[promo title=”3. Bioshock Infinite”][/promo]
Bioshock Infinite offers a warped, backwards take on patriotism
Up until this point, this has been a fairly satirical list. However Bioshock Infinite screams “America”, though its representation of American themes may be a bit skewed. Infinite is set in an alternate 1912, in the skyloft city of Columbia. Named for the personification of the United States, Columbia itself seceded from the US, and became a pseudo-Christian militant territory under the rule of Zachary Hale Comstock. The citizens of Columbia worship the Founding Fathers as religious figures, and view Comstock himself as a prophet. However, the peaceful nature of the floating utopia is only a facade, as institutionalized racism and white supremacy are upheld by the law. War breaks out between those who believe Columbia’s privelages should be reserved for White Americans, and the Vox Populi, who fight to bring equal representation to all races.
Oh, and “space-time continuum” nonsense.
This would have ranked higher on the list, if not for the inability to play as the President of the United States…
[promo title=”2. Saints Row IV”][/promo]
Saints Row IV, featuring the most powerful President ever
You knew it would be on here somewhere; it would be sacrilege to not feature Saints Row IV on this list. In order to be this high on the list, you either have to play as the Vice President, or the President himself/herself. In the first moments of the game, not only do you thwart a terrorist plot, but your heroic efforts literally place you in the Oval Office. Immediately after, you face the difficult decision of ending world hunger, or ending cancer. Aliens invade Washington D.C., destroy Earth, and it’s up to you- THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA- and your crew to save the rest of the universe from the alien threat.
…This would have been #1, except that you initially fail to save the world, thus resulting in the loss of 7 billion lives. Way to go.
[promo title=”1. Metal Wolf Chaos”][/promo]
Metal Wolf Chaos, Japanese Xbox-Exclusive
Do you know what’s cool? A video game where you play as the President of the United States. Do you know what would be even more amazing? What if the President was a mech-wielding warrior, poised to take the USA back from his own crooked Vice President? Enter Metal Wolf Chaos, for the original Xbox.
In the fictitious year of 20XX, America has receded into economic unrest, which results in several states planning to secede from the nation. Internal conflicts lead to an event known as the Arizona Insurrection. Michael Wilson- a relative of former President Woodrow Wilson- and his partner Richard Hawk manage to put an end to the Insurrection, which results in the advancement of military R&D. Wilson and Hawk are placed in the White House as the President and Vice President of the US, however Hawk quickly overthrows Wilson. Michael is forced out of the US, only to have Hawk begin a reign of terror across the nation, ranging from pointless destruction, to reinstating old ways, such as slavery. With the very few companions that he has left, Michael Wilson leads a campaign across the US, liberating various militant forces in order to take back his country.
As a fun note, Metal Wolf Chaos was developed by From Software…the same team behind Armored Core, Ninja Blade, Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls and the upcoming Bloodborne. Sadly, Metal Wolf Chaos was never released in the US.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEIi3X9NCMU