When it comes to selecting a genre that truly delivers a captivating gaming experience unlike anything one might’ve ever experienced before, then it goes without saying that immersive sims would be the first and foremost choice. Most immersive sims do a brilliant job of creating an engaging game world that interacts organically with the player and — true to its name — truly immerses them in every manner possible.
RELATED:10 Action RPGs To Play If You Like The Thief Series
The roots of the immersive sim are embedded all the way in the past, with several games propping to make full use of this innovative genre. One such series that has been criminally overlooked for the longest time — mainly due to a disappointing fourth title — isThief, a series that has consistently pushed the boundaries of what can be possible in a video game time and time again. Regardless of which entry one might consider being their favorite, there’s no denying the fact that theThiefseries deserves its spot as one of the most legendary gaming series of all time.
For the people who love this series, here are more immersive sims that they can choose to sink their teeth into.
10Arx Fatalis
Arkane Studios is considered by many to be a pioneer when it comes to the development of immersive sims. So, it would only be fair to list out a slew of titles that they’ve released, all of which are enjoyable in their own right.
Out of all of the games Arkane Studios has released,Arx Fatalisis easily the most unique of the lot. From featuring an underground setting that is as immersive as can be to the inclusion of a magic system that involves using mouse gestures,Arx Fatalisis truly a one-of-a-kind immersive sim that any fan of the genre should definitely try out.
9Dark Messiah Of Might And Magic
A game that is one of the more combat-heavy titles on this list,Dark Messiah of Might and Magicis an easy recommendation for anyone who’s even remotely into immersive sims.
While the story may be as generic as can be, it’s the immersive world and the variety of ways in which players can interact with the world that is truly a joy to behold. Any fan of first-person immersive sims should definitely try outDark Messiah of Might and Magic.
8Dishonored
Of course, it would be impossible to talk about Arkane Studios without mentioning the game that pretty much put them on the map —Dishonored. Both games are an absolute treat to play through and highly recommended for anyone into this genre… that is, if they haven’t already given this game a shot.
RELATED:10 Hidden Details Everyone Missed In Dishonored
Dishonored 2should especially be commended for taking everything that the first game did and perfecting this formula to craft what is easily one of the best immersive sims ever made.
7Prey
However, while the debate of Arkane Studios' best game can be quite subjective, one can give a convincing argument thatPreyis their best game by a country mile. There are very few games that are as isolating, nerve-wracking… andas immersive asPrey.
Walking through the empty halls of Talos-I as Morgan Yu never ceases to be entertaining in its own twisted way, makingPreyan absolute must-play for immersive sim fans, and especially for fans who love another legendary game in this genre that will be elaborated upon soon.
6Deus Ex
Of course, it would be impossible to talk about the genre of immersive sims without mentioningone of the most legendary titles in the genrethat still stands strong as one of the greatest video games of all time.
Deus Exis an immersive sim that’s laden thick in conspiracy plots and social commentary that is as intriguing as the mechanics of the game itself, if not more. The fact that this masterpiece was released two decades is still mind-blowing, and a testament to the fact that this title was decades ahead of its time.
5Deus Ex: Human Revolution
However, if the originalDeus Ex’s graphics are a bit too dated for fans to gloss over, then they can always try out the modern duology instead.Deus Ex: Human Revolutionserves asa prequel to the events ofDeus Ex, featuring all the intriguing conspiracy theories and entertaining gameplay that was featured in its predecessor.
Playing throughHuman Revolutionis an absolute blast, and its sequel —Deus Ex: Mankind Divided— polishes this gameplay even further, albeit at the cost ofa truncated narrative and tasteless allegoriesthat are totally unlikeDeus Ex.
4Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines
WithBloodlines 2coming out next year, there’s no better time to revisit a classic that is considered by many to be one of the most underrated video games of all time.Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlinesis a western RPG with elements of an immersive sim that is an experience thatmost people won’t forget anytime soon.
It was unfortunate that this game released on the same day asHalf-Life 2, which is part of the reason why most people chose not to pay attention to this absolute gem of a title. However, people who choose to give this game the shot it deserves will be able to enjoy a video game that is truly unlike anything they’ve ever played before.
3BioShock
Ken Levine’s masterpiece was bound to make its way into this list at some point or the other.
BioShockis a first-person shooter with elements of an immersive sim that is considered by many to beone of the greatest games of all time, mainly due to the excellent combat and mind-boggling story present in the title.
In fact, there’s only one game that people can objectively declare to be better than the originalBioShock…
2BioShock Infinite
For the longest time, people felt that no game would come close to the brilliance of the originalBioShock… that is, beforeBioShock Infinitecame out.
RELATED:5 Reasons Why BioShock Infinite Is Better Than BioShock (And 5 Ways It’s Worse)
The hype for this game was already through the roof, and not only didBioShock Infinitemeet these expectations, but some may argue that it surpassed them as well!
1System Shock 2
However,BioShockas a series would never have existed had it not been forSystem Shock, its spiritual predecessor.System Shock 2in particular is a truly excellent title to play through, mainly due to the fact that — unlike its predecessor —System Shock 2modernized the gameplay to the extent that it’s still comfortably playable to this day.
Of course, the fact that one of the most iconic video game antagonists in the form of SHODAN is featured in this title certainly bolsters the quality of this game ever further.
NEXT:Deus Ex & 9 Other Games To Play While Waiting For Cyberpunk 2077
