Summary
The Simsisone of the most beloved life simulation franchisesof all time. The sheer amount of love this game receives even after the botched launch of the fourth mainline entry shows the passion people have for this series. The allure of creating virtual people and helping them grow from toddlers to adults while establishing a family of their own makes for a highly captivating gameplay loop that continues to capture the attention of many fans to this day.
It’s a shame that EA didn’t make the effort of portingThe Simsto the Nintendo Switch. While it’s true that this portable console is far from a graphical powerhouse, it should be more than competent enough to runThe Sims 4. However, even if players can’t play one of the biggest life simulation games around on the Switch, they can always check out other video games that channel a lot of the energy that makesThe Simssuch a special game.
Animal Crossing: New Horizonsis one of the greatest video games that came at a perfect time. When the entire world was quarantining in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the latestAnimal Crossinggame let them enjoy a peaceful and zen time as they turned a dilapidated island into the retreat of their dreams. Players can visit other islands and hang out with their friends, which was a boon during the quarantine period.
Whilethe post-launch supportfor this title may have disappointed many fans, there’s still a lot to enjoy for players who check outNew Horizonsnow. Players can spend days decorating their island into something magical while interacting with the townsfolk and forming bonds with the island residents. It plays likeThe Simson a smaller scale, making it more of a personal game than EA’s popular life sim title.
The beauty of indie games can be seen in the rampant success ofStardew Valley, with Eric Barone’s masterpiece challenging a lot ofHarvest Moon’s magic around a time when this IP was going through a tough time. Thecharming pixel graphics, the relaxing gameplay of tending to a farm, and the endearing nature of the townsfolk ensure that players can spend hundreds of hours in this title without getting bored.
WhileStardew Valleymay lack the multi-dimensional gameplay ofThe Sims, it more than makes up for it with a lot of heart. The simple act of interacting with other characters and helping a relationship blossom into something special is way more compelling than it has any right to be. This, coupled with some RPG-lite elements and zen farming gameplay, ensures thatStardew Valleywill occupy a soft spot in the hearts of many Sims fans looking for something comfortable yet different at the same time.
Most people scoff at the idea of spinoff mobile games of their favorite franchises, and certain issues did crop up forFallout Shelterwhen it launched for mobile phones. However, once the aggressive monetization model was toned down a bit, players were treated to a unique game that let players conducta humane Vault experiment of their own. Unlike the twisted nature of the Vaults that players are familiar with,Fallout Shelterlets players try out a fun spin on this concept.
Players are tasked with helping numerous Vault Dwellers live out a satisfying life in these nuclear fallout shelters by ensuring that their wants are taken care of. This is easier said than done, especially since resources are scarce and must be replenished at all times while improving a Vault. The SPECIAL system is used brilliantly to add some personality to each Vault Dweller, which makesFallout Sheltera game perfect for fans ofThe Simswho want to check out a similar game set in the post-apocalypse.
It’s clear after the first few hours ofTwo Point Hospitalthat the developers at Two Point Studios were channeling everything they learned from their work onRollerCoaster Tycoon. Implementing these gameplay systems to the working of a hospital made for an interesting simulation game where players had to construct rooms, form a diagnosis, andprovide treatments for comical illnesses.
Despite the game seeming rather simple at first glance, it doesn’t take long forTwo Point Hospitalto show the true depth of its gameplay. Being economical about using spaces and giving patients satisfactory treatment is critical to ensure that the player’s hospital can turn over a profit and complete its additional goals with ease. Fans ofThe Simswill love the management side of things in this game, withTwo Point Campusserving as a much-welcome evolution of this formula.
1Virtual Families 3: Our Country Home
Control A Virtual Character And Help Them Become A Part Of A Loving Family
TheVirtual Familiesseries may lack polish, but it makes up for this with a lot of heart. It’s unfair to expect the same level of technical fidelity asThe Sims, but fans who don’t mind checking out a life simulation game that was made on a budget will love whatVirtual Families 3: Our Country Homebrings to the table. The game’s difficulty can be hard to get used to but is something that channels the energy of the first Sims game.
Players must be on top of their character at all times if they don’t want them torun out of money, starve, or fail to form meaningful bonds. It can feel unfair to meet an end time and time again, but players will get the hang of things after a few failures and finally embark on a rewarding journey to form a legacy.
