Computers have been used to simulate the physics of real-world vehicles since long before games became a mainstream hobby. Yet the genre has remained fairly prominent even with the rise in popularity of computer games. As graphics technology continues to improve, and processing power continues to increase, simulations are approaching closer and closer to their ultimate goal: to re-create the experience of piloting a vehicle with as much detail as possible. These are the nominees for best simulation of 2000.

Hasbro's sequel to the original classic eschews multiplayer mode, but the remaining elements are so unique and immersive that it almost doesn't matter. Commanding a bomber crew has never been so nerve-racking, and B-17's meticulous aircraft modeling and outstanding graphics make flying this sim an experience to remember.

Pacific Theater sims have been few and far between in recent years. Microsoft's second combat flight simulator is technically excellent and has an interesting branching campaign, which boasts the expandability that has made this series extraordinarily replayable.

Razorworks' sequel to Apache/Havoc takes helicopter sims to heights unseen since the legendary Longbow 2. With a wonderful dynamic campaign, a respectable flight model, and impressive avionics, Enemy Engaged appeals to both the novice pilot and the veteran simmer, and its compatibility with Apache/Havoc makes it the most versatile helicopter sim on the market.

It's hard to imagine one person making a sim this good, but with the help of some real-life tankers, Al Delaney managed to produce a tank sim that's as close as you'll ever get to commanding an M-1 Abrams or a Leopard 2 - unless you join the Army.

An aeronautical engineer's dream, X-Plane goes beyond mere flight simulation and lets you build a plane from the ground up and then act as your own test pilot. It's hard to imagine a more technically rigorous game, and the huge selection of aircraft and environments make X-Plane a worthy addition to any sim pilot's library.