author: Michael Pajda
War Games that aren't About Killing
War never changes. But perception thereof by players does. Here are nine games that deal with the subject of war in an unconventional way – rarely encouraging the player to behave like John Rambo on speed.
Table of Contents
- War Games that aren't About Killing
- 11-11 Memories Retold
- Valiant Hearts: The Great War
- WARCO: The News Game (unfortunately cancelled)
- Combat Medic: Special Ops
- Radio Commander
- Plane Mechanic Simulator
- The Snowfield
- Long Gone Days
Valiant Hearts: The Great War
Although 11-11 Memories Retold can make a powerful impression, although it's not even close to the emotional, tear-jerking level attained in Fanise's previous game, Valiant Hearts: The Great War. The game was created by Ubisoft Montpellier – people who gave us, i.a. Rayman Origins. This time the developers allowed us to direct not two but four different characters – we play a French farmer conscripted into the army (Emil), an American volunteer with black-as-tar skin (Freddie), a Belgian paramedic trying to find his father (Anna) and... son-in-law of the aforementioned farmer, but with a German passport (Karl). Things are complicated, and the fate of millions of people during the first global conflict is at stake.
There is not a single word in the game – shouts, messages and utterances of the characters (except for the narrator who spares a few words here and there) are either muttered or accompanied by special symbols surrounded by comic clouds. Thanks to this simple procedure, we know what to do – with a few puzzles, though, you have to rack your brains to come up with a solution. Nevertheless, the game – apart from the very charming gameplay focused on story and visuals – is really emotional and gripping, but also educational, as it often shares historical facts and pictures that help you understand the times. This is a big advantage – we're not just experiencing the catharsis associated with the touching finale, but also learning something valuable. Game over, knowledge obtained... everyone's happy.
