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5 Video Games That Let You Play God

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There's a thirst for power that often remains to be quenched thanks to the lack of experiences that let you play god. Video games, on the other hand, dabble in such waters a little more, though they're not always strong enough to belittle the genres that mount above them. Anyway, they exist, and that's the main point to take away. And honestly, we'd take anything if it meant being able to flex our virtual muscles for a few hours.

We all enjoy the perks that come with being able to pull the imaginary strings that weave with a watered-down virtual reality, that much is true. The question is, which games have been able to thread the sturdiest strings together, and which are we still proudly tugging on today? Well, here's how we see the flock of puppets in 2022. Here are, in our opinion, the five best games that let you reap the benefits of being a god.

 

5. Black & White

Black & White (2001) - Official Trailer

Black & White has been seen as the go-to sandbox series for just shy of two decades now. Thanks to its beginner-friendly interface and morality system, both creators and sim lovers have been able to build and maintain oceans worth of worlds and test the moral fibers of the mind. Although a little dated compared to today's standards, it still ranks relatively high on the city-building monopoly.

From the moment you hold your hand over the luscious lands below, you're given the opportunity to course your unknowing subjects to everlasting happiness, or eternal damnation. For every action you take and milestone you overcome, a shift in morality will alter the general structure of the world. It's your job, of course, to see what works for you. The good news is, there's no right or wrong when it comes to Black & White, meaning your only real boundary is your creativity.

 

4. Plague Inc.

Plague Inc: Evolved Official Launch Trailer

Plague Inc. is a mobile game that blends science with strategy, with the end goal being to infect the entire world and wipe the slate clean. An alternate version of the game, aptly titled The Cure, works towards ridding the infection and restoring the world to its former glory. Whatever your preference, you'll certainly find something to enjoy with this godlike sandbox game.

The idea is simple: develop a virus, evolve it, and spread it. As the world's scientists work to counter your flourishing monstrosity, you must discover new ways to broaden the virus's presence. It's a race against time, and you'd best believe the hourglass tilts in your favor. Witnessed the downfall of humanity? Completed it, bud.

 

3. BitLife — Life Simulator

BitLife - Life Simulator

BitLife Simulator is the ultimate all-in-one life simulation game for Android and iOS. Although entirely text-based, it possesses one of the most extensive banks of content in the genre, with enough choices and DLC to let you play through an original narrative every single time. Think The Sims, but with quadruple the amount of pathways.

In BitLife, you control the story directly from the womb to the grave. For each passing year, you will be presented with countless options, all of which shape your character in one way or another. Will you thrive for fame and fortune? Will you wind up becoming the overlord of an underground criminal organization? Or, will you be the savior of a fractured civilization? It's a roll of the dice, for sure. But, it's a set that you yourself have the privilege of rolling without any drawbacks. Does that make you a god of sorts? Sure, why not?

 

2. The Sims

The Sims 4: High School Years - Official Reveal Trailer | PS4 Games

Technically, every life simulation game lets you play god. That said, fewer games have managed to capture the sheer quantity of details and choices as EA's The Sims. The simple fact is, it's kingdom is so diverse and expansive, and it's space for players' creative input is second to none. And so, on that basis alone, we're inclined to give it one of the highest spots on the list.

Of course, you won't be conjuring any “natural” disasters over on the other side of the world, per se, but you will be toying with a single city's axis, using whatever tools in your arsenal to help it evolve, or diminish it and reduce it to rubble and haze. A pocket of the world is your oyster when it comes to The Sims, and it's always an absolute pleasure knowing that we, the curator, have total control over every little element whether the population like it or not.

 

1. Fable 2

Fable 2 Launch Trailer

Admittedly, Fable doesn't let you play god. Though, in all fairness, it does let you become an angel or a demon, depending on the choices you make over your journey as the newfound Hero of Albion. Having either title comes with additional perks, of course, and there's plenty to flex besides the halo over your head or the horns jarring out of your scalp; supernatural, and almost godlike powers, being one them.

Over the course of your quest, you will have the opportunity to mold your hero into the benevolent angel every citizen longs for, or the sadistic demon that the region cowers before. With great power, suprise surprise, comes great responsibility, and it's your job to crack knuckles and show the world just what a godlike Hero can do. Albion is yours for the taking; do with it what you will.

 

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there any simulation games we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

Jord is acting Team Leader at gaming.net. If he isn't blabbering on in his daily listicles, then he's probably out writing fantasy novels or scraping Game Pass of all its slept on indies.