Continuing the Drama
After many seasons, HBO’s Games of Thrones has reached its conclusion. Don’t worry, spoilers, fan theories, complaints, and praises won’t be made here. Instead, below are a list of games that should help scratch that Game of Thrones itch now there is nothing new to watch. These video games share similarities with the Game of Thrones show: swords/bows/fighting, heavy drama, deep narrative, large cast of characters, factions fighting each other, dragons, tyrants, the undead, magic, and plenty of death/murder/executions.
Game of Thrones – A Telltale Games Series (console, mobile, PC)
This is the obvious choice as it connects directly with the HBO series. Spanning numerous episodes, players are left with making difficult choices that have staggering repercussions. All the characters are here and shouldn’t be missed by any fan of the show.
Game of Thrones – The Game (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)
Not to be confused with the Telltale adventure games, this Focus Home Interactive title is a side story that also connects with the official series. This 30 hour action RPG focuses on side characters but main character also make many appearances. Check this out to fill in gaps during the earlier seasons of the show. This game essentially acts as the Rogue One to the HBO series.
Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (everything)
This is an obvious choice as the world of Skyrim has many similarities to Game of Thrones. Swords, dragons, a vast world filled with extreme environments, and tons of lore to absorb. Like the characters vying for the throne in the show, the goal of the game is to get stronger and stronger to defeat your enemies and take over the game’s many faction. It is a Bethesda game so there are hundreds of hours of content to enjoy and chances are you already played this game since it is on pretty much everything with a screen.
The Witcher series (Xbox 360, PC, Xbox One, PS4)
This fantasy series has been around for many years and struck a cord with fans. The latest entry, The Witcher 3, should give players that Thrones fix with its adult themes, detailed world, and melee and magic combat. Like Skyrim, this is a vast world where it is easy to get lost in.
The Banner Saga series (console, PC, mobile)
Replace knights with Vikings, white walkers with dredge, and giants with Varl, you basically have a retelling of the Thrones formula with a different coat of paint. This series is filled with tough decisions, a griping story, numerous outcomes, and tactical combat that feels like a long lost cousin to HBO’s show. Banner Saga, Banner Saga 2, and Banner Saga 3 are very good games even if you don’t care about Game of Thrones.
Suikoden II (PSOne)
Game of Thrones has an amazingly large cast of characters, each with a detailed backstory and deep alliances. The Suikoden series, especially the sequel, is filled with a similar fantasy world and character relationship building. The tyrant that runs the show is in the same taste as many leaders throughout Game of Thrones.
Vandal Hearts (PSOne)
This early Playstation One tactical RPG features a ragtag group of soldiers trying to stop bad people from using a powerful world-changing item. Like Game of Thrones, each character plays an important part in the arching narrative complete with descriptive backgrounds and relationships. The swords, bows, magical combat, and bleak world also feels like a primitive R.R. Martin novel. It also still holds up pretty well today.
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together (PSP)
While the original Super Famicon version was revolutionary, and Atlus’ PSOne port made it available for the American market, the PSP version is far and away the definitive and best version to play thanks to an amazing translation and player friendly gameplay tweaks. Filled with heavy drama and dark plot points, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is a fantastic title on its own but Thrones fans should totally appreciate it even more.
The Fire Emblem series (GBA, GC, Wii, DS, 3DS, Switch, Mobile)
Another tactical RPG, there is so much to enjoy with the Fire Emblem series. Permadeath, a massive roster of characters, brutal combat, and difficult decisions… everything here are gameplay elements Thrones fans will surely enjoy. Although some FE titles are better than others, all are great in their own right and share a lot in common with HBO’s popular show.
Dynasty Warriors/Drakengard series (console)
The Battle of the Bastards, the Battle of Winterfell, that icy lake battle against the white walkers… all were massive battles featuring hundreds if not thousands. The Dynasty Warriors series feature massive battles but don’t have the dragons and medieval theme of the Drakengard series. If you wanted to try and recreate your own huge battles on a giant battlefield, check out these hack’n slashers.
What other games should appeal to Game of Thrones fans? Do you think maybe Dragon Quest or Dragon Age would be good recommendations? Let me know what you think in the commons below or on Twitter.
By: Zachary Gasiorowski, Editor in Chief myGamer.com
Twitter: @ZackGaz