone prologue to the game, which
is essentially a teaser demo for the real thing, because it took so long to
make. But when they did, all that waiting paid off as they delivered an amazing
racing experience every time.
Number 3:
Dirt 2
If you prefer rallying over racing on tarmac, then the Dirt series
is the way to go. I’ve singled out Dirt 2 out of the three that have been released
because I feel it’s the better one of the three. Don’t get me wrong though, all
three games are solid, fun, thrilling even, but Dirt 2 for me is more solid,
more fun, and that little bit more thrilling than the other two.
As soon as the red lights turn to green, and you’ve squashed the
accelerator into the car’s floor so that you can’t slow down for anything, and
once you’ve reached top speed, you don’t want the finish line to come as all
you want to do is speed along the straights, skid around the corners, and avoid
the rocks without cutting any corners. This is truly the best rallying
simulator out there (so far).
Number 2:
Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator
I’ve included two games in this entry, because they are made by
the same developer, and because they are both based around the same thing:
Trucking. But that does not mean they are exactly the same game. They are
totally different. Euro Truck allows you to drive from one edge of Europe to
the other in one giant road trip, and American Truck Simulator allows you to
drive through America. The latter is the newest one of the two, so there aren’t
that many places at the moment, but the developers are quick on their feet and
so it won’t be long before new DLC is added and maybe the entirety of America
is available for you to roam freely in or to deliver that all important cargo.
If I am honest, though. I am a bit biased when it comes to these
games, because I like to relax when I’m playing my games, and no game helps me
to relax than these two, because all I have to do is load up the game, pick the
destination, stick on my music, and drive, drive, drive. If you want to listen
to something different, the games do have an inbuilt radio as well.
Both games are incredibly realistic. When you are driving a truck,
it actually feels as if you are delivering a truck, because when you press the
button to turn, it takes a while to do so because of how heavy the truck is,
and when you’re pulling a twenty-five tonne trailer behind you, attempting to
do a hill-start becomes a hair-raising experience.
Number 1:
The Sims series
When I thought of this idea, even though The Sims games aren’t
necessarily my favourite simulation games, but they are the most impactful, and
actually surprisingly realistic. Well, I say realistic, it does have moments
that are purely fictional, but they are for entertainment purposes only.
The whole point is to look after either one Sim, or an entire
family of Sims. You then buy your house, get a job, save money to upgrade
certain things within your house, or put an extension on your house, or even
buy a new house altogether.
I’m confident is saying that whoever is reading this article has
heard of the Sims series, and probably have a favourite game of the four. Mine’s
number 3 because it is the first to introduce the ability to actually leave
your house and go exploring around the area, but mainly because it has an
expansion pack that allows you to travel into the future, where you can build
robots and even look up previous lottery numbers so you can win the jackpot in
the past.
It’s a very immersive experience – I know I’ve said that a lot
throughout this article – it truly is. You can actually start to feel for the
characters you’re looking after, because you’ve moulded them into a virtual
version of yourself. I know, sad isn’t it, but you have to admit that we’ve all
done it. If you haven’t, you have. I haven’t…
Thanks for reading
Antony Hudson
(TonyHadNouns)
My book, Sector 22: Zoey, is now available on Amazon, eBay, and SkyCat Publications' website:
Amazon:
eBay:
SkyCat Publications:
Ask me anything at:
ahudsonpresents@live.co.uk
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