A guide through the world of immersive sims

So you wanna get into Immersive sims huh, well I take you through a guided tour of this wonder full genera, starting with the not quite immersive sims all the way to the stuff that only die hard immersive sim fans would get any sense of enjoyment out of.

This guide was mostly made as a very petty response to an "where to start" graph by: koshkamail that had many issues in it ranging form listing non immersive as immersive sims and listing immersive sims as non immersive sims, to basic graphic design issues like putting small black text on a multi-coloured background making it next to impossible to read.

And unlike that guy I will be listing to criticism of my guide, so if you disagree with the placement a game, or I missed a game, or if I get some info wrong then by all means feel free to correct me. Please note that most of the games I put on this list are ones I have personally played and have gotten the a feel for so of course if you recommend a game to add please tell me where you want it added and why, please and thank you!

And I know you might think making an entire guide out of spite might be a bit overboard, but I would like to say that saw blades on fire are more effective then saw blades that aren't on fire. If it's worth doing then it's worth over doing! So yeah I'm petty and spiteful.

What is an immersive sim?

An Immersive Sim is an Immersive simulation, they're narrative driven games that have open-ended gameplay. Now some people who I will not name here but I did name in the description have no idea what an Immersive Sim actually is and just assume that every First-Person Shooter with Abilities and Hacking is an Immersive Sim which is so wrong that it physically hurts me to see people make that assumption.

The Immersive Sim genera is very complex which is why they are so rare now, because big studios don't want to risk spending all there time and resources on something so complex that it'll scare off some of the causal gamers. Luckily independent developers or small dev teams are under no such restrictions this is why most Immersive Sims were either made by small/independent teams, or made back in the 1990s or early 2000s.

Now what makes an Immersive Sim an Immersive Sim? Well that's very complicated, as some games like Deus Ex clearly fit into the Immersive Sim category, while other games like the Elder Scrolls clearly don't. It's less about exact definitions and more of a vibe-check. Sure Deus Ex and Elder Scrolls share many features, but anyone whose played them can tell that the feel of those games is very different. Immersive Sims are games where the world feels more like an actually world, the way you interact with the environment or NPCs, the way you are given the tools to find outside of the box solutions, some that even the devs might not have even thought of.

But most importantly: Can you skip combat by stacking a bunch of boxes on top of each other and going over them?

That the easiest way to tell if a games an Immersive Sim or not.

Close, but no cigar!

This will section contains all the games that are almost Immersive Sims but lack some of the requirements or have dis-qualifiers.

First we have the much beloved Bioshock a great game and the indirect cause of this guide.

Bioshock seems like an Immersive Sim at first glance but it lacks many of the key components like: free-from stealth, and open ended ways to complete objectives. It also has many dis-qualifiers like: locking the ability to sneak outside of scripted sequences behind an ability that you can only get half way through the game, having story based choices that don't effect the world, gameplay, or story outside of the ending cut-scene.

Now that we got the preamble out of the way, why is this game here? The reason being is that this game takes heavy inspiration from System Shock 2 and if you enjoyed Bioshock and wished to play something similar then I would recommend checking out System Shock 2. Over all a great game that has a few immersive sim qualities while not being a full on Immersive Sim, if you love Bioshock then you'll probably enjoy some of Immersive Sims.


Second we have Bioshock 2.

The sequel actually has some more Immersive Sim qualities to it like: having story base choices effect gameplay unlike the first one. However outside of that it still lacks the same requirements and has the same dis-qualifiers.

Although it is an overall much better game and I don't care what everyone else says this is the best Bioshock game, Infinite was ♥♥♥♥ alright that games story just falls apart half-way though and the gameplay was bland alright and I don't need to justify my opinion to the likes of YOU alright!?

Third we have Deus Ex: Human Revolution

I never asked for this So this game is very watered down prequel of Deus Ex where your actions barely change anything outside of some dialog, and where the game decides that you can only use your abilities when the game decides you can removing the ability to use the games rules and logic to find inventive ways around problems and to use outside the box thinking to complete objectives. That plus the writing is ♥♥♥♥.

If you enjoy the setting and world of Human Revolution then I would highly recommend the original Deus Ex as it has a more fleshed out world and tackles the ideas of trans-humanism and global conspiracies much better with a more open ended approach to the game that rewards you for being paying attention to your surroundings and for thinking outside of the box.


Forth we have The Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall

Now truth be told I have yet to sit down and play this one yet, but people where asking me to add it somewhere on this guide and after having someone explain the Immersive Sim elements of it to me, I have to say it's very close perhaps the closet on this category to a full Immersive Sim with it's world feeling alive down to the people even treating you differently based on your characters race to being able to fight or sneak you way around enemies, to being able to create your own spells letting you break the game, however it does fall into that classic Elder Scrolls issue of having a single end point with only one way to reach it. And for that alone I have to put it here, it was close, so very very close, but no cigar.

This concludes this section please let me know if there are any other games I should add to this section.

Fifth we have E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy

Now I haven't played this one, but I know people who have and from what I've seen form reviews it's a narrative driven FPS game with RPG mechanics, but lacks some of the requirements for an Immersive Sim. It does look cool though and I'll definitely write a more in-def summary when I finally sit down and play it.

Base level

Now this is the base level of Immersive Sims this rangers from games that barely count as Immersive Sims and so that are great for those just getting into Immersive Sims.

First is one of the greatest Immersive Sims of all time, Deus Ex!

When ever you mention this game someone somewhere is gonna reinstall it, and that's because it's one the greatest games of all time, the peak example of an great immersive that manages to be complex while stilling being great for those looking to get into the genera.

This game has it all: free-form stealth mechanics, multiple ways to complete objectives, open gameplay that allows and rewards you for using the rules and logic of the game to complete objectives which allows you to find solution not considered by the developers, and story based choices that effect the story, world, and gameplay. Great RPG mechanics that add abilities and skills and don't force article limits on you. A great story that takes many twists and turns, and political commentary that's still relevant.



Second is Theif 1 & 2 an Immersive Sim mixed with a Stealth 'em Up.

Great free-form stealth with a great story, a basic RPG inventory system mixed with a wide arrange of weapons, tools, and equipment allows many ways to complete the games objectives. The gameplay is basic in design but complex in execution, with all the ways gaurds can/will notice you from stepping on loud floors, to knowing over items, or just simply noticing you sneaking around. And can genuinely scary in some moments.

It's easy to pick up and play and is great for those who love the stealth systems in Immersive Sims.



Third is Dishonored 1 & 2
Now I haven't actually played through this one yet, however from what I seen and the little bit I've played it seems to fit into the basic Immersive Sim category. A free-form stealth system, multiple ways to approach objectives due to free-form abilities. I will of course re-frame from giving an opinion on this one however due to me not having played through it yet. Opinions on this game and all other games on this list would be appreciated and used to flesh out the descriptions.

The second one was add because someone suggested it, and I'm assuming that it has the qualifications as the original. Man I should really get around to playing these games.



Fourth we have Cruelty Squad

Cruelty Squad is a game that exists, it's a great game that not many people will play much less understand, it's pure Immersive Sim. While it lacks in RPG mechanics it does possess all the traits of an immersive sim, with a story that is driven entirely by your actions, and with the Stock Market you can actively see the effects that you have on the world, like killing a CEO of a company will cause their stocks to fall and the competition's rise, or killing the only person in power who's standing up to the corporations will cause the entirety of the Stock Market to rise drastically before crashing in the next level.

Overall a weird and endlessly fun Immersive Sim that unfortunately will require you to push past the visuals and sound design. But hey if you can push the first impression then you'll ended up having a good time.

Fith is Prey (2017)

I can't believe I original forgot to add this one. Prey (2017) is the best example of how a modern day Triple-A Immersive Sim can and SHOULD be done. The story is great and plays with the classic video game troupes, and has great emergent gameplay. Although it is sad that the game was built upon the ashes of another. Justice For Prey 2!

Advance Immersion

Now this is for those who want something a little more complicated, something more Immersive-Sim-ish.

First off is System Shock 2 this one is bit complicated as it's not too complicated but isn't beginner friendly either so it goes here. If you think this belongs in the previous category then I understand however I'm putting it here.

System shock 2 is a weird in-between of Immersive Sims like Deus Ex and stream lined almost Immersive Sims like Bioshock. This leads it to be a good game that seems to be having an identity crisis, it has many RPG mechanics that end up making the game punishing to those who don't understand the games mechanics, but also has no real stealth mechanics outside of avoiding the enemies line of sight or cameras. Now this isn't a bad thing I like punishing gameplay where if you make dumb choices you'll suffer but the lack of a true stealth system and lack of effect you have on the story is also disappointing.

An overall good game that mixes cyberpunk dystopia with twisted body-horror. That requires you to think logically about the choices you make while building your character. If your a fan of Bioshock or Immersive Sims then give this game a try you'll probably enjoy it.

Second we have the Enhanced Edition of System Shock.

It's the only way most people will be able to play the original System Shock due to how complex the controls of the original are. Now this game has very bare bones immersive sims mechanics due to this being one of the first, in fact many people consider this to be the first, I personally consider this to be the second ever but we'll get into that later on.

It's a bare bone piece of history that still holds up surprisingly well and I would strongly recommend this to every who loves Immersive Sims, just give the controls time to grow on you.

Third we have Deus Ex: Invisible War a game that certainly exists.

If your a die hard fan of the original then give it a try, if not then you probably won't find much to enjoy unless you enjoy weird and somewhat jank games.

The Depths

To all of those who have dived down into these depths, if you don't have a masochistic fascination with Immersive Sims, then may John Carmack have mercy on your soul.

First we start off simple with the original System Shock, don't worry it'll get far worse from here on.

The first or second Immersive sim ever depending on who you ask, and boy howdy does it ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ feel like it. "System Shock feels more like playing with an operating system then playing a game" - Civvie 11 And I couldn't agree more, if you have the mental endurance to get through it then you have earned my undying respect. It's great but it's very dated and it's age shows.

Second we have another blast from the distant past, Ultima Underworld 1 & 2.

It's more outdated then the original System Shock, but even worse is that the story won't make any sense unless you go back and play the previous six games in the series in order to make sense of everything, or I guess read a plot summery or just watch a video going over the story (I assume they exists). It's more outdated than system shock because it was made before it making this the first Immersive Sim or the first Proto-Immersive Sim.

Third, get ready for pain and suffering. Pathologic 1, 1 HD, & 2.


[OLD]
These games are some of the best immersive sims you could ever play, the problem being that these games don't give you a fun or rewarding experience, they instead make you suffer and force you to look into the abyss of human cruelty and dares you to look away and give up. I can only in good faith recommend Pathologic 2 and even then it's a cautious recommendation only for hard core Immersive Sim fans and pertinence nerds who talk about how games should do more than be fun and should give other emotional experiences through gameplay.

I love these games to death, but I'm never playing them ever again, maybe the second one, but even then I would need to wait a few years before being able to go through that again. This was the Leviathan living in the depths, so don't say I didn't warn you.


[NEW]
So now I've finally sat down and played Pathologic 1 HD and I have to say that most of what I heard about the game was ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥. The game is fun, like really fun, I understand why people don't find it fun but I personally loved it. This is a HARDCORE Immersive Sim your basically just a normal person trying to survive in a weird town as it's hit by a plague. These meaning that you need to learn to survive by scavenging for garbage that you can trade with the locals for other items that you might need or can sell for some extra cash. Fighting murderers and looters to gain reputation and whatever they have on them and of course trying to avoid plague clouds in infected districts. All and all, Pathologic 1 & 2 are the best Survival Immersive Sims around, so if you like attempting to survive against overwhelming odds, then try these games out. Luckily the original is normally only a few dollars on steam.

Conclusion

Please feel free to tell me about any games you want to add on here, for I can't play every single Immersive Sim but I don't want to categorise games based off of online reviews. So please feel free to give me your opinions and reasons.

Although be advise, that I know the images are ♥♥♥♥ but I'm too lazy to resize them, sorry.

[zipzip]

extremely rare invisible war W

[merasmurray]

Once again I would need to play the game for myself before go adding it to the list, which unfortunately will take a bit.

[Cautet]

Well let's say bandits. If you come across a camp you can wait until night when they sleep. Then you could knock them out in their sleep OR you could make a poison out of ingredients you pick from the environment to poison their food then wait around until they eat it.

While a bandit is patrolling you can lock out or kill one if needed. Any dogs would normally need to be taken care off.with poisoned meat or a bow or else a perk


You could poison an apple but not sure if you can reverse piclpocket like in fallout series or divinity 2.

If you are riding along though and the bandits have blocked the road your best options are killl or avoid. Although again you could find their nearby camp and sit for nightfall. I assume they wouldn't just wait there by the ambush but not sure

[merasmurray]

Eh it kind of depends, having multiple ways to do a quest isn't really a defining feature of immersive sims, games like the elder scrolls and fallout also do stuff like that, but only for certain characters during a quest.

It's more about whether or not you can deal with regular enemies in more ways then just kill or avoid. A classic example is the stacking boxes to go over enemies, sure you're just avoiding them but your using your skills to find a move effective solution.

My question is can you interact with the environment in meaningful and mundane ways?

[Cautet]

In Kingdom Come (I) - one of the first quests - you have the option to persuade someone to give you money they owe, sneak into their house to steal items to the value of, beat them into giving you the money, or do another quest for someone else and ask their help to beat them into paying up. That seems to sum up the kind of game you are describing, no?

Kingdom Come's quests aren't all like that, but many have multiple solutions to them, even simple quests can be solved in several different ways due to the mechanics of the game.

[merasmurray]

I don't hate DXHR, it just that they did oversimplify a lot of mechanics which made it less like an immersive sim. It's very close to an immersive sim which is why I added it to the close but no cigar category.

Although I will try kingdom come deliverance and kenshi, always will to check out new games!

[nipplas <3 cage]

And I know this is your personal list but hating on DXHR is craazy. It's a really great sequel to the original and I don't understand the excuse for it not being an imsim for not having enough consequences given the amount of actions and consequences is the same as the original loll. The choice you can make during helicopter crash alone is peak imsim

[nipplas <3 cage]

You should play more games. Kingdom Come Deliverance and Kenshi should be on this list

[merasmurray]

We'll I'm talking about immersive sims, not immersive games, there's a difference. Immersive sims are a sub-genre of rpgs, I understand that the term "immersive sim" sounds like it refer to immersive games in general but it doesn't.

Games like Fallout 1/2 and Zomboid are just rpgs, which do have some overlap with immersive sims. While game like Crusader Kings and Rimworld are simulation games with little to no overlap.

[Cautet]

So sorry, but your definition of Immersive Sims is so limited, and excludes actual Sims. Maybe call it "The two games that give me a Dues Ex vibe!" Any genre would be to help people find games which they might like.

You miss out on games such a Cataclysm Dark Days, Kenshi (a game which doesn't even have quests it is so immersive), Else Heartbreak, Crusader Kings, Project Zomboid, Fallout 1/2, Colony ship, Rimworld, and a ton of other games that most people would suggest contain as many if not many more immersive elements, and some of those games are actually sims unlike your criteria that they must be FPS stealth games with some immersive elements. Basically any actual simulation game would fall foul of your personal requirement to have FPS elements for you to be immersed.

Here are some very immersive First Person games (not all with stealth, not all with multiple solutions to quests):

Shadows of Doubt
Kingdom Come
Medieval Dynasty
The Long Dark