Simulation games to stimulate your brain
Videogames are about unearthing secrets in atypical virtual worlds. Simulation games on the other hand, hands the rule book over to the player, asks them to build the world, customise it to their heart's content and shape its narrative. By doing so, simulation games take worldly concepts, flesh them out into a video game format and let players learn about the game-world, and the world surrounding them. Here’s a couple of titles that do just that.
Transport Fever
Availability: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: $11.99(Steam)
For those curious about the nightmarish logistics of maintaining a transport company, this game will deliver. In-game, you start around 1850 as a rail service and as time progresses, you can start to expand roadway, maintain water supplies and air quality, while building up your huge network of trucks, trains, boats and planes to become the biggest transport tycoon of the 21st century.
Rise of Industry
Availability: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: $10.99 (Steam)
You start as an eccentric entrepreneur and slowly build up your means of production, set up supply lines and eventually, become a business mogul who owns virtually everything. All in all, if you ever wanted to experience the wild days of early industrialization, then this is the perfect game for you.
Democracy 3
Availability: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: $24.99
The third instalment of the Democracy series offers a much deeper look into the life of a head of state. In the game, you enact policy to tackle everything from petty crimes to climate change, dismiss or support demands of various parties and most importantly, make sure that the general populace is happy enough that they won't kick you out of the office.