Management Sim Games I've Played

PowerWash Simulator

I was slow to warm up to it, but I absolutely adored the dang thing. It's maybe the perfect podcasting game to play and zone out too. I used to think that was bad, but being able to have just enough gameplay to be engaging while not needing to worry about dying or any stats was sort of great. Some levels were more frustrating than others, but I generally enjoyed the variety.

Terra Nil

Cute take on a reverse city builder. Was surprisingly pleasant and definitely a good spin on how we're treating our nature. A few papercuts and lack of clarity, but I liked that there was always a mission to be working towards.

Spiritfarer

Really great game. Management sim, like Stardew. Non-management gameplay is better (platforming). Music and presentation are great, as is the art. Exploration is decently fun and there's a good sense of being out on the ocean. It's exceedingly pleaseant, even when it's all about death and moving on. Glad there's no inventory management. Minigames were fun enough and the writing was a delight. You really cared about this little family you put together. I'm not positive I cared about the "not being able to drive at night" thing, but it did force you to stop once in a while. Overall, very great.

Mini Motorways

Neat idea, but I had similar complaints as the first one. I don’t feel like I have the tools to understand how to succeed. I do well enough, but it’s not clear how cities fall apart and what I can do. Cute as a distraction, but not quite there.

Prison Architect

Oxygen Not Included

I think I just have to come to terms with the fact that this genre of game just isn't for me. I don't feel like I have enough direction over what needs to be done. Then, I'll do something and a bunch of things will catch fire and there's too much information. The UI is good and there _is_ a lot of info to be had, I just didn't enjoy my short time here. Maybe worth revisiting sometime.