The Middle Ages have been a source of inspiration for a wide range of material, from books to theater to movies to video games. Fans can see this influence in medieval-inspired fantasy like The Witcher and The Elder Scrolls, as well as historically-inspired titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance and the Crusader Kings series. In fact, there are so many options for Medieval-themed games that it's a filter for browsing the Steam store.
Hood: Outlaws and Legends brings to life a medieval world inspired by the legends of Robin Hood. Players control characters inspired by Robin Hood's band of outlaws. These include Robin himself, Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marion. The four playable characters come with a mix of strengths and weaknesses that make teamwork essential. With a new game bringing to life the Middle Ages, some players may be curious as to what other games can allow them to further explore the period. Here are five games set in the Middle Ages with similar themes.
5 Assassin's Creed
The middle ages have been a big part of the Assassin's Creed series, having been depicted several times. This is not too surprising, since the series' connection to medieval history goes all the way back to its first game. It takes place during the Third Crusade, putting it just before the Robin Hood stories usually take place. In fact, this Crusade often plays into the Robin Hood myth. Richard the Lionheart's involvement and subsequent absence from the English throne is what allows Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham to come into power in the first place.
Thus, even though Assassin's Creed does not directly connect to Robin Hood, a link still remains. Furthermore, Altair also acts as a vigilante who fights corruption, so there is a comparison to be made between him and Robin Hood.
4 Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
Hood: Outlaws and Legends definitely shows influence from the Assassin's Creed series, especially when it comes to Marriane. Valhalla brings players into an earlier period than Hood: Outlaws and Legends presumably takes place. The Merry Men's antics take place near the end of the Third Crusade, around 1192, while Valhalla takes place roughly 300 years earlier.
Still, Valhalla has lots of similar stealth and combat gameplay, even a few more options. The player can combine Marriane's stealth with John's brawling if they feel so inclined, and there is no shortage of plunder to be had. Some of it might be a little more ethically dubious, such as raiding monasteries full of unarmed monks. However, there is also no shortage of corrupt authorities to rob and murder, or justice to be had. Eivor even gets to deal with several sherriffs, and Sherwood Forest is an accessible location in the game.
3 For Honor
Hood: Outlaws and Legends offers players the chance to play outlaws fighting against a monarchy. Meanwhile, For Honor allows players to experience the other side. Gamers take on the role of knights defending their honor. The game is basically a medieval combat simulator. Players control fighters inspired by one of three types of medieval warriors (knights, vikings, and samurai) locked in a constant war for territorial control.
This includes laying siege to castles not unlike Hood: Outlaws and Legends. Players also sometimes have to defend their castles from invaders. What distinguishes For Honor, however, is that gamers get to play professional soldiers. They have access to a an army and siege equipment, rather than relying on discretion.
2 Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima offers players a look into a different part of the middle ages; namely, Feudal Japan and the encroaching Mongol Empire. While it takes place about 80 years after the Robin Hood stories in a very different part of the world, it does include some similar themes.
The great Samurai Jin Sakai becomes a Robin Hood-like figure, standing up to the mongols and helping their victims whenever possible. He even starts to form his own band of outlaws. The game heavily emphasizes the value of stealth, and its effectiveness when it comes to robbing or assassinating enemies.
1 A Plague Tale: Innocence
Hood: Outlaws and Legends takes a lot of aesthetic inspiration from A Plague Tale: Innocence. Certainly the theme of navigating old castles while avoiding detection brings out some similarities. This may be the result of both games sharing a publisher.
A lot of medieval-themed games prefer to focus on swordplay and archery, or epic battles between warring nations. By contrast, A Plague Tale casts that aside in favor of emphasizing stealth. Knights can kill the player in a single hit, so it's better to avoid them – similar to the Sheriff in Hood: Outlaws and Legends. The gameplay for Hood and Marriane probably drew inspiration from Amicia De Rune. In A Plague Tale, she generally has to find ways to evade detection and endangers herself if enemies spot her.