Video games are all about control, and the popular subgenre known as “god games” gives players the ultimate form of control. Although the games vary in execution, the best the genre has to offer allows users to literally play god and dictate what happens in their simulated worlds and universes.
From recognized classics such as spore to beloved family hits like Viva PinataGod Games offer a unique simulation experience not found in any video game. While there have been many excellent titles, only the best godgames have kept coming back to build new worlds.
Populous (1989)
Although games would come later to improve the formula, Populous is widely regarded as the first of its kind and put the god game on the map. The user is a deity who must lead their followers against a rival deity’s followers in order to conquer and capture them.
The game was radical for its time and the graphics were top notch compared to most other late 80’s games. The game’s isometric view, which is loosely based on tabletop games, also contributed to the god-like atmosphere for the player. With a wide range of divine abilities at the user’s disposal, the game’s 500 levels could be conquered through a number of different strategies.
Deisim (2019)
As for the god games from their humble beginnings, deisim hoping to bring them back to their roots with a modern twist. As always, the user is an almighty god who must control his civilization from its beginnings to the various stages of human evolution.
The game’s main conflict is to root out the heresy, but the player is essentially free to do whatever they want. deisimThe simple graphics of hark back to the olden days of god games, but the use of VR technology helped it also feel ultra-modern. While it’s not one of the most immersive VR experiences ever, the new technology has certainly helped the player feel like the god.
Dungeon Warden (1997)
Despite their divine title, god games do not always exemplify the benevolence of a deity, and jailer actually encourages bad behavior. The user takes control of a jailer who must recruit minions to protect his domain from the forces of good intent on freeing it.
winking in his dark humor, jailer is a clever parody of the God Game format and essentially pokes fun at the sneaky tendencies of players who enjoy tormenting their subjects. Aside from its humorous themes, the game featured addictive gameplay that rewarded players for their creativity while conquering the world.
The Universe (2018)
As the technology behind video games has become more complex, god games have naturally adapted in complexity. The universe broadens the horizons of the genre and challenges the player to help their planet’s civilization thrive and eventually conquer other planets as well.
Following some of the best space exploration simulation games, The universe deftly blends his genres into a unique blend that elevates both. The user has to balance many tasks since his subjects are able to make their own decisions that can lead to folly. Despite being a god, the player does not have full control over disasters that may befall his people.
Everything (2017)
The beauty of the god game is that it can be as simple or as complicated as the user desires, and All approached his genre with a mass of heady speculation about the nature of life. The user takes control of a single organism and is able to explore the game’s world on different planes of existence.
From the largest landmass down to the subatomic level, the user can travel the world cataloging every new life form they encounter. Unlike other god games that are all about influencing civilizations, All it is more about the beauty of life and creation.
Out of Dust (2011)
The title of the god game is taken quite literally From dust and the user becomes the deity of a small tribe living on an archipelago. The player must help a primitive tribe to find enlightenment and protect them from natural disasters that may befall their nation.
Unlike other games that simply grant the user overarching god-like abilities, From dust challenges its players to use creativity to avert disaster. The game has been praised for its graphics, and its art design has a naturalistic beauty that sets it apart. Although there is no traditional sandbox mode, the game’s many levels can be revisited once passed.
Spore (2008)
Throw all intimacy out the window spore instead focused on the development of an alien race where the player has control over their development. The user directs the progression of an alien race from their cellular origins to a space-faring culture.
Despite his age spore is still one of the best games at EA Play, and its online components have kept it relevant over the years. The unique creativity at the heart of the game keeps it fresh, and the procedurally generated events mean no two games are ever the same. Scope is the name of the game and spore certainly excellent in that department.
Viva Pinata (2006)
The sheer variety of god games is one of the charms of the genre, and Viva Pinata went in a decidedly cute direction. The user tends a garden that attracts a number of piñata animals that can be tended and categorized.
Unlike most god games where the player is in control of an entire planet, Viva Pinata focuses more on raising animals in the game and manipulating the immediate environment. Although it has similarities to farming simulation games, it’s still a good game that allows the user to control the world, albeit in a more limited way.
Reuss (2013)
Control is one of the benefits of godplay, however reuse Instead, elements of delegation were added to the process. The user controls a series of giant beings that have the ability to influence aspects of the planet’s development, thereby helping humans flourish.
The game’s people make their own decisions, but can be controlled through the supply line of resources. The indie nature of reuse helps it stand out from the big name god titles, and the uniqueness of its graphics is a plus. The novel gameplay also helped the game make its mark among the major releases it competed against.
Black & White (2001)
Although most god games don’t speculate on the good or bad choices the player makes, Black-and-white made it the focus of the game. The player is the god of a tribe and tasked with defeating a rival deity who also has plans to conquer the world.
Strategy is an important part of the game, and the player’s choices affect how they are perceived by their subjects. You can be a good god, a neutral one, or an outright evil, and each has its own pros and cons. For a game from the turn of the millennium Black-and-white not only pushed the boundaries of what a gods game could be, but also embraced what had come before.
