Video games based on important historical events offer a unique way to engage with the past and become active participants in pivotal periods of human history. Unlike traditional textbooks, these games provide animmersive experiencethat allows you to confront history firsthand, either throughthrilling action gamesor by emotional dramatic ones.
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While some games have lightning fast action and combat, other games take combat more methodically and strategically.
Whilehistorical accuracyis not always a priority in the video gaming industry, many developers have started to prioritize accuracy and education in their games. Even popular titles such as theAssassin’s Creedseries now encourage gamers to learn more about the eras they are playing in. Delve into the top video games that provide an accurate, engaging, and educational experience of historical events!
10Valiant Hearts: The Great War
Valiant Hearts: The Great Waris an atmospheric adventure game set duringWorld War I, andit takes around 5 hours to finish. It makes for an exceptional historical game that offers you an emotional and immersive experience.
Both the art style and the storytelling bring the human cost of war to life, making it an unforgettable journey through one of the deadliest conflicts in history. With a mix of action andgreat puzzle-solving, you take on the role of four different strangers.
9Ghost Of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushimais one of thegreatest games available on PlayStation Plus. It is also a breathtaking historical game that transports you to feudal Japan in the late 13th century. It is set during theMongol invasionsand offers a compelling narrative with a unique twist.
The developers took great care to ensure historical accuracy, from the architecture to the language used in the game. The attention to detail, the stunning visuals, and the engaging gameplay make it a must-play title.
8The Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trailis a classic historical game focusing on the path hundreds of thousands of emigrants had to follow in order tosettle in Oregon. You follow the story of a group of pioneers as they make this huge journey.
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The historical accuracy of the game is impressive, as it replicates perfectly the types of food the pioneers would have eaten to the hazards they would have encountered on the way.
7The Crusader Kings Series
TheCrusader Kingsseries is a standout in the historical gaming genre, offering a deep and engaging experience set in themedieval era. By playing the various games of the franchise, you take onthe role of a ruler, managing everything from the kingdom’s economy to politics and military campaigns.
The most popular game of the franchise,Crusader Kings II, takes place from the Early to the Late Middle Ages. While the series aspires to be as accurate as possible, the developers do not want the accuracy to interfere with the design and balance.
One of thebest Rockstar games of all time,Red Dead Redemption 2is set in the late 1800s and fully immerses you in theold West era. The developers have added manyvarious historically accurate detailsto the game, from the Aberdeen siblings who were responsible for the disappearances of multiple people to the land disputes caused by natural resources.
It is a game definitely worth playing for anyone who likes vast open worlds, history trivia, action, and stunning visuals.
5The Total War Series
TheTotal Warseries has provided many entertaining games based on historical events, from Rome: Total War toTotal War Battles: Shogun, and many more. While the historical entries in the Total War series take place during major events and make for great strategy games, fans have expressed their disappointment with the historical inaccuracy of some of them.
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As it focuses only on one major character of the past,Napoleon: Total Warhas the accuracy other games of the series should aspire for. Variousmodshave been made by fans, as well, to make some of the games more historically accurate.
4Medal Of Honor
A great historical shooter franchise set during theWorld War II, and definitely worth it playing, isMedal of Honor. The series was one of thegreatest military FPS, when it first was released, and none was as historically accurate or as innovative.
The plot of the games usually follow the journey of a soldier or group of soldiers as they participate in some of the most significant battles of the war. You help them in their journey and travel from Europe, to Africa, and Asia.
3L.A. Noire
L.A. Noireis anexceptional detective gamethat takes place in thepost-World War II era. Set in the late 1940s, the story followsCole Phelps, a detective in the Los Angeles Police Department. The game’s attention to detail is remarkable, with the developers painstakingly recreating the city’s streets and landmarks, as well as the clothing and vehicles of the time.
While the game is fictional, the story isbased on real-life cases, such as the murder of former musician and copywriter Evelyn Winters, or housewife Laura Trelstad.
2Europa Universalis IV
TheEuropa Universalisseries is one of the mosthighly respected historical strategy game franchisesout there. The fourth installment, Europa Universalis IV, is the most popular among the fans thanks to its immaculate historical accuracy.
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The game takes place between theLate Middle Ages and Early Modern Period, featuring highly accurate maps of the world, including all the major countries, and provinces of the eras.
1The Assassin’s Creed Series
TheAssassin’s Creedseries has released some ofthe greatest open-world gamesout there. The games are famous for their engaging gameplay, where take the role of an assassin in various historical settings, including theThird Crusade, theRenaissance, and theAmerican Revolution.
The franchise’s attention to historical accuracy is unparalleled, with the developers working closely with historians to create a detailed and authentic portrayal of the time period. You, also get to interact with many historical characters, such as Leonardo da Vinci and George Washington.
