There is a constant abundance of fantasy games drawing inspiration from medieval history and environments. Titles like Final Fantasy 16, World of Warcraft, and The Witcher series offer fans a diverse selection of medieval fantasy games spanning different genres. However, it's somewhat surprising and disappointing that there is a scarcity of games centered on real medieval history and settings without the inclusion of fantasy elements.
While fans don't necessarily demand absolute historical precision in entertainment, there should be options available for those seeking a more realistic experience. Fortunately, there are games emerging that cater to both history enthusiasts and fans of sword and sorcery, providing a welcome variety for different tastes.
1. A Plague Tale: Requiem
In A Plague Tale: Requiem, the journey of Amicia and Hugo continues, now accompanied by Lucas, following the events of A Plague Tale: Innocence. Similar to its precursor, Requiem vividly portrays the struggles of these young characters as they strive to survive in a harsh medieval world rife with war, famine, and peril lurking at every turn.
While the game incorporates elements of horror, the gameplay remains centered on stealth, emphasizing Amicia's need to evade formidable adult soldiers hot on their trail. A Plague Tale: Requiem represents an overall enhancement compared to Innocence, offering improvements in various aspects. Fans of the previous installment and enthusiasts of historical settings will find themselves deeply engrossed in the game's immersive world.
2. Hellish Quart
Even in its Early Access phase on Steam, Hellish Quart stands out as the premier sword-fighting simulator available across all platforms. The game's motion capture and animations are nothing short of remarkable, effectively conveying the weightiness and skill required to succeed in a medieval sword duel. Hellish Quart immerses players in 17th-century battles where fighters must rely on strategy and expertise to emerge victorious.
Additionally, Hellish Quart is undergoing expansion with the development of a story mode that revolves around a character named Jacek. This narrative marks the first of several planned short stories that will intertwine with the main campaign once the game transitions out of Early Access. For fans reminiscent of the classic PS1 era, there's a chance they recall Bushido Blade, a sword-fighting game set in the Samurai era where battles hinged on precision strikes and strategic limb targeting. Hellish Quart feels akin to a spiritual successor to this cherished, albeit bygone, series.
3. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Launched in 2018 for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an open-world RPG situated in the Kingdom of Bohemia in the year 1403. It presents a meticulously recreated medieval world, resembling a lifelike simulator due to its harsh survival elements.
Additionally, Kingdom Come: Deliverance features a compelling narrative, impressive voice acting, and some of the most satisfying swordplay mechanics within its genre. The game's development involved collaboration with historical experts, ensuring the creators built one of the most genuine medieval gaming experiences available.
4. A Plague Tale: Innocence
Released in 2019, A Plague Tale: Innocence is a stealth action-adventure game created by Asobo Studio, renowned for its adaptations of Disney and Pixar licensed games such as WALL-E and Toy Story 3.
Set in 1348 France during The Hundred Years War, A Plague Tale unfolds in the region of Aquitaine, home to the protagonists Amicia and Hugo, which has been invaded by the English. The Inquisition is also in pursuit of Hugo. Amicia and her brother manage to escape, and players are tasked with guiding their evasion from both soldiers and swarms of rats through the somber yet exquisitely depicted medieval world.
5. Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars
Originally launched in 1996 for PC and PlayStation, Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars is a point-and-click adventure game featuring a captivating narrative, well-developed characters, and an immersive world. Despite being set in the contemporary era, the game doesn't transport players into historical recreations of the past. Nevertheless, it offers a wealth of information that can intrigue and introduce gamers to the history of the Knights Templars.
As players guide the lead characters, George and Nico, through the game, they are taken to various historical landmarks and points of interest across Europe. The duo's mission involves unraveling a murder mystery associated with a secretive society known as the Templars.
6. Assassin's Creed
The game most reminiscent of medieval fantasy among those mentioned here is the first Assassin's Creed. Although the series falls under historical fiction, its locations have been meticulously reconstructed to immerse players in a different realm.
The first game of the AC series is situated in the Holy Land amid the Third Crusade, drawing evident visual inspiration from Ridley Scott's medieval epic Kingdom of Heaven, set in a similar era. Yet, as with all the Assassin's Creed games, the true highlights are the cities in their historically accurate representation and the combat mechanics.
7. The First Templar
The First Templar, released in 2011 for Xbox 360 and PC, might appear to be just another budget hack-and-slash Diablo clone set in the 13th Century at first glance. However, it surprises players with its intricate combat mechanics.
Its combat system relies on rhythm, timing, and skill, reminiscent of the fluid battles in the Batman: Arkham series. The game features stealth mechanics and finishing moves that are both brutal and satisfying. Additionally, despite some shaky voice acting, the characters and the storyline are engaging enough to captivate players throughout the campaign, whether experienced in single-player or co-op modes.
8. Mount & Blade: Warband
Originally launched on PC in 2010 and later on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 in 2014, Mount & Blade: Warband stands as a medieval sandbox RPG. Although newcomers might initially feel overwhelmed by the game's depth, those who dedicate time to it discover a world where they can mold their medieval battlefield destiny.
Whether aspiring to be a hired mercenary or aiming for royal status, players have the freedom to shape their path. While Warband lacks the polish of a triple-A title, its ambition knows no bounds, and players' creativity becomes the primary limit.
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