Video games are a great way for people to escape the reality of the real world. To go on an adventure into a virtual world, where you can explore places and meet characters that you could only come into contact with within your imagination. Although these kinds of games provide a great escape for players, some of the best games were designed to take players through real-life situations or events.
The following games, as well as many others, were inspired by real-life events that have happened throughout history. Though the events are indeed factual, video game creators have put their own spin on the stories. By doing so, they bring light to the events that have happened throughout history.
10 Valiant Hearts: The Great War
As the name suggests, Valiant Hearts: The Great War is based on the War of 1914, also known as the Great War. This was when Germany proclaimed war on France and Russia. In this game, players have the choice between playing as an American soldier, Freddie, a Belgian nurse, Anna, a French man, Emile, or his German son-in-law, Karl.
Each of these characters is inspired by four real heroes of the Great War. Valiant Hearts does a great job depicting the lives of these heroes as well as the stories that came of the war. Players can actually find an array of encyclopedic evidence and real 1914 war photos within the game, which is a pretty cool addition to the gameplay.
9 Assassin’s Creed III
Assassin’s Creed III is greatly based on the American Revolutionary War. The game takes place in the 18th century in Colonial America and follows the life of an assassin in the war, Connor. Connor becomes involved in many familiar historical events, such as the Boston Massacre, among many others.
Players take on the role of Haythem Kenway, Connor’s dad, and Desmond Miles, the modern-day protagonist. While exploring the life of Colonial America in the 18th century, players can gain insight into the lives of the Native American tribes while listening to the commendable narrative. Though all the Assassin’s Creed games were inspired by multiple historical events, the storyline of Assassin’s Creed III is for sure one of the best of the series.
8 That Dragon, Cancer
While many of the other titles on this list are based on historical events, That Dragon, Cancer is a more personal story for its creators. Though it’s still true nonetheless. That Dragon, Cancer was created by Amy and Ryan Green, the parents of Joel, a young end-stage cancer patient.
Players will go through a series of fourteen scenes in which Joel’s fight against cancer will be portrayed through the art of this game. Although this is quite a somber story, it definitely shows how precious life is through all the highs and lows.
7 Call Of Duty: World War II
The entire Call of Duty series does a great job of recreating war stories. Call of Duty: World War II, specifically, is based on the time period in which World War II took place. The developers did a good job portraying the reality of the battlefield as well as other unforgettable scenes from the war.
Given that World War II was one of the many gruesome historical events, the developers spun the story a bit to refrain from including such details. Upon doing so, this game may have left out some important factors, but it’s still a solid depiction nonetheless.
6 L.A. Noire
L.A. Noire is set in 1947 in Los Angeles and follows the story of Cole Phelps, a detective who is covering multiple murder cases. Players get a chance to play the role of Cole as he investigates crime scenes to uncover the identity of the person who killed the victims. Of the many victims, players even get to investigate the true story of Jeanne French, also known as the Black Dahlia, case.
The developers have created a map of Los Angeles that accurately portrays the busy city and all it has to offer. From getting to explore L.A. in such a time period to solving well-known thrilling cases, this game depicts the story of Cole Phelps on his mission to uncover crime perfectly.
5 The Town Of Light
Taking place in Italy, The Town of Light is based on true stories from within the walls of a psychiatric asylum called Ospedale Psichiatrico di Volterra, or Volterra Psychiatric Hospital. Players get to play the role of Renee, a former patient, as she returns to the neglected building to confront them about how she was abused there.
With nothing but a torch and a small clear viewpoint, players are sent into the asylum to explore stories, find clues to Renee’s story, and try to survive the horrors of the asylum.
4 Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Of all of the games on this list, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is by far one of the most accurately portrayed historical stories. This game is based on the War of 1403 and includes important characters from that time period, such as King Wenceslaus IV and Racek Kobyla, among others.
Players come alive as Skalitz, who must fight for revenge for the deaths of his parents. The creators of this game have based the scenes on real conflicts that happened throughout that time period. It accurately depicts the environment, clothing, and people, as well as the weapons used in conflicts.
3 Brothers In Arms: Road To Hill 30
Another game that made sure to get the story as accurate as possible is Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30. This game was highly achieved being based on the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment. Sergeant Matt Baker and his team of 101st Airborne Paratroopers dropped, scattered around the French countryside.
Players play the role of Matt Baker as he fights through battles similar to those in real life. However, when worse comes to worst, Matt must choose between his brothers in arms lives and his success through the mission.
2 This War Of Mine
This War of Mine is based on the siege of a city, the Siege of Sarajevo, that took place in Pogoren, Graznavia. This was the biggest conflict since World War II. The developers have recreated the reality of life during war commendably, from the battles to the horror and poverty-like conditions that left civilians scraping by to survive.
After the war breaks out, players will need to prepare to protect themselves and other civilians. What sets this game apart from the real-life conflict is the lack of military personnel in the game. Due to this, players have to manage to find and gather tools and materials to battle and survive the war.
1 1979 Revolution: Black Friday
1979 Revolution: Black Friday is a story inspired by the life of Reza Shirazi during the Iranian Revolution. Reza is a photojournalist; he returns to his home in Iran just as the Iranian Revolution is taking place. The developers of this game, Ink Stories, have created this game as a means of bringing light to the mayhem that took place during the revolution.
Through the chaos of hostages, brutality, and the citizens trying to overthrow their leader at the time, players must play the role of Reza as he explores the most heartbreaking moments of the revolution. Throughout this journey, players will see many real photos from the war as well as excerpts of real historical context.