Level Up Your History: The Best Games for an Immersive Journey Through Time

Have you ever dreamt of walking the cobblestone streets of ancient Rome, wielding a Viking axe, or exploring the Wild West? Video games can make those dreams a reality, transporting you to different historical periods with stunning detail and engaging gameplay.

These games aren't just about entertainment; they offer a unique way to learn about history. By experiencing the sights, sounds, and challenges of the past firsthand, players gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and eras.

Here are a few examples of historical video games that excel at immersion:

• Assassin's Creed Series (Ubisoft): This sprawling franchise lets players embody assassins throughout history. From scaling the Colosseum in Renaissance Italy (Assassin's Creed II) to sailing the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy (Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag), the series meticulously recreates historical settings with impressive architecture, clothing, and social interactions (Ubisoft, n.d.).

• Kingdom Come: Deliverance (Warhorse Studios): Forget the romanticized versions of medieval Europe. Kingdom Come: Deliverance throws you into the shoes of a young blacksmith's son in 15th-century Bohemia. The game emphasizes historical accuracy, from detailed combat mechanics to the harsh realities of daily life for the common people (Warhorse Studios, 2018).

• Crusader Kings III (Paradox Interactive): This grand strategy game puts you in charge of a medieval dynasty. You'll manage your court, forge alliances, and wage war across Europe and beyond. Crusader Kings III excels at portraying the complex social and political landscape of the medieval era (Paradox Interactive, 2020).

The level of immersion goes beyond visuals. Sound design plays a crucial role. Imagine the clang of armor in a medieval battle (Kingdom Come: Deliverance) or the roar of a crowd in a gladiatorial arena (Colosseum level in Assassin's Creed II) – these sounds transport you right into the action.

Historical games can also spark curiosity and encourage further exploration. A thrilling mission in ancient Egypt (Assassin's Creed Origins) might inspire you to research the pyramids or pharaohs.

But remember, historical video games aren't perfect. While they strive for accuracy, they often take creative liberties for gameplay purposes. It's important to be critical and consult other sources to gain a well-rounded understanding of the past.

Ready to embark on your historical gaming adventure? Explore these 3 titles and discover the power of video games to bridge the gap between the present and the past.

References

Paradox Interactive. (2020, September 01). Crusader Kings III [Video game]. Paradox Interactive. https://www.paradoxinteractive.com/games/crusader-kings-iii/about

Ubisoft. (n.d.). Assassin's Creed [Video game series]. Ubisoft. https://www.assassinscreedjade.com/

Warhorse Studios. (2018, February 13). Kingdom Come: Deliverance [Video game]. Warhorse Studios. https://www.kingdomcomerpg.com/