It pretty much goes without saying at this point that the entire world is waiting with bated breath for Cyberpunk 2077 to finally hit store shelves — something that seemed like an impossibility at one point, given the number of delays that the game has faced for the longest time. However, December 10th seems to be the absolute final date on which the game will release, and fans can't wait to finally get their hands on this masterpiece in the making.
However, a large proportion of gamers who are going to try out Cyberpunk 2077 for the first time have probably never played an immersive sim before — something that Cyberpunk 2077 is 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.
10 Deus Ex
The original Deus Ex is 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 that the level design of Deus Ex is some of the most revolutionary of its time, coupled with a conspiracy-laden plot that is still entertaining to follow even now.
9 Deus Ex: Human Revolution
However, if Deus Ex seems a bit aged for one's liking — even after installing the Revision mod — then starting off with Deus Ex: Human Revolution is 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 classic Deus Ex gameplay that people have witnessed time and time again can also be enjoyed in spades as well.
8 Thief II: The Metal Age
The Thief series is one of the most iconic immersive sims of all time and Thief II: The Metal Age is 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 in Thief II.
7 Prey
Arkane Studios has consistently been a pioneer of modern immersive development, and their craft has been perfected in Prey.
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, Prey genuinely has enough facets of gameplay to satiate even the most impatient and demanding gamer.
6 Dishonored 2
Of course, it would be impossible to mention the brilliance of Arkane Studios without mentioning the absolute masterpiece that is the Dishonored series. 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 with Dishonored 2.
5 Dark Messiah Of Might And Magic
There was a time before Dishonored when 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, with Dark Messiah of Might and Magic perhaps being the best example of their development prowess at that time.
While it's true that there are several things inherently wrong with Dark 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.
4 BioShock
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 original BioShock sent 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 that there's only one game that pulls off a better story than BioShock.
3 BioShock 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.
The ending of BioShock Infinite has 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.
2 System Shock 2
The name System Shock 2 has 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.
1 Vampire: 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 was Vampire: 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 precisely what Cyberpunk 2077 is shaping up to be — will be more than happy with the genuine brilliance and charm present in Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines.