Echoes in eternity

Explore ancient history with these historical games available on PlayStation.

History influences all aspects of our culture. Our progress, politics and religion have roots that stretch back not just hundreds but thousands of years. Games are no exception, drawing subtly or directly from this accumulated wealth of human experience.

Greek myths have provided the inspiration for many novels, films and games, these ancient stories being retold again and again in different guises. Putting gameplay aside, the storyline and style of God of War on PlayStation is enriched by the myths it draws upon. The game's universal appeal stems from a recurring theme - one individual against the odds. Hercules, Orpheus and Perseus like Kratos are alone.

Continuing with Greece, but adding another 299 warriors into the mix along with the tragic hero, is 300: March to Glory. Eidos have developed Frank Miller's comic and director Zack Snyder's blockbuster for PlayStation Portable, pitting a small Spartan force against the might of the Persian Empire at the battle of Thermopylae. A staple of historical adaptations, battles never get old, lending themselves perfectly to a variety of game genres.

Sega's Spartan: Total Warrior on PlayStation 2 portrays the single heroic character against the backdrop of pitched battles, your actions on the field turning the tide for your troops as you engage the enemy and opposing heroes. In contrast THE HISTORY CHANNEL: Great Battles of Rome fully embraces the more strategic real time strategy genre. Putting you in command of Rome's Legions, developers Slitherine and Atomic Planet have created an accessible combat system that enables control of 20 units simultaneously.

Another vision of Rome can be explored in Capcom's action adventure Shadow of Rome on PS2. Not for the squeamish, the contrast between the investigation into the murder of Julius Caesar and the visceral gladiatorial action is extreme. Like many historical games much of the focus is based on conflict, whether in one-on-one bouts or the clash of large armies.

Subtler influences can be found in numerous games, from the art style of Final Fantasy XII on PS2 to the storyline inspiration of Genji: Days of the Blade on PlayStation 3. Drawing from no particular period or, as is the case with Genji, building a fantastical vision on a mix of history, myth and legend, these games are enthused with qualities and aspects we instantly recognise and respond to, making the experience and enjoyment of playing that much deeper.

With Assassin's Creed for PS3 and God of War: Chains of Olympus for PSP on the horizon, history in the gaming industry, continues to be very much in vogue.