Simulation games
This type of video game involves playing out real situations within the game's setting. For instance, players could take care of a virtual person or a pet, develop a society, or build a zoo or amusement park. This is the time you have your own pet monkey. Some of these games are very involved, requiring hours of play; some have a clear goal in mind and some can take shape according to the choices the player makes.
People played simulation games long before the video game was invented, however. The first astronauts ran simulated missions so they would know what to do in an emergency, and drivers of a certain age remember the simulation lab where they would watch a film and practice with a steering wheel and a brake pedal.
SimCity is widely credited as the first true simulation video game, but there were some driving aids before that time that could also be considered as simulations. Released in 1989, SimCity has since had many updates that allow players to build cities, grow communities, and raise money by levying taxes.
During the time you are building your city, you would have to deal with the issues that come with a growing population, natural disasters, discontented citizens and power outages. The game can go on as long as you wish it to, or you could start over at any time. Since the release of the first SimCity game, others have opened up the genre.
Certain fighting games are realistic enough to be considered simulations, and some fantasy/warfare titles can also be grouped into this category. The Sims, released in 2000, further changed the simulation game genre. Instead of building a city, the Sims allowed you to control the destinies of individual people. You taught them how to work, cook, and do other daily activities.
The next chapter in simulation games has come with the release of the Nintendo Wii. Instead of using a controller, these games allow you to use hand and arm motions to simulate the activities that the on-screen character is doing. Almost all Wii games have some elements of simulation, even though they may belong to another genre.