10. Crusader Kings II

Crusader Kings II Official Trailer

At 10 on our list is Crusader Kings II. This grand strategy game and dynasty simulator is set in the Middle Ages. We included this game on our list because of the amount of strategic decisions one has to make in order to gain victory.

As the leader of a Medieval dynasty, your job is to strategically marry, assassinate, and wage war in order to become the greatest dynasty. History buffs will enjoy the number of historical figures that appear throughout the game, such as Charlemagne and Alfred the Great.

 
Off with her head! ... Okay, maybe just release her.

Because the only real object in the game is to obtain as much success, power, and piety points, the outcome of the game is up to the player. However, the game will end if one of three conditions are—no heir, all land titles have been stripped from the player, or the game reaches the year 1453.

Marriages are also tricky because of the game’s genetics/education system. Under this system, players will have to walk a fine line between finding someone with desirable traits—ones that can be passed to a suitable heir—and finding someone with whom marriage won’t stop war or an undesirable alliance.

Ahh, the Pants Act. My favorite moment in history.

It’s worth nothing that Crusader Kings II also has a number of expansion packs and the latest expansion, Conclave, was just released in February of this year.

Crusader Kings II Gameplay