Historical games

Throne: Kingdom at War is a Browser game, released by Plarium in August 2016. While it does have its little quirks that can serve to be an annoyance to some, its overall gameplay, visuals, and gaming structure make it yet another incredible addition to the avid gamer’s collection. With new players continuing to join every day, it is a game that is well worth checking out, with some heavy addiction warnings in place (coming from personal experience).

➔ Main points:

• Free Browser Game set in a medieval fantasy realm
• Build your own kingdom and watch it come to life
• Assemble an unstoppable army and take other kingdoms by force
• Building takes time (or just some money instead)
• Join an Order and have allies watching your back

After being in closed alpha for several years, Total War: Arena has finally opened up to the public. A collaboration between The Creative Assembly and Wargaming, Total War: Arena is based on the famed franchise of the same name but with a twist.

Instead of focusing on a single-player campaign, the game focuses entirely on player versus player combat, with massive 10 versus 10 battles taking place with thousands of units on the field at once.

The Total War series has always had issues with PVP game modes, specifically balance, or lack thereof, and although Total War: Arena is an entirely PVP game, these issues have not been fixed. Be prepared for lengthy queue times and bad matchmaking a lot in higher tiers in particular.

The game's cash shop is relatively mild. Players can have plenty of fun in the lower and mid tiers, however, in the higher tiers, players who spend money will have a significant advantage, and players who don't will be at a significant disadvantage. Balance wise, premium units aren't a big deal compared to non-premium units, but they do offer up increased XP and silver gains. The endgame is almost completely inaccessible to non-spending players, and it is nigh-impossible to reach and stay in the highest tiers unless you spend money in this game.

Total War: Arena is a flawed game with a pretty harsh ceiling for F2P players, but offers up a lot of fun for fans of the genre.

➔ Main points:

• Downloadable F2P MMO real-time tactics strategy game with MOBA elements inspired by the Total War series
• 10 versus 10 PVP battles with a 15-minute time limit
• 4 different factions each with several leaders and dozens of units
• Unbalanced matchmaking at higher tiers
• Very long endgame grind - hard ceiling for non-paying players

Travian is a 2D browser-based military strategy game that was released in 2004 to critical acclaim. For strategy enthusiasts, the game features resource management and empire building in the early game which supplements its mid-game combat and PVP expansion gameplay.

The hero system is a unique feature that allows players to explore an alternate RPG progression, by embarking their heroes on quests and missions to gain powerful equipment which will aid in attacking and defending villages.

While Travian isn't a perfect game it is a staple title that offers hours of addictive fun to players seeking a strategic browser-based masterpiece.

➔ Main points:

• Large player population that makes the game competitive today
• Fun and strategic empire building
• Excellent user interface for a browser game
• Unique hero system to complement kingdom management
• Will keep you addicted daily

Vikings: War of Clans is a strategy browser game set in the thematic world of Vikings, where as Jarls, players must build their kingdoms, armies and heroes to wage war against each other.

The game offers the traditional, addictive kingdom-building gameplay that we've learnt to appreciate in many games of the same genre, on top of an in-depth progression system and an interesting hero system to provide some much-appreciated variety and additional complexity.

The game also features truly excellent 3D animations that give Vikings: War of Clans terrific scores for graphics and presentation. Our town is alive, and you can see the townsfolk bustling around your buildings, working the forges, mines and farms...
This, paired with the pleasant and thematic soundtrack, really does a great job in letting the player enjoy and "live" the atmosphere of the game.
It comes with some cons though, such as pretty high loading times.

Overall, Vikings: War of Clans is a great browser strategy game that, despite not being able to offer anything new to the veterans of this genre, does provide a top-notch and addictive war game experience to all those looking for an old-school, traditional gameplay.

➔ Main points:

• A 2017 strategy browser game built under the most classical gameplay standards of the genre.
• Excellent graphics and convincing atmosphere based on the world of Vikings.
• Hours of addictive kingdom building and strategic warfare solo or with a clan.
• Deep progression systems for strategy lovers that offer many different ways to play.
• Does not require payment to enjoy the full experience, although advantages for paying users are quite visible.

World of Warplanes is an MMO developed by Wargaming and joins the ranks of older title, World of Tanks. The game puts vehicles and land aside to focus on what happens in the skies, putting the player in the cockpit of numerous aircraft.

The game is extremely accessible and you will find yourself making air manoeuvres like a pro in a matter of minutes. The driving mechanics are very intuitive and allow easy and complete control over your craft with just a handful of keystrokes.

Graphically the title is well done, even if it falls short of true excellence. As players who have played World of Tanks might already expect, aircraft are highly detailed and modelled to a level of accuracy that, in some instances, approaches photorealism.

World of Warplanes is a great title and an important addition to Wargaming’s trilogy, soon to be completed with the upcoming World of Warships.

A browser-based strategy, city-building game, Elvenar allows you to play as either humans, or elves, while taking control of your civilization's economy and army.
The game starts off with a Town Hall, but as with other city building games, the settlement can be expanded, constructing roads and buildings in the process.

Elvenar doesn't require a player to over-commit to the game, and you can 'come and go' as often as you like through the day and manage your city step by step. To make things easy, there is no PvP mode in the game, so players don't get attacked every now and then, and don't have to log on and play to defend the city.

The absence of a PvP mode in Elvenar is made up for by a truly engaging PvE experience where you can fight battles which aren't fully automated like in many other similar, yet boring games.
The combat is turn based where you have to use a lethal strategy to beat your opponent using an army of fighters with varying skills and abilities.

➔ Main points:

• Pacific strategy browser-game.
• Co-existence of humans and mythical creatures.
• Economy is key to building an army.
• Different types of buildings and unique soldiers introduced.
• No PvP mode, but innovative PvE with turn-based combat system.

Heroes of History drops you into a world where time itself has apparently taken a coffee break, allowing figures from wildly different eras to casually coexist—and more importantly, fight under your command. One minute you’re recruiting Leonidas, the next you’re sending Joan of Arc to back up Napoleon in a siege. It’s chaotic, historically questionable, and honestly, a lot of fun.

At its core, the gameplay blends city-building with hero-driven strategy combat. You’ll construct your settlement from the ground up, managing resources like food, gold, and production materials while unlocking new buildings that expand your capabilities. But unlike standard empire builders, your progression is tightly linked to the heroes you collect. Each character isn’t just cosmetic—they fundamentally change how battles play out.

Combat is where the game starts flexing its muscles. Instead of mindless troop spam, you assemble squads led by historical figures, each with unique abilities inspired by their real-world legacy. For example, Alexander the Great excels in aggressive frontline pushes, boosting troop damage and momentum, while Cleopatra leans into support mechanics, enhancing resource efficiency and providing buffs that can swing prolonged engagements. Positioning, timing abilities, and team composition matter more than raw numbers.

There’s also a satisfying loop of upgrading heroes, unlocking skills, and experimenting with synergies. Pairing defensive-minded leaders like Sun Tzu with high-damage units creates a completely different playstyle compared to going full offense with figures like Genghis Khan.

While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, Heroes of History stands out by making its historical cast feel meaningful in gameplay—not just decorative portraits. It’s a strategy game where your roster genuinely shapes your tactics, and that makes every battle feel a bit more personal… even if history teachers everywhere are quietly screaming

➔ Main points:

• Hero-driven combat system: each historical figure brings unique battlefield abilities that directly impact strategy and outcomes
• Era-blending roster variety: command warriors, rulers, and tacticians from completely different time periods in one unified army
• Strategic squad composition: mixing heroes like Leonidas and Cleopatra creates drastically different combat dynamics
• City-building progression loop: expand your settlement to unlock stronger units, resources, and hero upgrades
• Skill-based battle timing: activating abilities at the right moment can completely turn the tide of combat
• Upgradeable hero specializations: customize playstyles through skill trees and stat enhancements

Rise of Cultures is a strategy game for browsers and mobile devices developed by InnoGames. The game takes players on a journey through different eras of human history, starting from the Stone Age and ending in the Middle Ages. Players must build and manage their cities, research new technologies, and engage in battles with other players.

One of the key features of Rise of Cultures is its emphasis on historical accuracy. The game provides players with a detailed representation of the cultures and societies of each era, including their architecture, technology, and military tactics. This attention to detail makes the game both educational and immersive.

In terms of gameplay, Rise of Cultures offers a variety of activities to engage in: you can build and upgrade buildings, gather resources, and train troops, both solo or with your fellow guild companions.

One of the biggest strengths of Rise of Cultures lies in its graphics. The artworks are stylish, beautiful and detailed, and they really bring the historical eras to life. The interface is intuitive and easy to use, making it extremely accessible to both new and experienced players.

Rise of Cultures also features a well-balanced free-to-play model. While it does offer in-app purchases, you can enjoy the full experience without spending any money, for real. This makes it a great option for players who are looking for a high-quality game without breaking the bank.

However, there are also some downsides...
Some players may find the pace of the game to be slow, as it can take time to gather resources and build up a strong city. Also, the multiplayer component is quite underdeveloped as the main emphasis of the game is on PvE: while somebody could consider it as an advantage, those looking for a hard challenge against other human players are going to be disappointed.

Overall, Rise of Cultures is a solid strategy game that offers a lot of worthy content. Its historical accuracy and attention to detail make it stand out from other games in the genre, and its free-to-play model makes it accessible to a wide range of players.

Warpath, developed by Lilith Games, ventures into an alternate World War II scenario where historical accuracy blends with creative liberties. The game showcases impressive 3D graphics and semi-animated cutscenes that set the stage for a conflict against the enigmatic Raven faction, replacing the traditional Axis powers.
Players command a variety of meticulously designed units, including infantry, artillery, tanks, and aircraft, each reflecting authentic World War II equipment.
Gameplay revolves around managing bases and engaging in real-time strategy combat on a hex-based grid, where tactical decisions shape the outcome of battles.

While Warpath excels in presentation and combat mechanics, its adherence to free-to-play mobile game tropes, such as heavily guided base management and a pay-to-win PvP mode, limits its potential for deeper strategic gameplay.

Despite its flaws, Warpath offers a visually compelling experience with historical nods that may appeal to players seeking a mobile MMORTS with accessible gameplay and engaging combat dynamics.

➔ Main points:

• Above-the-average design: Impressive graphics and detailed unit designs based on World War II.
• Mixed Alternate History Setting: Combines real historical figures and events with fictional elements, but lacks compelling villains.
• Combat Mechanics: Engaging real-time strategy combat with a variety of historically inspired units.
• Rigid Base Management: Overly guided and simplified base construction and resource management.
• Pay-to-Win PvP: Competitive play heavily favors those who invest in in-app purchases, detracting from the overall experience.

War Thunder is an arcade/simulation vehicle simulation game for Windows, OSX and PS4 that takes place during the Second World War. The game is developed by Russian studio Gaijin Entertainment, creator of IL-2 Sturmovik, X-Blades, Blades of Time and Birds of Steel.

In War Thunder you'll dive into battle with aircrafts from six different allied and axis nations – the USA, Great Britain, Australia, Germany, Japan and Russia
The game excels in offering a wide range of play experience, from multiple game modes, to varied battle scenarios, to a fairly high level of customization options for your aircraft and tanks.

Choose from classic battles against other players online, cooperative multiplayer sessions and even solo campaign missions.

Fans of flight simulators won't be disappointed by War Thunder's realistic and historical battles, while more casual action gamers will most certainly enjoy the simple-yet-entertaining arcade mode.

The game is very well made - everything from the settings of the vehicles to the smallest details in environments, to the mechanics of large-scale aerial combat and gritty realism of ground combat have been crafted with the player’s experience in mind, including those playing on older systems. The game performs very well and is a treat for the eyes – all in all, an excellent title we highly recommend.

➔ Main points:

• War MMO game with aircrafts.
• A mixture of arcade and simulation for both casual players and hardcore fans of flight simulators.
• Customize your aircraft and hire the best crew members.
• Great graphics and special effects.
• Recently added Tanks