8 Video Games That Taught You History Through Immersion

Although presently considered a soulless series hellbent on making a quick buck, the first Assassin's Creed cast players into the role of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad - a high ranking member of the Assassin order during the Third Crusade (1189-1192) sent to eliminate the political leaders facilitating the re-taking of the Holy Land in the name of Western Christianity.

You would be hard-pressed to find a textbook that could immerse you into its content like Assassin's Creed does. Recalling the names and feats of historical figures like William III of Montferrat and Robert de Sablé is a victory in itself, but imagine being a silent skillful assassin sent to kill them.

Although the Apple of Eden is thrown in as the main motivation for political intrigue and secret societies, Assassin's Creed does a great job of putting into perspective monumental eras like the Crusades. Eavesdropping on conversations in the town souk, or accidentally crossing into hostile territory in the mountains of Syria makes you a part of this dynamic historical setting that is almost impossible to explain today.

We've watered it down to "war about religion," but Assassin's Creed will show you just how much of an understatement that is.