After a game that focuses on a historical period? There are a few games that offer just that, and in this list, we’re highlighting them. In 2022, players can go through some of these period piece games, whether it’s military focus or building up ancient Egyptian civilizations. With that said, don’t consider these games ranked just yet. There are quite a few games yet to be released, so the games could easily change around by the time 2022 officially wraps.
Disclaimer: Builders of Egypt, Six Days in Fallujah, Company of Heroes 3, Men of War II, Pharaoh: A New Era was removed due to be delayed.
#13 Pentiment
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios / Microsoft Studios
Platform: PC Xbox One XSX|S
Release Date: November 15, 2022
No historically set game commits itself to the cause quite like Pentiment. The game instantly jumps off the screen with its incredibly unique, but historically respectful look, while its narrative-driven plot focuses heavily on character development, and choice-driven storytelling in early 16th century Bavaria. Pentiment can unfold in a range of different ways based upon the decisions you make guaranteeing you’ll want to take this historical romp for a spin multiple times.
#12 Victoria 3
Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Platform: PC
Release date: October 25, 2022
Many people have ideas on how to “rule a nation” should they ever get the chance. But in Victoria 3, you’ll not only have that chance, but you’ll also have the opportunity to do it in various ways with dozens of potential nations to rule.
The twist is that you’ll do it in 100 years. From 1836-1936 you will reign, and you must see how far you can advance your nation through that time.
What kind of leader will you choose to be? You can be a leader who works with the people to grow or one that dominates the wills of others to achieve your goals. Or perhaps you’ll go for a middle ground? The choice is yours.
#11 We Who Are About To Die
Developer: Jordy Lakiere
Publisher: Jordy Lakiere
Platform: PC
Release date: November 15, 2022.
In Ancient Rome, the Coliseum was famous for its Gladiator matches. Warriors would fight to the death, and only one would be victorious!
Now it’s your turn to don the armor of the Gladiator and test your luck in the arenas of Rome! First, choose your fighter and how they’re built, then slowly build up your reputation so you can get better fights in better venues!
Just remember, you only have one life. If you die, you start over again. You’ll have complete control of your character in a deep combat system that grows with the weapons you pick.
Can you become a true legend of the Coliseum?
#10 Fire & Maneuver
- Release date: July 16, 2022
- Publisher: Armchair History Interactive
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
- Developers: Armchair History Interactive, Targon Studios
Fire & Maneuver is a very special kind of history game. Why is that? Because it was made by actual historians who wanted to make something that would both adhere to history, while also breaking it when they felt it fun.
In the game you’ll be set in the Victorian era and have fights all across Europe. You’ll only focus on the battles here though, and as a result, it will truly be your strategies that allow you to be victories, or to fail in disgrace.
Trace the paths of history, or decide to go and break it and see how things would’ve played out! You’ll be back by accurate units, weapons and strategies, so see if you can make it something that is all yours!
#8 Gerda: A Flame in Winter
- Release date: September 1, 2022
- Developer: PortaPlay
- Publisher: Don’t Nod
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
Gerda: A Flame in Winter is the very definition of an “untold story” that many of you will want to learn about.
Because the game is set in World War II in a Danish village that is overrun with German soldiers. You will play as Gerda, a nurse who wants nothing more than to protect her friends and neighbors from the threat that is very imminent. But how far will Gerda go to do that?
That’s up to you. Use your knowledge of the town and its people in order to handle the threats ahead. The ending of the game will depend on how you handled things in words and in deeds. Be prepared to live with the consequences.
#8 Old World
- Developer: Mohawk Games
- Publisher: Hooded Horse
- Platform: PC
- Release: May 19, 2022
In this vast 4X strategy game, Old World puts you in charge of a dynasty in the making. You’ll be in the ancient era and have to go and build your empire that will make everyone else jealous!
But while the gameplay is important, the characters that you play as and mingle with are just as important to driving the story forward. Because your heirs, the noble houses you deal with, and whom you appoint to watch over cities and such will determine how well your dynasty will last.
What kind of kingdom will you create? What kind of unique inventions will you make in order to further your advancement? Will your family and subjects stick by you at the end? Jump in and find out.
#7 Trek to Yomi
- Developer: Leonard Menchiari, Flying Wild Hog
- Publisher: Devovler Digital
- Platform: PS4, X/S, PC, XBO, PS5
- Release: 2022
Trek To Yomi is an upcoming samurai game, and it’s looking to be quite the cinematic experience. Players here are taking the role of a young swordsman named Hiroki, who has taken a vow. With his master dead, Hiroki has devoted his life to protecting his village and those he loves. Meanwhile, developers have crafted this game to be a black and white cinematic-style experience. Visually, Trek To Yomi should look like an old-school samurai movie.
You’ll explore the different towns and environments while slicing your way against enemies that pop up. You’ll find that the game is more of a 2.5D setup, so don’t go into it thinking it’ll be another Ghost of Tsushima game. However, we’re left waiting for more footage to come out showcasing the title and its release date. At the moment, we don’t have a specific date attached to the game yet besides the 2022 launch window.
#6 Beyond the Wire
- Release date: August 31, 2022
- Developer: Redstone Interactive
- Publisher: Offworld Industries
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
In Beyond The Wire, players will return to the bloody battlefields and muddy trenches of World War 1. In this game, they’ll be able to experience the grim brutality of the Great War in high-stakes 50v50 multiplayer FPS combat encounters. The title makes use of historically accurate weaponry, tanks and maps in its gameplay, which will see players facing off as troops from ten different playable factions. Each team of nine-person squads will have one lead commander, so if you have a team of friends who feel like getting historical when jumping into a battle scenario, this is a good place to start your exploration through one of history’s most desperate and deadly eras of warfare.
#5 Knights of Honor II: Sovereign
- Developer: Black Sea Games
- Publisher: THQ Nordic
- Platform: PC
- Release: NA
If you were ever interested in grand RTS games in the past but were turned off by the complexities they tend to come with, give Knights of Honor II: Sovereign a chance. This is an upcoming title that puts players into the shoes of a king. You’ll have to attempt to take control of Europe during medieval times. Like with other thrilling grand RTS games, you’ll have the ability to tweak religious outlooks, diplomacy, manage your city developments, appoint officials, and weed out spies, among other aspects.
However, the big selling point here is that the developers are making it easier to manage. This is potentially a gateway game to the entire genre, so there shouldn’t be a moment where players are feeling overwhelmed. Of course, we won’t know just how well the game ends up being until it releases. Unfortunately, Knights of Honor II: Sovereign doesn’t have a release date attached to the game quite yet.
#4 Expeditions: Rome
- Developer: Logic Artists
- Publisher: THQ Nordic
- Platform: PC
- Release: January 20, 2022
A third Expeditions installment is out. If you don’t recall, there were Expeditions: Viking and Expeditions: Conquistador released into the marketplace previously. Meanwhile, this new installment is Expeditions: Rome, where players are taking the role of Legatus. When an unknown political enemy murdered your father, you’re forced into leaving Rome, only to return after working your way up the ranks through a decorative military career. Players are getting a turn-based strategy game where you’ll have to win battles, gain close companions, and attempt to reclaim the command of Rome. Although, each choice presented throughout the campaign will play a role in the fate of your campaign. It could mean losing companions, your legion, and even the downfall of Rome.
#3 Steelrising
- Developer: Spiders
- Publisher: Nacon
- Platform: X/S, PC, PS5
- Release: June 2022
Steelrising is an upcoming game from Spiders. These are the folks that recently brought out GreedFall. We’re getting a fictional period story set during the 1700s French Revolution in this game. Here the tyrant King Louis XVI has sent out a mechanical army to suppress the Revolution through merciless bloodshed. Players will be taking the role of Aegis, a mechanical wonder that a skilled engineer crafted up. Aegis will have to take on the king’s forces to end the mindless battles. Players can use the city of Paris to their advantage as they wander the streets, vault on the rooftops, and fight off the relentless flood of enemies as you ensure the Revolution succeeds. It’s an interesting concept, and we’re eager to hear more about the game. So far, the game is slated to release sometime this June.
#2 Isonzo
- Developer: M2H, BlackMill Games
- Publisher: MH2
- Platform: PS4, X/S, XBO, PC, PS5
- Release: 2022
An FPS game worth keeping tabs on this year is Isonzo. This is from developers who also brought out well-received military FPS games, including Verdun and Tannenberg. Both games were based within the First World War, and now we can add Isonzo to that collection. This particular installment is based on players using their tactical skills within the Alpine. Here you’ll go through the Italian Front as you struggle in taking the Isonzo river valley and Alps territory.
The development team has strived to deliver an authentic period FPS experience in their past games, and we’re expecting the same for this upcoming release. You’ll have war-torn towns to battle within, along with authentic weaponry and uniforms. Again, their past releases have been well received, and we’re expecting the same for this upcoming release, although we don’t have a release date yet attached. Instead, it looks like we’ll be getting Isonzo sometime within this year.
#1 A Plague Tale: Requiem
- Release date: October 18, 2022
- Developer: Asobo Studio
- Publisher: Focus Entertainment
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5
A Plague Tale: Innocence detailed the heartbreaking journey of a brother and sister who were trying to flee their homeland in order to get to safety.
In A Plague Tale: Requiem, Amicia and Hugo return in order to seek shelter once more. Because Hugo’s “curse” is getting out of hand once again, and even though they’ve gone to a new region, their safety is not secure.
So now, they must search for a legendary island that may just cure the young boy and put an end to the plague that surrounds them. But how far will Amicia go to try and get her brother cured? And will it be worth it in the end?
Push yourself to find the answer as you go through a beautiful yet terrifying world.
