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Making History: The Calm & the Storm similar games & best alternatives

Making History: The Calm & the Storm

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2007

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Quick resume

Making History® delivers the open-ended gameplay of strategy-game classics, but with compelling new economic, military, and diplomatic systems and deep research that lets you play with real historical challenges.

Global score

79/100

Genres

Action, Strategy, Shooter, Simulator

Similar games

    Pros

    • Highly replayable with multiple scenarios and mod support
    • Accessible and easy to learn grand strategy mechanics
    • Allows rewriting of wwii history with many nations
    • Good value for price, especially on sale
    • Turn-based gameplay facilitates thoughtful planning

    Cons

    • Outdated graphics and interface
    • Multiplayer community is small and requires setup
    • Ai and diplomacy can be simplistic or inconsistent
    • Some nations are unbalanced in power
    • License key issues reported by some users

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Competition, Fellowship, Domination, Status. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Story. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Sensation, Intimacy.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      5

      "Players have full control over their nation's actions, decisions, alliances, and can rewrite history freely."

    • Competence
      3

      "Game involves managing economy, diplomacy, military strategy with some complexity but accessible mechanics."

    • Competition
      3

      "Multiplayer and AI opponents encourage competition, though multiplayer is less active and some players focus on singleplayer."

    • Continuation
      4

      "Players report long sessions, high replayability, and habitual play due to scenario variety and modding."

    • Cooperation
      2

      "Some multiplayer cooperation possible but limited; mostly players focus on individual nation management."

    • Creativity
      4

      "Strong modding and scenario editor support allows players to create and modify scenarios extensively."

    • Domination
      2

      "Players seek to dominate others through conquest and alliances, though interactions can be balanced."

    • Escapism
      3

      "Players enjoy escaping into alternate WWII scenarios and rewriting history, providing distraction and immersion."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment rather than obligation or pressure."

    • Experimenting
      4

      "Game encourages trying alternative history paths, different alliances, and strategic experimentation."

    • Exploration
      2

      "Exploration of alternate historical outcomes and scenarios rather than physical map exploration."

    • Expression
      3

      "Players express themselves through custom scenarios, nation choices, and strategic styles."

    • Fantasy
      1

      "Game is grounded in historical WWII setting but allows alternate history and improbable alliances."

    • Fellowship
      1

      "Some community interaction via multiplayer and scenario sharing, but many play solo."

    • Growth
      3

      "Players learn economic, diplomatic, and military management skills through gameplay."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary computer gameplay with no physical activity involved."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention and planning each turn; not suited for idle or casual background play."

    • Intimacy
      -4

      "Social interactions are limited to gameplay alliances and multiplayer; no close emotional relationships."

    • Leadership
      4

      "Players lead nations, manage alliances, and guide strategic decisions with authority."

    • Progression
      4

      "Players accumulate resources, research technologies, and expand territories over time."

    • Relaxation
      1

      "Turn-based pacing allows some relaxation but game involves strategic tension and challenge."

    • Sensation
      -2

      "Visuals are simple and functional; sensory stimulation is moderate and not a primary focus."

    • Status
      1

      "Some recognition through multiplayer and community but mostly individual achievement focused."

    • Story
      3

      "Narrative emerges from player-driven alternate history scenarios and global events."

    • Strategy
      5

      "Core gameplay centers on strategic planning, resource management, and tactical decision making."

    • Thrill
      2

      "Players experience suspense and tension from warfare outcomes and diplomatic maneuvers."

    • Value
      5

      "Highly praised for excellent value, especially at low price and with extensive replayability."

    • Violence
      3

      "Combat and conquest are central elements, involving military engagements and territorial control."

    • Survival
      3

      "Players must manage resources and military to avoid defeat and maintain nation stability."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026