The majority of games either set in the past or designed around a specific historical event are wargames, now often called 'conquest simulations'. These range in complexity from two sides playing for an hour, to a large group playing for days on end! The list below includes a range of eras with a range of complexities, although WW2 and the Napolenic Wars dominate as they do the genre.
1. Memoir ’44
A superbly tactile recreation of the battles between Allied and German forces in WW2 Europe – the playing pieces are enough to draw a crowd – Memoir ’44 mixes strategic depth with swift playability and ease of access. While perhaps too stylized for hardcore wargames, children and non-wargamers can learn and enjoy both the game and the history without being crushed under rules or playing for hours.
2. Axis and Allies: Europe
Based on the classic Axis and Allies, this edition focuses on the European half of World War 2, adding two new units and a few rule changes. While the system isn’t as fluid as the new version of global Axis and Allies, this hybrid of boardgame and wargame has a loyal following, is gorgeous to look at and still great fun, especially with several players.3. Age of Napoleon
Whilst visually lacking compared to some rivals – counters are used on a map instead of shaped pieces – the gameplay is first class: two people can replay the napoleon wars in only a few hours. Some gamers have complained that their card-based ‘allies’ are unreliable, but that surely adds an element of historical realism! Online support is provided by the designer.4. Paths of Glory
Fighting World War 1 on a map covering all of Europe and parts of the Middle East may sound formidable, even unpleasant, but the ‘hand of cards’ system, good design and a relatively short playing time (an evening) make Paths of Glory an enjoyable and challenging experience for two players.5. Hammer of the Scots
Set in the time of Braveheart (but substantially more realistic than the film), this game sees an English player trying to control Scotland, and a Scots one after independence. Smartly-designed blocks are used on a map in fast moving and short battles; as one user of boardgamegeek.com stated: “A history lesson combined with fun play make this top on my list of educational games.”6. The Napoleonic Wars
Allowing 2-5 players and taking anywhere between 2-10 hours to play, ‘The Napoleonic Wars’ is halfway between the swiftly playing Age of Napoleon (above) and the marathon Empires in Arms (below). As with both of those, this isn’t the most attractive game on the market, but its card driven system, gameplay and victory conditions make it one of the best to play.7. Soldier Kings
By placing the 7 Years War in a global context – the map covers Europe, North America, India and much of Asia – this game broadens your understanding of the real ‘first world war’ rather than replicating local detail. Gameplay mixes military and political/economic factors and, while the result isn’t necessarily a wargame, but it moves quickly, involves plenty of decisions and stimulates interest.