Though frankly not as good as Warband, Fire & Sword's firearms and East European setting makes for a quite different (and more difficult!) experience.

Build up the fortunes and status of a merchant or craftsman dynasty in a medieval German city. Getting a bit on in years, but still a great gane.

A classic castle-builder sim; honestly just as good as if not better than its more recent sequel.

This Cold War-inspired game is probably the first game to examine the depths of totalitarianism and the "banality of evil", and it does so very well.

Even after the release of Civ 5, the predecessor very much holds its own with great gameplay and some fantastic mods available.

Civilization is the great-grandfather of history-themed strategy games. Be sure to get the Complete Edition with the Brave New World expansion.

Without a doubt the best 'ride around and hit people in the face with a sword'-simulator anywhere.

Another great grand strategy game, but with some RPG elements and a more personal touch as you guide a medieval dynasty to prosper – or just survive.

One of the best grand strategy games on the market, EU IV puts you in charge of a nation during the Renaissance and Early Modern periods.