Whether players want to live a life filled with chaos or try a job that they haven't had in real life, simulation games have given gamers a way to seek out new adventures. The Xbox might be seen by some as a console that's mostly for FPS or RPG games, but there's no shortage of simulation games to enjoy on the platform.
From building, driving, and just living a life full of surprises, there's something for everyone to enjoy. This list will highlight some simulation games on Xbox that deserve more attention from fans, and will also show some games that might not deserve the hype.
10 Underrated: Two Point Hospital
Two Point Hospital is a game where players get to build and run their own hospitals to meet the needs of patrons. People who come to the hospital often have illnesses that are silly takes on a few real illnesses in real life, like a patient who feels light-headed, but actually has a light bulb for a head.
This game has a few expansion packs, with more on the way, but even the base game alone gives players lots of features to enjoy. The character design, cures, and events that players will see keep the game light-hearted while providing hours and hours of enjoyment.
9 Overrated: The Sims 4
The Sims series has been around for years, but rather than possibly moving to a fifth installment, The Sims 4 isn't slowing down. The game itself is overloaded with more stuff packs than expansions that actually add more features to the game, and the constant attempts to fill this game with more stuff makes it feel like a cash-grab.
While the base game might've felt new and exciting to players when it was first released, the expansions that have come after tend to feel like they are still missing features that fans loved from previous Sims games. This includes the lack of horses in the "Cats and Dogs" pack that some fans were hoping would be more of a "Pets" pack.
8 Underrated: House Flipper
While House Flipper got a lot of love on PC, that response didn't carry over enough onto the Xbox version. Many fans have voiced their concern by the lack of content in the Xbox version since there are currently more expansions on the PC version than the Xbox version. However, this doesn't mean that the Xbox version is inferior.
This game still provides a relaxing and satisfying experience from cleaning and remodeling run-down homes. It's easy, straightforward, and a great way to feel productive. Maybe it will spark some ideas for DIY projects for players to do in real life too.
7 Overrated: Five Nights At Freddy's
The Five Nights At Freddy's series has gotten a bit overplayed over its many installments. Many fans still want to know about the deep story that surrounds this game's universe. However, some might not think that it's worth it to sit through games that continuously use jump scares, only to find more "clues" that won't make sense until the next FNAF game.
To be fair, this series has started to create some innovations in its later games that make it feel fresher, but the extreme hype that the first game got left people with fairly high expectations. This can make the games feel like there's a lot of pressure to provide more story content rather than gameplay.
6 Underrated: SnowRunner
At first glance, this game might not seem like it's much more than a driving simulator, but it's got much more content and charm than that. In SnowRunner, you drive different kinds of vehicles to complete tasks around your map. Some of these missions include making deliveries or towing cars, but there is an element of danger in some cases.
Players must work hard to safely travel and complete missions through harsh weather and terrain. Can players roll through the mud without getting stuck? Can they drive over a frozen lack without falling in? This game is a great mix of relaxing and exciting, which can keep players on their toes.
5 Overrated: Farming Simulator 19
Farming Simulator has been around for years and has been seen as a relaxing pastime for players who want to farm instead of fight. This series was also known for being more realistic than other farming games that had gained popularity, like Harvest Moon. However, realism is only part of a good simulation game.
Farming Simulator 19 is the latest installment in the series, and the realism it shows relies on players to be very dedicated to farming. While many other simulation games allow for more creativity and fun, this game feels more like actual work and less fun. The tasks at hand make it hard to feel relaxed while playing because there is always something that needs to be done or else players might face more failures than successful days.
4 Underrated: Stranded Deep
For fans of simulations that rely on survival, Stranded Deep is a great game to have. From swimming away from sharks to building your own fort on an island, this asks players to question how they would survive if they survived a plane crash over the ocean.
While it would be nice to play this game with friends, it still stands out as being a great solo experience. Players only have to fend for themselves rather than gathering enough supplies or traveling with multiple people. If fans of this game are feeling lonely on their island, maybe they can build their own companion with the elements around them. Otherwise, there are plenty of sharks to be friends with.
3 Overrated: Cities: Skylines
Cities: Skylines is like SimCity for people that don't like EA. It has similar concepts like creating different zones for houses, businesses, or industrial buildings. The graphics are fairly good, and it is highly rated, but it might not be everyone's cup of tea.
There are a lot of expansion packs available for this game, but at some point, it starts to feel like too much. On top of that, the game tends to be a learn-as-you-go experience, with the tutorial leaving much to be desired by players. Taking time to learn how to play can lead to losing money, which can lead to a more frustrating experience.
2 Underrated: No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky developed a bad reputation when it was first released, but anyone who hasn't played since it first came out might be surprised by how much has changed. Not only have multiplayer features been added and expanded so players can explore the galaxy with friends, but many other exciting developments have been made.
Now, players can customize their character, ship, and their experiences with friends. No Man's Sky even added cross-platform multiplayer, so fans can build teams and bases with any friends who might have the game on a different console. Anyone who might've moved away from No Man's Sky after its initial release should think about giving it a second chance because this game deserves it.
1 Overrated: Goat Simulator
The main appeal of Goat Simulator has been that fans think it's a hilarious experience being a goat and doing things that goats shouldn't be able to do. From using the goat's tongue to stick to things to finding out what random things can explode, the game might be fun for a while.
Being a goat gets old pretty quickly, and laughter might not be heard as often. Some people might be surprised to know that this game also has DLC, including ones that add zombies and MMO features. This game lost its charm a long time ago, but it still gets playtime for some people, especially when it's given away as a free game of the month.