History board games are a new and trending genre of board games. They’re typically about historical events or people, but a few have also ventured into the sci-f realm. History board games can be pretty similar to existing board games. However, the design may differ slightly to stay accurate with the event they’re replicating. Here are some ideas for game designers when they plan to create history board games.
The following are some history board game ideas:
1. Chronology is essential
If you want a custom board game, the first step is to ensure that the game covers the correct period of events in history. People purchase board games based on historical events to learn more about them, so having a valid date range is essential. This can be unclear since most dates are associated with an event and not a particular year or range of years. For example, World War began when Germany invaded Poland in 1939 but ended following Japan’s surrender after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. The year 1945 is not a very good choice if you want people to focus on the events that occurred. To make board games that appeal to history buffs, the correct dates should be listed in the rules or on the box.
2. Axis and Allies
The Axis and Allies game is designed to recreate the events of World War II, it is popular because it allows people to simulate realistic battles between the Avis and Allies. This type of game uses a point system with many different scenarios so that players can replay the same scenarios repeatedly. The Axis and Allies franchise are one of the most famous historical board games, but some similar types out there have different battle systems, for example, Slitherine’s Panzer Corps. This game has many different scenarios that recreate the battles of World War II.
3. History of the World
The history of World franchise is one of the most famous historical board games. It is also one of the most complicated. It is also one of the oldest, having been published in 1974 by Parker Brothers and it’s still as popular today as it was back then. Most players in this game use it for role-playing rather than history buffs, so if you’re creating a board game about history, this might not be your best bet. This game is one of the most influential board games ever made. It has recreated real-world events such as Julius Caesar’s conquest of Gaul. Napoleon Bonaparte’s invasion of Egypt, and many more. The game itself may be a little outdated and the graphics are pretty basic but it’s still one of the top choices for history buffs.
4. The Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail is a game that people like to play recreationally, it also has some history behind it, it was published in 1970 and was one of the first games that got people to start playing board games. This is still a viral game and people can play it despite its old age. The history behind this game is based on the actual journey of settlers who moved west following the Oregon Trail in the 1800s. This game can be played with up to 16 people, and it places a great emphasis on strategy as well as luck.
5. Memoir44 & Victory in the Pacific
Memoir 44 is a war game with a historical twist because it recreates the battles of World War The graphics are essential and the game comes in two parts: the actual board game and expansion packs. The basic package comes with eight scenarios. Two players can play these but players can purchase more expansion packs to play against more people. The basic pack is difficult to win because it assumes that each player has a complete set of troops. Victory in the Pacific is a newer version of this game that focuses on battles fought in or around Japan’s Pacific islands.
6. Twilight Struggle
Twilight Struggle and its Soviet-centric expansion pack are two of the newest history board games. To create this game designers had to make a card deck that would accurately represent the events of the Cold War. The designers of this game spent a lot of time researching their information and used first-hand accounts whenever they could. They wanted players to have a more realistic experience and to allow them to relive these historical events in a way that is not too complex.
7. Civilization VI
Civilization VI is another popular and highly anticipated history board game. It is designed based on a franchise that encompasses more than 20 games. However, this particular one focuses on the first world war and its historical events. The game has over 1,000 customized game cards with all the different artwork from the actual cards. The developers have also created campaigns that allow players to play through some of the most famous battles and campaigns of World War II.
8. Flashpoint Campaigns Red Dragon
Flashpoint Campaigns: Red Dragon is a WWI-based strategy game that concentrates on the early phases of the war and the systematic decimation of both Axis and Allied troops. This game features a much simpler setup than most games in this genre. The rules are not overly complicated but it does require players to have patience because the battles can be very long and drawn-out. The game is also very realistic reducing the role of luck.
9. Kemet
Kemet is a tactical board game that features an unusual method of combat it also uses dice, but they are different from the standard dice you find in most similar games. The game requires players to have a certain amount of foresight and planning while still keeping an eye on the possibility of a surprise attack. This can be a little difficult for some to memorize, but the history behind this game is fascinating. There are disputed stories about the ancient Egyptian pharaohs, their reign, and how they affected other parts of the world.
Conclusion
The history board games listed above are just some of the many available for history buffs and those who like to study ancient civilizations, you’re interested in other topics, there are plenty of games out there that will cater to your interests, so if you’re not a fan of World War II and instead want to learn more about different wars or even ancient civilizations then you can find a game specifically made for you.