From early Mesopotamian board games like The Royal Game of Ur to modern video games like Assassin’s Creed, humans have always needed to play games.
With some of the most captivating stories coming from centuries past, game developers often use ancient cultures as the backdrop for their latest titles. Some of these games are not only entertaining but also educational, giving players the opportunity to learn about history and culture. And Canada is somewhat of an industry leader in this.
Canada’s Booming Video Game Industry
The video game industry in Canada is booming. Since 2019, the industry has expanded by 23%, earning Canada a staggering $5.5 billion for its GDP. But what makes Canada stand out from the rest?
The rich history and culture of the country play an important role. From indigenous-inspired games like Never Alone to historical epics like Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, Canada has been the source of all kinds of fascinating stories.
The stories from Canada provide an interesting perspective on what the ancient world must have been like. They have had a profound influence on modern culture, especially in the realm of video games. As we mentioned, developers have long been inspired by the stories, settings, and characters of ancient cultures, which is evident in the many popular games that take place in historical or mythical civilizations.
Some of the most well-known ancient world themed games include stealth games, which allow players to explore different periods of history while taking part in mysterious quests. On the other hand, some titles are real-time strategy games that allow players to build and manage their empires.
There has never been a better time to be a gamer in Canada, with several great titles on offer. Whether it’s an immersive historical experience or fast-paced fun, there’s a video game for everyone.
Below are some of the best ancient world themed games to date.
A Plague Tale: Innocence
A Plague Tale: Innocence is a video game inspired by medieval times. The game is set in the 14th century, during the time of the Black Death.
The playable character is a young girl named Amicia who must protect her little brother from illness. As the two go on their quest, players can find historical references and accurate depictions of medieval life.
Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb
In 2003, the video game Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb was released for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 2.
The game is set in 1935 and follows Indiana Jones as he travels to China to find a lost artifact. He must fight bullies, solve puzzles and avoid traps along the way.
The game was inspired by real life ancient cultures such as the lost city of Petra and the tomb of Qin Shi Huang. The developers also took inspiration from classic adventure movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Despite its old inspirations, the game received mixed reviews upon release. Some praised its puzzles and action sequences, while others criticized its graphics and controls. Nevertheless, still a cult classic among independent fans and gamers alike.
Rich Wilde and the Book of the Dead
Inspired by ancient Egyptian culture and tales of adventure such as Lara Croft, Rich Wilde and the Book of the Dead, this is a slots game full of action, adventure and intrigue. The game follows Rich Wilde as he explores the tombs and temples of Egypt in search of lost treasures and ancient artifacts, represented by wild and scatter symbols.
with his exciting features and captivating graphics, Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead keeps players guessing with its ten paylines and five reels. Its fast-paced gameplay is a nod to adventurers like Lara Croft and Indiana Jones.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a video game set in the Viking Age. The game offers a realistic open world environment based on historical locations and allows players to engage in combat, exploration, and puzzle solving. AC Valhalla also features a rich story inspired by Norse mythology.
A good portion of the game takes place in the homeland of the Vikings, but the ruthless sailors also venture into the land now known as Canada. The Vikings called the territory “Vinland” and players can get there by meeting characters who already know how to navigate there.
