Games Like Through the Darkest of Times

In This War Of Mine you do not play as an elite soldier, rather a group of civilians trying to survive in a besieged city; struggling with lack of food, medicine and constant danger from snipers and hostile scavengers. The game provides an experience of war seen from an entirely new angle.

Why similar: Strategy 19.6%, Simulation 14.9%, Choices Matter 13.6%, Management 11.7%, Resource Management 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the same desperate struggle for survival and moral compromise faced by civilians living in a war-torn environment.

Attentat 1942 is a historically-accurate adventure about World War 2. Face moral dilemmas and existential struggles as you uncover the troubled past of your family.

Why similar: World War II 36.8% ★, Historical 20.7%, Emotional 8.5%, Multiple Endings 6.8%, Story Rich 6%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a deeply researched historical perspective on life under Nazi occupation with a strong focus on narrative and memory.

Assume the role of President Anton Rayne and guide the nation of Sordland. Amidst brewing international conflicts, need for reform, deep-seated corruption, and economic recession, you must make the decisions in this political drama. How will you lead?

Why similar: Political 29.4% ★, Politics 28.4% ★, Choices Matter 8.8%, Visual Novel 7.2%, Multiple Endings 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a complex political simulation where every choice carries significant weight for the future of your nation.

You have five days to save your husband, who has just been arrested by the Gestapo. Investigate, explore and form allegiances in this story-rich RPG-lite. Who will you trust?

Why similar: World War II 43.3% ★, Historical 23.5%, Emotional 9.6%, Multiple Endings 7.8%, Adventure 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: It mirrors the personal, high-stakes moral dilemmas of a civilian trying to protect loved ones in occupied territory.

You’re a state-installed landlord in a totalitarian country. Place listening devices, steal and sneak into your tenants’ apartments. Use what you uncovered to report anyone capable of plotting against the state. You MUST! But WILL you?

Why similar: Political 28.2% ★, Strategy 12%, Choices Matter 10.3%, Simulation 10.2%, Multiple Endings 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game forces you to balance personal survival with the moral burden of reporting on your neighbors under a totalitarian regime.

As a judge of the Revolutionary Tribunal, preside over complicated cases of ordinary citizens, dangerous criminals, and enemies of the revolution in revolutionary Paris. Make judgments, plot political intrigue, and try to not lose your own head!

Why similar: Historical 26.6%, Strategy 15.2%, Simulation 14.4%, Choices Matter 13%, Point & Click 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: It combines historical political decision-making with the intense pressure of managing public opinion during a volatile era.

Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.

Why similar: Political 47.3% ★, Simulation 14%, Indie 8.6%, Point & Click 8.6%, Multiple Endings 6%

Why You'll Like It: It is the definitive experience of navigating the crushing weight of an oppressive bureaucracy while making life-altering decisions.

In an uninhabitable Siberian wilderness, in a wake of October Revolution, a group of passengers survives the mysterious catastrophe of Trans-Siberian railway train. They must endure in a harsh ice-clad climate until rescue arrives. Facing many dangers, their own weaknesses and, their own prejudice.

Why similar: Political 24.9% ★, Historical 15.4%, Strategy 10.6%, Simulation 9.6%, Management 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: This survival game focuses on group dynamics and the friction between different social classes during a period of intense conflict.

Big Brother has arrived - and it’s you. Investigate the lives of citizens to find those responsible for a series of terror attacks. Information from the internet, personal communications and private files are all accessible to you. But, be warned, the information you supply will have consequences.

Why similar: Simulation 39.8%, Choices Matter 35.2%, Politics 9.4% ★, Political 6.2% ★, Story Rich 2%

Why You'll Like It: This title explores the chilling power of surveillance and the ethical implications of political control in a dystopian society.

A narrative-driven hardcore RPG set in a gritty world ruled by real but unrelenting gods. Set out on a challenging lifetime journey, where every choice has a price and entails consequences. Will you become an inquisitor, a judge, or conspire against the old order? Dare to decide!

Why similar: Choices Matter 31.8%, Story Rich 13.1%, Strategy 10.5%, Simulation 10.2%, Visual Novel 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a deep, choice-driven life simulation that explores the intersection of personal ambition and political upheaval.

You didn’t ask to lead this expedition, but here you are. Stuck in the ice, Captain missing, miles from civilisation. Someone has to take charge. Manage your meagre resources, balance safety and morale, make the hard calls, and head in the only direction you can - through The Pale Beyond.

Why similar: Strategy 16.1%, Simulation 15.1%, Choices Matter 14%, Resource Management 13.5%, Emotional 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes the difficulty of leadership and resource management when the lives of your group depend on every decision you make.

1979 Revolution: Black Friday is a choice driven, narrative game that brings players into the brooding world of a nation on the verge of collapse. Play as Reza, an aspiring photojournalist, and make life and death decisions as you survive the gritty streets of Iran in the late 1970’s.

Why similar: Political 37.4% ★, Historical 19.4%, Choices Matter 12.2%, Adventure 7.5%, Indie 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: This narrative-driven game captures the tension and danger of participating in a historical political uprising.

A new political Party has won a landslide in the General Election, and for some reason the editor at the news station you work at has done a runner. Now it’s up to you, the Janitor, to take over the editing booth in this tumultuous time - will you help the government, or stand in their way?

Why similar: Political 30.4% ★, Simulation 11.4%, Management 10.8%, Choices Matter 10.6%, Multiple Endings 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: It explores the power of media and censorship in a dystopian society through a unique, choice-heavy simulation format.

Short, thought-provoking adventure where you are a News Editor and decide what stories get published, set in a fictional city where most people are genetically modified. Multiple unique endings let you share your story and see what the Headliner before you did.

Why similar: Political 28.3% ★, Politics 20.5% ★, Choices Matter 11.3%, Multiple Endings 7.9%, Adventure 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: It highlights the influence of media and the political consequences of the information you choose to share with the public.

In the unique world of this political simulator, you travel to Europe, 1932-1935, to become the party leader in one of the following countries: Germany, France, or England. You have a real chance to become the winner of WWII even before it begins...

Why similar: Politics 23.7% ★, Strategy 20.1%, Political 18.9% ★, Simulation 18.3%, Historical 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: It simulates the rise of political extremism and the challenges of maintaining a democracy in a volatile historical period.

Broken Lines is a story-driven tactical RPG set in an alternate-history version of WWII. Lead a squad of soldiers and face the horrors of war. In the included expansion, 'The Dead and the Drunk', guide your troops through fights against both the living and the undead.

Why similar: World War II 39.1% ★, Historical 24.4%, Strategy 14%, Choices Matter 11.4%, Multiple Endings 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: This tactical game focuses on the human element of war, emphasizing squad morale and the consequences of your commands.

For the People is a mix of a political management sim and a visual novel, putting players in the shoes of an idealistic young state official tasked with shaping the future of a communist factory town. Will the party provide for the people, or are the people just cogs in its machine?..

Why similar: Political 29.3% ★, Strategy 10.9%, Management 9.3%, Choices Matter 8.7%, Simulation 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: This political simulation tasks you with managing a city's bureaucracy and navigating the moral compromises of governance.

Germany, 1956. The war is over, but justice is not served. Former Nazis walk free, while their victims lie in unmarked graves. As a prosecutor, you'll unearth long-buried evidence, confront witnesses and hunt down perpetrators. Will you have the courage to bring these "ordinary men" to court?

Why similar: Historical 42.9%, Simulation 22.7%, Adventure 14.8%, Atmospheric 8.9%, Choices Matter 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on the historical investigation of war crimes, emphasizing the pursuit of justice in the aftermath of conflict.

Don’t let the Soviet Union collapse, and fall in the darkness of history or lead the Union by a new path – democracy and free market! But before you decide something, think – wouldn’t it cause more harm than good?

Why similar: Strategy 26.4%, Politics 19.3% ★, Political 16.1% ★, Historical 11.3%, Simulation 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a complex simulation of managing a crumbling political regime, requiring careful balance of ideology and resources.

You are local mafia kingpin, Jeffrey Koch. Your empire in New Kandinski is in total chaos because an unknown Mastermind has decided to take your place. And they’ve planted a sleeper Mole inside your operation. It’s time to act, but you need to act smart.

Why similar: Political 21.7% ★, Strategy 17.9%, Simulation 16%, Choices Matter 9.3%, Adventure 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: This strategy game focuses on managing a criminal organization, forcing you to make difficult choices to survive in a corrupt environment.

Immigration Enforcement Case #112: You are under arrest. Unless your friends can cross a broken America, retrieve your identifying documents and stay out of trouble... this is the end of the American dream for you.

Why similar: Political 30.3% ★, Politics 28.6% ★, Simulation 11.4%, Dark 5.7%, Emotional 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a satirical yet biting look at political polarization and dystopian life through a management-style gameplay loop.

A dark and satirical management sim, where you take control of a recycling factory with a twist: it recycles humans. Your job is to decide who gets to escape our dying planet in a cozy spaceship and who sacrifices their blood, sweat and tears for humanity. Literally.

Why similar: Political 20.4% ★, Politics 19.5% ★, Strategy 8.3%, Management 7.6%, Choices Matter 7%

Why You'll Like It: It uses dark humor to explore the dystopian management of a society where human lives are treated as resources.

As civil crisis deepens and inequality tears the very fabric of society the discontentment of the masses manifests itself in violent public disturbances and civil disorder. Play as the police or the angry horde as RIOT – Civil Unrest places you in some of the world’s most fractious disputes.

Why similar: Political 37.8% ★, Strategy 23.6%, Simulation 19.7%, Historical 9.7%, Indie 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the tension of political conflict and civil disobedience from both sides of the barricade.

«Undying Symphony» tells a story about challenges that Leningrad people faced during the Siege and shows us one of the most tragic episodes of Leningrad history

Why similar: World War II 43.6% ★, Historical 20.9%, Multiple Endings 7.8%, Story Rich 5.9%, Adventure 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: This historical narrative game focuses on the emotional and personal stories of those affected by the events of World War II.

Raid On Taihoku is an adventure game with the backdrop of WW2 Taiwan. By controlling the characters pass through different danger and safe zones, you will experience the struggles of human nature and cruelty of war.

Why similar: Politics 33% ★, World War II 28.6% ★, Historical 20%, Story Rich 5.6%, Adventure 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a narrative-heavy historical experience that explores the impact of war on individual lives and society.

Project Wunderwaffe will take you back into the realities of World War II, the end of which seems to be near. Germany is now just a shadow of its power. Your order is to build a secret military base and construct weapons of unprecedented power. Will you be capable of turning the tide of war?

Why similar: World War II 40.5% ★, Historical 15.8%, Strategy 14.3%, Management 11.2%, Simulation 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: This base-building strategy game focuses on the desperation of a regime attempting to turn the tide of war through secret technology.

Lead your people to glory and write a new chapter of history in Realpolitiks II, a real-time grand strategy game where you lead any contemporary nation in an attempt to secure world dominance.

Why similar: Strategy 25.1%, Politics 24.6% ★, Political 21.1% ★, Simulation 20.8%, Indie 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: This grand strategy game allows you to navigate the complexities of modern politics and international relations.

Crisis in the Kremlin is a global real-time political strategy about the Socialist world in its final decade. Shape the fate of the world as you manage economy, foreign relations, and domestic policy. Engage with countries across the globe, using diplomacy or even proxy wars to expand your reach.

Why similar: Politics 26.8% ★, Political 21.9% ★, Historical 16.1%, Strategy 11.2%, Simulation 10.1%

This Is the President is a political thriller. You are the newly elected leader with a shady background. It is up to you to abuse the position of the most powerful man in the world to escape justice for past crimes – even if that pitches the country into utter chaos.

Why similar: Politics 28.3% ★, Political 25.1% ★, Strategy 17.3%, Management 10.3%, Adventure 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: It explores the moral ambiguity of political power and the lengths one will go to protect their legacy.

Award-winning adventure where you control the news and its impact on society, your friends and career. Different choices lead to unique combinations of endings. Share your story with the community, and see what the players before you did.

Why similar: Political 28% ★, Politics 26.5% ★, Choices Matter 7.7%, Simulation 7.1%, Point & Click 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: This sequel expands on the theme of media influence and the societal impact of the news you choose to broadcast.

You are an intern at the central ministry of a totalitarian state with your whole career ahead of you. Work your way up the ladder by scheming against employees, spying on your boss, and completing paperwork. Or do you turn against the state and expose corruption. The choice is still yours to make!

Why similar: Political 23% ★, Politics 19.5% ★, Strategy 10.2%, Simulation 8.4%, Choices Matter 8.1%

Become the King in a story-driven 8-bit style game, where choice matters. And try not to die instantly...

Why similar: Political 23.2% ★, Historical 13.8%, Management 11%, Simulation 10.6%, Strategy 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a choose-your-own-adventure style of political management where every decision impacts the stability of your kingdom.

These are troubling times, Your Grace. The petitioners’ petty matters exceed our limited resources, to say nothing of the war. A careful balance must be struck. Your throne awaits.

Why similar: Historical 18.7%, Choices Matter 13.8%, Strategy 12.9%, Management 12.3%, Simulation 10.7%

Developed by a team of experienced modders from the Paradox forum, Darkest Hour is a stand-alone Hearts of Iron game. The game features a mixture of short and in-depth campaigns set across the darkest chapters of the 20th century. Play from the outbreak of the Great War up until the onset of the Cold War.

Why similar: World War II 50.1% ★, Strategy 22.5%, Historical 19.6%, Simulation 7.8%

is a grand strategy game that takes place in 1992-2004. You take lead of your own Party in the face of the total devastation of one of the fictional post-Soviet states in Europe. Try to realize your (or someone else's) political dreams in the shaky arena of this dilapidated situation.

Why similar: Politics 25.9% ★, Political 25% ★, Historical 15.3%, Strategy 10.1%, Simulation 8%

A tactical turn-based strategy game inspired by events and stories of forgotten and unsung heroes of WW2. Unique and new-to-genre features offer immersion and deeper protagonists to lead and care for. Lead the resistance against the Axis Forces.

Why similar: World War II 43.4% ★, Historical 27.6%, Strategy 20.9%, Atmospheric 4.5%, Indie 2.8%

What if Germany won the Battle of Britain? What if Moscow fell in 1942?You’re in charge. Anything can happen and history will never repeat itself in this classic WWII grand strategy game MAKING HISTORY II: The War of the World. Are you ready to battle for global dominance?

Why similar: World War II 43% ★, Strategy 23.1%, Simulation 15.7%, Historical 13.5%, Indie 4.1%

England, 1940. The Luftwaffe is preparing for the invasion of Britain and the RAF need every man to stop it. They need you. Join the ground crews as they struggle to keep the aircraft flying. Repair engine, patch bullet holes, rearm machine guns and more.

Why similar: World War II 35.7% ★, Simulation 22.7%, Historical 12.2%, Strategy 7.1%, Management 6.9%

Become the Dictator of Gradnar! Rule the nation, choose between democracy and tyranny, wage wars with a unique card-based mechanic, and expand your empire. A political dystopia packed with satire and humor!

Why similar: Political 39.2% ★, Strategy 16.6%, Simulation 16.1%, Choices Matter 12.8%, Visual Novel 7.7%

As a detective tasked with bringing down a dangerous terrorist group, you fight on two fronts: interrogating suspects & managing your team and its reputation. With time running out, how far will you go to stop these criminals? Manipulation, threats or even torture? Does the end justify the means?

Why similar: Political 40.4% ★, Management 13.2%, Choices Matter 12.7%, Dark 9.6%, Story Rich 7.5%

You are subordinate to the deranged dictator and must plan his doomed invasion in this text-based RPG / Visual Novel. Navigate the shark-filled waters of the Great Leader's presidential cabinet, try to save your family, and survive the purges in a world of power-hungry leaders and nuclear warfare.

Why similar: Historical 24.4%, Choices Matter 11.9%, Adventure 10.2%, Resource Management 9.9%, Dark 9.5%

Step into the shoes of J. Edgar Hoover and combat the Mafia, Communists, the Ku Klux Klan, the Black Panthers, the Weather Underground, and more as you shape history with your every move. Download now and become the ultimate mastermind in this thrilling management RPG!

Why similar: Political 24.9% ★, Politics 24% ★, Historical 12.3%, Management 9%, Strategy 7.3%

Survive the Blackout is a narrative survival game set in a dark post-apocalyptic world. Choose Your Own Adventure gameplay, squad-level management, exploration, scavenging, and difficult moral choices. A modern-day tribute to The Oregon Trail.

Why similar: Strategy 21.3%, Simulation 18.2%, Choices Matter 11.1%, Adventure 10.4%, Indie 9.1%

A Beholder series spin-off. Become a conductor of the Determination Bringer train: monitor passengers, report incidents, and carry out important Ministry assignments — whose level of secrecy depends only on your loyalty. And remember: mission success is very important to you!

Why similar: Political 27.3% ★, Strategy 10.6%, Simulation 9.6%, Choices Matter 9.2%, Management 8.1%

Get ready to take part in the world war! It depends only on your choice who you will be - a winner or a loser! It's time to press the red button!

Why similar: World War II 24.8% ★, Politics 20.5% ★, Political 18.7% ★, Strategy 13.8%, Historical 12.3%

WARSAW RISING: City of Heroes is a challenging turn-based tactical RPG set in an occupied capital during WWII. Pick your heroes. Navigate historic streets. Confront occupiers. And try to survive the 63 days of hell in this historically accurate portrayal of Poles fighting for their city.

Why similar: Historical 37.9%, World War II 37.4% ★, Strategy 19.7%, 2D 5%

44 BC. Caesar, the dictator of Rome, discovers that the threat of conspiracy comes from the people closest to him. Can you resist the impending danger and rewrite history?

Why similar: Politics 34.8% ★, Historical 19.9%, Strategy 13.5%, Simulation 12.3%, Choices Matter 9.8%

Narrative-adventure playing an Agent of Death who must take ONE life that could change the fate of a conflict-torn Nation

Why similar: Political 23.2% ★, Politics 18.5% ★, Adventure 13.3%, Indie 9%, Choices Matter 8%

Your Excellency, in this short systems-management survival game, we prepare for the awakening of our Lord. He hungers for human sacrifice. Sinners try to hide their dark secrets, but all must be purged...

Why similar: Management 25.6%, Strategy 24.4%, Choices Matter 17.6%, Multiple Endings 14.6%, Story Rich 11.5%

ArmaCulture is an indie factory-builder RPG set in the midst of a bitter, industrialized war between two nations in a fictional world similar to our own. The game combines illustrated character art with stylized pixel art to create a unique and dark historic atmosphere.

Why similar: World War II 40.9% ★, Strategy 17.7%, Choices Matter 12.8%, Historical 7.7%, Visual Novel 7.3%

This is a slightly different history to the world we know. Having been appointed propaganda minister at the age of 14, the genius girl. Geri Goeppels, together with her private secretaries Rolly and Flute, is up to all sorts of secret maneuvers.

Why similar: World War II 26.4% ★, Historical 18.6%, Politics 18.1% ★, Political 17.5% ★, Visual Novel 5.9%

All Quiet in the Trenches is a narrative turn-based strategy RPG set in World War I. Get to know your soldiers, take care of their needs and lead them in battle, trying to strike a precarious balance between the ambitions of your superiors and the survival of your men.

Why similar: Historical 20.8%, Strategy 19.4%, Choices Matter 14.9%, Simulation 13.1%, Management 8.6%

Turn-based kingdom management simulator focused on decision-making. Will you survive and lead the kingdom to prosperity, or die in agony? The throne awaits.

Why similar: Historical 25.5%, Choices Matter 16.5%, Simulation 14.6%, Management 14.1%, Multiple Endings 11.8%

Become a parliamentarian, create a powerful party, and lead it to victory in this humorous adventure game. Manage your popularity and dignity, use unique powers, and navigate a storyline inspired by current events.

Why similar: Politics 34.6% ★, Political 25.1% ★, Strategy 14.1%, Simulation 12.4%, Adventure 6.8%

The confrontation between the East and the West is coming to an end, but not between East and West Germany. The old party leaders are still sitting in their offices, not changing anything and waiting for exclamations from Moscow. But their end is close – Gorbachev and Kohl have already decided...

Why similar: Politics 23.3% ★, Political 22.9% ★, Historical 13.2%, Strategy 10%, Simulation 9%

Age of History II is a grand strategy wargame that is simple to learn yet hard to master.Your objective is to use military tactics and cunning diplomacy to either unify the world, or conquer it.Will the world bleed out or bow before you? The choice is yours..

Why similar: Historical 22.5%, World War II 19.3% ★, Strategy 18.8%, Political 16.1% ★, Politics 14.6% ★

Real-Time Strategy Game. Guide your nation through the most violent era in modern history. Play massive campaigns as one of the principal nations, set-piece scenarios of famous battles, or set your own victory condition and play as any nation in the world in Sandbox mode.

Why similar: World War II 33.2% ★, Politics 21.3% ★, Historical 17.1%, Strategy 12.6%, Simulation 10.6%

The Light in the Darkness tells the story of a working-class family of Polish Jews in France during the Holocaust. It is the first videogame to portray the Holocaust, releasing free for educational purposes.

Why similar: World War II 60.6% ★, Adventure 16.3%, Emotional 15.4%, Indie 6.4%, Singleplayer 1.2%

Lead your political party in a fierce competition to seize power against major rivals. Invest strategically, secure votes, and navigate crucial decisions to claim the presidential seat. Will you shape the destiny of Turkish politics?

Why similar: Political 23.7% ★, Politics 22.8% ★, Simulation 21.2%, Strategy 14.9%, Management 6.5%

Mittelborg: City of Mages is a strategic adventure with elements of rogue-like and resource management. You are crowned to be Chancellor of the city, but this power is a heavy burden. Face tough decisions, fight mystical tempests, look for the cause of upcoming chaos. Will Mittelborg have a future?

Why similar: Strategy 23.9%, Simulation 20.3%, Choices Matter 11.4%, Adventure 10.8%, Management 9.4%