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Heart of the Machine

15 Games with a historical setting like Heart of the Machine that you should try

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Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentHow this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

We filtered the 42 games similar to Heart of the Machine down to the 15 that fit the “Historical” category. Sid Meier's Civilization® V, Crusader Kings III and Crusader Kings II top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Heart of the Machine.

iRank88/ 100

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GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy
Tags
Solo
Year 2026Dev Arcen Games

Quick answer

Within the “Historical” category, the closest game to Heart of the Machine is Sid Meier's Civilization® V — scoring 55/100 on our similarity scale. Crusader Kings III and Crusader Kings II follow close behind.

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The best games with a historical setting like Heart of the Machine

15 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Heart of the Machine. Each one has been evaluated across 14 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

Sid Meier's Civilization® V
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalHistoricalSci-FiBase BuildingIsometric
Steam👍 96%· 209KRAWG👍 91%· 2.0KMC90IGDB87· 5
Year 2010Dev Aspyr Media · 2K GamesPlaytime ~27hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ If you enjoyed Heart of the Machine, expect turn-based strategy, deep simulation and combat tactical

≠ Its own twist: ranged combat, fantasy world and setting medieval, while skipping sandbox freedom

Real-time strategy genre has always been about domination over your opponent, and Civilization in general expanded on the concept. Civilization 5 allows players to pick one of the 43 civilizations available in, including DLCs and the expansions.

Where it drifts furthest from Heart of the Machine: progression and game mode.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 16 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Visuals100Combat78Setting74Game mode49Progression43
#2Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalSandbox WorldHistoricalManagementIsometric
Steam👍 90%· 140KRAWG👍 89%· 465MC86IGDB91· 3OC90· 94
Year 2020Dev Paradox Developement Studios · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~12hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ If you enjoyed Heart of the Machine, expect deep simulation, deep RPG systems and turn-based strategy

≠ Where it differs: brings real-time strategy, cozy, relaxing feel and strong narrative focus, while skipping survival mechanics

A grand strategy game about dynasties rather than borders: characters have traits, stress, secrets and lifespans, and most of the story comes from managing relatives who want what you have. Far more approachable than CK2. Warfare is the shallow part, and once you understand the systems the difficulty largely disappears past the first century.

Genre100Combat100World100Visuals100Game mode55Setting53
Crusader Kings II
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloSandbox WorldHistoricalIsometricMultiplayer
Steam👍 91%· 74KRAWG👍 64%· 755MC82IGDB84· 2
Year 2012Dev Paradox Development Studio · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ If you enjoyed Heart of the Machine, expect turn-based strategy, deep simulation and deep RPG systems

≠ Stands apart with fantasy world, setting medieval and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping survival mechanics

Crusader Kings II is a global RTS which takes place in the Middle Ages of Europe. The players will govern a house of nobility of that time, and ensure that its heritage will last for centuries.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 14 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100World100Visuals100Game mode53Setting50
#4Ultimate Arena
Ultimate Arena
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalSandbox WorldHistoricalIsometric
Steam👍 80%· 992RAWG👍 14%· 21
Year 2016Dev TriverskePlaytime ~4hOn PC · Linux

✓ Like Heart of the Machine, it's known for turn-based strategy, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Where it differs: brings horror tension, cozy, relaxing feel and strong narrative focus, while skipping deep RPG systems

Many will enter, one will win. It has taken a few millennia for the art of the arena to be perfected, but we've finally done it. Ultimate Arena puts you in charge of the greatest battle royale, the one that you pick who fights and the conditions they fight under. Take charge by setting up landmines, deploying care packages, and initiating arena events.

Where it drifts furthest from Heart of the Machine: visuals and setting.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100World68Setting48Visuals47
MASSIVE CHALICE
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalHistoricalManagementMagic
Steam👍 72%· 1.9KRAWG👍 36%· 131MC73IGDB70· 3OC74· 32
Year 2015Dev Double Fine ProductionsPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Xbox · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed Heart of the Machine, expect deep simulation, turn-based strategy and deep RPG systems

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, roguelike runs and combat magic, while skipping sandbox freedom

Massive Chalice is a fantasy turn-based tactical game in the vein of XCOM. ###Plot The player assumes the role of an immortal leader in a fantasy kingdom. A dark power called Cadence repeatedly attacks the kingdom, corrupting everything it touches.

Where it drifts furthest from Heart of the Machine: progression.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against very positive for Heart of the Machine.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Combat71Setting52Progression46
Sid Meier's Colonization (Classic)
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloHistoricalBase BuildingManagementIsometric
Steam👍 96%· 1.1K
Year 2014Dev MicroProse Software · Nightdive StudiosPlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Like Heart of the Machine, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and historical setting

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, fantasy world and visual pixel, while skipping sandbox freedom

Special OfferOfficially Licensed Sid Meier's Colonization T-Shirts are available on Amazon! About the GameThe Tradition of Civilization Continues The New World lies before you with all its peril, promise and infinite possibility. Your colonists anxiously follow you to shore.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Progression100Visuals86Setting65
Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalHistoricalBase BuildingManagementIsometric
Steam👍 86%· 374KRAWG👍 88%· 1.4KMC88IGDB87· 20OC89· 95
Year 2016Dev Aspyr Media · 2K GamesPlaytime ~15hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Like Heart of the Machine, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Its own twist: fantasy world and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping sandbox freedom

The sixth installment in Sid Meier’s Civilization series.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Progression100Visuals100Setting65Game mode55
Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalHistoricalIsometricMultiplayer
IGDB81· 8
Year 2008Dev Firaxis Games · 2K GamesOn PlayStation 3

✓ If you enjoyed Heart of the Machine, expect deep simulation, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Stands apart with fantasy world and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping sandbox freedom

Civilization compressed for consoles: games finish in a couple of hours, the tech tree is trimmed hard, and turns are fast enough to play with a controller comfortably. That compression is the trade — the diplomacy and economic layers are thin, and anyone coming from the PC entries will find the strategic ceiling low.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 18 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Visuals100Setting64Game mode56
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloHistoricalBase BuildingIsometricMultiplayer
Steam👍 87%· 1.5KRAWG👍 69%· 163MC83IGDB77· 3
Year 2008Dev Aspyr Media · 2K GamesPlaytime ~1hOn PC · iOS · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed Heart of the Machine, expect turn-based strategy, deep simulation and historical setting

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, fantasy world and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping sandbox freedom

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is a remake of the famous turn-based strategy game Sid Meier's Colonization which was released in 1994. The game was totally remade with the Civilization IV engine.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 18 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Visuals100Setting65Progression59Game mode55
Turmoil
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalHistoricalManagementMultiplayer
Steam👍 93%· 16KOC72· 11
Year 2016Dev Gamious · PlaydigiousOn PS4 · Linux · Android

✓ Like Heart of the Machine, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Where it differs: brings vibe relaxing, multiplayer gameplay and co op, while skipping sandbox freedom

Where it drifts furthest from Heart of the Machine: visuals and game mode.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Setting76Progression67Game mode31Visuals0
Travellin Cats in China
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalHistoricalManagementNarrative
Steam👍 92%· 1.0K
Dev KremlingamesPlaytime ~4hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Like Heart of the Machine, it's known for deep simulation, deep RPG systems and turn-based strategy

≠ Stands apart with strong narrative focus, open world exploration and visual 2d, while skipping sandbox freedom

Year 1976, the stormy Cultural revolution has died down, hard times of hongweibing and public critics are coming to an end. Old and sick Mao Zedong will soon leave China to his comrades from CPC.

Where it drifts furthest from Heart of the Machine: world and visuals.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Setting77Progression64World0
#12Children of the Nile
Children of the Nile
StrategyCity Builder
SoloSandbox WorldHistoricalBase BuildingManagementIsometric
Steam👍 85%· 465MC75IGDB75· 2
Year 2008Dev Tilted Mill EntertainmentPlaytime ~2hOn PC

✓ Nearly identical: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and sandbox world.

≠ Missing: turn-based strategy.

Children of the Nile™ is a unique gem of a city-building game, unparalleled in both grandeur and attention to detail. As Pharaoh you will guide your people through thousands of years of history: from simple hunter-gatherers to the creation of an immortal civilization.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 18 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100World100Progression100Visuals100Setting79Genre50
Caesar III
StrategyCity Builder
SoloHistoricalBase BuildingManagementIsometric
Steam👍 93%· 2.2K
Year 1998Dev Impressions Games · Sierra EntertainmentOn PC

✓ Nearly identical: deep simulation, historical setting and single-player focus.

≠ Missing: turn-based strategy.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 28 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100Progression100Visuals100Setting78Genre50
Pharaoh
StrategyRTS
SoloHistoricalBase BuildingIsometric
Steam👍 92%· 2.5KIGDB70· 1
Year 1999Dev Impressions Games · Sierra EntertainmentOn PC

✓ If you enjoyed Heart of the Machine, expect deep simulation, historical setting and single-player focus

≠ Its own twist: real-time strategy, while skipping turn-based strategy

It predates Heart of the Machine by 27 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100Visuals100Setting78Progression69Genre50
iBomber Defense Pacific
StrategyTower Defense
SoloTacticalHistoricalMeleeCasual
Steam👍 83%· 593RAWG👍 19%· 42
Year 2012Dev Cobra MobilePlaytime ~1hOn PC · iOS · Apple Macintosh

✓ Shared with Heart of the Machine: turn-based strategy, combat tactical and historical setting

≠ Stands apart with tower defense planning, real-time strategy and vibe casual, while skipping deep simulation

iBomber Defense Pacific is the sequel to the original iBomber Defense. It is the second part in this tower defense series designed for mobile devices. ###Premise The game is set during the World War II. Unlike the original game, the sequel shifts its attention to the Pacific Theatre.

Where it drifts furthest from Heart of the Machine: visuals.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 14 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100Combat84Setting79Genre50Visuals0

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