EndWeekGame: April 2

I spent four beautiful days in Prague last week, looking around at the breathtaking city and visiting its many historical landmarks, topped off by the impressive Prague Castle and the Saint Vitus Cathedral, officially named St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert Cathedral, which provides a stunning example of Gothic architecture and Roman Catholic worship.

In an article published before I left I talked about how playing videogames, certain genres and titles, forms our view of the surrounding world. It makes sense for the process to also work in the other direction, with the things we experience in the real world influencing our tastes when it comes to videogames and our enjoyment of certain experiences.

As I walked near the walls of Vyšehrad fortress, the other ancient settlement, which was overshadowed by the reconstruction of the Prague Castle in the XIV century, I thought about the great “what if” questions of history and about the unique way in which videogames enabled us to solve them.

Since I got home from the Czech Republic, I wanted to fire up Europa Universalis III (of course, with the Heir to the Throne expansion added) and guide Bohemia to control Europe and maybe even lead an exploration of the Americas alongside the likes of Britain and Castile. The only thing stopping me is the familiarity I have with the game mechanics of EU III. I need some time to clear my palate after my latest games as Burgundy.

But another game that might scratch the historical Bohemia gaming itch soon popped up in my head. Crusader Kings is one of the most interesting concepts that Paradox Interactive has thought up, focusing on how history was shaped by dynasties and families and not by actual nations. Starting in 1066, it certainly fits the time frame I am interested in. I will play it and report if anything interesting pops up.