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SimEarth is one of Maxis's most ambitious simulations, allowing players to experiment with the development of an entire planet rather than merely a city. Released in 1990, it models geology, climate, atmosphere, oceans, ecosystems, and the evolution of life, giving players an enormous sandbox in which to observe how different systems interact. You can influence the planet and then sit back to see what happens, although the results are not always particularly reassuring. Small changes can produce unexpected consequences, making experimentation the heart of the experience. The game is less about achieving a conventional victory and more about understanding a complex living system. SimEarth is fascinating because it turns planetary science into a playable experiment, even if your first few attempts may result in a world that looks suspiciously like a disaster documentary. It is basically godhood with a user manual and an alarming number of variables.