*Sean D Knight steps up to the podium, chugs a root beer, and lets out a loud burp before pontificating
My fellow Americans and Gamers!
On this glorious July 4th 2023, we celebrate the birth of a nation that embodies the principles of freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As we give thanks for the things which make America great, let us take a look at the world of video games. Video games, which have provided us with interactive experiences that embody the very essence of Independence Day. These games, with their captivating narratives, immersive worlds, and themes of the American Dream, free speech, and the right to bear arms, capture the spirit of this momentous occasion. So let’s raise our virtual flags high and embark on a patriotic gaming adventure with these 10 remarkable titles which I have provided in no particular order!
WARNING: Don’t forget to keep an eye on the grill while you are reading this editorial or playing the games we recommend!
Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
There is nothing more iconic about the United States than the wild west. So it comes as no surprise that Red Dead Redemption 2 makes the list. Set against the backdrop of the American frontier, this epic Western tale allows players to live out the American Dream in a sprawling, immersive world. This prequel to the original Red Dead Redemption, with its rich narrative and breathtaking landscapes, encapsulates the pursuit of freedom and the desire to forge one’s own destiny.
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (2017)
Another iconic moment of American history revolves around World War II and the fight against Hitler, the Nazis, and the Axis powers. While America’s entry into World War II was late, better late than never as we always say. However, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is set in an alternate history where the Nazis have won World War II. Players assume the role of a resistance fighter battling for freedom and the game showcases the unwavering American spirit in the face of oppression and emphasizes the importance of standing up against tyranny.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert (1996)
Speaking of World War II. You can go down another alternate timeline where Albert Einstein traveled back in time and killed Hitler in the hopes of stopping World War II. But, instead of making things better, things got worse as an unfettered Soviet Union began its march on the world.
In this iconic real-time strategy game, you’ll lead powerful armies, engage in tactical warfare, and rewrite the course of history. With its fun narrative, strategic decision-making, and the pursuit of global dominance, Command & Conquer: Red Alert captures the spirit of nations vying for independence and the struggle for ideological supremacy while embodying the resilience and determination of those who shape their own destinies.
It also features one of the most popular video game tracks that is still used today –
Hell March!!!
Civilization VI (2016)
When it comes to history, many always like to play the “What if?” game. What if this had never happened? What if we had done something different instead? Well, as a strategy game that spans the course of human history, Civilization VI allows players to lead a civilization to greatness. Which provides the perfect chance for such people to make decisions that will either help their civilization or weaken it.
Civilization VI reflects the American Dream by embodying the pursuit of progress, democracy, and the exploration of new frontiers.
However, if you want something a bit more specific, then check out our previous recommendation Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Colonization.
Freedom Fighters (2003)
What’s more American than a plumber who becomes a resistance leader to take back New York? Because that is the character you play in this classic third-person shooter which allows you to assume the role of a resistance fighter in an alternate reality where the Soviet Union invades the United States. Freedom Fighters showcases the resilience of the American people and the importance of protecting liberty.
So fight on Freedom Phantom!
Mafia III (2016)
If you want a game with a substantial melting pot. Look no further than Mafia III. Set in a fictionalized version of New Orleans during the 1960s, the action-adventure game tackles themes of racism, power, and corruption and tells the story of a Vietnam War veteran seeking revenge and justice in a society that seeks to suppress his voice.
Payday 2 (2013)
The pursuit of happiness is a right that all Americans have the ability to undertake. However, there are some roads that are not morally right or idealistic. But they sure are fun to pursue within the confines of a video game!
Which is what Payday 2 offers as you step into the shoes of a professional heister who must assemble a crew for high-stakes and action-packed heists. In this intense cooperative shooter, you’ll navigate intricate missions, while outsmarting the law enforcement, and reaping the rewards of your daring exploits. With its emphasis on teamwork, strategic planning, and the thrill of the perfect heist, Payday 2 captures the spirit of individuals striving for financial independence while challenging the status quo.
Even if it is the wrong way to achieve financial independence.
Hunt: Showdown (2018)
We can’t help but keep going back to the wild frontier. But in Hunt: Showdown, the wild frontier is nothing like what you have read about in the history books.
You’ll immerse yourself in a dark and atmospheric world where supernatural creatures roam and danger lurks around every corner. In this multiplayer bounty hunting game, you’ll venture into treacherous environments, track down monstrous targets, and engage in thrilling gunfights. With its gripping blend of intense gameplay, strategic decision-making, and the relentless pursuit of bounties, Hunt: Showdown embodies the spirit of the American frontier, where rugged individuals, such as Sheriff Hardin who happens to be single, seek independence and fortune in the face of untamed wilderness.
The game is also very challenging for players since, according to the developer, that 40% of gamers have never killed another player.
Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)
We’ve fought in alternate realities, founded our version of America, and have even committed crimes in the pursuit of happiness, freedom, and independence. Now we go to the future of Cyberpunk 2077.
Set in the dystopian metropolis of Night City, this game presents a futuristic vision of society where players navigate a world of cyber-enhancements, corporate dominance, and a quest for personal freedom. As players embark on their journey through a morally ambiguous landscape, they encounter themes of rebellion, individualism, and the pursuit of a better future. Not only does the game encapsulate these themes, but it also fully embraces the Second Amendment which gives Americans the right to bear arms by allowing everyone to open-carry firearms in order to defend themselves.
Call of Duty (2003)
If you haven’t played the original Call of Duty video game, then you have missed out. As the first in the insanely successful franchise, CoD set a high bar when it came to creating some amazing moments for players to experience as they step into the shoes of an infantry soldier for the American, British, and Soviet campaigns.
If you want to experience a rush of adrenaline and a strong sense of patriotism, then play Call of Duty.
Sadly, thanks to recent events, we would recommend trying to get your hands on a used copy rather than buying a digital copy and giving Activision your money. Of course, we are talking about the recent “Call of Groomers” debacle which you can read about in a previous editorial.
*Sean D Knight returns to the podium
My fellow gamers!
As we engage in these virtual adventures, let us not forget the real heroes who have fought and continue to fight for the principles we hold dear. July 4th is a day to honor the brave soldiers who have dedicated their lives to preserving our freedom and ensuring that the American Dream endures. To remember and be thankful for the rights and freedoms we still enjoy.
As gamers, we know that video games have the power to transport us to different worlds. They allow us to experience the triumphs and challenges of the human spirit. They serve as a reminder that our freedoms should never be taken for granted, and that the struggles we face in these virtual realms can, and sometimes do, reflect the struggles we face in reality.
In the land of video games, the right to free speech is often exercised through intricate storytelling, thought-provoking dialogue, and the ability to shape the narrative. These games encourage us to think critically, challenge the status quo, and express ourselves freely. They remind us that the right to speak our minds and stand up for what we believe in is a cornerstone of our democracy. Despite what the established video game news outlets say as they have become censorious and the authority of what we should or shouldn’t play.
Video games also provide us the opportunity to further explore our nation’s heritage of the right to bear arms and, while the debate surrounding this topic is a convoluted one, games provide a platform for exploring its nuances. From games set in the American West to those set in dystopian futures, they allow us to navigate challenging environments where our ability to defend ourselves and protect our freedoms becomes vital.
As we celebrate July 4th, let us immerse ourselves in the world of video games that encapsulate the themes of independence, freedom, and the American Dream. Let us use this opportunity to reflect on the ideals that define our great nation and recommit ourselves to upholding the principles upon which it was founded. To not be afraid of speaking up in support of our rights set down by our founding fathers.
Happy Independence day to all!
*Sean D Knight looks over at the grill
Ah crap, the burgers are burnt…
Check out our previous July Fourth editorials where we selected games to help Rediscover the American Dream and Celebrate Independence.
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