
As technology continues to evolve, particularly in the realm of virtual reality (VR), the possibility of creating an entire simulated reality grows increasingly plausible. While we may not have reached the level of “The Matrix, ”it’s intriguing to consider what that might entail.
Interestingly, the creative narratives found within this genre of fiction serve as evidence that we are likely not living within a simulation ourselves, as a true simulation might well be more captivating.
This notion extends into the realm of video games; while many examples of this concept are rooted in science fiction, such simulations can also arise from magical elements or complex machinery. It’s noteworthy that sometimes, the revelation of a simulated world is not just a plot twist but rather an element introduced early in the story. Below, I outline several video games that have employed the simulation theme in particularly compelling ways.
Warning: Major Spoilers Ahead!
9. Saints Row 4
We Have The Matrix At Home

Saints Row 4 was originally conceived as a downloadable content (DLC) expansion for Saints Row: The Third, titled “Enter the Dominatrix.” However, the concept grew so expansive that it was developed into its standalone title, complete with an enriched storyline.
In classic Saints Row style, the game’s simulation draws heavily from various references, primarily “The Matrix.”Following an alien invasion, the player, who now serves as President, finds themselves trapped in a simulation that reflects the Zin’s worst fears—an innocuous, family-oriented sitcom. With the help of Kinzie, players escape this simulation into a digital version of Steelport, where they can hack and manipulate their surroundings freely, leading to some of the most outrageous and amusing gameplay moments in the series’ history.
8. Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga
Life In The Recycling Bin

Digital Devil Saga stands out within the Shin Megami Tensei franchise for its overt blending of mystical elements and technology. It culminates in a surprising revelation: the world traversed throughout the game, known as the Junkyard, is, in fact, a sophisticated virtual construct.
The simulation was created by a character named Sera, who was seeking an escape from her challenging reality. The environment and its inhabitants reflect Sera’s mental turmoil; following a traumatic event, the Junkyard devolves into chaos, mirroring her declining state of mind.
7. Prey (2017)
Walk A Mile In Morgan’s Shoes

At first glance, Prey’s narrative appears straightforward: you play as Morgan Yu, a scientist unwittingly caught up in alien chaos aboard a space station. However, the plot takes a deep dive into complexity when it’s revealed that you aren’t Morgan at all.
Instead, players discover they are a Typhon, implanted with Morgan’s memories via Neuromods, navigating a simulated environment reminiscent of the Typhon invasion of Talos I. This twist enhances the theme of identity and empathy, challenging players to determine their own humanity through pivotal choices.
6. Professor Layton And The Curious Village
It’s A Small World After All

The concept of simulation extends to tangible structures, as seen in Professor Layton and the Curious Village, where players delve into the oddities of St. Mystere. The grand twist? The town is revealed to be a sophisticated ensemble of automatons crafted to protect secrets tied to the mysterious Golden Apple.
The intricate layers of immersive storytelling also underscore the ethical dilemmas faced by the players. Ultimately, Flora, the true identity of the Golden Apple, decides to preserve the town’s existence, prioritizing the artificial lives over her own ends.
5. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
A Bad Case Of Monokuma

Danganronpa 2 takes the eccentricity to new heights with its setting on Jabberwock Island, a place fraught with bizarre experiences and dangers. Amidst the chaos, players slowly uncover that this world exists as a therapeutic simulation designed by the Future Foundation to rehabilitate individuals afflicted by Ultimate Despair.
The mission was to create a serene high school environment that would overwrite traumatic memories, yet chaos ensues when the plan is derailed by unforeseen complications, leading to a captivating narrative explosion.
4. American Arcadia
Manufactured On Multiple Levels

American Arcadia reveals the protagonist, Trevor Hills, living in a fabricated reality reminiscent of “The Truman Show, ”where every movement is broadcast for entertainment. As Trevor schemes to flee from his confining environment, he unwittingly finds himself in an intricate setup orchestrated by the media company behind his city.
This meta-narrative layer presents profound insights into consent and reality, forcing players to make choices that challenge their perception of autonomy in fabricated entertainment.
3. Viewfinder
The World As It Could Look

In Viewfinder, players quickly learn they inhabit a simulation created as part of an ecological restoration initiative. Players navigate a beautiful but precarious synthetic world, with the reality of its artificiality looming as the game progresses.
The game’s narrative culminates with the realization that the simulated environment is ultimately destined for cessation, calling players to appreciate the journey while leaving a trace of hope behind in the form of a sapling—a symbol of rebirth in a dystopian reality.
2. Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33
Getting Into Art

In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, players embark on an elaborate journey through a world brimming with surreal phenomena and supernatural beings. The illusion of a high-concept fantasy realm begins to dissolve as players learn that everything in this Canvas is the creation of magical painting.
Through the lenses of grief and creativity, the narrative reveals the emotional layers of its characters, exposing poignant themes of loss and the struggle for identity amidst artificial creations.
1. Illbleed
The Monsters Are Fake, The Dying Is Real

Illbleed offers a unique premise: participants can win $100 million by surviving the devious traps of a horror-themed amusement park. What sets this game apart is its explicit acknowledgment of the dangers embedded within its simulated horror scenarios—it’s a deadly playground where survival is the main game, and the consequences are grimly advertised.
Despite the overt danger, the park remains operational, raising questions about morality and entertainment in the face of real-world consequences. Illbleed cleverly merges dark humor with terrifying gameplay, making players ponder the allure of simulated fear.
For more insights and details on video games that incorporate simulation elements in surprising ways, check out the original article here.
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