It pretty much goes without saying at this point that the entire world is waiting with bated breath forCyberpunk 2077to finally hit store shelves — something that seemed like an impossibility at one point, giventhe number of delays that the game has facedfor the longest time. However,December 10th seems to be the absolute final dateon which the game will release, andfans can’t wait to finally get their hands on this masterpiece in the making.
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However, a large proportion of gamers who are going to try outCyberpunk 2077for the first time have probably never played an immersive sim before — something thatCyberpunk 2077is definitely shaping up to be. The decision by CD Projekt Red to create an immersive sim is an excellent one, especially since most people considered this particular sub-genre of gaming to be a slowly dying one. So, for people who wish to ease themselves into immersive sims, here are ten of the very best titles that one can play in this amazing genre.
10Deus Ex
The originalDeus Exis a landmark title in video gaming that pretty much cemented the immersive sim genre as one with some of the most rewarding and satisfying gameplay loops in video game history.
Of course, it helps a ton thatthe level design ofDeus Exis some of the most revolutionary of its time, coupled with a conspiracy-laden plot that is still entertaining to follow even now.
9Deus Ex: Human Revolution
However, ifDeus Exseems a bit aged for one’s liking — even after installing theRevisionmod — then starting off withDeus Ex: Human Revolutionis a safer bet.
Adam Jensen is easily one of the most memorable video game protagonists of all time, and this shows in his performance throughout the series. Along with this, the classicDeus Exgameplay that people have witnessed time and time againcan also be enjoyed in spades as well.
8Thief II: The Metal Age
TheThiefseries is one of the most iconic immersive sims of all time andThief II: The Metal Ageis arguably the best game in the entire series.
All the annoyances from the first game have been done away with to make for a gameplay experience that is as tight and nerve-wracking as can be. The pressure of being a thief has never been felt in such an oppressive manner as it is inThief II.
7Prey
Arkane Studios has consistently been a pioneer of modern immersive development, and their craft has been perfected inPrey.
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Roaming the empty halls of Talos-I as Morgan Yu is an experience that is both meditative yet nerve-wracking, which is a testament to the incredible design ethos present in this brilliant title. Regardless of what kind of game one may like,Preygenuinely has enough facets of gameplay to satiate even the most impatient and demanding gamer.
6Dishonored 2
Of course, it would be impossible to mention the brilliance of Arkane Studios without mentioning the absolute masterpiece that is theDishonoredseries. Any player who liked the first game will certainly love the second one, which improved upon its predecessor in pretty much every way possible.
For any player who loves an excellent stealth-action game with brilliant level design, one can’t go wrong withDishonored 2.
5Dark Messiah Of Might And Magic
There was a time beforeDishonoredwhen Arkane Studios was still a relatively small company that was still trying to stand on its own two feet. During this phase, they released a number of immersive sims, withDark Messiah of Might and Magicperhaps being the best example of their development prowess at that time.
While it’s true that there are several things inherently wrong withDark Messiah of Might and Magic, one still has to admit that the game is an absolute blast to play through regardless, and a great look into the past of Arkane Studios as well.
4BioShock
Of course, it would be impossible to talk about some of the most popular immersive sims of all time without mentioning Ken Levine’s masterpiece.
The originalBioShocksent shockwaves in the gaming community, allowing for an immersive experience coupled with what is perhaps one o the greatest video game stories of all time. In fact, one can argue thatthere’s only one gamethat pulls off a better story thanBioShock.
3BioShock Infinite
It’s a testament to the brilliance of Ken Levine’s writing that he managed to top a game that was already mind-boggling enough as is with a sequel that upped the ante in pretty much every manner possible.
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The ending ofBioShock Infinitehas been discussed to death, which — coupled with the memorable characters and fast-paced combat — make for one of the greatest games of all time, without a shadow of a doubt.
2System Shock 2
The nameSystem Shock 2has been uttered time and time again when anyone talks about some of the greatest video games of all time, and it’s easy to see why this is the case. The atmosphere of this game is oppressive in every sense of the word, and trying to get through this title without being on the edge of one’s seat at all times is pretty much impossible.
Of course, it certainly helps that SHODAN’s looming presence makes matters all the more presence, giving her all the right to be labelled as one of the best video game antagonists of all time.
1Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines
With the sequel to this title coming out in some time, there’s no better time to remind people of the masterpiece that wasVampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines. This game was criminally overshadowed at the time of its release by another little known title that came out on the same date — Half-Life 2.
However, over time, people have finally come to realize just how brilliant this title really is. Any fan of brilliant role-playing games with immersive sim elements — which is preciselywhatCyberpunk 2077is shaping up to be— will be more than happy with the genuine brilliance and charm present inVampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines.
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