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.
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 — is Thief, 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 the Thief series 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.
10 Arx 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 Fatalis is 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 Fatalis is truly a one-of-a-kind immersive sim that any fan of the genre should definitely try out.
9 Dark Messiah Of Might And Magic
A game that is one of the more combat-heavy titles on this list, Dark Messiah of Might and Magic is 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 out Dark Messiah of Might and Magic.
8 Dishonored
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.
Dishonored 2 should 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.
7 Prey
However, while the debate of Arkane Studios' best game can be quite subjective, one can give a convincing argument that Prey is their best game by a country mile. There are very few games that are as isolating, nerve-wracking... and as immersive as Prey.
Walking through the empty halls of Talos-I as Morgan Yu never ceases to be entertaining in its own twisted way, making Preyan 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.
6 Deus Ex
Of course, it would be impossible to talk about the genre of immersive sims without mentioning one of the most legendary titles in the genre that still stands strong as one of the greatest video games of all time.
Deus Ex is 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.
5 Deus Ex: Human Revolution
However, if the original Deus 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 Revolution serves as a prequel to the events of Deus Ex, featuring all the intriguing conspiracy theories and entertaining gameplay that was featured in its predecessor.
Playing through Human Revolution is an absolute blast, and its sequel — Deus Ex: Mankind Divided — polishes this gameplay even further, albeit at the cost of a truncated narrative and tasteless allegories that are totally unlike Deus Ex.
4 Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines
With Bloodlines 2 coming 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 — Bloodlines is a western RPG with elements of an immersive sim that is an experience that most people won't forget anytime soon.
It was unfortunate that this game released on the same day as Half-Life 2, which 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.
3 BioShock
Ken Levine's masterpiece was bound to make its way into this list at some point or the other.
BioShock is a first-person shooter with elements of an immersive sim that is considered by many to be one 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 original BioShock...
2 BioShock Infinite
For the longest time, people felt that no game would come close to the brilliance of the original BioShock... that is, before BioShock Infinite came out.
The hype for this game was already through the roof, and not only did BioShock Infinite meet these expectations, but some may argue that it surpassed them as well!
1 System Shock 2
However, BioShock as a series would never have existed had it not been for System Shock, its spiritual predecessor. System Shock 2 in particular is a truly excellent title to play through, mainly due to the fact that — unlike its predecessor — System Shock 2 modernized 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.