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7 Best Graphic Novels About the Ancient World

a woman with graphic novels

The ancient world is full of interesting events, historical battles, centennial disputes, and classical themes hidden between boring old history books.

If you’re keen to learn about the happenings of the ancient world in a far more captivating way, graphic novels are your best bet. Alternate realities paired with enthralling visuals highlight historical events from various perspectives.

Here are some of the best graphic novels about the ancient world that will leave you mesmerized by the past:

1. Rome West

323 CE

Image by AIPTcomics

Exploring an alternate reality of the New World, a thousand years before Columbus, Rome West offers a vivid description of world events through the eyes of a Roman family. 

The engaging graphics cover themes of revolution and expansion as the Romans experience war in America. The authors make you deep dive into the ancient world through questions of ‘what if?’ as Romans change the course of America’s history, establishing a colony 1000 years before the arrival of Columbus.  

2. Perpetua’s Journey

203 CE

Image by Goodreads

Perpetua’s journey illustrates the tale of Vibia Perpetua, an openly declaring Christian mother residing in Roman Africa, ordered to death for professing her religion. The graphic novel offers a combination of powerful themes such as feminism and Christianity.

The detailed illustrations induce visual storytelling of the ancient Phoenician city of Carthage, where Christianity gains popularity. It moves readers into reimagining life as a Christian woman in Roman North Africa in 203 CE. 

3. 300

480 BC

Image by Amazon

If you enjoy fictional retelling of historical battles, the 300 comic series is the one for you. Adapted into the world-renowned film ‘The 300 Spartans’, this comic book depicts the Battle of Thermopylae and Sparta’s King Leonidas’ attempt to invade Persia.

With its gritty yet beautiful art, the 300 comic series engulfs the reader in the tale of Spartans as they launch themselves into battle. Hyper-violent scenes combined with well-written dialogue become enjoyable for readers interested in ancient wars.  

Frank Miller’s brilliant art and storytelling make the 300 comic series one of the best graphic novels about the ancient world.

4. The Book of Genesis

5th and 6th BC

Image by Wikipedia

A quite literal illustration of the original ‘Book of Genesis’, this graphic novel reproduces the Bible word by word. Albeit its controversial nature, Robert Crumb manages to lend the illustrations his unique perspective on the human condition.

Readers can appreciate Crumb’s signature scratchy and heavily cross-hatched drawing style for all illustrations that provide a humanizing effect to the characters. Instead of giving the religious text a satirical touch, the comics are a must-read, honest and genuine interpretation of the Bible.

5. The Pack

1351-1334 BC

Image by Amazon

The Pack is intense and full of action as it tells the story of two Nubian slave assassins in Ancient Egypt assigned to kill Pharaoh Seti of the Southern Kingdom. Their trials and tribulations are portrayed in a unique painterly style.

The author uses a combination of visual and verbal, including Egyptian hieroglyphs, to add variety and a nice ancient touch to the story. Instead of whitewashing the tale, the protagonists are shown to be dark-skinned Africans which adds even more dimension.

The Pack will transport you to an Ancient Egyptian Tale you won’t forget soon!

6. Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne

 Pre-history

Image by Wikipedia

In this action-packed, time-spanning graphic novel, Bruce Wayne finds himself at the dawn of history, fighting evil cavemen through the power of his famous utility belt. As he becomes engrossed in battle, he is transported first to Puritan times and then to the 18th Century.

The comics follow the superhero across different ancient time zones as he builds himself an identity and fights crime. The time-traveling Bruce Wayne is featured in the spotlight through a signature superhero style. 

7. Batman Ninja

1185-1603 CE

Image by Amazon

This animated feature places the Dark Knight in feudal Japan, where the hero’s worst enemies take the form of feudal lords. Combining the Hero vs. Villain action with an ancient setting, Batman Ninja is one of the finest renditions in the Batman series.

Incorporating an anime style into the visuals, the story becomes even more interesting for fans. This animation imparts a unique touch to the Batman franchise, capturing the heroic nature of Batman within a land ruled by sword-yielding Samurais and Ninjas as assassins.

Final Word

The ancient world is filled with fascinating events waiting to be discovered. All of these amazing graphic novels are a must-read to dive into history. 

Additionally, you can also check out History Adventure’s Chrome browser web app, Global Pandemics: Plague of Athens, which tells the story of Nikos of Athens, a physician during the Plague of Athens, 429 BCE, who struggles to treat the multitude who fall ill during this world-upending ordeal, causing him to question everything he holds dear, from his faith in Apollo, healer under the gods, to the meaning of his Hippocratic Oath, and what is truly at stake in medical ethics.

Make sure to add these best graphic novels about the ancient world to your reading list and get enlightened about history in a captivating and exciting way. 

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Characters History History Adventures Learning Materials

6 Best Games About Ancient Rome

If a period or setting in history has the most potential to be turned into video games, it’s ancient Rome. Due to the extensive historical documents describing the fantastic people, locations, and traditions of a civilization that lasted over 1,500 years, Rome is one of the most fascinating ancient societies.

The fall of Rome was one of Europe’s most tumultuous periods, and since Roman civilization influenced so many countries, it has captivated people’s interest for ages. There are numerous Rome-inspired books, movies, games, and even fashion!

For now, let’s focus on the best games about Ancient Rome. This best demonstrates how playing and learning may be combined in minutes.

1. Rome: Total War

Game Release Year: 2004

Historical Period: 270 BC to 14 AD

Image by Wikipedia

With its outstanding campaign and addicting core gameplay, Rome: Total War is a real treat for any enthusiast of the Roman era. Most people didn’t think it was feasible to combine real-time strategy and turn-based gameplay, but Creative Assembly did it. Rome: Total War was the first of several games that combined many characters on the screen, allowing players to combat the army against a single console.

The game depicts the peak and last centuries of the Republican period and the initial years of Ancient Rome’s imperial era. At first, the user assumes charge of one of three Roman dynasties, with other non-Roman clans becoming available later.

It gives a thorough understanding of the Roman army’s structure and how the Romans controlled the inhabitants of towns and cities. It also requires the player to think clearly and sensibly to become the Roman Empire’s Ruler. This is what makes it one of the best games about Ancient Rome.

2. Ryse: Son of Rome

Game Release Year: 2013

Historical Period: 54-68 AD

Image by Pinterest

Ryse: Son of Rome is based in Ancient Rome during Nero’s reign, a fascinating period in the empire’s history. While the majority of the game takes place far outside Rome, in Britannia, on the outskirts of the empire, we get a fair look at numerous historical facts and personalities along the way.

The personalities are not a hundred percent historically correct but are inspired by actual events. These include Nero: Rome’s emperor, warrior queen Boudica, Commodus and Basillius: children of Nero and Damocles amongst many others! With a surprisingly sophisticated combat system, players will engage in large-scale conflicts and gladiatorial clashes in the field.

3. Age of Decadence

Game Release Year: 2015

Historical Period: 395 AD Fall of the Roman Empire

Image by Youtube

The game is set in a world based on the collapse of the Roman Empire. Age of Decadence has a sophisticated turn-based combat system and a rich conversation and decision system that has a significant impact on how the world evolves around them.

As they engage in Roman politics and betrayals, gamers get to build their own identity. It’s also one of the few games that give you complete control over your character. You’ll be in Rome. As a politician, your job will be to keep Rome from breaking apart by avoiding hostile attacks. In essence, gamers must aid in the recovery of this civilization. However, because the narrative is set during the fall of the Roman Empire, there is no happy ending.

4. Shadow of Rome

Game Release Year: 2005

Historical Period: 48 BC

Image by Youtube

The storyline is a dramatized account of Julius Caesar’s assassination, centering on two main characters that the player will assume the role of. The first is Agrippa, a warrior whose father is suspected of murdering Caesar and is condemned to combat in gladiatorial theaters. The second is Octavianus, who embarks to prove Agrippa’s father’s righteousness.

In summary, it’s a wonderful chance to witness and participate in the Roman lifestyle. Players appreciate this old Roman game, which they see as both inventive and beautiful.

5. Assassin’s Creed: Origins

Game Release Year: 2017

Historical Period: 49-43 BC

Image by Forbes

The player assumes Bayek, a Medjay, and Aya, his wife, as they fight to defend the people of the Ptolemaic Empire during a period of massive uprisings. The Pharaoh, Ptolemy XIII, battles to preserve his authority while harboring desires to extend his kingdom.

Even though the game is centered in Ancient Egypt during the Ptolemaic period, gamers will still engage with historical personalities such as Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Pompey Magnus, Brutus, Lucius Septimus, and others from Rome’s past.

Image by Youtube

6. Grand Ages: Rome

Game Release Year: 2009

Historical Period: 60-53 BC

Image by Youtube

Grand Ages: Rome is an empire-building and real-time strategy game set during the last period of the Roman Republic. The game depicts actual past events, such as the slave rebellion headed by Spartacus, a former gladiator, and allows players to choose between Julius Caesar and Pompey Magnus.

Players are entrusted with accomplishing missions and establishing a reputation as leaders and politicians. Players must keep the population happy by providing adequate food, religion, and amusement. When players struggle to meet the requirements of their people, crime and sickness may develop, and houses may be abandoned.

The list of best games about Ancient Rome does not end here. It is to get you started. These games not only allow you to get a taste of the Roman culture through characters and settings but also puts you in their shoes. This is because history is not only about learning what happened in the past. You also need to contemplate what could have happened and the possible consequences of those events. This is what these games allow you to do!

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Characters Historical Fiction History Learning Materials

6 Best Games about Alternate History: Learning History the Interesting Way

If you thought video games about history were the ultimate learning tool you needed, you are mistaken. While historic games give you facts and figures about significant past events, games about alternate history allow you to dissect events unlike anything else.

While learning history, often questions are asked about what could have occurred if a single event in history had been altered — a life spared, or possibly a life lost. Thinking about different angles and endings helps gain clarity and understanding about the cause of those events.

You can achieve this in the easiest, funniest way by playing some of the best games about alternate history. These games are incredibly imaginative and thrilling stories that combine genuine historical locations and events with fantasy. Here are some examples that you can try out!

1. Freedom Fighters

Image by Pinterest

After World War II, the US entered the Cold War. The Russian Empire started making its own nuclear arms and financing communist regime reforms worldwide. Although the superpowers never went to war, Freedom Fighters envisions a narrative where the Soviet Union invades New York.

In freedom fighters, you get to take on the role of Chris Stone, who is a plumber-turned-action hero. Together with his brother Troy, he is tasked with gathering rebels and ending the Soviet takeover of New York City.

2. Fallout

Image by Pinterest

In Fallout, China blasted the United States into a radioactive wasteland.  The fact that the 1950s never ended, yet technology evolved, is an intriguing aspect of the game. So, in addition to commercials, music, and fashion from the 1950s, there are robotics and plasma weapons. This difference generates the game’s comic tone amid immense terror, including it in one of the best games about alternate history.

The fallout shows odd equipment that runs on nuclear power because the transistor was never created after World War 2. Fallout uses a reality-based basis and twists it. There might be disastrous variations in how contemporary times played out if something as simple as the transistor was not created — a gadget that many individuals never think about.

3. Homefront

Image by Pinterest

The game’s narrative takes place in the 2010s when North Korea and superpowers clash over the country’s military aggressiveness, which includes a successful nuclear test and the loss of a South Korean ship.

The United States is shown in Homefront in a completely different light than it is presently, with a defense far from the most competitive in the world. As a result, it’s a prime target for a North Korean attack, and it’s up to you to incite a revolt that will liberate the country.

4. Bioshock

Image by Flickr

The alternate history of Bioshock is tough to determine since it exists in several different timelines. Essentially, it occurs in a world when technology progresses at a far quicker rate. This is why, in what seems to be the 1950s, there is essentially futuristic technology.

BioShock transports you to the wreckage of a failed Objectivist civilization. Rapture’s clientele has become substance maniacs addicted to ADAM, a DNA-modifying chemical. You play as Jack, who explores further inside Rapture to learn its mysteries and stop Andrew Ryan, the organization’s commander.

Because cities like Rapture are so remote and cut off from the rest of the world, there isn’t much historical data to draw on. However, it demonstrates a great deal in terms of American customs and beliefs in various situations.

5. Prey

Image by Pinterest

Prey alters history by failing the assassination attempt on President Kennedy, who would live until 2031. This leads to a period of scientific advancement that would result in far more space travel and research. The game goes on to show how you’ll be fleeing from strange aliens that appear to be on the verge of taking over the Earth.

The chronology in the game features humanity’s discovery of the Typhon, aggressive aliens with both physical and mental characteristics. The Typhon was discreetly kidnapped and held in the Kletka space shuttle by the USA and the USSR.

6. We Happy Few

Image by Pinterest

This alternate timeline depicts a World War 2 ending in which Hitler loses power and Germany becomes the German Empire. They then attacked England, which quickly submitted and survived the invasion. Considering how drastically different World War II would have turned out if Germany had control of Great Britain, We Happy Few is dangerously close to reality.

In this game, people living in the Wellington wells had to do something horrible with kids, so they invented a medication to help them recall. This, on the other hand, soon goes downhill. They are joyful because of the drug, but they have no morality. They experience visions and hit anyone who declines to take the pills.

Final Word

Players interested in history may enjoy the mentioned best games about alternate history that explore “what-if?” scenarios. These games follow and modify real history to produce new realities. But because they are based on the authentic culture and technology of the period, you get to learn a lot!

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Characters History History Adventures Learning Materials

Best Video Games About Old West: Take a Trip to the Past

old west games

Video games have evolved into one of the most effective means of transporting oneself to other worlds and timelines. If you love cowboys, you must have imagined yourself decked with the signature cowboy hat and leather boots, sitting on the back of a horse. Unfortunately, it took some time for video games about Old West to catch up.

Western video games are highly influenced by the cowboy media that came before them. Westerns were one of the most prominent cinema genres in the 1950s and 1960s. After a period of decline in the 1970s and 1980s, they resurfaced in the early 1990s. Around the same timeframe, western-themed games began to appear in arcades and on home consoles.

The modest West is an essential part of American identity. You must have heard about popular TV shows like Westworld and movies like Unforgiven. When the gaming developers chose to take on the responsibility of recreating the American West into our lives, they were under a lot of pressure to succeed. Fortunately, a few of them have completely grasped what it means to be a cowboy.

1.      Call of Juarez: Gunslinger

Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is an action-adventure game. While it has an unrelated narrative from its prequels, it is set in Wild West-like them. The entire concept and execution are brilliant, and the game makes excellent use of the historical context by seamlessly integrating it into the gameplay. You’ll have a blast shooting your way through Silas Greaves’ fascinating narrative and bringing down famous thieves along the way.

In fact, it’s Gunslinger’s narration that really stands out. Enemies, locations, and even time can alter right in front of your eyes as the levels mold themselves around the presented story. All of this adds up to an unexpected, extremely fun, and distinctive combat in Call of Juarez: Gunslinger.

2.      Red Dead Redemption

Red Dead Redemption is, without a doubt, one of the best video games about the old West. It is set around the start of the twentieth century when the unregulated and unpredictable badlands gave way to the government’s growing reach and the development of the Industrial Era.

Red Dead Redemption tells the narrative of former bandit John Marston and leads players on a grand adventure through the American wilderness. Players will face the intensity of gunfights and skirmishes, encounter a diverse cast of people, and combat the severity of one of the world’s few surviving wildernesses along the journey.

Red Dead Redemption is the only game that has taken a passionate and powerful approach to the era. The game not only depicts a previous world but also helps the player think about current events. It’s a must-play for everyone who enjoys the genre or good action adventures overall. Imagine if Red Dead Redemption was such a masterpiece, its successor Red Dead Redemption 2, must have really blown everyone away!

3.      Gun

Image from Gamespot

Until games like Red Dead Redemption were released that effectively mastered the western genre, videogames like Gun aimed to do the same thing only a generation before. Gun is a bold game set in the untamed West of the late-1800s. In an epic narrative of betrayal, greed, and vengeance, players journey across an action-packed wilderness setting, deserts, and busy towns.

You will get to participate in various side quests to improve your gun-slinging and horseback riding skills. Players can discover secret weapons and improve talents and abilities to increase the performance of their weaponry. With such refined gameplay, the only thing to complain about was that it could have been longer!

4.      Hard West

When a terrible sequence of affairs pushes one man onto a road of supernatural disaster and wrath, he must chase down all those who have mistreated him. You have to fight and survive in 8 different story-based situations, as well as over 40 uniquely created turn-based combat operations with your own team of 1-4 people.

Image from Ocean of Games

Characters are engaging, the visuals are fantastic, and the soundtrack is impressive in the Hard West. It is one of the most entertaining videogames of the old West, thanks to its excellent portrayal of history and the implications of your actions.

5.      Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive

Image from hdpcgames

Desperados is a western-style game of strategic and tactical performance. In this character-based game, you’re recruited to hunt the bandits guilty for a train heist in the early Western frontier and must lead Cooper and his gang through 25 stages.

You are responsible for invading an enemy base, rescuing a team member, or fleeing an attack. What is there to complain about with striking visuals, realistic locations, and fascinating and unique characters? Nothing at all!  Desperados 2 Cooper’s revenge is a direct sequel to the previous game and is also surely worth checking out!

6.      Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath

Image from nintendo.co.uk

The game puts you in the position of The Stranger, a mysterious and dreaded bounty hunter. Stranger hunts and captures criminals throughout the game to receive rewards. The final aim is to gather enough moolah (in-game currency) to fund a mystery life-saving surgery.

Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath is a science fiction game largely influenced by western films. It is genuinely creative in its gameplay execution. With its beautiful and finely created masterwork, it provides a gaming experience unlike any other.

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Characters History History Adventures Learning Materials

Assassin’s Creed Games: Making History Lessons Fun

70+ Assassin's Creed II HD Wallpapers | Background Images
Photo by AlphaCoders

If you thought time travel was a farfetched possibility, you might be interested to see how you can experience something like it in your history class. Ever since the release of Assassin’s Creed in 2007, the video game has become more of an interactive history resource than just a game. You can travel back as far as the time of Alexandria or find yourself in the streets of Victorian London. With its variety of historical settings, characters and, detailed simulations, Assassin’s Creed is in fact a historical playground!

This article will evaluate and rank the Assassin’s Creed series in order of their historical engagement. Along with the game itself, the recent introduction of the Discovery feature lets you explore 75 guided tours ranging from 5-25 minutes. Gear up to experience history with one of the most popular action-adventure games!

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (2010)

Photo by Ubisoft

This 2010 release is one of the most historically accurate Assassin’s Creed games. It gives you the chance to explore the Rome of 1499 with brilliantly detailed settings! This is the first chapter where Ezio travels to Rome, and the game is centered around dealing with Cesare Borgia. While you learn about Borgia’s fight for power in history books, Brotherhood lets you meet him and experience his temperament!

Assassin’s Creed III (2012)

Photo by G Style Magzine

Assassin’s Creed III sits next in line as the most engaging game come history lesson. This time, you are taken back to the historical marker of the American Revolution. Participate in the turmoil looming around Northern American in the late 1700s and meet the important figures firsthand! Beyond just reading the names of people like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, this game offers you the chance to interact with them. As the game lets you scramble through old America, find yourself eliminating the colonial Templars and scheme against the assassinators of George Washington. You are at the front line of history! 

Assassin’s Creed (2007)

Photo by Ubisoft

The first edition of the series teaches history through an interesting mix of history and science fiction. Experience the Third Crusade with Desmond Miles. As you walk through The Holy Land, the assassins in this game take a neutral position with no strong side. In the quest for an artifact, the game provides a compelling narrative of the ancestors in the Third Crusades.

Assassin’s Creed: Unity (2014)

Photo by Ubisoft

Imagine Napoleon Bonaparte before he became the iconic general of his time! Unity provides a memorable experience of the events of the French Revolution. French Revolution was easily one of the turning points witnessed by the world. The game follows after Abstergo commercializes the Animus technology, so users can expect a reliving of the history of technology and entertainment. Ubisoft also managed to put forth a detailed replica of notable buildings like Notre Dame. Walk around France as you experience the political turmoil and differing ideas punctuating the French Revolution!

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)

Photo by Ubisoft

Travel back in the time of Pirates with Black Flag! Pirates are undoubtedly one of the most interesting historical characters. Black Flag does a great job at depicting the age of pirates as users control Edward Kenway. As you play Black Flag, you are bound to put on your pirate hats since you will be navigating hugs maps, sailing in all directions, and unraveling the case between Templars within the British and Spanish empires!

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey (2018)

Photo by Ubisoft

Prepare to indulge in the longest game of the series with Odyssey! Going farther than the Egyptian times is a challenging task, but Odyssey makes a great attempt at depicting that world. Relive the years between 431-422 and witness the Peloponnesian War. As the game puts you in the shoes of a sellsword, you get to decide how the narrative in Greece unfolds.

Learning Through the Discovery Tours

Photo by Ubisoft

The introduction of Discovery Tours makes the Assassin’s Creed series a perfect fit for history lessons. With voice-over guides and details, the tours encapsulate everything from routine tasks to monuments and various settlers. Along with action adventures, you can also perform tasks like inscribing scrolls and kneading bread! The tours are made incredibly interactive with a variety of avatars to choose from.

Conclusion

It is evident that tons of historical research have gone into the creation of the series. They are changing the way history is learned and experienced in classrooms. The open worlds and historical timelines are splendidly depicted in every game. While each chapter does vary in terms of historical accuracy, you can expect to absorb plenty of facts and events as you enjoy playing the game!

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Characters History History Adventures

Dynasty Warriors: How Historically Accurate Is It?

dynasty warriors
dynasty warriors, a fascinating history game

You might argue that a video game has to be historically accurate before it is called a history game. What is the point of playing a history game if it has misleading facts and exaggerated stories?

However, we need to understand that when other sources inspire games, they tend to version it. To achieve drama and ensure entertainment, the creators will change the narrative to sensationalize it.

Dynasty Warriors, created by Omega Force and Koei, is a Japanese hack and slash video game. Before we decide how historically accurate the game is, let’s go through its chain of inspiration. The longer the chain, the more likelihood of changes occurring in the transition.

Chain of Inspiration

Image from Medium

This phenomenal hack-and-slash game series was prompted by Toei’s previous turn-based strategy game “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.” The strategy game takes its title from the same-named classic novel by Luo Guanzhong, which is one of traditional Chinese literature’s four great masterpieces.

Surprisingly the chain does not end here. That story is inspired by the late Han-era historian Chen Shou’s Chinese historical document “Records of the Three Kingdoms.”

As a result, despite the powerful epic aspects, the basis of the narrative is firmly grounded in reality. The names used are also kept from the historical document. However, it’s fair that the creator took full advantage of his creative freedom to make the game more attractive to a broader audience.

Concept

The central concept of the series was that it let the player be a “one-man army” against the thousands of opponents in ancient China. Even though academics agreed that battles between the two generals were exceedingly rare, Koei included exaggerated actions.

It recreated legendary battles that you may have read about and allows you to feel what it was like to be the greatest warrior of the day. It was undoubtedly uncommon at the time; even now, action games generally only have a few rivals to battle at a time.

With simple commands, players could do superhuman actions comparable to those performed by heroes from ancient myths.  Dynasty Warriors does an excellent job at it by allowing you to put yourself in the position of legendary fighters and experience their epic triumphs.

Image from standard.co.uk

You never again have to listen to or watch the account of Zhao Yun battling through the hordes of Cao Cao’s army; you may now fight the armies yourself and emerge victoriously.

Characters

Characters are an essential part of any narrative. The authenticity of the story depends on how realistically the people involved were portrayed. Despite being based on historical figures, the Dynasty Warriors game series is infamous for altering how specific historical figures were shown in Romance of the Three Kingdoms or ancient texts.

Image from proprofs.com

Zhang He was not the tall, egotistical guy shown in Dynasty Warriors. However, because he lacked other distinguishing characteristics, such as Xu Huang’s ax, Koei transformed him into a crazy character, entirely unlike the actual person. However, while new characters were continually being added to the roster, such characterization made various characters stand out.

Image from dynasty warriors fandom

Some protagonists, such as Zhuge Liang, Sima Yi, and Zuo Ci, have the power to wield magic in their assault, which adds a touch of mystique to the plot. Young women who did not engage in any conflicts in the text or reality (excluding Zhurong and Wang Yi) are presented as dangerously strong females with outstanding combat skills and weaponry.

Image from YouTube

Take another example, Lu Bü: Koei depicts him as the most powerful fighter of all, a frightening and powerful figure whom everyone fears. As per the source, he was a cunning man who lacked dignity and made several disastrous political and military decisions. As far as I recall, there is no talk of him being a great fighter anywhere; in fact, he is shown as more of a foolish person. That’s quite a change.

That’s essentially what they do with the majority of the characters. Most of them are only shortly described or not at all in Three Kingdoms. So Koei gives them a unique attitude and unexpected cool features. Understandably so, it’d be pretty dull if everyone looked and acted the same.

The video game may be derived from historical text, but it is nevertheless a videogame. To gain audience and popularity, it needs to have strong, bold characters with personalities users enjoy.

Conclusion

The Dynasty Warrior is a perfect game for children to learn about Chinese history. It allows them to think critically about why historical events developed the way they did and even consider alternate endings. This will encourage them more to read and research about history in ways textbook teaching will not be able to.

One thing to keep in mind regarding Koei’s historical simulation is that they don’t claim to be completely accurate. The purpose of the game is to instigate historical interest.  To learn more about the real history behind Dynasty Warriors parents can help children read the following:

  • Chinese Dynasties for Kids by Keith Goodman
  • Ancient History for Kids: Emperors of China by Left Brain Kids.

Happy learning!

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Big History Characters History History Adventures Learning Materials

6 Amazing Video Games About Ancient Japan

video games about history
Ancient japan video games

Beyond anime and manga, video games set in ancient Japan are excellent expressions of the rich Japanese culture. They can change the way you learn about the history of Japan, the important figures involved, and its scenic ancient landscapes. You can also relive some of the most popular Japanese folklores while you sit behind a screen with your console!

If you haven’t yet paid this country a visit, playing a video game set in old Japan is a great way to start your first journey! This article puts together 6 video games about ancient Japan that offer you a chance to travel back to the time of feudal samurai and ninjas!  

Total War Shogun 2: Fall of the Samurai

Photo by MobyGames

Ever imagined how life would look like as a clan leader in ancient Japan?  Prepare to enter the period of warring Sengoku with the Fall of Samurai! Released in 2012, this PC game is centered around the age of growing clan culture in Japan, so you can expect several clan wars your way. As a clan leader, you will find yourself reclaiming your Japanese clan’s power and taking control of Kyoto. Get ready to intervene in an interesting period of Japan!

Ōkami

Photo by Ninetendo

It is time to become the hero of a story inspired by Japanese mythology! Playing Ōkami promises an incredible experience of classical Japan for the users. Players wander around the streets of ancient Japan as the goddess of the sun – Amaterasu.

The video game has a compelling narrative with a creative folklore twist. If Japanese legends were challenging to memorize in class, this video game would be a turning point for you. More than just a game, it is a learning experience about Japanese spiritual practices, legends, and myths! This action-adventure game was released in 2006 and is available on Play Station 2,3,4, Wii, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

Picture by Den of Geek

Ghost of Tsushima

Picture by Den of Geek

Ghost of Tsushima is one of the best games to play if you are interested in some ancient roleplaying. As Jin, you take up the role of the protagonist who is on the mission to save his village. Set during the first Mongol invasion, the game has several one-on-one combats. While you roam around the feudal Japanese countryside, you will also encounter many historical landmarks. This game is highly cinematic, with special attention paid to the setting details. This is your chance to participate in ancient battles happening in ancient Japan! This 2020 release streams on Play Station 4 and 5.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Picture by WCCFtech

If you have heard about ninjas in books, it is time you take up the character of a ninja yourself! Travel back to the years between 1467 and 1615 in Japan with Shadows Die Twice. This game lets you step into the shoes of a Shinobi who is on the quest for revenge. Not only that, but you also get to experience the brutalities and turmoil encapsulating the late 1500’s Sengoku Japan. While the game is mostly centered around head-to-head combats and ninja abilities, the setting and story are also a great chance to get a taste of Japanese Buddhism! Shadows Die Twice was released in 2019 for Win, PS4, and Xbox One, while it started streaming on Stadia by late 2020.

Way of the Samurai

Picture by DFGames

Samurai were some of the key figures in Japanese history. This goes back to their role as exceptional warriors and their impact on Japanese culture and heritage to date. As you play Way of the Samurai, you will be on the frontline of the period between the fall of Tokugawa Shogunate and the rise of Meiji. This game does not only depict the traditional street culture of ancient Japan but also gives a heads up for how the military class evolved. This video game is all about exploration, side-quests, and mini-games where players get to decide how the narrative concludes! This made its way into the market in 2002 and is available on Play Station and Play Station portable.

Tenchu

Picture by The world of news

Experience what it is like to walk around a reimagined 16th century Japan with Tenchu. This video game provides an exciting adventure of directly encountering assassinations. However, this is no ordinary assassination game since you will be handed all the ninja moves and powers on your journey. This stealth game lets you experiment with Japanese weapons and tools to spy for Lord Gohda. Put on your ninja masks because you are about to get teleported to the time of ancient Japanese Ninja clans! The latest Tenchu release was in 2009. You can experience this marvelous game streaming on PlayStation 2, Xbox, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, and Wii.

Conclusion

These video games are not only action-packed but also serve as great lessons about Japan’s historical geography and the fascinating civilizations that inhabited it. By reliving characters of different Samurai, warriors, and ninjas, players learn about the evolution of Japanese heritage. These games also incorporate detailed settings to make the experience of walking around ancient Japan as realistic as possible. Turns out you can travel to ancient Japan from the comfort of your sofa!

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Fascinating Depiction of Pirates in Visual Media: Making Learning Fun

Image from Pinterest

If there’s one thing the majority of people would agree on, it’s that pirates are one of the coolest bunch of people to have ever lived on planet Earth.

Some might refer to pirates as evil because they kill and steal. But don’t they look fascinating while doing so? And that is precisely why these bewitching people have gained so much popularity and have become an important part of pop culture. Pirates started making appearances in movies, books, and other visual media in the late 18th century.

This blog post sheds light on the depiction and accuracy of pirates in visual media such as movies, comics, books, and video games. Happy reading!

Pirates in Movies

From Treasure Island and Black Bear Ghost to Pirates of the Caribbean and Muppet Treasure Island, the movies created on pirates are nothing short of brilliant entertainment. Seeing these fascinating characters fighting hard and showing their skills with ropes to attack the ships is truly an incredible experience.

As extraordinary as these fictional characters in the movies are, are they accurate? Let’s look at one example of a famous character and its historical accuracy.

Jack Sparrow in The Pirates of the Caribbean Movies

Image released by Disney

Played by Johnny Depp, Captain Jack Sparrow is a lovable character who ends up on the side of the good people. Jack Sparrow is smart and can charm his way out of troubles that present themselves to him.

It wouldn’t be unfair to call the depiction of pirates in this movie inaccurate. Jack was a leading member of the Brethren Court, representing the Brethren of the Coast in the late 17th century. In reality, these weren’t pirates but buccaneers and privateers. Moreover, Jack preferred to use his intelligence instead of force and power: a preference that most pirates stayed away from. Other depictions of his characters like turning undead as part of an Aztec curse are inaccurate too.

Pirates in Comics

How to make pirates more interesting? By making them a part of comics, of course. Pirates in comics have grabbed the attention of many kids and adults, sparking an interest in them to learn more about their exciting history.

These fictional characters go on exciting missions to steal and showcase their extraordinary skills. Of course, not all of these fictional characters are evil; some are on the side of the good too. But is that what real pirates are known for? Let’s have a look at an example.

Image by Den of Geek

Captain Harlock played a space pirate in the manga series “Space pirate Captain Harlock.” He is known as a fair and deeply moral man. Even though he is a pirate, he doesn’t do much stealing. In fact, he is even good to his enemies, something the real pirates are not known for.

When talking about piracy, most people picture pirates stealing and fighting on the seas. But that’s not accurate, at least not anymore. Being a pirate is a profession, and now, pirates definitely do not shy away from showcasing their skills in space too.

Pirates in Books

Image by Goodreads

Perhaps the most accurate medium about pirates depiction in visual media and their thriller lifestyles is books. One such book is Blackbeard: The Birth of America, written by Samuel Marquis. This book dug deep into the naval lifestyle of the famous golden age of piracy in the 17th century.

An illustration of Blackbeard, the famed pirate (North Wind Picture Archives / Alamy Stock Photo)

The writer focuses on the life and death of Edward Teach, playing the character Blackbeard in his book. Edward had an impact on early American history as well. He was one of the earliest revolutionaries who made a difference in the American Revolutionary war that was faced by North America about 50 years after his death.

Pirates in Video Games

When talking about pirates depiction in visual media, one can’t ignore video games. Perhaps children’s favorite! We don’t get to see a lot of games that adopt an accurate setting of the Golden Age of Piracy, but the famous game, “Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag,” comes the closest. This game portrays a Caribbean setting of the 18th century into fictionalized storylines.

Image by Wallpaper Cave

Black Flag introduced the concept of sea travel, making the game even more interesting to play. Players can travel across the Caribbean and visit cities such as Kingston and Havana. Spanish, English, and Pirates are the three main factions present in these areas. Players have the option to either fight or trade with them.

Famous pirates like Blackbeard, Thatch, Calico, Mary Read, and Stede Bonnet cross paths in the game with captain Kenway, the main character in the game.

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BEST Historical Games to Play When You’re Quarantined

Searching for the best historical video games out there? Wait no more! Read through this blog and discover the most marvelous historical video games you might want to play.

Discover WWII as you experience post-D-Day Europe on the quest to defeat Evil Nazi zombies and bring peace to the world.

Here at History Adventures, we find gamers who love history and anything about it as the coolest people ever! With that, we have prepared a list of the top 5 BEST Historical Video Games that will make your historical dreams come true. Just to warn you, these historical video games are too cool, you might install them all at once!

Have you ever thought of jumping into different historical timelines while playing through your gaming console, PC, or laptop? Check out this awesome list of the BEST Historical Video Games you can play!

1.) CALL OF DUTY: WWII

If you’ve watched “Band of Brothers,” “Saving Private Ryan,” or frankly any other WWII movie made in the last three decades, you will find yourself familiar with Call of Duty: WWII. Being one of the best historical video games, you play a soldier in the legendary 1st Division as a Texan country boy. Between missions, you can talk to the boys about the girl’s return home and what other things you can all do rather than fight and give up your lives. Your teammates include some familiar metaphors from the war story: a bespectacled nerd, a smart and opinionated Jewish boy from Chicago, a rude sergeant, “ordered above all else” played by Josh Duhamel.

Unlike any ordinary historical video game, the only character who can inspire you with even a reasonable emotional response is a Chicago boy who becomes your best friend when you save his life on the first mission. This link is very prominent throughout the game, between the fierce heart and the heart. Unfortunately, the remaining actors managed to incorporate unique combinations, although it was clear that one of the later rounds was designed to show undeserved depth. War movies depend on the bond you establish with the characters, giving them the weight and meaning of sacrifice. Without a solid emotional hook, even a significant skill in the game fell through; this is just a tiny episode in ousting the German Reich with this masterpiece included in our best historical video games list.

Call of Duty: World War II is a fantastic comeback to the original historica game “Call of Duty”, this one of the best historical video games set during World War II in the span of a whole decade. In many ways, the sequel got revamped into a more reliable, lower-key military shooter, rather than Michael Bay and Ken Burns. The desire to tell a realistic and compassionate story is constantly at odds with making a compelling first-person shooter game. The player travels through hordes of ordinary infantry. As a result, the final product is improved.

2.) Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla

“Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla” is one of the best historical video games
released in November 2020. It is, by far, the most exciting game the “Assassin’s Creed” developers have created. At the same time, Ubisoft’s latest stealth RPG legend has evolved into a mature action game with some RPG elements. AC: Valhalla is also a cross-generation game designed to showcase the powerful features of the new console.

Running in a substantial open-world off the coast of Medieval England, the story of the Viking King, Eivor, approximately runs up to 60 total hours. There are different plots and a lot of swordsmanships. AC: Valhalla is a massive expansion of the “Assassin’s Creed” game itself. A fascinating story about family, faith, conquest and survival, and the characters driving the narrative are surrounded by mystery and mythology.

You play as Eivor, the Viking chief of the Crow clan. The game mechanics will change the gender of the character at different times in the game. Either way, you can choose your type at the beginning of the game. Eivor brought his people to the unknown land of England in the 9th century, familiar with the famous Great Heathen Army invasion of Anglo-Saxon Britain in the 860s.

3.) Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima takes its place in our best historical video games list due to its concept revolving around fictional characters that portray true-to-life historical icons. It is inspired by the true story of the Imperial Mongolian invasion of Japan from Tsushima in 1274. In the game, you control Sakai Town, played by Takashiro Daisuke Tsuji, who began life as a samurai before the disastrous battle with the Mongol invaders–such an instance quickly taught him that perhaps the glorious but restrictive approach of the Samurai Code seems to be inefficient to topple the existing threat. 

Soul of Tsushima revolves around the aforementioned inner conflict because Jin’s meditations triggered his need to save his home at all costs. However, it took a long time for him to get started due to such a compelling fight. Horton Khan, one of the most memorable game villains in recent memory, thanks to his gentle intensity and despite his terrifying intentions, is a surprisingly calm Mongol warrior-king that Jin needs to defeat once and for all. 

Soul of Tsushima is like a witch mixture made from pieces of Pre-Origins Assassin’s Creeds, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and the entire Kurosawa movie library. And, just as the mix of witches is often, the results are magical. Like all great combat systems, it is easy to understand on the surface:

  • A light attack can cause damage quickly and defeat a slower attack.
  • A heavy attack can cause more damage and can cut off the enemy’s guards.
  • The lock button can protect some Attacks and dodge regulators to avoid unprotected attacks.

4.) Battlefield V

Enter the most notable conflict between humanity through Battlefield 5, as the series returns to its roots with an unparalleled depiction of World War II. Call your team to victory in a new way and let the battlefield become your advantage. Form your battalion of customized soldiers, weapons and vehicles, and then lead them through the tide of war on an epic journey. Experience the most intense and immersive battlefield. You will surely never be the same after discovering Battlefield V’s unique features.

Battlefield V blatantly tells you about its world-class gaming features. The nature of the film produced is not limited to DICE’s excellent storytelling. The game begins with a series of tasting tasks. A map called Hamada is set in the ruins of North Africa, and as the fighting continued, it was further destroyed. This crazy tank battle will let you enjoy such a fun game.

Battlefield is a set of menus to introduce you to flavors you don’t know you like. It is worth mentioning that DICE does not instil a liberal agenda in the game. It uses the background of the world’s greatest conflict as a canvas to represent human stories.

5.) God of War 4

“God of War” is historical fiction, an action-adventure game created by Santa Monica Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). Global release on April 20, 2018, for PlayStation 4 (PS4) and the eighth installment in the God of War series. The eighth installment in chronological order is the sequel to the 2010 God of War III.

God of War series is Sony’s premier action-adventure game sequel, providing excellent action, free-form combination systems and inspiring fantasy settings for multiple generations of game consoles. The series has never been particularly technical in combat, but the game provides players with sufficient skills without being overwhelming or demanding. This new God of War entry is a new adaptation of the Sony PlayStation 4 set.

The God of War extracted the fierce Kratos from his Greek homeland and brought him to Midgard, the central realm of Norse mythology. The game takes place at an uncertain time after the move, and Kratos’ new life begins in the cold desert. With the death of his wife, Kratos and his son Atreus ventured to the highest peak in the neighboring area of ​​Jotunheim to scatter his ashes.

We bet you enjoyed our short but noteworthy list of the most awesome, best historical video games that has surely ended up on your download bucket-list today!

Heads up for our next upcoming blog! Where we will show you the best Assassin’s Creed sequels that intertwines history with the marvel of gaming and world-class storylines. Stay tuned!

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Historical Movies: Best Non-US Patriotic Movies

Outlaw King by History Adventures
Outlaw King - best non-us patriotic movies
Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk relives the suspense rescue of joint British and French forces from the Nazis in the last allied pocket in 1940 Dunkirk, France.

Admit it, watching historical movies gives you a realistic depiction of what could have happened in the past. With a taste of drama, action, adventure, or even satire and comedy, films with historical references are extraordinary. In a world of modern cinematographic themes and storylines, why not discover the wonders of historical movies?

As the CoVID-19 Pandemic continues to lock you down at home, you might be running out of movies to watch with your streaming apps. Luckily, we prepared a list of some of the must-watch historical films you should add to your interests.

1.)   BRAVEHEART

Directed by one of the legendary Hollywood actors and directors, Mel Gibson plays the role of Scottish national hero and warrior William Wallace. Whether you are Scottish or not, historical movies like Braveheart sends a highly inspiring feeling that triggers an uncontainable sense of patriotism. The story is set in 14th Century Great Britain during the reign of King Edward I Longshanks (played by Patrick McGoohan) and his rather insane heir, Edward, The Prince of Wales (Peter Hanly).

The elder Edward’s reign succumbs to several major crises against the Scots of the north due to his radical campaign of expanding England’s reaches to Scotland, Wealas (Wales), and Hibernia (Ireland). William Wallace, son of an executed Scottish noble, resorted to rioting after his newly wedded wife, Murron MacClannough, was killed by English soldiers. Such an act will eventually spark the Scottish War for Independence.

From the title itself, Braveheart sends a triggering feed to the hearts of its watchers. The sad reality of the Medieval Age’s gruesome daily life also tells you more about the Scots’ conditions under the tyrannic rule of Edward Longshanks. The Braveheart of Mel Gibson’s William Wallace will witness love, triumph, loss, and death.

2.)   OUTLAW KING

Directed by David MacKenzie, his 2016 film Hell or High Water was nominated for Best Picture Oscar (Mackenzie himself should also be selected for the director). Starring Chris Pine as the Scottish King Robert the Bruce, which is known for his exemplary performance in Hell or High Water. Outlaw King tells the gripping story of persistent rebellion, betrayal and love in adversity.

Outlaw King is one of those historical movies which revolves around the Post-Wallace period —after the brutal execution of Scotland’s Braveheart, who was hanged, drawn, and quartered. One of Wallace’s accomplices, Robert the Bruce, son of Robert the Bruce, son of Robert the Bruce, son of Robert the Bruce (and it goes on…)  played by Chris Pine, resumes the Scottish War for Independence after dissenting against the old and imbecile King Edward Longshanks. Bruce and his people faces the struggle of trying to topple the world’s greatest military force and most brutal overlord—England.

You can think of Outlaw King as a sequel to Braveheart, with some overlap between the beginning of the new Mackenzie film and the ending of the 23-year-old best picture winner Mel Gibson. Both films take love as the axis, and historical events and actions revolve around it. The protagonists are unwilling to participate in the war. Still, they are driven by a sense of justice and a higher sense of mission, from King Robert de Brus’ multiple epic battle sequences, mud, blood and internal organs deep in the knees.

3.)   DUNKIRK

One of the renowned award-winning director Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece, Dunkirk, sends you back to the height of Germany’s invasion of France and western Europe in 1940. Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk” project subtly reversed the family trilogy: land, sea and air. Nolan discussed the week of fighting during World War II from May 26 to June 4, 1940, and the efforts to rescue the British and French forces in these three parts gave the time frame for each piece.

Therefore, the film has leapt in time, and every action clue is advancing irregularly until these three clues form the film’s apparent conclusion. It successfully retreated more than 300,000 soldiers (of which about three-thirds). The second is British, and the other is British soldier). -The third French) from Dunkirk, France, across the English Channel to England. Of course, retaining this fighting force is crucial to preserving Britain and the result of the war; retreat is a failure to help ensure victory.

Nolan’s construction turns a step forward into a mosaic, breaking the sense of unifying the arc of drama in a series of observing anecdotes, isolated events and isolated confrontations. It highlights individual bravery and heroic behaviors, which depend on the infinite details of choices and opportunities, while general historical events depend on these details. By separating the three intermediate lines and the field of action, Nolan hints at the seemingly miraculous synergy of uncertainty, uncertainty, quasi-metaphysical randomness, and the different events that make up the result.

4.)   OPERATION FINALE

In 1960, Mossad agents arrested Adolf Eichmann in Buenos Aires, and Eichmann was extradited to Israel, where he will be tried next year, in the story of Chris Weitz (Chris Weitz) dramatizes the new film “The Finale” in the style of a thriller. The film is cleverly divided into three parts: action, backstory and teaching elements. They are intertwined throughout the film, but each provides a unique emotion and triggers different ideas; they can also be other movies.

The protagonist Peter Malkin (Oscar Isaac), is a young agent who first appeared in Austria in 1954. He was wrong: to hunt down another Nazi, he killed an innocent person. His boss Isser Harel (Lior Raz), did not deny this fault, but he still has confidence in Peter and made him a key figure in the team that went to Argentina to search for and kidnap Eichmann. Eichmann’s (Ben Kingsley) arrest asked him not to scream or try to escape, so Dr Hannah Regoff (Melanie Laurent) also appeared to calm him down. But Hannah also turned out to be Peter’s predecessor, and he wanted to restart their relationship.

The backstory includes scenes from the massacre, depicting the murder of Peter’s sister Fruma (Rita Pauls) and her young son, and shows Eichmann as a commander or at least an overseer A scene from the massacre in which Jews were forced to enter a well, were forced to dig and were then shot dead by a group of Nazi troops. Weitz’s cinematic imagination cannot cope with these unbearable, almost inexpressible horrors. The film’s main plot is to get Eichmann (who lives in Argentina under the pseudonym Ricardo Clement) from incarceration in Israel.

5.)   THE RESISTANCE BANKER

Based on a true story, the Dutch Netflix original Resistance Banker is a slow and suffocating tense movie. Driven by gritty realism and an accurate representation of the Nazi-occupied countries, Resistance Banker is an impressive film worth watching, even if its rhythm makes it no longer a fascinating movie. The background of THE RESISTANCE BANKER is the troubled World War II and the Nazi-occupied Amsterdam.

The story tells the banker Walraven Van Hall (Barry Azma) at a critical moment of World War II who decided to fund the Dutch resistance to the Nazis. With the help of their brother Gis van Hall (Jacob De Wig), the two began to transfer money from the bank to the hands of the resistance movement to stop the German war machine. Of course, things are not inevitably that simple. What follows is an organized game of cat and mouse because the resistance movement tries to frustrate the Nazis because they find out what they are doing while finding out if there are any discoveries. Try not to find spies in the middle.

“Wally” began working in the French resistance long before the Nazis invaded France and secretly formed an alliance with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts organizations, helping to save the lives of thousands of war orphans. Under the guise of a charitable fund, Walraven van Hall helped Dutch sailors stranded abroad due to the war to launder money for their shadow bank. Like many Dutch historical movies, it tells a story worth knowing about the little-known heroes of WWII.

These are just five (5) of the best nationalistic historical movies. Just in case you have exhausted your movie list after watching these remarkable films, watch out for our next blog! Get ready to know about the five (5) highest-grossing historical series!