While many simulations purport to accurately re-create real-world vehicles and real-world settings, another type of simulation applies these same principles to a fictitious premise. Science-fiction-themed simulations used to be much more common in the early and mid 1990s, though they certainly still exist, and several very good ones were released even this year. However, even the best of these performed relatively poorly at retail channels--for the second year in a row--which begs the question of whether there's any chance that this once-prominent genre will regain its former glory. Regardless, here are the nominees for Best Science-Fiction Simulation of 2001:
Nominees:
Echelon
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: Buka Entertainment
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Echelon, a futuristic air-combat game, combines elements from both science-fiction-themed games and traditional flight simulations.
Independence War 2: Edge of Chaos
Publisher: Infogrames
Developer: Particle Systems
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Particle Systems has successfully created the type of game that fans of the space sim genre have been waiting for years to play.
Jumpgate: The Reconstruction Initiative
Publisher: 3DO
Developer: NetDevil
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Jumpgate is a deep, well-designed game that incorporates the best elements of space-combat simulations and role-playing games.
MechWarrior 4: Black Knight Expansion
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Cyberlore Studios
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Black Knight introduces a challenging single-player campaign; a number of new mechs, including the imposing Black Knight itself; and some interesting new multiplayer modes.
