The 20 Best Real Life Simulation Games, According To Metacritic - The first knowledge sharing application in Vietnam

Based on Metacritic scores, these are the best of the best real-life simulation games.

For those who want a relaxing “other life” experience, real-life simulation games are an outlet for low-stakes relaxation. While other games focus on saving the realm, world, or galaxy, simulation games focus on the ordinary experience.Related: Sims 4: Things Fans Loved (& Other Things Fans Disliked)From farms to suburban life, the options are vast and plentiful, but not every one of these games is the serene experience given by a game of high quality. With an endless amount of simulation games available, with new additions popping up, it can be hard to know what to play. Here are the best real-life simulation games.Updated April 27, 2022 by Mark Sammut: Real-life simulation games are a niche subgenre in a niche genre. While they might not be to everyone’s tastes, there is nevertheless a huge enough audience to ensure that these types of projects continue to be produced. As The Sims and Animal Crossing have proven, when a simulation franchise hits the mark, the sky is the limit. This article has been updated to include the release date information of every game, along with links to their Amazon or Steam pages if they exist.

My Time At Portia (75)

Release Date

January 15, 2019

Studio

Pathea Games

Platforms

Mobile
Nintendo Switch
PC
PlayStation 4
Xbox One

While this game might not be everyone’s cup of tea, fans of life simulation games will be right at home with this charming indie title. My Time at Portia seems rather unimpressive at first glance, but players who decide to immerse themselves in this title will be having a great experience indeed.

Exploring the history of this world and taking part in making recipes is surprisingly engaging. The aesthetics of this title are also pretty pleasing, making for a rather wholesome package for players to unwind after a long and stressful day.

Get it on Amazon here!

Not Tonight (78)

Release Date

August 17, 2018

Studio

PanicBarn

Platforms

Nintendo Switch
PC

Brexit was easily one of the biggest events in the political landscape, with the UK’s decision to leave the European Union being a wildly divisive one. Not Tonight takes a rather interesting view of this major political event and its potential ramifications.

Players who love Papers, Please and want to try out more games in the same vein should definitely try out Not Tonight. Its interesting view of the implications of Brexit through the eyes of a European bouncer makes for a rather topical setting.

Get it on Steam here!

Reigns: Her Majesty (81)

Release Date

December 6, 2017

Studio

Nerial

Platforms

Mobile
Nintendo Switch
PC

Reigns is one of the most innovative yet simple simulation titles that players can check out. The idea of controlling an entire empire through nothing more than a Tinder-esque swiping mechanic is surprisingly entertaining.

Related: The Worst Simulation Games Of The Decade (According To Metacritic)

Its sequel places a queen at the helm of things this time around, but it certainly lacked some of the novelty present in the first title. However, it’s still a great game that slightly innovates upon the established mechanics of its predecessor.

Get it on Amazon here!

Littlewood (81)

Release Date

February 25, 2021

Studio

SmashGames

Platforms

Nintendo Switch
PC

Gamers who absolutely adore Stardew Valley will be more than happy with trying out a similar game like Littlewood. The game’s undeniable charm and gameplay loop make for a relaxing gameplay experience.

The game might fall into a rather repetitive loop after a point, but the journey still has several highlights along the way regardless. Growing the town, engaging in farming, and interacting with the residents is a surprisingly great way to pass the time.

Get it on Amazon here!

Mega Mall Story (85)

Release Date

August 9, 2011

Studio

Kairosoft

Platforms

Mobile
Nintendo Switch
PC
PlayStation 4

In what can now be considered a relic of the past, mall tycoon games offered the thrilling experience of managing a department store and keeping guests happy. It may not be as exhilarating as crafting mind-bending rollercoasters in Roller Coaster Tycoon, but it’s still satisfying to see that number go up.

Mega Mall Story, from Kairosoft and available on iOS and eventually ported to Nintendo Switch, offers just that in a small package. Reviews consider it to be incredibly charming, easy to pick up, and addictive to play. The Switch port has little coverage, but considering how few mall tycoon games exist currently, it’s nice to see a piece of what’s slowly becoming ancient cultural history.

Get it on Steam here!

Two Point Hospital (85)

Release Date

August 30, 2018

Studio

Two Point Studios

Platforms

Nintendo Switch
PC
PlayStation 4
Xbox One

One of the numerous games inspired by classic virtual sim titles, Two Point Hospital lives as a spiritual successor to Bullfrog’s Theme Hospital. The game went through tumultuous development as the team worked to find investment from a publisher or the people, but released to the fanfare of the niche community excited for the return of the classic hospital simulation game.

Each of the versions of the game has a relatively similar score, with the Switch being the highest-rated version. The reviews praise its zany nature and fun gameplay, making an easy-going atmosphere of a subject that can often be relatively grim. While it’s not a game for everyone, the people it is for will enjoy it thoroughly.

Get it on Amazon here!

VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action (83)

Release Date

June 21, 2016

Studio

Sukeban Games

Platforms

Nintendo Switch
PC
PlayStation 4
PlayStation Vita

Metacritic considers VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action to be a simulation game. This is probably a stretch, but visual novels can be considered simulations of dialogue and speaking with people. Since a lot of conversation is done virtually these days anyway, might as well just go all-out and converse with fictional people, right?

Related: The Best Simulation Games Ever Made, According To Metacritic

VA-11 HALL-A has an incredibly well-written narrative with tons of interesting characters to chat with as you run your bar. Reviews praise the rollercoaster of emotions the game brings the player on. Additionally, the reviews frequently call it one of the best visual novels available, particularly on consoles. It may loosely be a simulation game, but it still provides a slice of dystopian life that people may want to experience.

Get it on Amazon here!

Cook-Out: A Sandwich Tale (86)

Release Date

September 3, 2020

Studio

Resolution Games

Platforms

VR games, at their best, have the potential to offer some of the greatest life simulation experiences currently available. When VR works, it feels like you’re being transported into another reality. But when it doesn’t work, the dissonance can be a serious issue. Fortunately, Cook-Out: A Sandwich Tale seems to be considered a solid enough VR experience.

Four players are tasked to work together and serve a series of increasingly demanding customers at crazy levels in a fantasy world. It’s a step away from the traditional cooking game, but can be considered in the same realm as Overcooked! or Cook, Serve, Delicious. Reviews mention the game is great to play with multiple people and a fun experience for groups of friends with multiple VR headsets.

Get it on Steam here!

Game Dev Story (86)

Release Date

October 9, 2010

Studio

Kairosoft

Platforms

Mobile
Nintendo Switch
PC
PlayStation 4

Available on PC, Switch, and mobile devices, Game Dev Story is one of many Story games from Kairosoft. As the title suggests, the game is about developing video games, but it’s more focused on managing a studio than the nitty-gritty details of actually making a game.

From hiring the right combination of staff members to picking a good genre in pre-production, to squashing bugs before release your studio can rise to the top of the industry by shipping better and better games. As time passes new consoles are released and you must adapt. For anyone who likes business sims and video games, this is a perfect little title.

Get it on Steam here!

The Sims 3 (86)

Release Date

June 2, 2009

Studios

Maxis Redwood Shores, EA Mobile, Edge of Reality

Platforms

Mobile
Nintendo DS
Nintendo 3DS
PC
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360

There seems to be a new Sims game for every console generation, with The Sims 3 coming during the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 generation. Sequels for simulations games can be odd, with a limited amount of space for expansion of ideas, instead usually focusing on the refinement of the formula already in place.

While that is technically the case here, the game expands customization tools, interactions with other Sims (and people) as well as life goals and aspirations in a way that makes it feel like a leap forward instead of just a step.

Get it on Amazon here!

Animal Crossing: Wild World (86)

Release Date

December 5, 2005

Studio

Nintendo EAD

Platforms

Nintendo DS

Another series that focuses more on refinement and improvement over vast change, Animal Crossing: Wild World takes the original game, polishes it, and throws it onto a Wi-Fi-capable handheld console. The entire experience feels like it belongs in mobile format, being able to fish, hunt bugs, and collect fruit whenever and wherever for even a couple of minutes at a time.

Related: The Sims 4: The Best (& Worst) Stuff Packs, Ranked

For a game about nothing but the capitalistic grind of acquiring debt, paying off said debt, and repeating the process for a bigger house, the series is loved by plenty and this is a solid entry.

Get it on Amazon here!

Reigns (87)

Release Date

January 15, 2019

Studio

Pathea Games

Platforms

Google Stadia
Mobile
PC

The crossroad of being a royal monarch and Tinder, Reigns sees you take the role of the monarch of a fictional medieval kingdom who can choose to listen or ignore advisors by swiping right or left in this mobile, PC, and Switch title. Every decision comes with consequences and a balance between the four pillars of the kingdom, the church, the people, the military, and wealth.

If one becomes too powerful or nonexistent, the king’s rule comes to an untimely end. Other random scripted events can impact the kingdom and must be navigated, as any good ruler should.

Get it on Steam here!

Animal Crossing (87)

Release Date

September 16, 2002

Studio

Nintendo EAD

Platforms

iQue Player
Nintendo 64
Nintendo GameCube

Animal Crossing is one of the most popular life simulation games around. So, the fact that the series started on such a high note is not a surprise at all.

From the iconic Tom Nook to the incredible level of creativity present in this title — the sheer number of iconic elements in this first title is immense. The GameCube was absolutely blessed with this amazing gem of a title.

Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator (88)

Release Date

July 20, 2017

Studio

Game Grumps

Platforms

Mobile
Nintendo Switch
PC
PlayStation 4

Dating sims are one of the more prolific sub-genres, with a vast selection available and more being added every day. A game rarely sticks out as much as Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator but it’s entirely earned.

The Game Grumps developed visual novel follows a single dad who just moved cul-de-sac with his daughter, where several other single dads live. After that, the romancing begins. At face value, the game takes an over-the-top look as “dads dating dads” and uses it to tell a well-crafted and compelling narrative and social anxiety and toxic masculinity.

Get it on Steam here!

Animal Crossing: New Leaf (88)

Release Date

June 9, 2013

Studio

Nintendo EAD

Platforms

Nintendo 3DS

As the fourth iteration in the series, it makes sense that the latest handheld entry in the series was previously the highest-rated Animal Crossing title.

Related: Animal Crossing: Nintendo-Themed Items From New Leaf That We Want In New Horizons

The series recognized the pride people took in their towns and handed them the agency to make a wide variety of changes but putting the player in the role of the mayor. Having full agency over town projects was a welcomed addition and came with the lovable Isabelle as the dedicated assistant and secretary.

Get it on Amazon here!

Stardew Valley (89)

Release Date

February 26, 2016

Studio

ConcernedApe

Platforms

Mobile
Nintendo Switch
PC
PlayStation 4
PlayStation Vita
Xbox One

Occasionally, a simulation series fails to make the improvements and iterations fans want, and another developer steps in to fill the space. That is the case with Stardew Valley, the Harvest Moon “inspired” small-town farming simulator made by Eric Barone, a single human being.

The game takes the formula established by Harvest Moon, gives it a 2D pixel art style, and nearly perfects every aspect of the game. Farming, mining, fishing, and relationships are all complex systems with rewarding progress. The addition of monster fights and a “main quest” makes the game a complete package that can take you away from the grind of corporate life.

Get it on Steam here!

Animal Crossing: New Horizons (90)

Release Date

March 20, 2020

Studio

Nintendo EPD

Platforms

Nintendo Switch

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a game that was released with an ideal theme at (by no planning of Nintendo) the perfect time. It may not be as expansive as a game like New Leaf was in terms of features and customization, at least at launch, but New Horizons finally gives fans of the series a title on a console. The handheld/console split nature serves the game beautifully, and it was a hugely successful game commercially.

The game tasks players with building a deserted island into a full island paradise. Players have full reign in morphing the terrain and creating the exact world they want to create, with some minor hiccups in the process. It may not be considered the best game by fans of the series, but newcomers and general audiences fell in love with everything that New Horizons had to offer.

Get it on Amazon here!

The Sims 2 (90)

Release Date

September 14, 2004

Studio

Maxis Redwood Shores

Platforms

Mobile
Nintendo Game Boy Advance
Nintendo GameCube
Nintendo DS
PC
PlayStation 2
PlayStation Portable
Xbox

Perhaps as a result of small iterations being less and less impressive as a series progresses, The Sims 2 sits with a higher score over The Sims 3 and a lower one than The Sims. The Sims 2 was an exercise in adding depth, giving Sims more defined personality types and even influencing them with horoscopes and aspirations.

The game also features a direct control option over the Sims, something missing in the original. The game does not have a “story” but some of the pre-built neighborhoods feature character arcs and small storylines.

Get it on Amazon here!

Epic Astro Story (91)

Release Date

March 2, 2012

Studio

Kairosoft

Platforms

Mobile

Another title from Kairosoft, Epic Astro Story is some of their best work. The game is a combination city management game and a space exploration title. Players are tasked with building a space colony and making sure it thrives in this sci-fi setting.

Related: The Sims 4: Ranking Every Expansion Pack From Worst To Best

To acquire more loot and land, players must explore space. The system that sets this apart from the rest of Kairosoft’s other titles is a battle system that breaks up the typical city management gameplay.

The Sims (92)

Release Date

February 4, 2000

Studios

Maxis, Edge of Reality

Platforms

Mobile
Nintendo GameCube
PC
PlayStation 2
Xbox

Naming your game after the genre it’s in is bold but the original, and The Sims backs it up. The 2000 title was very influential over games to come.

This microscopic view of SimCity left players to control and influence the lives of their Sims, between actions they could make them take and the home furnishings they provided them. The game was new in the majority of what it did at the time, even if it seems antiquated now.

We hope you like the items we recommend! Game Rant has affiliate partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from your purchase. This won’t affect the price you pay and helps us offer the best product recommendations.

MORE: The Sims 5: Things We Already Know (& Other Very Likely Possibilities)