I think one explanation is that the sandbox/simulation games take more time, leave players with 'more' memories, and as a result are more linked with particular periods in their lives.
Looking at my gaming past, a number of scripted experiences have actually left the most vivid memories, but the sandbox/simulation games are the ones I associate more with friendships, periods in my life, developmental stages, etc.
Nostalgic thoughts are about periods of time, and less about moments. A scripted game, I think, is usually too short to produce nostalgia. The few scripted games that do, like the Myst series, took an unusually long time (for me) to play through, for example.
Looking at my gaming past, a number of scripted experiences have actually left the most vivid memories, but the sandbox/simulation games are the ones I associate more with friendships, periods in my life, developmental stages, etc.
Nostalgic thoughts are about periods of time, and less about moments. A scripted game, I think, is usually too short to produce nostalgia. The few scripted games that do, like the Myst series, took an unusually long time (for me) to play through, for example.