Exploring History Through Video Games
Many of us enjoy video games for their ability to transport us into different worlds, offering a form of escapism. However, some games go beyond mere entertainment by incorporating elements of history, blending real-world events with imaginative storytelling. For those who have an interest in history, these games can be both educational and engaging. Here are some notable titles that offer a unique way to explore historical periods through gameplay.
1. Total War
This strategy game series has been around since 2000, with its most recent release coming out in 2023. The game is turn-based and requires real-time tactical control of battles, as well as proper resource management. The series is praised for its realistic battle simulations, making it a favorite among strategy enthusiasts.
2. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Released in 2018, this open-world RPG is set during the 13th century in the Kingdom of Bohemia. It focuses on period-accurate content, highlighting the struggles faced by a community under the Holy Roman Empire. The game provides a deep dive into medieval life, from daily routines to political conflicts.
3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
While the magical fantasy world known as the Continent is full of elves, dwarves, and other non-human races, the game is heavily based on Slavic folklore. Gamers appreciate its heavy use of European countries, even though it is not strictly period accurate. The game’s rich narrative and immersive world make it a standout title.
4. Expeditions Series
This series consists of three tactical RPGs, all of which are well-loved for their historical elements. In Expeditions: Rome, players meet historical figures such as Cicero, Julius Caesar, and Cato. In Expeditions: Viking, they lead a conquest of Great Britain in the 8th century. The games blend fictional narratives with historical accuracy, making them a great choice for history buffs.
5. Ultimate General
This strategy game series takes place across the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Battle of Gettysburg. While the series is considered to have good historical accuracy when it comes to weapons and terrain, it diverges from the path when it comes to linearity and gameplay mechanics.
6. Assassin’s Creed Series
This action-adventure video game series has been around since 2007 and is a popular choice for exploring different periods of history. The game drops players into a specific time period, where they get the chance to interact with historical figures or take part in real-world historical events. Despite some inaccuracies, the series remains one of the most beloved historical video game franchises.
7. Pentiment
This 2D RPG is set in the fictional town of Tassing during the 16th century, where the character is tasked with investigating a series of murders. The game has been praised for being incredibly historically accurate in setting and exploration, with developers consulting historians to ensure art, fonts, and the political landscape accurately reflected 16th-century Bavaria.
8. Age Of Empires
This real-time strategy series showcases empire formations and expansions across history. While the game takes several liberties for the sake of gameplay, the first, second, third, and fifth games have been praised for decent historical accuracy.
9. Ghost Of Tushima
This open-world action adventure game follows a samurai sent to protect Tsushima Island from a Mongolian invasion. Inspired by the 13th-century Mongol invasion of Japan, the game features elements like armor and weapons, though they do not always reflect the time period accurately.
10. Mount And Blade II: Bannerlord
This strategy RPG is inspired by the barbarian invasions between the 2nd and 5th centuries. While set in a fictional world with a fantasy political structure, the game has been praised for historically accurate weapons, armor, architecture, and societal systems.
11. Valiant Hearts: The Great War
This puzzle adventure game follows four characters through World War I, focusing on themes of survival, sacrifice, and friendship. While the story is fictional, the game’s creators worked with historians to ensure major events, chemical weapons, and experiences are as accurate as possible.
12. WarGame
This strategy-based franchise has been around since the 1980s, with the original game asking players to defend the United States against a nuclear attack. While the United States was never the victim of a nuclear attack, the game requires technical prowess, as players attempt to prevent counterstrikes from all angles. It can still be played through a computer emulator today.
13. Battlefield 1
This 2016 first-person shooter game is set in World War I and follows soldiers across different areas of the war. The game uses real-world equipment, locations, and uniforms, but does not accurately reflect the technology used during the war, prioritizing fast-paced gameplay over historical fidelity.
14. Red Dead Redemption 2
This popular open-world action-adventure game is set at the turn of the 20th century, following Arthur Morgan across a declining Wild West. While some elements of the game are fictionalized, the atmosphere, environment, and technology all accurately reflect the time period.
15. Medal Of Honor: Frontline
This first-person shooter takes place during World War II, following Lieutenant Jimmy Patterson as he fights his way across Europe into Nazi Germany. While the game and character are fictional, it incorporates major battles, historical footage, and authentic weapons for a more period-accurate setting.
16. A Plague Tale: Requiem
This action-adventure video game follows two siblings fleeing from the Inquisition and the black Plague. The game blends history and fantasy to build the narrative, but the setting is accurately grounded in 14th-century France.
17. Chivalry 2
This action video game is all about fighting, inspired by medieval movie battles. While it lacks certain historical accuracy, it includes elements like siege warfare and weaponry that are rooted in real medieval practices.
18. Far Cry Primal
This first-person shooter is set in the prehistoric era, following a hunter trying to keep his tribe alive. While there is limited information about the prehistoric era, the game incorporates multiple human species and animals that didn’t exist in the same region. It also features accurate weapons, animal taming, and the hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
19. Call Of Duty: Black Ops
This popular first-person shooter game is set during the Cold War, following CIA operative Alex Mason on his journey to prevent chemical weapon use across the United States. While it uses historical events as a backdrop for gameplay, the game makes use of weapons, vehicles, and other equipment that are not reflective of the time period.
20. Crusader Kings III
This strategy-based RPG is set in the Middle Ages, allowing players to begin their journey in the years 867, 1066, or 1178. Players can develop a dynasty throughout the gameplay, with the game usually ending in 1453. While there are inaccuracies in diplomacy and trade, the game incorporates accurate historical settings.
