Summary
One genre which had previously been quite niche, but has massively spiked in popularity over the last couple of gaming generations, is 2D simulation games.
It’s no wonder, with gaming becoming more and more popular and mainstream, that part of that larger audience are looking forcalmer long-termgames that they can get invested in. With so many different 2D simulation games released every year, it’s hard to know what’s good, and what you can skip, so which simulation games should you go out of your way to try out?
8The Escapist
While most 2D simulation games tend to be more quaint, that isn’t really the case for The Escapist, which will see you living a life in prison, all with the end goal of finally escaping.
This process can be played single-player or multi-player, giving it a lot more replay value than you tend to get with 2D simulation games, and the more action-focused gameplay mixed with simulation elements makes it one of the more unique games within the genre.
With the rise in popularity for the genre, simulation elements have now started seeping into other games, meaning that there are now plenty of other 2D titles from different genres that heavily lean into a simulation side mechanic.
One of the best examples of this isMoonlighter, an action RPG withrogue-lite style progression, paired with a shopkeeper simulator. Shopkeeping is one of the more popular subgenres within 2D simulation spaces, but with Moonlighter you get a fleshed-out action system with progression that ensures that getting your stock is just as engaging as the shopkeeping itself.
While a lot of 2D simulation games tend to focus on stretched-out gameplay and long-term goals, there are some shorter simulation games that give you simple tasks that are more focused on telling a story alongside the simulation gameplay.
One of the best examples of this isUnpackingwhich gives you the seemingly simple task of unpacking and putting away your items after a big move. The method of storytelling is more subtle and told alongside the gameplay to help endear us to the characters without being too on the nose. While it doesn’t have the replay value of some of the other simulation games, it is still one that you should experience at least once.
It’s hard to avoid discussing farming games, since they are arguably the most popular subgenre within the simulation gaming sphere. A fun 2D farming simulator is one of the most rewarding games to get engaged with.
However,Fields of Mistriamakes sure to stand out from the strong oversaturation with its distinct retro-anime style, combined with well-fleshed-out romance and farming mechanics. If you are struggling to get into some of the plainer looking 2D farming sims, then Fields of Mistria might be worth trying.
One of the biggest issues that can be hard to avoid when getting into simulation games is the monotony of the gameplay, especially if the game leans into a repetitive angle. That is why so many simulator games will try having a hybrid combination of two styles of gameplay, but no simulation game has pulled this off as smoothly asDave the Diver.
This charming pixel art simulation game will see you controlling Dave, fishing by day, and then serving up his foodat his restaurant overnight. The different styles of gameplay compliment each other perfectly, and the fantastic presentation helps tie it all together.
With how popular it is for 2D simulation games to put you in a town full of new faces and let you get to know everyone, it’s important for games that fit in this subclass to stand out, and that is wherePotion Permitsucceeds.
Instead of running a farm or a shop, Potion Permit tasks you with helping cure the illnesses of the townsfolk by collecting ingredients and crafting them together into specific potions designed to help them. While the potion crafting is the main mechanic and has a lot of attention and depth because of this, you also have the option to help out townsfolk and explore the vast setting.
While a lot of 2D simulation games will take a more light-hearted approach to keep your life in the game as relaxing and inviting as possible, there are certain games likePapers, Pleasethat simulate a much less pleasant experience.
Putting you in the role of border control, you’ll need to check the documents of everyone trying to get through to make sure everything is in order. All the while, you’ll learn more about the sad nature of the border you’re protecting, but trying not be too sympathetic so you still get paid enough to keep your family at home alive.
Arguably the most iconic game in this subgenre,Stardew Valleystarted the trend of 2D simulation games making their way back into the mainstream. While heavily inspired byHarvest Moon, Stardew Valley modernised the systems that made the classic series magical, while adding new features and a perfect mix of different gameplay styles.
There is plenty to keep you busy with Stardew Valley, and since the game has been getting so many consistent updates since launch, it could take months of gameplay to get through everything it has to offer.
