Awesome Simulations

(Gore) You never want to stand directly in front of a jet engine, as its powerful vortex could suck you right into it. CG animator atomic marvel used a physics simulation to toss a particle-based digital body into an Airbus jet engine. We’re not sure about its accuracy, but the results are much like those Will It Blend? videos.

This quiet and contemplative sim game from indie developer Slug Disco Studios makes you god of an underwater ecosystem. Every creature you create in the game’s habitat evolves on its own, with each subsequent generation changing and adapting to its environment. Available on Steam Early Access 3.16.2021.

Amanda Ghassaei created this wonderful this online plaything which lets you create virtual origami constructions and view them in 3D. You can choose how flat or folded the virtual paper is, and select from a variety of models to tinker with. You can also import SVG or FOLD files, and export both the 3D models and folding patterns.

Developed with professional race car drivers, this modular seating system is designed for serious racing sim fanatics. It features an angled, adjustable seat in nylon or leather, and sturdy metal stands that a steering wheel and pedals can be securely mounted to. Add-ons include a desktop, gear shift mount, and TV mount.

An impressive looking follow-up to the off-roading simulation game MudRunner. In SnowRunner, you’ll hit the most extreme terrain in varying weather conditions, through massive, open environments. You can drive solo, or play with up to four vehicles in co-op multiplayer. The game hits PS4, Xbox One, and PC on 4/28/2020.

Ever wondered what sort of intersection offers the smoothest traffic flow? Check out this oddly satisfying compilation of 4-way junctions, simulated with the Cities: Skylines mod Traffic Manager: President Edition. Too bad there’s not room for stack interchanges everywhere.

Hypnospace Outlaw is a love letter to the modern Wild West that was 90’s Internet. You play an online moderator in an alternate 1999 where people can go online while they sleep. Police the primitive web, download apps, and customize your desktop.

If you loved Papers, Please, check out Do Not Feed Your Monkeys. It’s a simulation game where you play a new member of a club that gets its kicks from spying on people. Monitor your “monkeys”, gather information about them, and above all try not to feel for them.

If you’re a fan of Roller Coaster Tycoon, check out Parkitect. It lets you build and manage large theme parks with tons of different rides and decorations. Its roller coaster interface is smart and makes spotting problem areas easy. Available for Windows, Mac and Linux.

Two-Point Hospital just came out, but if you’re looking for a more serious and detailed hospital simulation game, Project Hospital might be for you. It features a campaign mode, a challenge mode, as well as a sandbox mode for endless play.

Pelican Town will soon be in your pocket. The charming and addictive farming sim Stardew Valley is coming to iOS devices on 10/24/18. It’s the full game – minus multiplayer – optimized for touch controls. An Android version will follow.

A lighthearted urban planning simulation in which you build your town while making sure that the buildings themselves are happy and fulfilled. It’s like Sim City and a Tamagotchi had a baby. Coming to PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One late Spring 2018. More here.

We recently watched a couple of real bomb techs take on a VR bomb defusal; now watch surgeon Dr. Johnson C. Lee attempt to perform both a brain transplant and heart transplant in the far less realistic, and far harder to control Surgeon Simulator, courtesy of BuzzFeed Blue.

Part of how CGI has gotten so much better in recent years is the development of systems for specific types of physical realism. Here Soeren Pirk demonstrates an amazing system designed for simulating the motion of tree branches, and the way wood burns when set on fire.