[dmichulke]

There are games devoted to this, best known is probably Europa Universalis IV [1] and the corresponding reddit [2] often shows maps in alternate histories, aptly named "map porn".

There are challenging achievements in the game, such as:

- Become the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire as Spain.

- As Byzantium, restore the old borders (i.e., stop and reverse the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century)

- As France, own Vienna, Berlin and Moscow.

You can picture the maps that this produces. Also, it's a great way to learn about history.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europa_Universalis_IV

[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/eu4/

[BerislavLopac]

Due to my son's love of Stellaris I became quite acquainted with Paradox's games, to the extent of attending three PDXCons so far. My absolute favourite is Crusader Kings (both II and the recent III), because they are much more personal -- you're leading a dynasty by playing their current leading lord/lady, and their descendants, rather than a vague nation state.

[anoncake]

> Become the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire as Spain.

This one actually happened under Charles V (Charles I of Spain).

[bregma]

To be fair, he was Flemish so he was already half way there.

He was also a Hapsburg, so he was already half way there on both sides of the family since they were both the same side to start with.