A Video Game Playlist for Historical Fiction Fans

In simpler terms, historical fiction refers to any story or media production that blends real-world historical events with fictional characters and plots. This could be a romance novel set amidst World War II, a family saga in medieval times, or even a detective tale unfolding in Ancient Egypt. The appeal of historical fiction has only increased over the years, and it’s particularly thriving in video games.

From their very beginning, video games have maintained a strong bond with history, often incorporating real-world events as the basis for early strategy and simulation games’ virtual conflicts. Over time, these basic settings evolved into immersive, high-definition reenactments of significant human historical events, providing players an engaging opportunity to delve deeply into these periods. Today in 2025, there is a wealth of outstanding video games catering to enthusiasts of historical fiction.

Games For Historical Fiction Fans: Assassin’s Creed

For enthusiasts of historical novels, the Assassin’s Creed series spans a broad spectrum of historical periods, from Ancient Greece to Victorian London. In this series, players are immersed in pivotal historical events such as the Storming of the Bastille, the Boston Tea Party, and the Hanno-ji Incident. Notable figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Charles Dickens, and George Washington often appear within the franchise’s narrative.

Games For Historical Fiction Fans: Total War

Launched in 2000, the “Total War” game series has produced 16 main titles up to now, with most focusing on historical conflicts from the real world, similar to the “Assassin’s Creed” series. Each “Total War” installment (excluding sequels) is set in a specific historical era. Although it doesn’t claim to be perfectly accurate historically, it comes quite close. Some of the game’s campaigns transport players from one real-world battle to another, telling the entire story of a real conflict. As a strategy game, “Total War” is ideal for those who enjoy leading large armies.

Games For Historical Fiction Fans: Civilization

Each game in the “Total War” series zeroes in on a particular historical period and the limited number of civilizations involved in conflict during that time. On the other hand, the “Civilization” franchise offers a variety of real-world factions and leaders for players to choose from across different eras. Typically, a game of “Civilization” takes players from the earliest stages of human history right up to modern times and even beyond, usually concluding when players delve into space exploration. The latest addition, “Civilization 7”, is generally considered the most user-friendly, although it does introduce some notable modifications to the usual gameplay mechanics of the series.

Games For Historical Fiction Fans: Ghost of Tsushima

If you’re looking for an exceptionally well-crafted portrayal of a particular historical epoch, the game “Ghost of Tsushima” by Sucker Punch is highly recommended. Set during the first Mongol invasion of Japan in the late 1200s, players assume the role of Jin Sakai, a samurai who finds himself compelled to forsake his honor in order to protect his island.

Games For Historical Fiction Fans: Kingdom Come: Deliverance

In a different phrasing, the game titled “Kingdom Come: Deliverance” plunges players into the 15th-century Bohemia where they engage in battles on behalf of and against various medieval nobles, experiencing an immersive first-person action-RPG. While some criticisms were levied at “Kingdom Come: Deliverance” for its depiction of Hungarians and Cumans, it garnered acclaim from numerous historians and scholars for its faithful representation of daily medieval existence and combat.

Games For Historical Fiction Fans: Red Dead Redemption 2

If you’re yearning for a more contemporary vibe while still immersed in the wild west, Rockstar’s “Red Dead Redemption 2” is my top pick! This game takes place in 1899 and follows Arthur Morgan, an outlaw grappling with the rapidly evolving world he inhabits. Besides its historical backdrop, “Red Dead Redemption 2” delivers one of the most compelling stories in gaming, boasting intricate character dynamics and heart-pounding suspenseful moments.

2025-05-31 17:33