Top 10 Historical Games That Alter the Course of History

Games that offer alternative timelines enable players to explore reimagined histories without the real-world implications of their choices. These interactive experiences invite us to reflect on pivotal moments in history, considering how different decisions could lead to significantly divergent futures.

While various titles provide rich lore and intricate world-building, some stand out by engaging players with compelling concepts that question historical events and their outcomes. From the allure of ancient mysteries to the tantalizing possibilities of a protracted Cold War, the realm of historical fiction in gaming transcends conventional boundaries, presenting everything from supernatural steampunk settings in Victorian England to dystopian futures dominated by machines.

Many of these games employ a mix of real-life historical figures and inventive narratives, showcasing the genre’s creative potential. Whether you’re aiming to confront notable historical tyrants or rebuild from a post-apocalyptic world, the following games promise engaging experiences that bring history’s potential twists to life.

1. Iron Harvest

World War I with Mechs

Iron Harvest transports players to an alternate steampunk version of World War I, where mechanized units redefine the strategies of trench warfare. This visually stunning strategy game seamlessly marries brutal combat with imaginative steam-powered technology essential for claiming victory.

The game features factions inspired by the Allies and Central Powers and includes a captivating campaign that delves into alternate European histories. Fans of the Company of Heroes series will feel at home, with similar mechanics in constructing and deploying units, while its distinct mech designs set it apart.Iron Harvest has evolved significantly since its launch, offering a polished gameplay experience.

2. Sniper Elite Series

Revisiting World War II

Renowned for its dramatic slow-motion kill cams and open mission structures, the Sniper Elite series brilliantly enables players to alter pivotal moments in history. In installments like Sniper Elite 2, 3, 4, and 5, you have the unique opportunity to assassinate Hitler in numerous inventive ways, adding a creative twist to historical gameplay.

Balanced by a commitment to historical accuracy through authentic weapons and meticulously designed locations, the series blends stealth tactics and action in a distinct manner. Although not without flaws, its engaging approaches to assassination missions make it a standout in the genre.

3. The Order: 1886

An Alternative Version of the British Empire

Set in a reimagined steampunk London during 1886, The Order: 1886 presents an engaging narrative where Sir Galahad, a knight of the Holy Order, battles against supernatural creatures and anti-government forces. This game introduces advanced technologies like railguns and zeppelins, adding a unique layer to its setting.

The character of Nikolai Tesla, portrayed as aiding the Knights, further enriches the narrative, creating an alternate historical backdrop that maintains a firm connection to authentic 19th-century aesthetics. While its linear storyline may be a point of contention for some, the visually striking environments and well-executed action sequences enhance the overall experience. Currently, it remains a PlayStation 4 exclusive, much to the anticipation of PC gaming enthusiasts.

4. We Happy Few

An Orwellian and Psychedelic Experience

We Happy Few presents a chilling view of toxic positivity taken to absurd lengths, encapsulating a society where the populace is sedated with the euphoric drug “Joy.”Set in a post-war 1960s England, this action-adventure thriller employs a surreal, almost Dali-like visual style.

Through its clever premise, the game draws inspiration from Orwell’s 1984 and Huxley’s Brave New World, crafting a humorous yet eerie narrative that gradually reveals the darkness underpinning its cheerful facade. While historical references are discreet, the socio-political commentary ignites discussions around psychological manipulation, drug dependency, and state control—issues that remain relevant in modern discourse.

5. Atomic Heart

Soviet Science Run Amok

Notable for its remarkable visual artistry, Atomic Heart explores a peculiar interpretation of Soviet history, envisioning a world where Soviet scientific advancements flourish unchecked. Players encounter advanced robotics, genetically altered beings, and striking Soviet-era design through the game’s immersive environments.

Yet, as scientific ethics are explored, chaos soon ensues—illustrating the precarious balance of innovation and morality. This experience offers glimpses into a bygone Soviet society, ultimately culminating in a chaotic narrative that challenges players and stretches the limits of gameplay.

6. Command & Conquer: Red Alert Series

A Persistent Cold War Scenario

The Command & Conquer series redefined the RTS genre, and particularly in the Red Alert series, it imagines an alternate timeline where World War II unfolds differently—with Stalin launching a new world conflict absent Hitler. This creatively constructed world features speculative technologies, including powerful mechs and space-based weaponry.

The gameplay is a hallmark of strategic excellence, with memorable campaign moments and delightful skirmish challenges. Though the aesthetics may feel dated by modern standards, those willing to appreciate its nostalgic charm will discover hours of rewarding gameplay.

7. Wolfenstein Series

Battling Through the High Castle

Few franchises render alternate history with such flair as the iconic Wolfenstein series. This long-standing series imagines a world where Axis forces emerged victorious in WWII, subjecting Europe and the U. S.to tyranny. Players step into the shoes of B. J.Blazkowicz, fighting against technologically advanced Nazi forces while navigating a brutal and satirical narrative.

With several iterations across decades, including the classic titles and the modern reboots, Wolfenstein captivates audiences through both engaging gameplay and its bold storytelling. Its exploration of a Nazi-occupied America, especially in titles like Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, continues to resonate with players searching for compelling narratives in gaming.

8. Cyberpunk 2077

The Rise of Corporatism in California

At first glance, Cyberpunk 2077 presents a vibrant open-world experience, but its extensive lore stretches back to WWII. The Arasaka Corporation emerges from Japan’s defeat, ultimately becoming a dominant force in global technology and governing structures during the game’s setting in Night City.

The narrative intricately weaves through significant historical events, influencing the rise and fall of government power in America as well as the establishment and evolution of corporations. With extensions into various forms of media, the depth of the game world presents a richly developed universe waiting to be explored.

9. Bioshock Series

Exploration of Art Deco Dystopia

Set against the backdrop of dystopian narratives, the Bioshock series features remarkable settings including the submerged city of Rapture and the airborne city of Columbia. These parallel realities reflect altered timelines where society’s ambition and innovation clash with ethical boundaries, presenting compelling commentary on American idealism and capitalism.

The environments in Bioshock are rich with socio-political implications and imaginative technology, contributing significantly to the immersive gameplay experience. Players navigate the intricate relationships between society and innovation while unraveling the underlying themes that encapsulate each narrative arc.

10. Fallout Series

If the Cold War Escalated

The Fallout series stands as a quintessential representation of retro-futurism in gaming, depicting a world reshaped by a heated Cold War. Here, China’s rise as an expansionist superpower reshapes the geopolitical landscape, leading to a nuclear confrontation that alters the fabric of history.

Throughout the franchise, players discover a world filled with advanced technology rooted in a nuclear past, where everything from corporations like Vault-Tec to iconic locations shapes gameplay. The series emphasizes choice and consequence, allowing players to impact the world dramatically, even to the point of obliterating settlements in pursuit of their goals.

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