2023 has come to an end, and Shanguo’s [Steam Game Recommendations] column at the end of the year will naturally arrive as scheduled. As you will know after reading the title, today we are going to talk about the field of simulation management!
Looking at this year’s game lineup, it can be described as “a hundred schools of thought contend”, and many excellent works have emerged in the field of business simulation. For example: "Rattopia" with a super cute style, focusing on "hypoxia" gameplay to command rats to build towns; the sci-fi submarine simulator "Abyssal Syndrome" that has officially ended the EA stage; controlling a spaceship to "play with other planets" "Friendly Communication" card tower defense game "Gaia Trek"; "Site Connect" whose main gameplay is to set up sites and connect rails, etc.
Even though they are all of high quality and distinctive features, these works are still some distance from the top ten simulation business games in 2023. How about it? Are you already very curious about which works were selected? Without further ado, let’s start today’s [Steam Game Recommendations] right away!
Top10: "Cities: Skylines 2"
English name: Cities: Skylines II
Release date: October 24, 2023
Steam review: mixed (29,603, 59%)
Dang, Deng, Deng! The opening article boasts about a game with mixed reviews on Steam. I’m afraid everyone thinks that Guo Niang is just trying to show off~ But don’t worry, “Cities: Skylines 2” has high hopes from countless players, and the quality of the game’s underlying architecture is not bad. , the main reason for the collapse of word-of-mouth is post-optimization and PC configuration requirements.
If you look at this year's TGA's best ongoing games, you should understand that this game definitely has a bright future, and the current version of "Cities: Skylines 2" is much better than "Cyberpunk 2077" when it was first released.
Getting back to the subject, the basic gameplay of this game is to meet the needs of residents in the simulated city. As residents’ satisfaction increases, the city’s attractiveness will gradually increase, attracting more people to settle there.
players do not need to manage the layout of each building. They only need to build the urban road network and then assign one of the four functions of high, medium and low density residential, industrial, commercial and office to the area next to each road. You only need to meet the needs of the citizens one by one to advance the game. Before you know it, a prosperous city will rise from the desolate land. The
game also has a super detailed user guide, so beginners don’t have to be afraid of getting dizzy looking at complicated data tables.
"Cities: Skylines 2" definitely has the potential to top the list of the best simulation business games in 2023. Unfortunately, this is a work dedicated to computers 5 years from now. After the number of buildings and residents increases in the later period, it will crash, black screen, and burst memory. It affects the mentality. In addition, the MOD support is not as friendly as the previous game, so the final ranking in the Top 10 should be a more objective evaluation.
Top9: "Delicious Pizza, Delicious Pizza"
English name: Good Pizza, Great Pizza
Release date: January 7, 2023
Steam Rating: Specially praised (3,067, 90%)
"Delicious Pizza, Delicious Pizza" I have been addicted to the mobile version for more than a year. The main feature is that the graphics are eye-catching and the sound effects are magical and interesting. The PC version further strengthens its advantages and makes up for the shortcomings in content, and it does not have too many advertisements. In the game
, players will run a pizza shop and need to do their best to satisfy customers while making enough money to keep the pizza shop open. Players also need to upgrade their stores to unlock new fillings and equipment to compete with business rivals.
PC version has more than 80 customers with different personalities, and we need to use our brains to make delicious pizza to satisfy them. At the same time, the optional pizza toppings are becoming more and more abundant, including: pepperoni, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, etc. The operation is guaranteed to be simple but fun. As we progress, we can also upgrade our cooking equipment and gradually become a pizza baking master.
If you are tired of those so-called 3A masterpieces, "Delicious Pizza, Delicious Pizza" is easy to use, has magical content, and is challenging. The joy of secretly playing games as a child will instantly return.Finally, I borrowed a sentence from the guy in the Steam comment area: After playing for five hours at a stretch, I equally hate everyone who orders Supreme Pizza!
Top8: "Punch Club 2: Fast Forward"
English name: Punch Club 2: Fast Forward
Release date: July 21, 2023
Steam Rating: Particularly favorable (2,120, 83%)
If you have played the first generation of "Punch Club" , then you must still remember the story of practicing boxing hard, avenging his father, and finally becoming the strongest boxer. "Fast Forward to the Future" is an orthodox sequel. The plot timeline advances to the cyberpunk world many years later. We will play the son of the protagonist of the previous generation. While worrying about three meals a day, we will work hard to practice boxing. Later, we will experience The close connection between the two games.
is a boxing simulator. You must first manage your mood, money, training items and other content, gradually improve various data and fighting techniques, plan the competition schedule, and create your own super fighting school! There is also a happiness meter in the game, which is closely related to training and competition. If you don't pay attention to the rate of decline, it will directly affect the character's attributes, thereby delaying the planned schedule.
In addition, the cyberpunk background brings a lot of science fiction elements, including brains in a vat, enhanced chips, and body modifications, making the simulation business gameplay very rich.
It is worth mentioning that the high-quality background music makes "Boxing Club" feel like an old cyberpunk game from the 1980s, and the sound effects throughout the whole process maintain a retro theme that is very interesting. The tight-paced storyline brings immersion and addictive gameplay. Even if the simulation and development parts are a bit repetitive, there is absolutely no need to worry about the playability.
Top7: "My Time at Sandrock Town"
English name: My Time at Sandrock
Release date: November 2, 2023
Steam evaluation: Particularly favorable (17,842, 88%)
"My Time at Sandrock Town" officially ended the EA stage this year , as a work of the same developer as "My Time at Portia", while adhering to the consistently high standards of the previous game, it also adds a multiplayer online cooperation mode.
Players will explore the desert town as a new workshop owner and build various machinery and equipment in the exclusive workshop. Through technology and hard work, we will improve the living environment of the residents, turn the barren Gobi into fertile land, and become good friends with the residents of Shashi Town, and start interesting stories with them.
If you are an old player of "My Time at Portia", you must understand the importance of plot and story to this game. While you are simulating land management and land reclamation, remember not to forget about interpersonal communication. Maybe the person you love is here.
's new resource collection methods, additional quality system, optimized combat system and other new mechanisms further ensure the playability of farming, construction and exploration. Although some players find it a bit complicated, it is definitely a "dawn upon opening your eyes" level of work once you get started!
Top6: "Mad Games Tycoon 2"
English name: Mad Games Tycoon 2
Release date: May 31, 2023
Steam evaluation: Particularly favorable (5,199, 93%)
"Mad Games Tycoon 2" is a game that makes players dream Come to life, who has never thought of becoming "Hideo Kojima" and developing and designing his own game studio?
We need to research new technologies and features, and develop or license better game engines. Evolve from a small garage studio to an industry-dominating company, releasing your next hit game on consoles, handheld devices, computers and even arcades. Each title developed within
Games is a growing IP that will increase or decrease in value like a stock based on time feedback. It’s entirely up to you to sell or continue to hold the IP. It’s hard to say whether this is another kind of cyber stock speculation ~
As the process progresses, in addition to designing the game itself, we also need to hire the best talents and employees and arrange them for the company. Breakrooms, bathrooms and amenities create a comfortable, clean office environment.Will your company become the Blizzard it is now, or will it suddenly become Nintendo? It’s just a dream anyway, so it’s not illegal to make it bigger!
It is worth mentioning that this game also supports online play for up to 4 players, who can have unique fun in cooperative development or against each other. In a sense, we can smell a hint of "Monopoly" in this kind of online connection. I don't need to say more about the fun of cheating friends ~
In addition, the game difficulty selection range of this game is very loose. I believe every player can You can find the intensity you like. It even supports a complete sandbox mode. You can customize various options and victory conditions to build a unique game company from the bottom!
Top5: "Papa's Freezeria Deluxe Edition"
English name: Papa's Freezeria Deluxe
Release date: March 31, 2023
Steam review: rave reviews (6,095, 99%)
"Papa's Freezeria Deluxe Edition" is a The style and gameplay are incomparable to the "4399" mini-game, but looking at the 99% positive rating on Steam, you should understand that it is simple but not crude.
, as a remake of the well-known simulation game "Daddy" series, is definitely a childhood memory for many players. In the game, we need to listen to the needs of each customer and carefully prepare delicious sundae ice cream for them using a variety of ingredients.
As business booms, players need to shuttle between different areas of the restaurant to handle different tasks. Of course, you can also play mini games to relax after get off work.
"Deluxe Edition" brings players high-definition graphics, new ingredients, unlockable customer costumes and new seasonal holiday events. Although it can't compete with those so-called 3A games in terms of picture quality, when you want to take a break and massage your brain, "Daddy's Cold Drink Shop" is definitely a good choice.
Top4: "Ambitions"
English name: Big Ambitions
Release date: March 11, 2023
Steam evaluation: Particularly favorable (6,605, 93%)
Although "Ambitions" is still in the EA stage, the game content is already rich enough. We need to start from nothing, start a small business, create a large company, enjoy the improvement in the quality of life brought by money, and eventually become the largest entrepreneur in New York.
In addition to business simulation, you also need to make good arrangements for your life. Need a delivery truck? Go to the dealer and buy one. Need something to eat? Go to the supermarket, but first have a refrigerator at home. Ambitions is also a life simulation game in the sense that we have to interact directly with the world to survive and succeed.
Of course, the more important thing is to slowly build multiple small businesses and then develop them into large companies. Or take a different approach and explore the endless possibilities, such as: renting a store, designing and furnishing it, hiring and firing employees, or running a business establishment.
From small apartments and public transportation to luxury suites, sports cars and designer furniture, Ambition has everything you think of. In short, this is a huge sandbox in which all the detailed designs of business simulation games are included.
The main goal of this game is to make more money. As for workers 996 and so on, that is definitely not within the scope of capitalist concerns. As the business landscape becomes larger and larger, reasonable investment is also a difficult part of the game. "Today you have tens of millions in your hands, but tomorrow you will go bankrupt and eat instant noodles" is not an alarmist statement.
"Ambition" basically has no concept of endpoint/passthrough. If you are willing, you can play it forever. Although the Steam platform has an independent label, even if it is currently in the EA stage, you don’t have to worry about the quality of the game. Friends who like business simulation management must not miss it.
Top3: "The Undercurrent of Fishing Sails"
English name: DREDGE
Steam evaluation: rave reviews (21,162, 96%)
The fishing guy will never be in the air force! As a single-player fishing adventure game, "Fishing Sail" does not only include deep-sea fishing. Players will set off from the remote archipelago "Marrow" and go to unknown waters to search and interact with the inhabitants of the deep sea.
First of all, you need to drive a fishing boat to explore the sea area, catch various fish and treasures while going out to sea, and then you can exchange the fish for money on various islands. As you progress, money can be used to upgrade/modify ships, allowing players to travel to further seas. During this period, NPCs in each village will reveal dark secrets, and we will slowly learn more about Mr. Ke’s deeds.
The story of the small town of Innsmouth will be familiar to friends who are familiar with Lovecraft. What secrets are hidden under the sea is definitely the best material for dreaming. "Fishing Sail" satisfies players' curiosity with sea exploration, and at the same time combines it with RPG elements such as fishing simulation, resource management, and ship upgrades to build a set of self-consistent underlying gameplay.
has one thing to say: Cthulhu-style games are really difficult to make. The "Cthulhu" games in recent years have basically not gained a good reputation. Turning around and looking at "Fishing Sails", which has received rave reviews on Steam, I understand that fishing games are the right way to go!
Whether you are a fisherman, a believer in Grammar or a backpack manager, this game can provide very unique and exciting points. But remember, when you stare into the abyss, the abyss is also staring into you! Cthulhu sends candy!
Top2: "City of Storms"
English name: Against the Storm
Release date: December 8, 2023
Stam review: rave reviews (16,195, 95%)
"Baldur's Gate 3" is definitely the biggest winner in 2023 , at the same time, players seem to have finally realized the charm of fantasy stories. Then I say, no one should miss "City of Storms"! This game combines meat pigeon gameplay, simulated management and construction, and dark fantasy scripts. I dare not boast that it can be compared with the game of the year, but it is definitely a masterpiece that cannot be missed this year.
The game process is actually more like the "Civilization" series. Players play the role of the Queen's Governor, a pioneer who is sent to the wilderness to establish and manage a new settlement. The goal of the game is to survive long enough and collect the valuable resources necessary to rebuild and upgrade the Burning City.
This city is the only refuge from natural disasters and storms. What you have to build is not just a city, but a large and prosperous settlement network; the population of these settlements is composed of a variety of fantasy races, each race has their own specialties and needs . Every time you head into the wilderness again, you can use the resources, upgrades, and experience from previous journeys into the new journey. The game content in the
process is extremely rich. Foxes, beavers, lizards, humans and harpies each have their own roles, ranging from luxury goods and entertainment tastes to housing and cooking preferences. Take advantage of the advantages of each group to Balancing different needs.
Although it is a pity that it cannot be played online, the hundreds of variant rules and 6 different biomes, as well as the location of each city, all bring unique challenges to players.
At best, hundreds of hours passed in the blink of an eye! To put it simply, you can even find a hint of RTS excitement in this game! "City of Storms" is ranked in the TOP2 just because the one at the top is too popular and out of the circle. If it really compares to the quality of the game, it's hard to say who will win!
Top1: "Dave the Diver"
English name: DAVE THE DIVER
Release date: June 28, 2023
Steam evaluation: rave reviews (75,676, 97%)
"Dave the Diver" has already become famous in the EA stage last year. After its official release in June this year, with the help of major anchors and marketing accounts, it became the most popular phenomenon-level work. Although the gameplay in the later stages of the game is relatively repetitive, it is far from boring and deserves the TOP1 ranking.
This is a work that is difficult to summarize. Its gameplay is too rich. During the day we will explore the ocean world and capture many creatures, similar to an underwater action adventure game. At night, we can run our own sushi restaurant, which is a real simulation of business play. The 2D pixel style and 3D graphics in the
game complement each other, creating an atmospheric ocean environment. More than a hundred species of marine creatures and BOSSs of all sizes take the playability to a whole new level.
In addition, the development team also arranged for us several NPC colleagues with distinctive personalities, which brought touching stories about ecology, environmental protection and emotions. What's more, it actually has a variety of mini-games.
Generally speaking, you can criticize that "Diver Dave" may not be considered a real independent game, but it is absolutely undeniable that this is a work that can experience the fun of video games regardless of men, women and children. If you still have doubts, then take a look at the more than 75,000 reviews on Steam and the 97% positive rating. Perhaps the majority of players have already given their answers.