We already published the list of best Xbox 360 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best Xbox 360 simulation games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the Xbox 360 definitely has a great library of simulation games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the Xbox 360 and simulation games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
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See also: Best Xbox Games & Best Xbox One Games
#25. Armored Core 4
- Release Data: From Software/505 Game Street, 2007
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
Its heavier emphasis on arcade-style mech-on-mech action means that its enhanced fast-paced action will appeal to a more mainstream audience.
And even though it isn’t as complex as it once was, there’s still plenty to obsess over for the hardcore players.
Suffice it to say, this is a very good mech combat game.
#24. Star Trek: Legacy
- Release Data: Mad Doc Software/Bethesda Softworks, 2006
- Genre: Simulation » Space » Combat
Despite some noticeable flaws, the Xbox 360 version of Legacy manages to capture the epic feel of Star Trek combat like no other game.
There’s something captivating about watching these beautiful vessels fight and die onscreen, which is something that any Star Trek fan who owns an Xbox 360 should definitely check out.
#23. DarkStar One: Broken Alliance
- Release Data: Gaming Minds Studios/Kalypso, 2010
- Genre: Simulation » Space » Combat
This space combat sim is a lighthearted and enjoyable adventure that could last you upward of 30 hours, depending on how quickly you decide to blow through the story.
If you’ve been looking to light up the heavens with lasers and missiles, there’s no reason you shouldn’t forgive DarkStar One‘s flaws.
#22. Project Sylpheed: Arc of Deception
- Release Data: Game Arts/Square Enix, 2007
- Genre: Simulation » Space » Combat
Overall, Project Sylpheed has quite a bit to offer to the genre.
It’s amazingly detailed in its simplicity, easy to pick up and play and it will keep you playing for a bit.
Those who enjoy aerial combat and any of the many space combat games set in the Star Wars universe should definitely give Project Sylpheed a try.
#21. Armored Core: For Answer
- Release Data: From Software/Ubisoft, 2008
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
Being a lower profile franchise, Armored Core doesn’t impress in terms of tech or revolutionary game design, but the gameplay is a lot of fun and will be a riot for hardcore mech fans.
If you can overlook the technical problems, For Answer is a solid title.
#20. Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2006
- Genre: Simulation » Flight » Combat
There’s enough action here to satisfy you if you know you’re in the market for your basic WWII flight combat game, but it’s also very standard.
If you’re up for more of the same, or if you haven’t played a WWII flight combat game in a long time, Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII is worth checking out.
#19. Armored Core V
- Release Data: From Software/Namco Bandai Games, 2012
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
Defending and controlling territory is fun, and the gameplay comes into its own when you’re playing against other humans instead of an AI-controlled opponent.
You need to be willing to work with the game long enough for that to happen, but Armored Core V isn’t engaging enough for anyone but die-hard fans of giant robot battles.
#18. Tom Clancy’s HAWX 2
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2010
- Genre: Simulation » Flight » Combat
While HAWX 2 tries to surpass the heights of its predecessor by bringing on more features and modes, the game only truly shines when it focuses on aerial combat.
Imperfect as it might be, there’s still plenty of fun to be had in blasting through the skies in pursuit of your enemies and getting involved in some serious furballs.
#17. Apache: Air Assault
- Release Data: Gaijin Entertainment/Activision, 2010
- Genre: Simulation » Flight » Combat
Ultimately, Apache: Air Assault delivers on just about everything for which an enthusiast could ask.
While it may not convert many new players into pilots, an excellent attention to detail and a good number of customization options help keep things feeling fresh.
#16. The Sims 3: Pets
- Release Data: The Sims Studio/Electronic Arts, 2011
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Virtual Life
The Sims 3: Pets is a fantastic addition to the Sims 3 game for any pet lover or for players who want a new and exciting twist to this fascinatingly complex simulation title.
Players have to learn brand new nuances and intricacies of managing their pet’s well-being in addition to continuing to focus on their humans.
#15. Full Auto
- Release Data: Pseudo Interactive/Sega, 2006
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
This is definitely the type of game that you’ll want to pick up if you’ve got a couple of friends that are sitting around with you bored looking for something to do.
Also, if you have a passion for vehicle combat and don’t care about sophisticated driving mechanics or track design, Full Auto can be an enjoyable experience.
#14. Chromehounds
- Release Data: From Software/Sega, 2006
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
Players expecting a conventional mech sim may be put off by the simplicity of the combat and probably wish that there were more to the single-player portion of the game.
Nevertheless, Chromehounds is an example of a game that asks you to put in more time and energy than a typical gaming experience, but gives you back more in return.
#13. Blazing Angels 2: Secret Missions of WWII
- Release Data: Ubisoft Romania/Ubisoft, 2007
- Genre: Simulation » Flight » Combat
If you like your WWII games to be historical and rooted in fact, you probably won’t enjoy flying a prototype jet under the Golden Gate Bridge very much.
But if you’re after a loose, simple game where you get to fly a lot of different, crazy planes and blow up a billion German fighters, you’ll probably have a good time.
#12. After Burner Climax
- Release Data: Sega AM2/Sega, 2010
- Genre: Simulation » Flight » Combat
After Burner Climax can be beaten in a short time, but the degree of difficulty, combined with lack of continue credits, makes the game feel like a real challenge.
Overall, fans of the arcade version will enjoy this one very much, as will people who don’t mind playing a short, but challenging, game.
#11. Birds of Steel
- Release Data: Gaijin Entertainment/Konami, 2012
- Genre: Simulation » Flight » Combat
Birds of Steel is a title that casual fans will enjoy, but it has more appeal to airplane enthusiasts of that particular era.
The plethora of available planes and the attention to detail really showcases the development team’s dedication.
It may not be perfect, but this is one of the best airplane simulators on the Xbox 360.
#10. Tom Clancy’s HAWX
- Release Data: Ubisoft Romania/Ubisoft, 2009
- Genre: Simulation » Flight » Combat
Once you’re in the air, flying over any city is wonderfully impressive because the developers used satellite imagery to create these worlds.
As you choose carefully from 50 sleek aircraft, you move through a generally compelling story, 19 levels worth.
Those looking for a solid arcade-styled fighter combat game will certainly like what HAWX has to offer.
#9. Kinectimals
- Release Data: Frontier Developments/Microsoft Game Studios, 2010
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Virtual Life
What could have been a simple game revolved around just interacting with your animal and keeping it content is actually an unexpectedly polished and fleshed-out product.
However, the most open-minded adult will likely only find a few hours of amusement here.
But for a child with an active imagination, Kinectimals goes a long way in making Kinect “a must have”.
#8. World of Tanks: Xbox 360 Edition
- Release Data: Wargaming.net/Microsoft Game Studios, 2014
- Genre: Simulation » Vehicle » Combat
The micro-transaction system and a slight learning curve with some controls isn’t enough to keep this game out of your library.
Even if you don’t go for a garage full of tanks and just buy one or two, or even just play with the provided starter tanks, you will have fun with this one.
#7. The Sims 3
- Release Data: The Sims Studio/Electronic Arts, 2010
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Virtual Life
It’s amazing that The Sims 3 works so well with a controller and that many of the PC functions are still intact.
So if you’re curious about the Sims and don’t own a computer, you should try out the console version.
The PC title is still superior, but if you can’t play that version, the console port is worth your time.
#6. Ace Combat: Assault Horizon
- Release Data: Project Aces/Namco Bandai Games, 2011
- Genre: Simulation » Flight » Combat
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon has all of the lavish production values of a blockbuster movie, with a fantastic soundtrack and a story that just about manages to keep you engaged.
All in all, Assault Horizon is worth taking a look at for flight combat game fans, and it works well as an introduction to the series for newcomers.
#5. IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey
- Release Data: Gaijin Entertainment/505 Games, 2009
- Genre: Simulation » Flight » Combat
With sharp plane models, a number of gigantic and realistic settings, and a burst of effects onscreen, the game manages to look and sound just as good as it plays.
Birds of Prey is more subtle and sturdy, where the strength of its play mechanics and attention to detail make it one of the best choices for console-based flight combat.
#4. Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation
- Release Data: Project Aces/Namco, 2007
- Genre: Simulation » Flight » Combat
Ace Combat 6 isn’t a perfect game. But what Ace Combat 6 does well, it nails.
The realistic visual design married with the arcade controls make for a game that anyone can have fun with.
In the end, this is the closest to the imaginary dream of being in Top Gun that most of us are ever going to get.
#3. Snoopy Flying Ace
- Release Data: Smart Bomb Interactive/Microsoft Game Studios, 2010
- Genre: Simulation » Flight » Combat
It’s the rare licensed title that uses the property as a means to augment a rock-solid foundation of good game design and great controls to make something really special.
It’s a fun, hardcore action game that adults and kids alike can play together and enjoy without the weight of realistic violence, and it does so without any real compromises.
#2. Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Microsoft Game Studios, 2008
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Virtual Life
Trouble in Paradise is a safe sequel to a great game.
Though it doesn’t mess with the formula set forth in the first Viva Pinata, it does add enough control tweaks and new items to make it engrossing for both Viva veterans and those who have never played the first game.
#1. Viva Pinata
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Microsoft Game Studios, 2006
- Genre: Simulation » Virtual » Virtual Life
If you’ve played Animal Crossing and enjoyed it, Viva Piñata is a safe bet.
The gameplay is more interactive and hectic, and facing the consequences of your actions, be they good or bad, is enjoyable.
It may have been designed with children in mind, but it’s a game that anybody with an open mind can get into and have fun with.
Browse Xbox 360 Games By Genre
See also: Best Original Xbox Games & Best Xbox One Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Xbox 360 simulation game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
