An immersive sim is a game that depends on giving players the freedom of choice as one of its most defining features of playing through the game. This allows players to become fully immersed in their playthrough of the game as many of the choices they are given can change an entire play through and therefore can be played again for a different outcome.
However, some players don't want these immersive sims to be a long and tiresome experience that takes a while to complete. Sometimes a game doesn't need to be long for players to enjoy it and that's why these immersive sims are as great as they are short.
8 System Shock
System Shock isn't only an incredibly well-known immersive sim but also one of the first of its kind when it first released in 1994. Since then, it has earned itself a second title as well as an enhanced edition with another remaster on its way.
With a variety of puzzles to solve, robots to defeat and an interesting story to discover. This game only takes roughly thirteen hours to see the whole of the main story with a couple of extra hours added on if a player hopes to complete everything.
7 My Divorce Story
This short story made by an experience divorce lawyer may sound like a horrifying experience for any player to try, but it's over the top events and funny endings makes for a game that is sure to interest players.
Every choice has a different outcome as players battle against their once significant other for not only evidence to sign the divorce in their favor. It also has hilarious dialogue moments between the player and their spouse, as the player must remain affectionate so that they don't find out the plan.
6 Legend Of Homebody
Although Legend of Homebody may look like your typical causal game in a fun art style this game has so much more in-store for its players, following a heavy topic of somebody that shuts themselves indoors permanently to study.
Although the game itself states that it is not a simulator, players still follow the life of someone that has experienced what it means to be freelance. Players work within a two-year timeframe with a hope of getting one of the ending achievements, if they make it that far.
5 Pathologic 2
By far one of the most stressful immersive sims around Pathologic 2 challenges the player to manage a sick and dying town from the plague with only twelve days to do it. After the town's healer passes away it is down to the player to be the one to check on the town and make sure everyone survives.
However, it is only getting worse for both the town and the player in this uphill battle. Every minute of each day is precious in this survival thriller as players must keep themselves alive while aiming to finish parts of the main story each day if they wish to succeed.
4 Prognostic
Horror titles tend to be terrifying however, combining this with immersive mechanics can make for an even more haunting experience. Prognostic does exactly that as it puts players into the shoes of an orphan who has returned to his Fortune-teller grandmothers' home after his family mysteriously dies.
Taking on the role of a Prognostic, players must use their detective skills to work out what is also driving the towns folk mad while uncovering the truth of their own past. Using historical divination methods players will eventually begin to understand what is going on.
3 High Entropy: Challenge
Inspired by the immersive sims of old, this free to play action-adventure first-person shooter may only have fifteen levels for players to try but a variety of ways to solve them. Take down enemies by force or sneak past through the vents, only the player can decide how they wish to solve the levels available to them.
It isn't just about stealth or aggression as some levels also have interfaces players can hack, giving into this futuristic environment where the player's main enemy is robots.
2 Cyber Manhunt
Focusing on the theme of cyber violence and security online. Cyber Manhunt leaves players to hunt through the internet by cracking codes, picture analysis and phishing to gain access to others hardware, alongside other hacking abilities to explore the rich story deeper.
In this incredibly immersive title players must help solve cases that are similar to ones that have been reported on in real life. Players are left to their own devices on how is best to find the evidence they need or where they should be looking.
1 A Taste Of The Past
Another heart-warming immersive story is that of A Taste of the Past, in this simple sidescroller with a brilliant art style. Taking on the role of Mei, a shy Chinese-American high school student as she reconnects with her Chinese culture while she finds herself navigating a train to the afterlife.
This emotional story may connect with many players as it discusses grieving the passing of loved ones while learning self-love, and how to heal. With some entertaining cooking mini-games thrown in this warming story is entirely free for players to try.