I have always enjoyed simulation management games—the process of starting from scratch, planning step by step, and continuously expanding the scale always immerses me deeply. This year’s new releases have convinced me even more that simulation management is not just about monotonous money-making or building construction, but an opportunity to create my own world repeatedly. Whether controlling the lifeline of a futuristic city or establishing a unique town in a barren land, these games have opened a brand-new chapter in my virtual life. Next, I want to share several simulation management games released this year that I believe are worth experiencing. They not only have realistic systems but also offer a high degree of freedom, making them incredibly addictive.
Cities: Skylines II
Although this is a sequel, it far exceeded my expectations. Compared to the previous installment, Cities: Skylines II made a qualitative leap in city planning details, traffic management, and economic systems.
When I first started, I chose a coastal terrain and initially only built a few simple roads and a residential area. As the population grew, traffic congestion became a major headache. The traffic simulation in the game is very realistic—rush hour traffic flows, public transport capacity, and different road efficiency all require precise planning. Once, to alleviate congestion in the city center, I built a ring highway in the suburbs. Unexpectedly, not only did traffic smooth out, but the surrounding industrial area also flourished.
The addition of weather and seasonal systems pleasantly surprised me. Winter snowstorms increase road maintenance costs, while summer heatwaves cause electricity demand peaks. I had to balance city expansion with infrastructure upgrades. The feeling of constantly adjusting plans to improve residents’ lives gave me a strong sense of accomplishment.
Restorer’s Legacy
This is a niche but deeply immersive simulation management game that I did not expect to get so hooked on at first.
In the game, I play a restorer handling projects ranging from rural old churches to historic theaters in city centers. Each building needs to be restored based on authentic historical data. Unlike traditional building simulators, this game requires surveying, photographing, and analyzing the damage before deciding whether to use traditional craftsmanship or modern techniques for restoration.
The most impressive project was an abandoned Victorian mansion with faded wall paintings. I had to first clean the dust and moss, then mix paints, and even simulate gently applying color with a wool brush. Every step required care and patience. Though slow, seeing the building restored from ruin to glory gave me unparalleled satisfaction. The game even makes me consider budgets and timelines, forcing trade-offs if funds fall short. This realism made me feel like I was truly running a restoration company.
Planet Foundry: New Era
This is the sci-fi simulation management game I have played the longest this year. Set on a newly colonized alien planet, I need to build a colony from scratch, enabling humans to survive in a harsh environment.
The resource system is very complex—all essentials like air, water, energy, food, and building materials must be self-supplied. The first time I played, I underestimated the impact of winter storms; temperatures plummeted, energy shortages caused greenhouse crops to fail, and colonists had to survive on reserves. That moment made me realize this game is more than building structures—it’s a systemic survival challenge.
What fascinated me most is its ecological balance system. Native life and environments are affected by my development. Over-mining causes land degradation and loss of native species, but protecting the ecosystem sacrifices some production efficiency. I often hesitated between efficiency and sustainability, which greatly enhanced immersion.
Gourmet Route
I originally thought restaurant management games would get boring after a while, but Gourmet Route changed my mind.
The game starts with an old food truck traveling to different cities to sell dishes along mapped routes. Each place unlocks local specialty ingredients and customer preferences—for example, Mediterranean cities favor olive oil and seafood, while Asian cities prefer spices and rice.
My favorite moment was at a street corner in Paris, facing picky customers. I improvised a fusion dish combining French sauces with Asian spices, which not only won customer praise but also earned me a championship at a food contest. The recipe system is highly flexible, allowing free combination of ingredients, seasonings, and cooking methods—even creating my own signature dish. This freedom makes every cooking experience feel like an adventure.
EcoTown: Green Dream
This game focuses on environmental protection and sustainability, making me reflect on many real-world issues while entertaining myself.
Starting from a barren plot, my goal was to build a town completely relying on renewable energy within limited budgets and time. Solar, wind, and hydropower all have pros and cons, and weather changes affect power generation efficiency.
The most unique aspect is the resident behavior system. Residents choose jobs, commuting methods, and lifestyles based on town planning. If I build enough bike lanes and green public transport, private car use declines and carbon emissions drop. Conversely, neglecting transportation planning worsens air pollution and harms residents’ health.
Once, to rush the construction of a large solar power plant, I had to temporarily halt school and park projects. Resident satisfaction plummeted, sparking protests. This made me realize management is not just balancing numbers, but also managing people’s hearts.
Dream Valley Farm
There are many farming simulation games, but Dream Valley Farm made me feel it’s not just farming, but a story of harmony between humans and nature.
The game’s time system advances in real time; each season affects crops and animals. Spring is for planting grains, summer for harvesting fruits and vegetables, autumn for storing food, and winter for tending livestock and greenhouses.
What touched me most is its social system. Town residents are not just customers, but friends, partners, and helpers. Once, when my cowshed was damaged by a snowstorm, several neighbors brought tools and food to help repair it. This warmth made me feel the farm was more than a business—it was home.
Moreover, the direction of farm management is entirely my choice—I can pursue organic farming or large-scale mechanized production. Each option brings different development paths and challenges.
This year’s simulation management games truly let me experience the joy of “virtual life.” Whether it is the urban planning challenges in Cities: Skylines II, the delicate craftsmanship of Restorer’s Legacy, the survival and development balance in Planet Foundry: New Era, the creative cooking in Gourmet Route, the environmental philosophy in EcoTown: Green Dream, or the warmth and nature in Dream Valley Farm, these games expand my imagination and creativity across different fields.
They made me realize simulation management is not just a numbers game, but an ongoing experience of choices, responsibilities, and dreams. In these worlds, I am both the planner and the participant, and every experience becomes a precious chapter in my virtual life.
