Summary
There’s a genre of game that you’ve probably played, but might not have realized has its own special niche in the pantheon of game types. TheImmersive Simor “ImSim” has produced some of the best games of all time, and influenced other genres of game with elements that have become indispensible.
Defining the “ImSim”
While two ImSim games may not resemble each other much at first glance, all ImSims share a certain design approach.
First, despite the “simulator” bit of the name, ImSims don’t necessarily try to be realistic. Instead, they use a systems-based design. There are multiple systems in the game world, and they can interact in unpredictable ways. So there’s a simulation going on, but not necessarily of the real world. ImSim games emphasize player freedom, which means that while you have a goal, it’s up to your creativity and knowledge of the systems in the game to work out a way to achieve those goals.
This level of interactivity and player choice is the foundation of the immersive sim, but most ImSim games can be broken down like this:
Despite these clear principles, it can be surprisingly hard to recognize that a game is an immersive sim. For example, games likeSkyrimcan be considered immersive sims according to the above criteria, and that’sbacked up by one of the genre’s veterans.
A Triumph of Game Design and Player Freedom
Immersive sims stand out from other game genres thanks to their focus on “emergent” gameplay. In other words, most of what happens in the game during play isn’t scripted. It’s the natural result of the different systems interacting with each other.
TakeDishonoredseries, modern immersive sim classics. You can eliminate a target by sneaking in and assassinating them, possessing a rat and crawling through a vent, or even using a domino ability to link multiple enemies and take them out simultaneously. The joy comes from discovering your solution rather than following a predetermined path.
This makes immersive sims some of the most replayable games, where you may make different choices, see different results, and, of course, in most cases, these choices have a significant impact on the game’s story as well.
ImSims Combine the Best Parts of Other Genres
Immersive sims are, in my opinion, the best overall genre of game because they take the best aspects of other game genres and combine them in an immensely satisfying way. This differs from game to game, but usually these elements are used:
Various immersive sims play with elements like these to varying degrees, but most of them have something of everything in them.
You Need to Play These ImSim Games
You might have realized that you’ve already played some ImSim games without knowing what they are, but if I had to put together a list of “must-play” titles, I’d suggest trying these:
That’s a great start, but I can sit here and add games to this listall day. I’m sure you’ll have your own suggestions, but in a world of open world slop stuffed to the gills with filler and fluff, I’d rather play an immersive sim any day of the week. If you’ve never experienced the sweet taste of true emergent gameplay, maybe it’s time you do.
