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5 Best Simulation Games on PlayStation Plus (August 2023)
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new practice, skill, or trade is with simulation games. Aiming to provide the most life-like and realistic portrayal of its counterparts, simulation games, to many people's surprise, make even the most dull ideas somewhat enjoyable. Take PowerWash Simulator for example. Unfortunately, that wonderful simulator isn't part of the PlayStation Plus game catalog. But don't fret, we've got five of the best simulation games on PlayStation Plus in August right below. So, read on to find out what they are!
5. Cities: Skylines
City builders used to be the heart of simulation games before more sporadic ideas began to appear on the market. However, city builders continue to reign supreme and provide one of the best simulation experiences around. Thankfully, PlayStation Plus has you covered with Cities: Skylines, an in-depth city-builder where you can build a small beach-side town or a metropolis that soars amongst the clouds.
As the mayor of this fictitious city, you are in charge of everything, including road construction, education, emergency services, and more. However, you must always be mindful of maintaining your economy, or your city will quickly become a ghost town. It can be a bit overwhelming at the start, so be sure to check out our Cities: Skylines tips for beginners. Nonetheless, Cities: Skylines is one of the best simulation games for creating your own customized city from the ground up, with virtually limitless creative possibilities.
4. Bee Simulator
As we said, simulation games can make even the dullest ideas into exciting gaming experiences, just take the case of Bee Simulator. There really are no strings attached; in Bee Simulator you play through the eyes of a bee living in Central Park in New York City. That sounds suspiciously similar to the plot of The Bee Movie, but the games piqued our curiosity, so we'll let it slide. Plus, Bee Simulator has a separate narrative, so it's not all directly tied to the movie, the two just share a similar setting.
Nonetheless, as a hard-working New Yorker bee, you can take part in bee races, collect pollen from flowers, fight dangerous wasps, and take on other missions from your queen bee. Overall, there is a lot to see and do in Central Park, but there is one overriding aim to all of this exploration. Humans are attempting to cut down the tree that houses your Hive. As a result, it falls on your wings to stop them and save your swarm. Not many simulation games have a story, or one with this big of stakes for that matter, which is why Bee Simulator is one of the best simulation games you on PlayStation Plus.
3. Car Mechanic Simulator
While some simulation games are intended to be humorous, others are meant to be taken seriously. One game that players shouldn't take lightly is Car Mechanic Simulator. If you're a car aficionado, this game is right down your alley. However, if cars aren't exactly your area of expertise, well then we'll just say there is a lot you can learn from this game. Essentially, the whole point of Car Mechanic Simulator is to take old pieces of junk and flip them into dazzling vehicles which you then sell for a profit.
The concept may sound simple, however, Car Mechanic Simulator is an extremely in-depth simulator that it almost requires you to know your stuff before diving in. Just take into consideration that there are a total of 48 cars, 10+ repair tools, and over 1000+ parts to toy with. As a result, it's pretty evident Car Mechanic Simulator takes its car detailing very seriously. Nonetheless, it's one of the best simulation games on PlayStation Plus that can also teach you a thing or two.
2. Lawn Mowing Simulator
Another simulation game that goes off the beaten path, but is highly satisfying to play is Lawn Mowing Simulator. Hey, if PowerWash Simulator exists, this game isn't all that surprising. Plus, who doesn't love the look of a freshly cut lawn? I digress, the game's premise is as you might expect: drive lawnmowers that are replicas of their real-life counterparts and take on contracts mowing lawns in the beautiful British countryside. While that may sound pretty simple, there is a lot more to the game than you might expect.
For starters, you can customize your mower with a plethora of attachments, such as stripe rollers, mulching kits, grass collectors, recyclers, flail decks, and more. What's more, you can build your lawnmowing company up from scratch by taking on new contracts and expanding your business. So, while it may not seem like one of the best simulation games out there, Lawn Mower Simulator is a lot more fun than you would expect.
1. Frostpunk: Console Edition
Ending this list of the best simulation games on PlayStation Plus with a banger, we have Frostpunk. Although this game is essentially a city builder, it follows a premise unlike any of its competition. In Frostpunk, the planet mysteriously froze in the 19th century amidst the industrial revolution, forcing the human race to adapt to harsh conditions. As the leader of the last known civilization in the world, you must discover new technologies, explore the frozen wasteland, and above all else, keep your society alive.
So, basically, you can rule with an iron fist, or be a wholesome leader. Either way, you will be faced with difficult decisions in Frostpunks' dystopic, end-of-the-world, city-building simulator.
