Yep, even if the racing on a sim isn't on par with the real thing, even if you can't feel the speed, even if you don't get physically exhausted while sim racing like you do in real life racing, still, the competition is very real. And that's the second best part of racing after the joy of driving/riding - you get all the joy of competing with your friends/AI, all the joy of taking your time practicing alone so you can be faster, the joy of tinkering with all the available adjustments of your vehicle in order to set it up best for your driving style!

<span class="bold">Shuttle: The Space Flight Simulator</span>, from Vektor Grafix, was one of the most difficult flight simulators in the 90's.  The manual that came with the game was extremely detailed, containing information about all controls and panels, internal components, physics, launch and mission procedures, etc. ― based on NASA documentation.  Here's a <span class="bold">gameplay video</span> of the game.

Thanks for the link & info! I don't have much experience in space flight sims other than Orbiter & KSP. While the cockpit in Shuttle looks very detailed (must have been a hell to navigate though), the overall visuals & sounds leave a lot to be desired, even if you take into account its age.

Filthy casuals and their childish suggestions. >.>

SAM Simulator is in a league of its own. ^^

:P

 
Trust me, in 1992, this game was really impressive, but as you've noted, it hasn't aged well.  However, there's a spiritual successor to the game called <span class="bold">Space Shuttle Mission 2007</span>, developed by Exciting Simulations.  A demo is available on the developer's website.

   ▪  Developer's website
   ▪  Wikipedia article
   ▪  AVSIM Commercial Simulator Review
   ▪  Gameplay video

I think the original looks beautiful, but I probably wouldn't have the patience to learn the game ... or even the brains to play it well. Thanks for posting, fascinating stuff.

Managerial/economic games, including some building games

Oh, thanks again! The review was a good read (as expected from AVSIM) and the game looks great and just as detailed as Shuttle -- I'll surely try the demo. :)