At the Game Fanatics, we are a diverse bunch. We come from all walks of life from different parts of the globe. However, there’s one thing we all agree on: AMERICA RULES! YEAH!… Actually, I didn’t really check with the rest of the crew about that, so I just assumed. But hey, it’s the Fourth of July! America! Eff yeah!
You can find the stamp American pride in a lot of games, in fact there are too many to count. Without further ado, please raise your miniature American flags as we present to you our Fanatical 5 favorite patriotic games.
Bad Dudes
NES and Arcade | 1998
“President Ronnie has been kidnapped by the ninjas. Are you a bad enough dude to rescue Ronnie?”
Well, are you? ARE YOU? Look, man, I don’t care where you stand on the political spectrum, but the President of the Unites States of America is not only the leader of the free world, but the symbol of all America stands for. How can we just let NINJAS, who are obviously a foreign threat, take our dear leader away from us? No, we won’t let them get away, and yes, we are bad enough dudes.
I know it’s a bit odd that we start our list with a Japanese game. Known as DragonNinja in Japan, Bad Dudes starts out with ninjas kidnapping President Ronnie. The Secret Service, who apparently aren’t trained to take on ninjas, asks two bad dudes, Blade and Striker, to rescue the president. In the American version, President Ronnie celebrates his rescue by eating a hamburger with the Bad Dudes. It doesn’t get more American than that.
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Freedom Fighters
PS2, GameCube, Xbox and PC | 2003
In Freedom Fighters, America found itself on the opposite side at the end of World War 2. Instead of us dropping the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Soviet Union dropped the atomic bomb on Berlin, ending the war on their terms. Since then, the communist influence started to spread all over the globe until America was the only last bastion of democracy and freedom. Then with an overwhelming force, the Soviet Union invades America.
You play as Chris, an average guy before the invasion. With a gun in your hand and charisma in your heart, you lead a group of rebels through the streets of occupied New York City in attempt to free America from the grasp of the Red Army. Using a modified version of the Hitman 2 engine, the game tasks you in commanding your troops against a forced that you knowingly outman and outgun you.
Each level ends in very satisfying way, Chris finds the nearest flagpole, takes down the Russian flag and pulls up the Stars and Stripes. I believe these scenes are so patriotic that if you’re not already a citizen, you automatically will be after viewing it.
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Medal of Honor
Playstation | 1999
In many ways, all modern day shooters owe a lot to Medal of Honor on the PSX. It’s something many gamers at the time haven’t experienced before. At the time, most shooters were big hulking men who fought off aliens and demons. Medal of Honor actually dropped gamers into a war. With big set pieces, great soundtrack and stellar graphics at the time, Medal of Honor laid the foundation for the games we play today.
The game starts towards the end of WWII. You are Lt. Jimmy Patterson of the OSS, there to lay the ground work for a successful D-Day invasion. Each mission you undertake are pulled from historic events.
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Metal Wolf Chaos
Xbox | 2004
Not only is our number 2 game from Japan, it never came out in America, but it’s still pretty damn patriotic. Metal Wolf Chaos puts in the mech of President Michael Wilson, who is a descendant of Woodrow Wilson. Vice President Richard Hawk, trying to usurp President Wilson’s presidency, turns the US armed forces against the president. Luckily, President Wilson escapes the White House on his mech, yes his mech, and a battle against Vice President Richard Hark ensues.
Known for its hilarious dialogue, Metal Wolf Chaos gained a cult following and numerous videos can be found on YouTube. You know what? There’s nothing I can say to do this game any justice. Just watch the video below and you’ll get what I’m talking about. It’s awesome. It’s America. AMERICA AWESOME!
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The Oregon Trail
1981 | Apple II
Nothing is more iconic to America as the Oregon Trail. It’s a game about reaching and fighting for the American dream. Manifest Destiny! Well, that and putting curse words in your tombstones so your classmates will find it later. Ms. Cambridge never knew it was me.
If you’re in your 20s, you loved this game. You played this game in school and it was the highlight of your school year. Video games, in school? What?
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And that’s what America is all about, video games in school and Manifest Destiny. I think.
We’re totally not sorry that Fugitive Hunter is not on this list. If you like that game, you should feel bad. Also, Assassin’s Creed 3 isn’t out yet, so it’ll probably be on next year’s list.
What is your favorite patriotic game? Tell us in the comments below! Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!
