The games Barack Obama should play

**Say Low** · 11-08-2008

Barack Obama was fairly vocal about videogames during his campaign, frequently stating it was perhaps time parents got their kids to put their consoles away. While his attitude on the medium might currently be a little dismissive, this is still someone who played Pong growing up.
And we feel, with a little more information and the right games, Obama could appreciate the life lessons and worthy qualities videogames can instil in people. That's why we've put together the following list of titles that we reckon could teach the President-elect a few things about games and give him renewed appreciation for them.
LittleBigPlanet
If the future leader of the free world questions the creative and social value of videogames, then he should be politely guided towards a PS3 and sat down in front of Media Molecule’s masterpiece. Inspiring creativity, encouraging imaginative thought and bringing gamers together to build something rather than destroy it, LBP shows that games can nurture people’s desire to come together and share great ideas.

We heard this whole new fangled democracy thing had something to do with cooperation and unity and there’s no better game for developing these ideas than the one with the sack boy on the cover. Overcoming obstacles together and sharing ideas is surely what Obama's government will have to do if they hope to succeed. Although we wouldn’t give LBP to him for long. After all, you don’t want the president missing UN summits because he’s trying to make a working flying car for his cotton man.
Metal Gear Solid series
Considering the future president is following an administration that will go down in history as one of the US’ most warmongering, Metal Gear’s messages of the futility of war and nuclear disarmament have rarely been so pertinent. In a time of unjust and unconsidered invasions the Gear has stood resolutely anti-war.

Granted, Kojima’s cries for peace may be drowned out in a sea of flabby dialogue, scantily clad women and fights with decrepit snipers/one-handed cowboys/giant robots. But look past snapping necks, slitting throats and disturbing pelvic thrusts and you have a game that encourages peace, thought and unity. Messages that will be paramount if Barack’s administration is to heal the current rift between America and much of the world.
Half Life Two: Episode Two
Not played Episode Two either via Steam or through the Orange Box yet? Then stop reading now to avoid major spoilage. Those who are left will surely know where this is going. The ending of Freeman’s latest adventure has to be one of the most savage, upsetting and emotionally jarring endings in games.

But it’s not so much the brutal, uncompromising violence of seeing Eli Vance’s brains getting sucked from his skull that makes the scene so painful. No, it’s the fact that a believable narrative and dynamic has been forged between you and these characters over three games. When Alyx cradles her father’s lifeless body in her hands in the game’s dieing moments it is a grief that goes far beyond the annoyance or irritation at losing a life or using a continue.
Valve nurtures these themes of loss in wartime, strong female characters and helplessness throughout Episode Two. And any gamer who experiences them is bound to come out more emotionally aware and with a healthy respect of what real loss is and the gravitas it carries. An especially valuable skill when soldiers are dying daily in Iraq, wouldn’t you agree Mr. President-elect?
GTA IV
We’re all for Obama wanting to crack down on the kids not laying waste in the streets of Liberty City by paying for a hooker’s most expensive service, sampling the grotty goings on, then popping a bullet in her pupil and taking your readies back – not that we’ve ever done that . But, for those who are old enough to appreciate its mature themes, there’s undoubted cultural and satirical merit running through Rockstar’s Rotten Apple.

Look past the broad, often embarrassingly stereotypical characterisation, and you’ll find the most sophisticated, pointed political satire this side of the Simpsons. Radio stations that hold political candidates and their policy decisions up to public opinion and scrutiny and tearing down society’s obsession with voyeuristic reality TV can surely only make people think about politics. And an America full of people willing to actively think about and engage in politics - how a healthy democracy should work - is surely the sort of country Obama should want to govern.
Ico/Shadow of the Colossus
If there were any two titles that could show Obama games have greater emotional complexity than the giddy thrills of punching a baddie in the plums or blowing up buildings with a Balkan assassin, then its Ico and SOTC. Both are more concerned with the toll gruelling journeys of peril, self reflection and regret have on the player’s conscience than the physical act of pummelling smoke monsters with planks of wood or stabbing skyscraper-sized beasties in the stomach.

They force gamers to look back on their actions rather than forward to their next kill. Encourage and demand a real emotional and morale maturity to fully appreciate. Establish palpable themes of responsibility and self sacrifice. And these are surely qualities the future occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue would approve of.

Source: http://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-game...07142651218015

Interesting read. anyone agree with games or disagree? or anyone have other games that they think he should play?

Please, no one post stupid things to offend people. this is meant to be a light-hearted thread here.

**shcndw** · 11-08-2008

Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Every sane person should play this majestic game. Whether you are a humble shopkeeper or a General in the army. You have to play this game!

**Lunar_Chaos** · 11-08-2008

Without this game I would give up gaming.

**UberNerD20** · 11-08-2008

bah you know he is sittin in the whitehouse playin his wii. But i dont see why he would condone this as he had ad's in video games

, but i do agree slightly, i mean i grew up playin video games, single parent home, i had a nes to take care of me when my ma was at work, kept me outta trouble, but also now that im older i have 2 kids and they are 3 and 4 and love video games, i let them play, but there is a point when to say ok its time to get off and do something else.