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US History Games

The history of the United States is a deep well from which to draw inspiration for games of varying kinds. Games have appeared based on specific periods of U.S. history, such as the Wild West and the Civil War. Games that test a player's knowledge of American history in general also exist. These games can be played for fun or used to enhance the educational experience at school.

Classroom Games
- These games are intended for a teacher to play with a group of students. "History Jeopardy" is adapted from the famous television show. The teacher prepares a series of questions beforehand relating to events in American history. Players must respond to these with a question, in the style of the quiz show.
  
  Another classroom game, "To Tell the Truth," requires students to prepare by reading up on a pre-determined personality from U.S. history, such as Martin Luther King Jr. The teacher then selects three students who must try to persuade classmates that they are the true historical personality. Their classmates ask them several questions about the historical personality to determine the most knowledgeable of the three students.
Computer Games
- Computer titles based on historical events can be quite complex in nature. "Far West" is a strategy game set during the days of the American Wild West. Players must hire staff and look after their livestock as they attempt to rise up the ranks and become a local cattle baron. The player can use mercenary cowboys to defend his property against rampaging rustlers.
  
  "Attack on Pearl Harbor" is an action-packed aircraft simulation set during the days of the World War II. The game offers an arcade feel to its campaign missions, with players commanding either American or Japanese planes and engaging the enemy in dogfights.
Card Games
- Historical card games often feature decks of illustrated cards, not traditional playing cards. "Professor Noggin's History of the United States Card Game" includes 30 cards and challenges players' knowledge of the wars, presidents and inventions that have shaped U.S. history. Question formats range from multiple-choice to true or false.
  
  "Jingo," meanwhile, combines the thrill of bingo with the challenge of trivia. "Jingo" is a term given to a series of game editions manufactured by the Gary Grimm &Associates Co. Relevant editions include "Colonial America Jingo" and "Civil War Jingo," both of which feature questions about history that players must answer to be the first to cross off all their "Jingo" squares.
Board Games
- Multi-player board games offer up a challenge based on historical events. In "Patriot Challenge," participants race to be the first around a game board. Along the way, they'll need to answer question cards to earn points to advance forward. Questions relate to trivia but also might ask players to sing the U.S. national anthem or explain a concept.
  
  "Geronimo" is based on the conflict between Native Americans and the United States, with players each taking a side. The United States player attempts to build up her territories by developing settlements and railroads, while her Native American opponent tries to sabotage U.S. efforts using guerrilla warfare.

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