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So, should I not Play Red Dead Redemption because I'm shooting Native Americans? My best friend is Native American.
Love you Hamza, but this is a work of fiction. But I respect your decision, doesn't mean I agree with it.
I can't agree with you, regardless of how shocking it may be to see Al-Qaeda in a game. You should never be forced to play as the enemy, but if they're making a piece of historical fiction, why get the setting wrong?
I don't think Hamza was suggesting that YOU don't play Medal of Honor, but rather he was simply stating why HE would not be playing it. This looks like more of an opinion piece, than any sort of preview/review. Read the editor's note at the top.
then I could not play Call Of Duty World At War because Americans NUKED my country? Villains and good guys?! pfff.. this always depends on your point of view. think about it.
It's completely understandable, and personally I find it really odd that they would actually name the terrorist faction as Al-Qaeda, I mean that shit is a marketing nightmare.
If I'm playing a medieval game I'll never play as the English, cause when I think of medieval England I think of them invading Scotland and that makes me uncomfortable. Even though that was hundreds of years ago and my ancestors weren't even IN Scotland. So I can understand where you're coming from.
Good show for sticking with your morals. Bravo.
If I'm playing a medieval game I'll never play as the English, cause when I think of medieval England I think of them invading Scotland and that makes me uncomfortable. Even though that was hundreds of years ago and my ancestors weren't even IN Scotland. So I can understand where you're coming from.
Good show for sticking with your morals. Bravo.
Man, I totally agree with you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go play a game as the people who nearly killed my grandfather in a strafing run.
I stopped playing Dark Void because it was janky.
I stopped playing bioshock because I didn't want to be there.
I don't think it's ay all unreasonable for Hamaza to not want to play MoH because of what it makes him feel.
Don't be dicks. Appreciate the man's experience, different from yours or not.
I stopped playing bioshock because I didn't want to be there.
I don't think it's ay all unreasonable for Hamaza to not want to play MoH because of what it makes him feel.
Don't be dicks. Appreciate the man's experience, different from yours or not.
I should also point out I have no problems with the English, unless the world cup is on... then all bets are off! :D
I honestly don't think it's cool that you can play as very real terrorists in a very real conflict that's ongoing.
Seems kind of insane.
I'm just a white guy who has literally no connection to terrorism and the war, but I understand what you mean when it's too close to home. And it's a shame that they're doing that. I mean, what, are they going to force you to kill Americans or innocents?
Is it campaign or multiplayer? If it's just multiplayer, well, I don't care really, because that's just bullshit either way. But if they are for some crazy reason trying to make me empathize with their war/whatever in campaign, they can fuck off.
Seems kind of insane.
I'm just a white guy who has literally no connection to terrorism and the war, but I understand what you mean when it's too close to home. And it's a shame that they're doing that. I mean, what, are they going to force you to kill Americans or innocents?
Is it campaign or multiplayer? If it's just multiplayer, well, I don't care really, because that's just bullshit either way. But if they are for some crazy reason trying to make me empathize with their war/whatever in campaign, they can fuck off.
Imagine if you played as Nazis in game and you in fact were a Holocaust survivor or someone who suffered from their regime. It's not that difficult to understand. It is kind of offensive.
Oh, wait, you're upset because you play as terrorists in multiplayer? Oh wow. Oh wow.
In a related subject, I'm just waiting for the game where one side is called the "Hatfields" and the other side is called the "McCoys." To me it stopped mattering who I was and who I was shooting at in multiplayer games a long time ago.
In a related subject, I'm just waiting for the game where one side is called the "Hatfields" and the other side is called the "McCoys." To me it stopped mattering who I was and who I was shooting at in multiplayer games a long time ago.
Bah. Al-Qaeda, American Military...I don't really care for either terrorist organization. I can suspend my disbelief for a few moments and play a GAME.
Oh, ffs... Gamer's lack of perspective is so astonishing some times. It's a goddamn game, stop taking this shit so seriously.
Replace Al-Qeada with the flying monkey's from the Wizard of OZ if it'll keep you blowhards from breaking out the tissues.
Games aren't art, they aren't a statement on the human condition... They're rarely even interesting narrative wise. They're just toys... A hobby. Have fun, and shut the hell up, please.
Replace Al-Qeada with the flying monkey's from the Wizard of OZ if it'll keep you blowhards from breaking out the tissues.
Games aren't art, they aren't a statement on the human condition... They're rarely even interesting narrative wise. They're just toys... A hobby. Have fun, and shut the hell up, please.
It is funny, we got to play as Al-Qaeda before we got to play as the Nazis.
I think it should be allowed and hopefully EA will taken it somewhat seriously.
In my FPS history, I have killed many a skin color with many a nationality so it is only realistic that we eventually get around to these guys.
If this was set years ago and it was defunct organization we would have no problem with it. But since We since Al-Qaeda is still relevant in the news and modern world today it is a problem.
Then again, we only have ourselves to blame for the rise of these men.
I think it should be allowed and hopefully EA will taken it somewhat seriously.
In my FPS history, I have killed many a skin color with many a nationality so it is only realistic that we eventually get around to these guys.
If this was set years ago and it was defunct organization we would have no problem with it. But since We since Al-Qaeda is still relevant in the news and modern world today it is a problem.
Then again, we only have ourselves to blame for the rise of these men.
U mad, Butt hurt... I play fps is kill people and laugh about it
you play as enemy bawww I can't play this garbage... your a two faced hypocrite
you play as enemy bawww I can't play this garbage... your a two faced hypocrite
Can't say I agree with you position on this. I see that you recognize it as crossing your personal line, where as World War II veterans might have trouble playing an older Call of Duty game. But the fact that you are a well-versed FPS player, and have had no problem killing virtual people for years makes it kind of a double standard that you'd stop when names are attached to people's heads. I'm not saying that you shouldn't feel uncomfortable when it hits this close to home for you, but writing this article is already a step to becoming that preachy "this goes too far" guy. And saying that the worst part about the situation is the lack of another FPS to play doesn't make you seem too sympathetic, either.
Nobody cared about Packie and the car bombs in GTAIV and the IRA have been around decades longer than Al Qaeda.
Everyone should just pretend that they are the 80's Al Qaeda who were funded by America to fight the Soviets.
Everyone should just pretend that they are the 80's Al Qaeda who were funded by America to fight the Soviets.
Sorry, but I cannot disagree more. I respect your point of view, but you will have killed thousands of Americans in video games by now, without a thought. And now that you play as Al-Qaeda, you do? From whatever point of view you kill an American, or any other "good" team, playing as your sworn enemy doesn't make you bad.
It's a game.
It's a game.
@ParaParaKing
The nazis are the nazis, thing of the past. Al-Qaeda is fucked up actual shit. I know that there are neo-nazis but they are not really much of a treat.
The nazis are the nazis, thing of the past. Al-Qaeda is fucked up actual shit. I know that there are neo-nazis but they are not really much of a treat.
Yeah. I support this message. It's a game. You can take it or leave it if effects you negatively.
Plus, it's not exactly attempting to be socially sensitive. It's meant first and foremost to make millions upon millions of dollars. The whole "games as art" argument kind of goes out the door here. The whole"this is a story that needs to be told" thing is cynical window dressing.
Blah.
Plus, it's not exactly attempting to be socially sensitive. It's meant first and foremost to make millions upon millions of dollars. The whole "games as art" argument kind of goes out the door here. The whole"this is a story that needs to be told" thing is cynical window dressing.
Blah.
Hahaha yeah, Zantetsuken has an excellent point - If you were Al-Qaeda, financed by the CIA and supported by the U.S. government, but you were killing Soviets in their invasion of Afghanistan, would that be acceptable? Same people, same ideologies, 20 years earlier.
Totally understandable Hamza.
EA seems to try and copy everything Modern Warfare 2 did, including the controversy that surrounded the game.
EA seems to try and copy everything Modern Warfare 2 did, including the controversy that surrounded the game.
Im filipino. Spaniards colonized my country for over 300 years a long time ago, leaving an ugly mark that is us filipinos are ass kissers. When the world cup finals were up, majority of my friends (who are filipino) rooted for Spain. I felt a tingly feeling inside me that didn't want Spain to win. I wasn't rooting for both teams but I wanted Spain to lose bad. I wanted an embarrassing loss for them to happen. But everyone knew what happened. So i just shut my self up and continued on with my life. After reading Hamza'a article and reader comments, I suddenly have this rage towards spain once again. I will never set foot in that country, and if i do, i will flip off every spaniard and wont feel sorry about it. So FUCK YOU SPAIN.
Ehhhhhhh... Call me a wuss but I really don't want to play as Al Qaeda even in a video game.
That said, I'll pick up the game... when its used and cheap.
That said, I'll pick up the game... when its used and cheap.
I understand that its your opinion, but I dont agree whit it at all.
Im Chilean, yes, from that country at the end of Sud-America, spaniards killed most of my ancestors, but I still play Age of Empires as the country Spain. Plus, I think America has done a lot of good things for the world, but also a lot of bad shit to them. I really enjoy seeing the other side of the face, playing as Al-Qaeda, cause most of people think theyre bad dudes whit beards that kill people and they rape women and stuff, but they steorotipe them. On the other side, we got the Marines. We think theyre all good dudes trying to make the world better and theyre cool and this and that. But they also have bad men that kill inocent people just because theyre superior to them. I think my point of vue isnt bad cause since im from a country that doesnt take part in one side or in the other.
Im Chilean, yes, from that country at the end of Sud-America, spaniards killed most of my ancestors, but I still play Age of Empires as the country Spain. Plus, I think America has done a lot of good things for the world, but also a lot of bad shit to them. I really enjoy seeing the other side of the face, playing as Al-Qaeda, cause most of people think theyre bad dudes whit beards that kill people and they rape women and stuff, but they steorotipe them. On the other side, we got the Marines. We think theyre all good dudes trying to make the world better and theyre cool and this and that. But they also have bad men that kill inocent people just because theyre superior to them. I think my point of vue isnt bad cause since im from a country that doesnt take part in one side or in the other.
I respect your decision Hamza, but it is a bit hypocrisy to play games where you kill anything you think its fun except when it represents a symbol that hurts you personally.
Look this game is no different than the other FPS you have played, just pretend you are something else when you play Al'quaeducts.
In the end its teh same 3D models just changed clothes and giving it a different name. So Hamza if we change the name of Al'qadics to something more... idk Russian enemies or German enemies, then it is ok to play?
Look this game is no different than the other FPS you have played, just pretend you are something else when you play Al'quaeducts.
In the end its teh same 3D models just changed clothes and giving it a different name. So Hamza if we change the name of Al'qadics to something more... idk Russian enemies or German enemies, then it is ok to play?
I suppose if it hit that specific cord then there’s nothing you can do, I know I wouldn’t want to play a game as the IRA.
I think it’s a bit fucked up that you can play as the real terrorists but then I always thought it was a bit fucked up that you could play as the U.S army in dozens of games set in Afghanistan or Iraq, even if they don’t explicitly state that’s what’s going on, we still always know that’s what it’s supposed to be.
I think it’s a bit fucked up that you can play as the real terrorists but then I always thought it was a bit fucked up that you could play as the U.S army in dozens of games set in Afghanistan or Iraq, even if they don’t explicitly state that’s what’s going on, we still always know that’s what it’s supposed to be.
Six Days In Fallujah got a hell-load of flak for featuring US troops in Iraq, but it seems a big name like MoH can get away with worse...
You say that the single-player is American forces, so are the terrorists multiplayer characters?
You say that the single-player is American forces, so are the terrorists multiplayer characters?
It's too early to say, but perhaps this game has something to express in its single-player story, that requires Al-Qaeda to be named as such. And in the multiplayer, for consistency's sake, there's Al-Qaeda as well.
But here's the thing: whatever the name of the terrorist organization is, be it fantasy or real, it's still a terrorist organization, and those are very real. MODERN WARFARE 1 and 2 let you play as a terrorist on multiplayer (and on one controversial mission in single-player, albeit as an undercover agent). It doesn't matter if the terrorists are Al-Qaeda -- they can easily be interpreted as a fictional version of them. In the end of the day, on MODERN WARFARE multiplayer, you can play as a terrorist and kill American soldiers. Not because you hate them or America (well, not in most cases, I imagine), but because it will give you experience points.
As I said, the single-player campaign might have a very good reason to have Al-Qaeda as the enemy, or it might just be an attempt at causing controversy. After all, MEDAL OF HONOR is not a series known for its deep meaningful story, or lately, for its overall quality.
Is this necessary, you ask? No idea. I haven't played the game yet. I think it's too early to declare your support or lack of. Give the single-player a try first, and if it gets too uncomfortable, stop. If in doubt, just don't play the game.
But here's the thing: whatever the name of the terrorist organization is, be it fantasy or real, it's still a terrorist organization, and those are very real. MODERN WARFARE 1 and 2 let you play as a terrorist on multiplayer (and on one controversial mission in single-player, albeit as an undercover agent). It doesn't matter if the terrorists are Al-Qaeda -- they can easily be interpreted as a fictional version of them. In the end of the day, on MODERN WARFARE multiplayer, you can play as a terrorist and kill American soldiers. Not because you hate them or America (well, not in most cases, I imagine), but because it will give you experience points.
As I said, the single-player campaign might have a very good reason to have Al-Qaeda as the enemy, or it might just be an attempt at causing controversy. After all, MEDAL OF HONOR is not a series known for its deep meaningful story, or lately, for its overall quality.
Is this necessary, you ask? No idea. I haven't played the game yet. I think it's too early to declare your support or lack of. Give the single-player a try first, and if it gets too uncomfortable, stop. If in doubt, just don't play the game.
There are some really big, smelly cocks slouching about in these here comments. Don't pay them any mind, Hamza, I think you're pretty spot on. Other than being an American, I have no grand connection to the current conflict in the Middle East, but it rubs me the wrong way to think about playing as the Al-Qaeda in any game right now.
I don't care how many correlations people here want to draw to Nazis or any real war that has been depicted in a video game; this is how I feel about this game. Like Hamza, I don't think anyone who doesn't like this is asking for anyone else to boycott or feel the way we do. I don't think someone withholding a purchase of Medal of Honor for these reasons is offending anyone.
I don't care how many correlations people here want to draw to Nazis or any real war that has been depicted in a video game; this is how I feel about this game. Like Hamza, I don't think anyone who doesn't like this is asking for anyone else to boycott or feel the way we do. I don't think someone withholding a purchase of Medal of Honor for these reasons is offending anyone.
I guess this would be comparable to the Holocaust or the Vietnam War: if video games of today's caliber existed at those points, that had you playing as Nazis opposed to Allied forces or Vietcong opposed to Americans, respectively, it would be equally offensive.
But it's just a game. A game that has content that is too soon, like Medal of Honor, is pushing the boundaries. Using the war in the Middle East as a basis for a video game (especially an FPS) is basically war propaganda, and it's giving their respective companies oodles of money, as it lets gamers who don't want to get into the service (like myself) experience war, and give them the satisfaction of putting a few bullets into the faces of the enemy. It's bad mojo, and EA should backtrack just a smidge (like, rename "Al-Qaeda" to something humorous, like "Shmal-Shaeda"; something that's not obvious).
But it's just a game. A game that has content that is too soon, like Medal of Honor, is pushing the boundaries. Using the war in the Middle East as a basis for a video game (especially an FPS) is basically war propaganda, and it's giving their respective companies oodles of money, as it lets gamers who don't want to get into the service (like myself) experience war, and give them the satisfaction of putting a few bullets into the faces of the enemy. It's bad mojo, and EA should backtrack just a smidge (like, rename "Al-Qaeda" to something humorous, like "Shmal-Shaeda"; something that's not obvious).
I have never commented on this site, but i have been frequenting this site for about a year. But this opinion piece made me want to comment. "It wasn’t until the US invasion in 2001 that things seemed to get better." That statement made me want to comment. I just wanted to say I totally agree with you and that this article was the best I've read for a long time. I feel the same way. I would never want to choose to be the Al-Qaeda. They are terrible and I couldn't let myself disgrace so many who died by these terrorists.
Pile of shite. How does this bias nonsense get on the front page. Grow the fuck up. Its a game. You have no problem playing as Nazi's or American's(Who dropped 2 nukes on Japenese citizens and agent orange in Vietnam, which is still fucking up people in that country). Your a fucking hypocrite!!
Shame on destructoid for promoting this article. This is a bias opinion.
Shame on destructoid for promoting this article. This is a bias opinion.
Two sides to every story. You have to know how most of the world views the American military policy.
While I, like most I assume, disagree with this decision it's not my decision to make. So much like you defend the games right to exist and don't like it I respect your right to choose to not play it even if I don't like it. And that's all I'll say about that.
@Mojiebhoy
I really hope you're kidding, but if you're not....did you even read the article? There's a HUGE difference between something that hits as close to home as this does for him, and something you read or see in history books.
I really hope you're kidding, but if you're not....did you even read the article? There's a HUGE difference between something that hits as close to home as this does for him, and something you read or see in history books.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I could understand these feelings if you were forced to play as Al-Qaeda in the single player, but complaining about being forced to do so in multiplayer is just odd.
I played the BETA and it simply doesn't bother me. I take a lot of things serious. Hell, I was one of those people who wasn't going to buy inFamous 2 unless Cole was changed back. But this, well, this doesn't even seem like something that anyone should take notice of at all.
I played the BETA and it simply doesn't bother me. I take a lot of things serious. Hell, I was one of those people who wasn't going to buy inFamous 2 unless Cole was changed back. But this, well, this doesn't even seem like something that anyone should take notice of at all.
@ JiR INC
Reading your comment physically harmed me.
On the topic at hand, I'm an American and I've been killing Americans as a middle eastern terrorist in Counter Strike for 10 years, I don't think this is really all that different. I don't hate my country or any of that silliness, it's just how it is, I can understand if it offends certain people, just like Brad with MW2, but really this is nothing new.
Reading your comment physically harmed me.
On the topic at hand, I'm an American and I've been killing Americans as a middle eastern terrorist in Counter Strike for 10 years, I don't think this is really all that different. I don't hate my country or any of that silliness, it's just how it is, I can understand if it offends certain people, just like Brad with MW2, but really this is nothing new.
i have to agree with skittlesareyum47 and mojiebhoy, you talk about humanity and why you dont want to see that side yet your reasons set a double standard in which you are accepting only the side you want to believe.
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