6 Open-World Games That Transport You Directly to History Books

by

Summary

  • Crafting immersive historical game worlds is challenging; accuracy requires thorough research.
  • Games like Ryse and Mount & Blade blend history with fantasy, prioritizing authenticity.
  • Titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Ghost of Tsushima offer realistic historical settings.

Experiencing the depth of a vast, intricately designed open world is like no other form of escape. Yet, creating such captivating environments can be quite challenging, particularly when you’re building everything from the ground up.

It’s logical to draw inspiration from the past when creating something new, but that doesn’t make it an easy feat. Accurately representing historical events can be a monumental task. Developers could choose the easy way out by fabricating history for their plot, or they could delve deep into historical texts. However, this approach comes with its risks, as upsetting a history enthusiast is not something anyone wants. Yet, it’s a risk worth taking; video games provide an excellent platform for delving into the rich tapestry of history. Here’s hoping more and more developers embrace this challenge.

6. Ryse: Son of Rome

Historical Cocktail That Tastes Exquisite

At its release on Xbox One, Ryse: Son of Rome stirred up some debate. On one hand, it was praised for its stunning graphics and engaging narrative. However, critics argued that the gameplay could have been more engaging. Despite being an open-world game with a substantial budget, it’s surprisingly brief. Unlike many games in this genre, it lacks tedious tasks, repetitive grinding, or unnecessary side quests – just pure, unadulterated content.

Indeed, the game offers a different perspective on Ancient Rome. To quote Crytek directly, this game is a thoughtfully designed “mix of historical elements,” where they’ve picked their preferred aspects from Roman history and merged them together to create an accurate and captivating scene.

5. Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord

A History of the Blade

Despite being based in the fictional world of Calradia, Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord essentially replicates the decline of the Roman Empire during the Early Middle Ages. Where it truly shines is in its faithful depiction of medieval-era combat, offering an exhilarating and chilling experience. The weapons and armor used in the game are remarkably accurate to their historical counterparts, and the strategies employed in battle are grounded in real-world history.

If you’re a gamer looking for an experience that most closely resembles historical combat, this action-strategy RPG series offers one of the best approximations available.

4. Red Dead Redemption 2

American Frontier Simulator

The original “Red Dead” game was criticized for its expansive use of the Wild West setting, considering it had already come to an end by the time the game began in 1911. To be technical, the classic Wild West era depicted in movies and TV shows spanned approximately from 1865 to 1895. However, to give the first game some leeway, the final western territories were not admitted as states until 1912.

Considering the circumstances, the sequel was left with no alternative but to transform into a prequel if it aimed to avoid such criticisms. Although the scenarios and locations portrayed are purely imaginary, the overall feel of this game mirrors the authentic American frontier life as closely as possible.

3. Ghost of Tsushima

Experience 13th-Century Japan

If you’re a gamer seeking an authentic Japanese historical adventure, look no further than Ghost of Tsushima. This PlayStation exclusive is meticulously crafted with deep respect for Japanese culture and traditions, backed by extensive research. The game transports you to the era of the Mongolian invasion of Japan in 1274.

In creating Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch studio chose to focus more on gameplay than historical accuracy. For instance, the samurai armor and weapons depicted in the game originate from the Sengoku period, which spanned the 16th and 17th centuries. Yet, given the meticulous care taken in every other aspect of the game, we’ll overlook this discrepancy.

2. Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey

Good Enough for the Classroom

Instead of deceitfully populating this list with numerous Assassin’s Creed games, we opted for a more equitable approach by allocating the single slot to Odyssey, considering its recent application by a middle school educator to stimulate curiosity about Ancient Greek history among his students.

In the game titled “Odyssey,” players are transported to the time of the Peloponnesian War, which took place between Athens and Sparta from 431-422 BC. During their journey, they encounter historical figures such as Hippocrates, Socrates, and Herodotus. If not for the intricate and confusing lore in “Assassin’s Creed” that links the series together, it would have undoubtedly ranked at the top of many lists.

1. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Doesn’t Get More Authentic Than This

The Kingdom Come: Deliverance game series has raised the bar for historical accuracy in video games significantly. Developed by Warhorse Studios, their commitment to authenticity was not just a goal, but a fundamental principle. In fact, they have an on-staff historian whose role is to ensure that every detail, from clothing and weapons to events, reflects the true essence of late medieval Bohemia, rather than merely serving as eye candy.

I must say, in the realm of gaming experiences, nothing quite compares to immersing myself in the breathtakingly authentic world crafted by the Warhorse team for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. This latest installment offers a stunning replica of landscapes and cities straight from the pages of 15th-century history books, transporting players right into the heart of the Middle Ages.

Read More

2025-03-13 10:36