We don’t always think of it as its own genre, but history can make for a great gaming setup. A historical setting can work almost like a real-world fantasy that’s at least somewhat familiar to everyone. It can add depth to a major game, certainly (just look at series like Assassin’s Creed), but it can also turn an otherwise-simple experience into something with a bit more character. 

To illustrate that last point, we thought it would be fun to point out five games you can play online that are enhanced through their connection to ancient history. 

Sid Meier’s Civilization (series)

Sid Meier’s Civilization series has been around for many years now, and is largely available through Steam downloads. Debates over which Civ game is best may never stop, so long as the franchise keeps going on, but the point is that they all take you back in time to play as an architect of human history. The games are a ton of fun from a strategy perspective, but they’re also arguably some of the more educational video games you can find (without ever seeming like they’re lecturing you). 

Age Of War

Age Of War is an online strategy game that you can find at platforms like Crazy Games, Addicting Games, and other, similar sites. It essentially combines the tower defense concept with a component of offense, challenging you to send your units to defeat oncoming attackers and ultimately take on the enemy’s base. The catch is that as you continue through the game, earn gold, and upgrade your units, you effectively take a tour through military history, with increasingly sophisticated soldiers and weapons from more advanced ages. 

Viking Age

Viking Age is a simple game, but another excellent example of how even a playful historical theme can elevate a concept. It appears most prominently among New Zealand’s free pokies selections, but is accessible at other gaming sites around the web as well. And basically, it’s a slot machine game – but one that begins with an engaging, animated introduction about Viking explorers and never lets up on the theme. It’s significantly more fun than your average slot, entirely because it helps you to imagine the “Viking Age.” 

Achilles

Achilles, like Age Of War, is a browser-based arcade game you can find at any number of aggregate sites. It’s a side-scrolling combat game in which you control the famous warrior himself, going up against warriors of increasing ferocity (with a few boss fights thrown in). All you can really do is walk, block, jump, swing a sword, and stab or throw a spear – yet there’s a surprising amount of strategy that comes into play throughout your battles. 

Oregon Trail

Okay, so we’re getting away from <em>ancient</em> history here, but it’s only fair to consider Oregon Trail one of the most important historical video games of all time. As of a few years ago, the legendary pioneer simulator is available to play again at a few different places online. Effectively a text-based adventure progression across the mid-19th-century American frontier, the game has charmed generations, and can now be enjoyed whenever you want.