Unlock History: 10 RPGs That Make You Feel Like You're Living in a History Book!

There are numerous modern games that draw inspiration from novels, with “The Witcher” series being a notable example, including its sequels. The impact of a game like “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” on the video game industry is hard to overstate. Furthermore, some games employ literature in their narratives, such as “Alan Wake,” where the main character, a novelist, finds his books springing to life.

Those game examples related to books are impressive, yet they don’t replicate the sensation of reading a book, whether it’s fantastical or historical. Instead, other games manage to immerse players as if they are living history themselves. Keep in mind that the history in these games may be embellished since we’re talking about video games, but they serve as compelling demonstrations nonetheless.

Here are some exciting role-playing games featured below, which either draw inspiration from real history or offer an immersive historical experience.

8. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Going Through Japan’s Feudal Era

In “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” we find ourselves embarking on the most recent installment of this series, which delves into the open-world RPG genre. This game is set during the time when Nobunaga Oda held power, conquering clans and unifying the nation by challenging traditional rulers based on birthright. The players take on the roles of Naoe, a ninja harmed by Nobunaga, and Yasuke, a foreigner who rose to become a samurai and Nobunaga’s trusted confidant.

In the context of Assassin’s Creed, while some historical events may be dramatized for gameplay, players can still discover many accurate details about history. Interestingly, hidden artifacts called codices are scattered throughout the game, offering insights into real-life historical conflicts and landmarks.

7. Bladestorm: Nightmare

England Vs France In A Musou

Bladestorm: Nightmare represents an expanded edition of Bladestorm: The Hundred Years’ War , belonging to several Musou spinoffs that stem from the popular series, Dynasty Warriors. These games often incorporate historical events, and Bladestorm: Nightmare might be more accessible for Western audiences due to its focus on the conflict between England and France which began in the late 1300s and continued for over a century.

Players have the ability to choose their commanders and lead troops in strategic battlefield action. A notable figure players might be familiar with is Joan of Arc. Fans of Joan of Arc may also enjoy delving into the imaginative reinterpretation of that period, “Jeanne d’Arc”, available on PSP, which incorporates elements of magic as well.

6. E.V.O.: Search For Eden

How Humanity Evolved

The game titled “E.V.O.: Search for Eden” is less commonly known among SNES games, and it was one of the earlier releases on the console. In a 2D setting, players start off as a basic fish, with the ability to evolve by collecting resources or engaging in battles with other animals. As you progress, there are multiple evolutionary paths to choose from that can enhance your creature’s offensive and defensive capabilities.

Over time, these creatures will transition onto land and co-exist with dinosaurs, driven by their instinct for survival in role-playing game combat scenarios. This represents an intriguing snapshot of the evolutional timeline spanning countless years of advancement.

5. Final Fantasy Tactics

Now The Story Can Be Told

In the strategic role-playing game called “Final Fantasy Tactics,” the plot draws heavily from historical European conflicts such as The War of the Roses, where internal family disputes fuel the main conflict. Within this game, there are multiple wars like The Fifty Years War and The Lion War, and the entire narrative is presented within the fictional world of Ivalice as a legendary tale known as “The Zodiac Brave Story.

In this game, though no books are involved, it seems to narrate the tale of a specific family, the Beoulves, with Ramza serving as the central character. The gameplay is strategically oriented, where characters move across a grid, giving players the sensation they’re maneuvering pieces on a chessboard.

4. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

From Classmates To Enemies

Similar to the game “Final Fantasy Tactics,” the “Fire Emblem” series are strategic role-playing games with a turn-based system, set within fantastical backdrops. Each game can be likened to a historical text. Out of all, it’s worth focusing on “Fire Emblem: Three Houses.” Players initially join as their custom character, Byleth, in a military academy setting.

In this captivating game, I find myself forging friendships across three adversarial realms, yet these bonds prove fleeting as I’m eventually compelled to pick a side, splitting the narrative into multiple paths. It’s intriguing to witness the transformation of once-cherished friendships into bitter rivalries, making this tale all the more poignant and memorable.

3. Metaphor: ReFantazio

The King Is Dead

In contrast to the “Persona” games, which are set in a distorted version of our world, the new RPG from Atlus, titled “Metaphor: ReFantazio“, is based in a fantasy landscape. The storyline commences with the protagonist, Will, assigned to assassinate a leader named Louis, with the aim of lifting a curse that has befallen the prince.

In the course of this quest, the late king appears as a colossal lunar figure, barreling towards the planet and demanding those fit to rule to strive for the throne. This situation unfolds into an epic tournament akin to an anime, with numerous contenders eagerly competing for the throne over several months in real-time. The extended, gradual nature of this political race gives the story a sense that viewers are bearing witness to historical events taking place in a fictional country, as if they were watching history being made.

2. Triangle Strategy

Salt Is A Powerful Resource

Triangle Strategy shares many similarities with Final Fantasy Tactics, both being tactical RPGs published by Square Enix. In this game, a peaceful nation finds itself caught in the midst of a raging conflict over a seemingly harmless resource such as salt. Interestingly enough, wars have historically erupted over resources like salt, giving the game’s setting a striking resemblance to real-world events.

Although salt appears to be readily available today, it was once difficult to obtain and held numerous significant roles, such as flavoring dishes and preserving food. Players will find themselves intrigued by the multifaceted narrative from various perspectives.

enhancing taste in food or preserving it for later consumption. Players will enjoy exploring the storyline from different angles as it unfolds along multiple paths.

1. Valkyria Chronicles

A Reimagining Of World War 2

In the game called “Valkyria Chronicles,” the setting is based on a fantasy backdrop, yet it borrows elements from World War 2. The story revolves around an aggressive empire aiming to conquer Europa, while a neutral nation, Gallia, finds itself embroiled in the conflict unintentionally. Instead of the oppression faced by Jewish people, there exists the marginalized Darscen race in “Valkyria Chronicles,” and one could draw further parallels.

This strategy role-playing game allows players to choose their characters, navigate large open landscapes in real-time, and then time slows when they aim and prepare their shots. The game is structured as if it’s a historical account, with each stage presented like a book containing cutscenes, main quests, additional objectives, character backstories, and more.

2025-04-03 07:04

Unlock History: 10 RPGs That Make You Feel Like You’re Living in a History Book!