Top 8 Post-War Video Games You Must Play

Summary

Games can immerse players in post-war struggles through characters and storylines.
BioShock highlights the downfall of a utopian city, offering unique gameplay.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order explores the life of a Jedi survivor after a galactic war.

As a gaming enthusiast, I find myself drawn to titles that delve into the complexities of post-conflict societies. These games offer a compelling exploration of the intricate realities that unfold in the aftermath of war, showcasing both its hopeful rebuilding efforts and its lingering challenges. The characters, settings, and narratives in these games serve as powerful reminders of the human spirit’s resilience and the enduring struggle for peace.

Many games focus on the aftermath of wars, either drawing from historical events or creating their own fictional scenarios. On the other hand, certain games use war as a backdrop in their storyline, enabling players to uncover details about it as they journey through different settings or learn new information during gameplay.

8. BioShock

Rapture Was Not The Utopia The Creator Thought It Was

After World War II, the submerged metropolis of Rapture was built as a sanctuary against the threat of communism. Yet, as history has shown, utopian cities rarely endure, and this is vividly portrayed in the game BioShock, where players explore Rapture from the perspective of a survivor trying to navigate the genetically engineered inhabitants who have descended into madness following an internal conflict within the underwater city.

Apart from being stunningly created with a blend of captivating and chilling retro-futuristic elements, BioShock is also lauded for its exceptional gameplay. Its innovative features such as first-person shooting mechanics, superpowers usage, intriguing puzzles, and distinctive ambiance have earned it widespread acclaim. Consequently, the BioShock series has become a cherished collection of three iconic games.

7. Cyberpunk 2077

Night City Is The Result Of Multiple Wars

In Cyberpunk 2077, though it’s not the central focus of the narrative, there are conversations suggesting that Night City and the surrounding country continue to struggle post-devastating civil war, known as the Unification War. It’s important to note that this conflict was just one of many wars over the years, such as the Fourth Corporate War. Remarkably, despite being plagued by criminal activities, Night City emerged as a symbol of peace.

In Cyberpunk 2077, the vibrant neon hues and futuristic tech are consistently contrasted with an atmosphere of decay. This gives Night City, as the player’s character V explores it, a worn-out yet compelling feel. The end result is a meticulously crafted portrayal of a dystopian future and an RPG that significantly enhanced its reputation following a contentious debut.

6. Metro 2033: Redux

War Sent Russia Into A Permanent Nuclear Winter

In the desolate, post-nuclear wastelands of Russia, players assume control over a soldier tasked with battling mutated creatures and opposing factions. The enhanced version of this game is called “Metro 2033: Redux“. This game marks the remastered take on the initial installment that initiated a beloved trilogy, with each successive game making full use of the post-apocalyptic theme.

Even though Metro 2033: Redux doesn’t break new ground as a first-person shooter, it skillfully carries out its ideas with finesse and poise. Scanning for radiation, battling creatures, and enhancing your weapons to grow stronger, coupled with an intriguing narrative, creates a hidden gem that led to two follow-up games.

5. Mafia 2

Vito Scaletta Returned From War And Joined A Criminal Empire

In the game titled “Mafia 2,” the story revolves around Vito Scaletta, a man with an intense desire to escape his father’s shadow. To achieve this, he resorts to extreme measures, even joining the Falcone crime family, as poverty looms large and he finds himself shunned by society following his service in World War 2, receiving no financial support upon return and only a purple star as recognition.

In the timeframe of the 1940s and 1950s, the remainder of the narrative in “Mafia 2” unfolds, where Vito ascends to dominance within the Falcone family. The quality of these “Mafia” games is a topic that frequently sparks debate, demonstrating their exceptional nature. Both games offer captivating stories and gameplay, with “Mafia 2” offering a refreshing yet familiar take for fans of the original series while still being accessible to newcomers.

4. Vampyr

Jonathan Reid Traded A Human War For A Supernatural One

The catastrophic events of World War I, along with the emergence of influenza, spawned a vampire epidemic in London. In the game Vampyr, the player assumes the role of Dr. Jonathan Reid, a physician who has come back to England from battle and was turned into a vampire. This transformation grants him the potential to be both a hero or a villain.

Vampyr could be aptly characterized as a “vampire-themed Mass Effect,” offering dialogue and narrative choices that significantly impact the game’s progression. It is also a role-playing game where players can upgrade Jonathan Reid to harness an array of potent vampiric abilities, such as summoning blood constructs, boosted speed, and swift recovery.

3. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Life Of A Long Jedi After Order 66

Instead of delving into The Clone Wars or the Galactic Civil War, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order takes players through a time gap between these conflicts. A young Jedi named Cal Kestis manages to survive the great Purge and spends five years living in seclusion. However, his hiding is disrupted when the Empire discovers him, forcing him on a mission of self-discovery and survival.

In a short time, the character Cal Kestis has gained immense affection due to his portrayal as one of the first characters to vividly depict the distress of a young Jedi surviving Order 66. Moreover, the gameplay is engaging and addictive, blending elements from the Souls-like and Metroidvania genres while offering exceptional customization options for Cal. This results in an unforgettable Jedi adventure that caters to fans of all generations within the Star Wars universe.

2. Fallout 76

The Earliest Point Seen In The Fallout Franchise

All Fallout games occur following the nuclear catastrophe from a conflict referred to as the Great War. Among these, Fallout 76 is set at the earliest point in the chronology, just 25 years after the explosions and the perilous West Virginia wastelands are teeming with recently spawned creatures, raiders, and other dangers that players can face alone or with companions.

Initially, Fallout 76 struggled with numerous bugs and seemed unfinished. However, regular updates have significantly improved the game, transforming it into an enjoyable MMO title comparable to The Elder Scrolls Online. With a wealth of content, players can find themselves lost for hours exploring the post-apocalyptic wasteland without exhausting all possibilities.

1. Wolfenstein: The New Order

A Dark Timeline Where The Nazis Won World War 2

As a passionate gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but express my excitement about the groundbreaking franchise that reshaped first-person shooters – none other than Wolfenstein! The game took a thrilling turn with “Wolfenstein: The New Order,” where I found myself once again as B.J. Blazkowicz, embarking on an exhilarating new journey against the ruthless Nazis. But here’s the catch – in this alternate reality, the Nazis emerged victorious from World War 2, thanks to their astonishing technological breakthroughs. They transformed our world into a chilling blend of cold steel and iron, expanding their empire across Earth.

In a fresh twist for its established series, the alternate history scenario of “Wolfenstein: The New Order” infused energy, offering pulse-pounding gameplay that evokes the spirit of Captain America, albeit with an R-rated edge. From handling colossal firearms in tandem to mercilessly eliminating hordes of wicked fascists, this reboot hit all the right marks, resulting in two follow-ups and a prequel.

2025-02-21 08:04