Wartime computer games...
I've been seeing a commercial for a D-Day-themed vide game. Can't remember the name. Then it started me thinking: I can't recall any other video games based on real-life scenarios or history. Most are all that swords and dragon silliness, OR so far out and sci-fi-based that no one would EVER asscociate it with something real.
Something about basing a video game - complete with, I'm sure, loads of blood and guts - based on the Normandy invasion and that whole thing just left a weird taste in my mouth.
It's as though some company watched the first 20 minutes of "Saving Private Ryan" and said "cool...this will make an AWESOME game!"
Just seems disrespectful, at best.
What are your feelings on this? It hits a little too close to home for me to think it's just a "cool video game". Just seems like some things are...I'm looking for a good word here, but you know what I mean.
I mean, in 20 years or so, are we going to have a September 11 Aerial Assault Brigade game?
I really, really hope not. But then, nothing ever surprises me anymore either...
Something about basing a video game - complete with, I'm sure, loads of blood and guts - based on the Normandy invasion and that whole thing just left a weird taste in my mouth.
It's as though some company watched the first 20 minutes of "Saving Private Ryan" and said "cool...this will make an AWESOME game!"
Just seems disrespectful, at best.
What are your feelings on this? It hits a little too close to home for me to think it's just a "cool video game". Just seems like some things are...I'm looking for a good word here, but you know what I mean.
I mean, in 20 years or so, are we going to have a September 11 Aerial Assault Brigade game?
I really, really hope not. But then, nothing ever surprises me anymore either...
Comments
Another War
It's set in WWII, but not based on any particular event. Why's this different (or the one you saw, if this isn't it) from Medal of Honor, or any other WWII game that's come out?
It's not an "either/or" thing, I guess. To me, it just seems weird. Not against a WWII-themed game at all. That's not what I'm saying, and I'm not comparing it to other wars or games or whatever.
I'm just saying that taking and making a game out of what was such a monumental and pivotal moment in that war kinda seems to trivialize it a bit. Not trying to sound like a sap, but it seems like a dishonor to the men (and boys) who died there.
I can't put it into words exactly, I guess. All I know is that it leaves an odd feeling with me when I see it. I'm thinking "my grandmother's brother [who died on the beach] probably wouldn't think there was anything 'cool' about it...".
I don't know. Maybe I just see this differently. Wouldn't be the first time.
Lots of planets to attack, dragons to slay, robots to decapitate, zombies to machine gun, etc. Storming Omaha Beach just doesn't seem like proper "game" material to me.
But that's just me. I might be way off on this. Who knows.
The D-day level on Medal of Honor - which made famous the D-day simulation - was well near impossible, people were dying all around and i believe made more evident the total chaos, and the ease in which life was lost... more so than a history book, i haven't read personal accounts...
i'm not sure what you're saying, these are just some of my impressions on war themed games...
not only are they basing the game in iraq again, they are setting to the recent war. Don't think that they would, the future names are to be either, "Shock and Awe", "Target Iraq", or "Operation Iraqi Freedom". the game is using a stalite databse for reall buildings and terrain. The guy said it is so good that he looked up a building that he was unfamiliar with in the game after it was hit in real life. check the link here .
We must be approaching a point in history where today's youth have no attachment, emotional or otherwise, to WW2.
On a semi-related note, it cracks me up to hear Sept 11 talked about as 'we will never forget..' etc. Give it two generations, tops. We will forget, we always do.
Originally posted by pscates
Then it started me thinking: I can't recall any other video games based on real-life scenarios or history. Most are all that swords and dragon silliness, OR so far out and sci-fi-based that no one would EVER asscociate it with something real.
You can't recall any other game? You're not a gamer of any kind... could you explain why anything 'so far out and sci-fi-based' could never be associated with something real? There exist themes which all people can relate to regardless of their context.
You're reminding me of the RIAA's reaction to the Rip. Mix. Burn. Apple ads, so disconnected you seem to be missing the point.
All I'm saying is as the event (pick any) grows more distant into the past, the less value or meaning it holds for us. Kinda like your second birthday. Remember that? Exactly.