Summary
Simulators let us live out our greatest fantasies in the safety of our homes. From exploring islands to becoming a pilot and running a farm, simulation games have almost every dream covered. They allow us to step into different roles and experience a variety of activities that we might never get to try in real life. Whether it’s managing a bustling city or exploring mythical islands, simulation games offer an escape into worlds both familiar and fantastical.
However, there are some distinct gaps in the world of simulations. While we have a plethora of games that cover traditional and popular themes, many niche interests and unconventional fantasies remain untapped.
10Ghost Simulator
Ghosts and haunted houses have captivated our imaginations for centuries.Video games have certainly explored these creepy storiesthrough ghost hunters, paranormal investigations, and survival horror adventures. Yet, one intriguing concept remains largely unexplored: controlling the ghost itself.
Steam is home to a Ghost Simulator. Despite its name, the horror game is a choose-your-own-adventure style visual novel, not a simulator.
Consider a simulation game where you take on the role of a ghost, choosing your unique afterlife persona and experiences. Are you inclined to be a malevolent spirit seeking revenge on the living? Or perhaps you prefer a more mischievous ghost playing harmless pranks on unsuspecting victims? Or maybe you’re looking to vibe in your ethereal form. The choice is yours.
9Polynesian Wayfinding
For thousands of years, Polynesians used their wayfinding techniques to travel across vast expanses of open ocean, exploring and colonizing the islands of the South Pacific. Consider a simulation game where you take on the role of a Polynesian wayfinder. In this immersive experience, you would lead your fleet across the ocean, using traditional navigation methods based on the stars, ocean currents, and natural signs. As you explore new islands, you would establish villages, manage resources, and build thriving communities.
This simulation game would not only offer a captivating game experience but also serve as a tribute to the incredible achievements of the Polynesian wayfinders, celebrating their legacy and ensuring that their knowledge continues to be appreciated and understood today.
8Disney Lorcana
Disney Lorcana is a trading card gamethat has exploded in popularity. However, there are currently no official game sims available to help players learn and play the game. Given the success of digital versions of other popular trading card games likeMagic: The Gathering Arenaand Pokémon: The Trading Card Game Online, it seems like a no-brainer to include Disney Lorcana in that line-up as well.
A digital version of Disney Lorcana would serve multiple purposes. It could walk new players through the rules and mechanics in an interactive tutorial, while experienced players could test out new deck combinations and strategies before investing in physical cards. This would allow for more experimentation and creativity, enhancing the overall playing experience.
7Tir na Nog Walking Sim
Tir na Nog, the Celtic Otherworld, is an island paradise of everlasting youth, beauty, joy, and abundance. It is home to the Fae and filled with magic. You could take on the role of anechtrai, a mortal adventurer exploring the depths of Tir na Nog at the behest of King Manannán mac Lir.
In this immersive experience, you traverse enchanting landscapes, interact with mystical creatures, and uncover ancient secrets. As you explore, you can undertake a variety of side quests for the residents of Tir na Nog, helping the Fae with their whimsical and sometimes mischievous tasks. These quests can range from aiding a fairy in finding her lost wings to helping a leprechaun protect his pot of gold from tricksters. Just be careful not to give your real name!
6Jurassic World Guest Experience
Jurassic Park and Jurassic Worldhave captured the imagination of generations. Even though we all know at this point that creating a prehistoric park is a very bad idea, we also know that if it was real, we would all visit it in a heartbeat.
Though we’ve had games where webuild our own parkorescape rampaging dinosaurs, we’ve yet to experience an adventure in the park before the Indominus rex wreaked havoc. Imagine visiting dinosaur exhibits, traveling down the river in a boat, exploring grasslands in a gyrosphere, and taking pictures to fill your scrapbook. It would be a truly dino-rific experience!
5Chinese Lion Dance
There are numerous dancing simulators available, covering everything from figure skating to ballroom dancing and hip-hop. However, there is no simulator for Chinese Lion Dancing, a traditional dance rich with history and cultural significance.
A Chinese Lion Dancing simulator could offer a unique and educational experience. Players would learn the intricacies of the dance, including the legends and meanings behind each move. The game could feature a variety of customization options, allowing players to design their lions and instruments, reflecting different styles and regions. Composing routines would add a creative element, enabling players to craft performances that are both beautiful and culturally accurate.
The simulator could include various modes, such as story mode, where players progress through levels, learning new moves and techniques while uncovering the rich history of lion dancing. A competition mode could offer a platform for players to showcase their skills, competing in virtual tournaments and festivals. Multiplayer options, both cooperative and competitive, would enhance the experience, allowing players to team up or compete against each other in dynamic lion dance performances.
4Backpacking
The world is full of breathtaking hiking trails that offer stunning vistas and natural beauty. However, life’s demands often prevent us from experiencing these trails in person. A hiking simulator could bridge that gap, allowing people to explore diverse biomes and satisfy their wanderlust from the comfort of their homes.
The only hiking simulator on Steam is The Kalalau Trail, which is a rough-around-the-edges simulation of the Kalalau Trail in Hawaii.
Picture a simulator where you’re able to hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon, taking in the expansive views of this majestic natural wonder. Explore the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, experiencing the ancient paths that lead to one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.
The game could incorporate realistic backpacking practices to enhance the experience. Players could select optimal campsites, practice water filtration techniques, and prepare freeze-dried meals, adding depth and authenticity to their virtual hiking adventures. A stellar camera mechanic would allow players to capture and save their favorite scenic moments, creating a digital scrapbook of their journeys.
3Deep Sea Sub Pilot
The deep sea is filled with enigmatic creatures, ancient shipwrecks, and bizarre ecosystems. The challenges of exploring this dark, high-pressure environment led to the development of remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs). These robots are invaluable for deep-sea exploration, collecting vital data, samples, and imagery from the ocean floor without putting human lives at risk.
PaleBlue, an E-learning platform, offers an ROV pilot training program using digital simulation. The course even works with video game controllers, which are similar to controls used in the field.
Imagine a simulation where you take on the role of an ROV operator, navigating the abyssal depths to uncover the ocean’s hidden mysteries. In this pilot simulator, you would control a sophisticated underwater robot equipped with various sensors and tools, tasked with completing research missions set by marine biologists. With detailed graphics and immersive gameplay, you might even be the one to discover new, elusive species and contribute valuable findings to the scientific community.
2Ostrich Rancher
While farming and ranching simulators have become quite popular, focusing on a variety of livestock and crops, there’s a unique niche that has yet to be explored: ostrich ranching. Ostriches, with their quirky personalities and distinct characteristics, could offer a refreshing twist to the genre.
Beyond basic ranching, the simulator could allow players to choose different revenue streams. You might raise ostriches for their meat or eggs, each with its own set of challenges and market demands. Alternatively, you could host ostrich races, where players train and compete with their fastest birds, adding an element of excitement and competition.
1Pokemon Nurse
Since thedays of PokemonRed and Blue (or Green in Japan), Pokemon Centers have been a cornerstone of the Pokemon experience. With their comforting background music and the reassuring presence of Nurse Joy, these centers have provided vital relief to trainers, marking their triumphs over challenging caves and battles. They symbolize a moment of rest and recovery, a sanctuary where trainers can regroup and continue their adventures.
Picture a simulation game where you step into the shoes of a Pokemon nurse, managing your very own Pokemon Center. As a nurse, you would be responsible for a variety of tasks essential to the well-being of Pokemon, including administering medicine, performing routine check-ups, and handling emergencies. Each Pokemon would present unique needs, requiring careful attention and tailored care.
