What is a sim, what is not...

[icarus]

Key word: Attempts.

Any software that attempts to simulate an experience is a sim. Some of course do a better job than others.


simulation definition
simulation, system
Attempting to predict aspects of the behaviour of some system by creating an approximate (mathematical) model of it. This can be done by physical modelling, by writing a special-purpose computer program or using a more general simulation package, probably still aimed at a particular kind of simulation (e.g. structural engineering, fluid flow). Typical examples are aircraft flight simlators or electronic circuit simulators. A great many simulation languages exist, e.g. Simula.
See also emulation, Markov chain.
Usenet newsgroup: news:comp.simulation.
(1995-02-23)

[Ailantd]

In fact the first question its what are we talking about. Are we talking about the meaning of the word "simulation" itself, so almost every program running in a computer could be considered as a simulation, or are we talking about the gaming genre called simulation as opposite to arcade?

If we are talking about the gaming genre we call simulation then I consider a simulation all that programs that try to recreate every aspect of reality the better it can be accomplished and where matching the reality its always the first consideration and even more important that gameplay or game balancing, so if that plane was a crap in reality, then it should be a crap in the simulation because it was that way, even if that decision makes the plane unplayable from a game balancing point of view. That´s the reason I doub if simulation genre should be considered really a game genre even if a lot of times it is used like one.

If a game or program left reality for gameplay then I don´t consider it a sim, but and arcade game.

So even if Call of Duty, Battlefield or Gears of War can be considered simulations from the word meaning I don´t consider them as simulations as game genre but arcade games because in all them gameplay it´s over simulation and reality depict.

[ElAurens]

Basically if it's a port from, or the PC version of, a console title it is not a sim.

Simple as that.

None of the FPS big name titles are sims.

World of Tanks and all it's coming offspring are not sims.

WoP is not a sim either.

Sadly sims are a dying genre.

[Rattlehead]

Originally Posted by ElAurens

Basically if it's a port from, or the PC version of, a console title it is not a sim.

Simple as that.

Pretty much, I'd say. There is nothing on consoles these days that attempts a proper simulation.
For one, the typical console player just isn't interested in simulators, and two, the controls are terribly limited. Imagine flying Clod or DCS A-10 on a gamepad only. (!!)

I like consoles (I own an Xbox 360) but if you're looking for a sim, look elsewhere.

[hiro]

For me


Arcade = less detail + not dealing with certain factors. For flying this would be ammo, engine management, dealing with wind / air characteristics / storms, fuel consumption, map reading, navigation. Convergence, aerial gunnery. Use of tactics / strategy will make a difference but is not critical to game play, not have to really put effort into non action things such as take off / landing etc

Arcade you don't have to worry about where the enemies are, situational awareness in't paramount . . .

Arcade is you are the hero of the day. mistakes aren't compounding . .

Arcade is non stop action and everything is right up there. You can repair your plane by flying over your hanger, each kill you fly over the enemy's wreckage and you get reloaded . . . you get super powers like cyclone spinner or tidal waves etc . . .

this is a game that simulates a flight sim







Sim: more detail, more things modelled. You have to deal with everything. CEM, gunnery, fuel, ammo consumption etc. And all details are critical

If your tactics and strategy aren't used, this makes a clear difference of success or failure and is key to game play. SA is living.

If your plane is damaged, you have to do what they used to do, fly it back and land (if possible)

In a sim, you aren't the hero, you just do what you've been trained and work in as part of a team. if everything comes together you make it back.



this is a game that models realistically as much as a pilot went through.

[Robotic Pope]

Originally Posted by Rattlehead

Pretty much, I'd say. There is nothing on consoles these days that attempts a proper simulation.
For one, the typical console player just isn't interested in simulators, and two, the controls are terribly limited. Imagine flying Clod or DCS A-10 on a gamepad only. (!!)

I like consoles (I own an Xbox 360) but if you're looking for a sim, look elsewhere.

I know of one true simulation on xbox 360. Its a Snipping sim and its very accurate. Makes you realise how hard snipping is and how simplified it is in popular fps games. Its definatly worth the 80 ms points.
http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Pr...5-d802585505fb

[Rattlehead]

Originally Posted by Robotic Pope

I know of one true simulation on xbox 360. Its a Snipping sim and its very accurate. Makes you realise how hard snipping is and how simplified it is in popular fps games. Its definatly worth the 80 ms points.
http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Pr...5-d802585505fb

Wha...? Interesting, thanks.

[SsSsSsSsSnake]

lol i was looking for a tailors game as in snipping thanks

[icarus]

What is a sim?

Falcon 4 BMS 4.3

This classic just keeps going.

[Rextar]

Originally Posted by Rattlehead

Pretty much, I'd say. There is nothing on consoles these days that attempts a proper simulation.
For one, the typical console player just isn't interested in simulators, and two, the controls are terribly limited. Imagine flying Clod or DCS A-10 on a gamepad only. (!!)

I like consoles (I own an Xbox 360) but if you're looking for a sim, look elsewhere.

I agree i think apache air assault did a good job on xbox not a sim but very good take on the ah64.