A Song of Ice and Fire is a series of epic fantasy novels by the American novelist and screenwriter George R. R. Martin. The novels were later on adapted to the hit HBO series Game of Thrones in 2011.
Video games[edit]
As of October 2018, seven video games based on the A Song of Ice and Fire novels and Game of Thrones series have been released, with an eighth forthcoming. A sequel to a previously released game has been canceled. The following table showcases the correspondent title, release date, publisher, developer and the platforms on which each game was released along with any other relevant information.
Blank cell indicates title was not released on any platform(s) by the specified manufacturers |
Cell with games console(s) indicates title was released on platform(s) by the specified manufacturers |
Title | Release details | Platform(s) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Microsoft | Sony | Other | ||
Blood of Dragons[1] |
| Browser | ||
A Game of Thrones: Genesis[2] |
| Windows | ||
Game of Thrones[3] |
| Xbox 360 Windows | PS3 | |
Game of Thrones Ascent[4] |
| Facebook Platform iOS Android | ||
Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series[5] |
| Xbox 360 Xbox One Windows | PS3 PS4 | iOS Android macOS |
Game of Thrones: Conquest[6][7] |
| iOS Android | ||
Reigns: Game of Thrones'[8] |
| Microsoft Windows | Android iOS Linux macOS Nintendo Switch | |
Game of Thrones Winter is Coming[9][10][11] |
| Browser | ||
Game of Thrones: Seven Kingdoms[12] |
| Browser | ||
Game of Thrones: Season Two[13] |
| Xbox 360 Xbox One Windows | PS3 PS4 | iOS Android macOS |
Game Of Thrones Pc Game Walkthrough
Modifications for other video games[edit]
For some games, users have created modifications, or 'mods', altering the game so that it is set in the A Song of Ice and Fire world.
Some popular modifications for games include:
- Crusader Kings 2: A Game of Thrones for Crusader Kings II.
- A Clash of Kings and A World of Ice and Fire for Mount & Blade: Warband.
- ‘’Europa Universalis IV: A Song Of Ice And Fire’’ for ‘’Europa Universalis IV’’
- Westeros: Total War for Medieval II: Total War.
- A Mod of Ice and Fire for Civilization V.
- Game of Thrones Risk for Warcraft 3.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^'Blood of Dragons: FAQ – 1.1.4. Is this MUSH approved by George R.R. Martin?'. westeros.org.
- ^Chris Remo. 'Gamasutra – Cyanide Creating A [Video] Game Of Thrones RTS, RPG Based On Fantasy Series'. gamasutra.com.
- ^Destin Legarie (May 15, 2012). 'Game of Thrones Review'. IGN.
- ^'Game of Thrones Ascent Facebook game revealed'. Eurogamer.net. May 21, 2012.
- ^ign.com/articles/2014/11/21/why-telltales-game-of-thrones-is-6-episodes-long
- ^'Game of Thrones: Conquest official website'. Game of Thrones: Conquest. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
- ^Spangler, Todd. ''Game of Thrones: Conquest' Multiplayer Strategy Mobile Game Launch Date Set'. Variety. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
- ^'Reigns: Game of Thrones is Coming to PC, Mobile This Year - Hardcore Gamer'. hardcoregamer.com. August 24, 2018.
- ^'Game of Thrones Winter is Coming'.
- ^Rishi Alwani (March 26, 2019). 'Game of Thrones Winter Is Coming Browser Game Out Now'.
- ^Anil Ganti (March 26, 2019). 'Game of Thrones: Winter Is Coming Is YOZOO Games' Latest Browser Game'.
- ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2012.CS1 maint: Archived copy as title (link)
- ^http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/game-thrones-telltale-season-2-842311
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_A_Song_of_Ice_and_Fire_video_games&oldid=901989790'
Winter is here for Game of Thrones fans, as after almost two years, the critically-acclaimed fantasy drama has returned to our screens for its final season. HBO’s adaptation of George RR Martin’s epic literary saga is a monumental achievement, and will apparently go out with a bang, with some of the biggest battles ever depicted on screen.
With its violent and imaginative mythology, it’s no surprise that Game of Thrones has struck a chord with many in the game-playing community. While a few tie-ins have come our way over the years, there has yet to be a licensed Game of Thrones game that truly matches the scale, depth, and excitement the show provides.
So, in order to fully immerse ourselves in the hype for Season 8, we’ve compiled a list of eight games that make us feel like a hero, villain, or morally-grey citizen of Westeros.
The night is dark and full of terrors and this article may contain spoilers, so proceed at your own risk. Oh, and we won’t be mentioning the dreadful 2012 tie-in from Atlus USA – this game has been banished to the Wall for crimes against the crown.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Although Game of Thrones author George RR Martin hails from New Jersey, his chief inspiration for creating the World of Ice and Fire comes from medieval European history. While magic exists in Martin’s world, it’s hidden away – and always comes at a great cost. Many of Westeros’ greatest knights – Sandor Clegane, Arthur Dayne, Jaime Lannister, and many more – earn victory through sheer brutality and endurance. One game that captures the gritty lifestyle of a medieval knight is Kingdom Come: Deliverance.
Kingdom Come is an action-RPG that is set apart from the rest by its devotion to historical realism. You’ll have no red priestess to save you here. Instead, you must rely on your wits and skill with a sword, and both will take work to maintain. You must manage your stamina and hunger to survive, while mastering a vast array of skills from lockpicking to weapon-honing to complete the quests available to you, all the while building your proficiency in the precise first-person combat. It’s a harsh world, but one packed with rewards for those who can persevere through its many challenges.
Like Game of Thrones, Kingdom Come doesn’t shy away from the less savoury aspects of medieval culture, either. Fans of the exploits of Tyrion Lannister will appreciate the ribaldry of this game’s cast, who run the gamut from lovable rogue to tyrannical lord, all of whom can be interacted with in a variety of authentic scenarios.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Look, we know we don’t have to tell you why to play The Witcher 3. It’s a critically acclaimed classic that has transcended its genre to become a generation-defining fan-favourite. Despite its ubiquity, it’s still worth highlighting just how brilliant The Witcher series is, especially for those prone to dark and sexy fantasy worlds.
mixing fantastical adventure with political intrigue and personal drama
Much like Game of Thrones, The Witcher game series is based on a long-running series of fantasy novels, drawing upon a richly detailed fictional universe based on European mythology. The Witcher novels were penned by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski and deal with similar themes to A Song of Ice and Fire, mixing fantastical adventure with political intrigue and personal drama.
CD Projekt Red’s titles bring Sapkowski’s unique world to life in gorgeous detail which has yet to be surpassed. It’s not quite as open-ended as some of the other games on this list, but if you’re looking for a narrative experience that is as captivating and merciless as HBO’s blockbuster, The Witcher 3 should be your first port of call.
Skyrim
This little-known entry in the Elder Scrolls series flew under many fantasy fans’ radars when it sneaked out in 2011, but give this hidden gem a chance, and you’ll discover a pretty solid fantasy RPG.
Ok, enough of that. Obviously, Bethesda’s vast open-world RPG is a genre-defining title, which set the standard for games of its type and, despite its technical shortcomings, is considered by many to be a masterwork. Whether you’re running errands in an unassuming farming village or battling dragons atop a majestic mountain peak, it’s easy to lose yourself in the vibrant world of Tamriel.
Aesthetically, Skyrim is already pretty Thrones-esque, but take a venture into the world of modding and you can transform Tamriel into the Seven Kingdoms proper. There are several mods which will help you bring some Westeros flavour to your Skyrim experience, but by far the most comprehensive is the Game of Thrones Adaptation Mod. It changes character models, dialogue, environments, armour, items and more to give you a truly immersive journey through George RR Martin’s dark mythology.
Music for the People (Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch album) Music for the People is the debut album by American hip hop group Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, released on July 23, 1991. The album was a success, reaching #1 on the Top Heatseekers Albums chart, and #21 on the Billboard 200, thanks to the hit single, ' Good Vibrations '. Aug 11, 2014 I doubt anyone will ever confuse Marky Mark as one of raps greatest MC's. This album is not bad for the hip/pop cateorgy. It's a good mix of samples and decent rapping with 90s club music. Marky mark good vibrations video.
Dark Souls III
One of the most fascinating aspects of the world of Game of Thrones is the supernatural forces that exist at the fringes. Although the Gods of Ice and Fire play a background role in the show, they’re given more detail in the books, and many fans have speculated that they’re the real driving force behind the events we see unfold in the story. There are many gods and terrifying creatures present in Martin’s world – the red god R’hllor, The Drowned God, The Great Other, the Old Gods, and the Deep Ones, all of which are indisputably influenced by the work of HP Lovecraft.
Read more: Get stuck into the best RPGs on PC
Another pop culture touchstone that mixes medieval fantasy with Lovecraftian horror is FromSoftware’s Dark Souls series. Although Dark Souls isn’t as fixated on cosmic horror as it its action-RPG cousin Bloodborne – let us have a PC version, Sony – the spirit of the influential author can be felt throughout the Dark Souls series. Especially in Dark Souls 3, many bosses feel like they could be plucked straight from Martin’s books.
The Deacons of the Deep strongly resemble the crazed priests of R’hllor, while the Curse-rotted Greatwood could easily be a weirwood tree brought to terrifying life. The unforgiving nature of FromSoftware’s games is also starkly reminiscent of Martin’s work – so much so that it’s rumoured the author is collaborating with FromSoftware on a new title currently in the works.
Telltale’s Game of Thrones
As one of the few officially licensed Game of Thrones videogames, Telltale’s five-part choose-your-own-adventure game sticks pretty close to the blueprint laid down by the show. It allows you to step into the shoes of a handful of original characters struggling to survive the cruel lands of Westeros and Essos as Winter approaches. Unlike Telltale’s The Walking Dead, this series is based on the show rather than the books, and as such features many of its top-tier actors reprising their roles.
It's never coming
Obsidian Entertainment, the maker of acclaimed RPGs like Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity, were once approached about making a Game of Thrones game. The studio turned it down as it thought an adaptation of the books would work much better as an RTS title.
Read moreWhile interacting with the likes of Cersei Lannister, Ramsay Bolton, and Daenerys Targaryen certainly has its charms, the fact that the plot is so inseparable to events of the show means that it’s difficult to care much about your player characters, knowing that they ultimately will have little impact on the overall plot.
Then there’s the unfortunate fact that the series ends on a cliffhanger, which will never be resolved due to Telltale sadly closing its doors before the second season could be completed. The unfinished story and aged visuals make this series difficult to recommend, but despite this, Telltale’s take on Thrones does feel remarkably authentic, and so it’s still worth a look for mega fans.
Reigns: Game of Thrones
Looking for a kingdom ruling sim but don’t have time to learn knotty game mechanics? Look no further than Reigns. In Reigns: Game of Thrones, you step into the shoes of various prospective rulers, including Jon Snow, Sansa Stark, and Tyrion Lannister. Your job is to manage the royal coin, military campaigns, the faith, and more. Sounds complex, right? But the unique brilliance of Reigns lies in its simplicity.
arguably the best game adaptation of the series yet
The many dilemmas of ruling are presented to you with cards that you can respond to with a left or right swipe – a simple binary choice that can have dire consequences. Essentially, it’s doing for management sims what Tinder did for online dating. It couldn’t be more simple to understand but, like all strategy games, it’s hard to master, requiring you to carefully think through each move and all of its possible outcomes.
What really makes this game great is its writing. You’ll fend off barbs from master of whisperers Varys, spar with the Lannisters, and get into shouting matches with Greyjoys – each represented in the instantly recognisable cadence of the Thrones mythology. Despite its simplicity, there is a lot to love in Reigns: Game of Thrones, and it’s arguably the best game adaptation of the series yet.
Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia
One of the most impressive parts of Game of Thrones is the epic scale of its battle scenes. Clashes like the Battle of Castle Black or the Battle of the Bastards are unlike anything else seen on the small screen, and rival even the Lord of the Rings films in their sheer enormity. When it comes to large-scale battles, there’s only one game series that truly captures the spirit of the Clash of Kings, and that’s Total War.
Total War is one of the most popular historical strategy game series out there, with entries that span across a range of time periods and settings including Feudal Japan, the Roman Empire, and Medieval Britain. The World of Ice and Fire borrows elements from all of these periods of history, but for the best game experience that aligns with the most iconic battles of the TV show, we’d recommend Thrones of Britannia.
Although there are no white walkers in Total War, you can faithfully recreate Jon Snow’s skirmish with Ramsay Bolton – albeit without the giant. Controlling your troops from a top-down perspective, Total War really makes you feel like a battle commander, leading your troops to victory using tactics alone. It helps that Thrones of Britannia also just looks stunning. Defending a keep from a siege by Vikings is a thrilling experience in its own right, but it’s also as close as you’re likely to get to feeling like Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch repelling wildlings from the Wall.
Crusader Kings II
Venturing back into the annals of history, Crusader Kings II is a medieval dynasty simulator which gives you the chance to build a legacy using diplomacy, or fire and blood. Once again, those wonderful internet folk have stepped up to make our nerdy interests even more nerdy with the Crusader Kings II: A Game of Thrones mod.
Like the view? Call the shots in the best strategy games on PC
Much like Skyrim’s GoT mod, this wonderful bit of user-generated content will transform the game world into an impressively faithful recreation of the continents of Westeros and Essos, complete with all of your favourite cities, strongholds, and houses.
As the developers explain, the mod will allow you to explore ‘What if?’ scenarios that didn’t occur in the books or show, such as if Stannis and Renly joined forces against Joffrey, or if Robb Stark had swerved the Red Wedding and continued his campaign in the War of the Five Kings. It’s a thoroughly engrossing mod to an already superb strategy game and is absolutely worth a look for any fan of the genre.
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Game of Thrones season seven has officially begun, and everyone has A Song of Ice and Fire fever again. If you’re all hyped up about the franchise, you might be thinking about playing a video game based on the series to tide you over till the next episode premieres. Well, too bad. There aren’t any outstanding titles — at least not any licensed ones. Unfortunately, Game of Thrones has joined the pantheon of the terribly handled movie, TV and book-based video game licenses.
Looking at Game of Thrones, it seems like you could craft a great game for almost any genre. You could have a hack-and-slash, a roleplaying game, grand strategy, real-time strategy — the franchise has a huge amount of material from which to draw. But the few games we’ve got have been mediocre at best, and most are better off being ignored entirely.
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s available for any video game fans looking to explore the world of Game of Thrones.
(Editors Note: Spoilers for the AGame of Thrones franchise below.)
Game of Thrones Video Games: Why each of them sucks
Below we’ve collected the licensed Game of Thrones games in chronological order and what exactly went wrong with each of them.
AGame of Thrones: Genesis — PC (2011)
The first Game of Thrones video game isn’t actually based on the TV show. Instead, this is the only game built around the A Song of Ice and Fire book series. It released in late 2011, and you’ll see none of the likenesses of the familiar characters from the TV show. It references lore from the books heavily, meaning the majority of people who bought it probably had no idea what the game was going on about, and it was generally a huge cash-in on the TV shows popularity.
Even if it was a bait-and-switch by not including material from the TV show, AGame of Thrones: Genesis could be forgiven if it was a decent game — but it’s not. It features a brown generic Westeros with a bunch of generic characters. Visually, this game is only Game of Thrones in name, and it looks like it may have started as another title and ended up getting skinned as Game of Thrones later in development. The gameplay is okay, but its introduction of convoluted, non-standard real-time-strategy mechanics was a turn off for many.
AGame of Thrones: Genesis ended up alienating Game of Thrones fans by presenting a generic form of Westeros with no connection to the TV show. It also managed to alienate RTS fans by trying to reinvent the wheel in a mediocre way.
Game of Thrones — PC, PS3, Xbox 360 (2012)
Game of Thrones is the appropriately named first video game adaptation of the TV series. Unlike A Game of Thrones: Genesis, this title seems to make an effort to appease both fans of the TV show and gamers. It might even accomplish the former, but suffers from a multitude of flaws. Instead of picking one genre and focusing on making the best Game of Thrones game within that framework, developer Cyanide tried to capture a little bit of everything that makes the TV show popular, to the detriment of the whole.
The writing is decent but lacks the punch and complication of the books and TV show. Instead of focusing on the primary cast, you take the role of two randoms during the events of season one. Major events and characters weave in and out of the plot, but because the game relies on the TV show canon, nothing of consequence actually happens since they couldn’t alter any major events.
The combat is interesting but poorly executed. It feels like Dragon Age: Origins but clunkier. You can queue actions for your party and then unfreeze time to see them in action, but the interface is terrible and lacks relevant information. The voice acting is rough, to put it gently. The graphics lack any polish and approach PlayStation 2 level at times, and it seems like the game didn’t get the benefit of a full development cycle.
Predictably, it got poor-to-mediocre reviews, and fan response was so bad that Cyanide didn’t even release the “Behind the Wall” DLC in North America, leaving only the European market to have to suffer through it. Game of Thrones really could have benefited from a more focused design plan, a bigger budget and more development time.
Game of ThronesAscent — Facebook, iOS, Android (2013)
Game of ThronesAscent is a mobile game, so it’s not fair to compare it to the full-scale releases above. Like virtually every major “free” Facebook and smartphone game ever, it has an interesting premise, but you’ll have to mortgage your house or sell your car to enjoy any of it.
Ascent is a casual role-playing game where you can pledge allegiance to a major house and build your personal holdings while playing through small story vignettes. Unfortunately, after the first hour or so, you run into timers for nearly everything and it stops being fun.
Game of ThronesAscent suffers from the same issues every “freemium” title does. It’s unfortunate because, from my short time playing the game, it seems like Disruptor Beam put a lot of effort into making it an authentic Game of Thrones experience instead of a reskin of a generic app. However, most people won’t get to enjoy it because paying the amount of money they expect to skip timers is offensive.
Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series — Android, iOS, PC, Mac OS, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One (2014)
This is the best Game of Thrones licensed game available right now. Telltale’s title is the second video game to be named Game of Thrones, which is breathtakingly dumb, but whatever I guess. Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series follows the story of a rivalry between House Forrester and House Whitehill after the events of the Red Wedding. They’re both smaller houses, and are responsible for providing quality lumber for the Seven Kingdoms.
The plot hinges on House Whitehill desiring House Forrester’s tree groves. House Whitehill has deforested their lands while House Forrester has taken care to make sure that they regrow what they cut down. Ramsey Bolton, representing his father Roose, Warden of the North, goads the houses into all out war. There’s also a subplot with Margaery Tyrell and her handmaiden Mira Forrester, in which Mira tries to influence Margaery to intervene on House Forrester’s behalf. Mira’s relationships with those she meets in King’s Landing are way more interesting than the rest of the plot, which gives a slogging feeling to many sections of the game.
Unfortunately, Telltale’s Game of Thrones succumbs to the same issues that affected the plot in the 2012 Game of Thrones. House Forrester and House Whitehill are so insignificant in the greater picture that when you pull back and look at Westeros as a whole, they’re not even a blip on the radar. Telltale has been criticized for only giving the illusion that your in-game choices, and there’s no greater offender of that than Game of Thrones.
No matter what you choose, the game will counterbalance your decision to the point where it’s inevitable your character will only do what’s necessary to move the plot forward. Everyone you encounter outside of House Forrester has more influence and power than you, and your decisions just don’t matter in the greater web of the Game of Thrones universe.
Game of Thrones suffers for the invention of House Forrester and House Whitehill primarily. There are a ton of minor characters and houses that were already established that could have served the narrative much better. Instead, we’re asked to a fight about trees and forced political intrigue in King’s Landing that’s nowhere near as exciting as what we see in the show.
The game also suffers from the choice to stylize everything through a weird watercolor motif. The graphics could have been good, but the Telltale Tool game engine’s horrible optimization and bugginess end up making strange artifacts from time to time, and there are general technical issues with the whole production.
Game of Thrones Video Games: Will upcoming games suck too?
There are two Game of Thrones video games currently in production. Will they change the tide of mediocre titles for the franchise? Probably not. Here’s why.
Game of Thrones: Seven Kingdoms
Game of Thrones: Seven Kingdoms is the answer to a question nobody posed. From Bigpoint, the makers of Battlestar Galactica Online, comes what will probably be a middling massive multiplayer online game with lots of premium currency. Supposedly, the game is being made in collaboration with HBO, but there hasn’t been any news about it since the above trailer was released in 2012. It hasn’t been officially canceled, but it was supposed to be released in 2013. So we probably won’t actually see this browser-based title.
Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series: Season 2
Telltale announced in late 2015 they would be doing a Season 2 of Game of Thrones. Season 1 of the series ended with things still up in the air concerning the fate of House Forrester, so it makes sense that there’s a sequel season. We haven’t heard much about the progress or projected release date for Season 2, so we’ll have to hold tight on this one. If Game of Thrones Season 2 expands beyond the humdrum setting of Season 1, it will probably be better for it.
Game of Thrones Video Games: Where can I play a good A Song of Ice and Fire game?
The only place to get your Game of Thrones video game fix is PC mods. Sadly, fan modding projects have resulted in much better Game of Thrones experience than actual licensed games. You can check out three of our favorite here.
More gaming news and updates
Check out the latest from Mic, like this deep dive into the cultural origins of Gamergate. Also, be sure to read this essay about what it’s like to cosplay while black, a roundup of family-friendly games to play with your kids and our interview with Adi Shankar, producer of the animated Castlevania Netflix series.
Game of Thrones Game – Overview – Free Download – Compressed – RIP – Screenshots – PC – Specs – Torrent/uTorrent
Type of game: Graphic adventure, interactive drama
PC Release Date:December 2014
Developer/Publishers: Telltale Games
Game of Thrones (2.32 GB) is a Graphic adventure video game. Developed and published by Telltale Games. It was released on December 2014. The game was developed by Telltale Games and follows the episodic format found in other Telltale titles, such as The Walking Dead, The Wolf Among Us and Tales from the Borderlands, where player choices and actions influence later events across the 6-episode arc. The story revolves around the northern House Forrester, rulers of Ironrath, whose members, including the five playable characters, attempt to save their family and themselves after ending up on the losing side of the War of the Five Kings. The game includes settings, characters, and voice actors from the novels and TV series.
Type of game: Graphic adventure, interactive drama
PC Release Date:December 2014
Developer/Publishers: Telltale Games
Game of Thrones (2.32 GB) is a Graphic adventure video game. Developed and published by Telltale Games. It was released on December 2014. The game was developed by Telltale Games and follows the episodic format found in other Telltale titles, such as The Walking Dead, The Wolf Among Us and Tales from the Borderlands, where player choices and actions influence later events across the 6-episode arc. The story revolves around the northern House Forrester, rulers of Ironrath, whose members, including the five playable characters, attempt to save their family and themselves after ending up on the losing side of the War of the Five Kings. The game includes settings, characters, and voice actors from the novels and TV series.
Before downloading make sure that your PC meets minimum system requirements.
Minimum System Requirements
Minimum System Requirements
- OS: Windows XP/Vista/7
- Processor: AMD/INTEL DUAL-CORE 2.2 GHZ
- RAM: 2 GB
- Hard Drive: 7 GB available space
- Video Card: 256 MB, ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT/NVIDIA Geforce 7900 GTX or Higher
- DirectX: Version 9.0c
How to Install?
- Extract the file using Winrar. (Download Winrar)
- Open “Game of Thrones” folder, double click on “Setup” and install it.
- After installation complete, go to the folder where you install the game.
- Open “Binaries” >> “Win32” folder, double click on “ShippingPC-AGOTGame” icon to play the game. Done!
How to Download?
If your don’t know how to Download this game, just Click Here!
If your don’t know how to Download this game, just Click Here!
Game of Thrones Download
Click Here to Download This Game
Game Size: 2.32 GB
Password: www.apunkagames.net or apunkagames
or
You Can Also Download In Torrent Format
Download Torrent File
Click Here to Download This Game
Game Size: 2.32 GB
Password: www.apunkagames.net or apunkagames
or
You Can Also Download In Torrent Format
Download Torrent File
'Game of Thrones' games are the best way to pass the time between episodes. The hit show and book series at this point has a good number of computer and video game spinoffs, some alright, some solid, and one exceptional. We'll take you through the best (and worst) in the world of 'Game of Thrones' games, whether you're a casual watcher, an avid fan of the show, or (like me) someone who has loved these books and everything related to them for years.
5. 'Game of Thrones: Genesis' (Cyanide, PC, 2011)
'Game of Thrones: Genesis' is the oddest bird among the 'Game of Thrones' games, and it's also the oldest. Based exclusively on the books, it was the first video or computer game adaptation. The game is a very complex RTS with lots of interesting ideas, but a clumsy interface, bad UI, technical problems, and uninteresting combat hamper it severely. And non-hardcore fans will be disappointed: there are no familiar faces here. The game covers a span of a thousand years, all of it long before the main story. If fighting as Aegon the Conqueror or Nymeria tickles you, go for it. If you don't know who they are, or if you don't like difficult and confusing RTS games, give 'Game of Thrones: Genesis' a pass.
4. 'Game of Thrones' (Cyanide; PS3, Xbox 360, PC; 2012)
'Game of Thrones,' the most simply named 'Game of Thrones' game, is an RPG based on both the books and the HBO series, complete with some of the original voice cast. Players control two characters: a skinchanger from the Night's Watch, and a red priest of R'hllor. The game has great combat, an initially boring but increasingly solid story. It's not the best game in the world, but for hardcore BioWare-style RPG fans or those who simply love the series, it's worth a try.
3. 'Game of Thrones: Ascent' (Disruptor Beam, Facebook, 2013)
I know it's heresy to praise a social game, but 'Game of Thrones: Ascent' is one of the best 'Game of Thrones' games out there. It's a Facebook game, developed by Disruptor Beam. The game launched in beta in February 2013, and it allows players to create their own character and use intrigue and power plays to become an important player allied to one of the Great Houses. Players can also build up armies, participate in trade, improve their ancestral lands, and - best of all - backstab their friends. Most excitingly, the game updates every week with new content based on the latest HBO episode.
'Game of Thrones: Ascent' is free-to-play but, typically, not free-to-play-well. The gameplay can be slow and tedious, with a lot of waiting. It's a grind. But it's a solid game if you have the patience. And it's still in beta, so some of these issues - those that aren't a basic part of the design - may be fixed.
2. 'A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition)' (Fantasy Flight Games, Board Game, 2011)
It's still a 'Game of Thrones' game, even though it's neither a computer nor a video game. It's a board game. It's based on the books, and it's old (the first edition came out in 2003). Nevertheless, it's one of the best versions of 'Game of Thrones' on the market. Three to six players control Great Houses (Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, Tyrell, Greyjoy, and Martell) and vie to control Westeros in a truly intense wargame with, of course, no second place (you win or you die). For board game newbies: unlike Risk, it has very little randomness in it. Combat itself has none. It combines warring with using Influence to compete for the Iron Throne, the King's Court, and overall military prowess for a strategic and epic multiplayer experience.
1. 'Crusader Kings II: A Game of Thrones' (Paradox / Fanmade, PC & Mac, 2012-2013)
The best 'Game of Thrones' game doesn't even have 'Game of Thrones' in the title, not really. And it's not even a game, it's a mod. A mod for the game Crusader Kings II, my personal Game of the Year 2012, a game of medieval dynasty management, politicking, marriage, and warfare. The fan-created 'A Game of Thrones' mod takes all that, tweaks it dramatically, and moves it to Westeros. Instead of playing as the great kings and dukes of Europe, you play as the heads of the Great Houses. You control the head of the dynasty (e.g. Jon Arryn of House Arryn). If you die - and sooner or later you will, time being what it is - you continue as their heir (e.g. Sweetrobin of House Arryn, a child and a useless one at that).
In the meantime, you can make war and alliances, joust, have your maester educate your children, and so, so much more. And you don't have to play as a Great Lord, either. You can play as any landed noble. Roose Bolton? You got it. Walder Frey and his 100 kids? Have fun. And the mod has an increasing number of scenarios, allowing players to start at many different time periods - Robert's Rebellion, Aegon's Conquest, the War of the Five Kings, it's all here. The mod just came out with a new version, and it's free (Crusader Kings II is not, but it goes on sale a lot, and is awesome all on its own). Seriously, if you like 'Game of Thrones,' this is where you need to be.