Summary
America is a massive country with a wealth of ethnic diversity and quick-moving cultural trends, contributing to its dynamic and versatile cultural landscape. Many video games not only take place in America but also draw direct inspiration from unique aspects of American life.
Games inspired by America’s culture often aim for aesthetics reminiscent of specific historical periods or distinct regions. Since many developers creating these games are American themselves, they use them as a platform to critique and deconstruct modern American life. Regardless of art style, narrative preference, or genre, gaming offers countless avenues to explore and express American culture.
10Duke Nukem 3D
Duke Nukem 3D is a satirical first-person shooter that humorously critiques American pop culture and norms. The titular protagonist, Duke Nukem, embodies hypermasculinity, serving as a commentary on the exaggerated masculine ideals glorified in American culture during the 1990s.
The game offers insight into American culture through its references to media sensationalism and the glorification of violence, alcohol, and sex. Despite its light-hearted and superficial nature, playing Duke Nukem 3D inevitably prompts reflection on aspects of American culture,making it one of the most interesting first-person shooters of the 90s.
America is home to many cults and unique theocratic followings, as explored in Far Cry 5. Set in Montana, the game depicts efforts to thwart Project at Eden’s Gate, a cult that wields manipulative doctrine over the USA.
Far Cry 5 delves into themes of religious extremism, charismatic leadership, and the exploitation of faith, offering a critical examination of the darker aspects of belief and devotion in contemporary American society. The game highlights the dangers of zealotry, which can be manipulated to turn otherwise peaceful communities violent against others.
8Command And Conquer: Red Alert 2
Alternate history is a brilliant way to explore American history and culture, and it’s done remarkably well in the RTS, Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2. The game explains the after effects of World War 2, where Russia had attempted to conquer Europe instead of Germany. The end result is that Russia is defeated and is ruled by Russian royalty again, however, in the 1970s Russia launches a surprise invasion on the USA.
you may play as the Russian or American side, but either way, you are introduced to countless American references. Americana artistry and landmark iconography are heavily used. Through the means of a military oriented strategy game, Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2 is a critique on Cold War paranoia, America’s obsession with military supremacy, and a commentary on nationalism.
Modern rural America typically receives limited media coverage, especially in video games. Kentucky Route Zero breaks this trend by following the journey of a trucker across the continental USA, navigating rusted towns and encountering people from diverse backgrounds.
Through this point-and-click adventure, players encounter various regional myths and American folklore. The characters in Kentucky Route Zero embody common figures from American lore, including the wise sage and the trickster.
All the Grand Theft Auto games serve as fantastic examples of video games inspired by American culture. Grand Theft Auto 5 stands out as thelargest entry in the series, extensively exploring urban life on the West Coast of the USA. Much like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Grand Theft Auto 5’s storylines and characters are deeply rooted in an area inspired by Los Angeles, rife with gangsters.
In Grand Theft Auto 5, players assume the roles of different protagonists, offering perspectives from both a resident of a deprived neighborhood and an affluent banker. Through their narratives, GTA 5 explores socio-economic issues affecting the United States, including gentrification and institutionalized racism.
The Bioshock series took a unique turn by exploring a utopian setting with the establishment of the floating city of Columbia in Bioshock Infinite. Set in an alternate reality of the late 1800s, the game makes frequent references to an alternate interpretation of the Wounded Knee Massacre. The protagonist, Booker, grapples with the guilt of his involvement in the violence perpetrated by American forces against Native Americans.
Americana imagery saturates the hyper-nationalistic utopia of Columbia, including robotic statues depicting figures like George Washington. A significant subplot in Bioshock Infinite revolves around a revolution planned by African-Americans, who are relegated to second-class citizenship, mirroring real-life American societal norms of that historical period.
The Fallout series presents a dystopian future intertwined with numerous references from 1950s American culture.Fallout: New Vegasis often regarded as having the most compelling storyline, yet all Fallout games feature commentaries on America’s military, politics, history, and corporate world.
Fallout: New Vegas is an open-world RPG with elements of first-person shooter gameplay. Player choices significantly impact the diverse factions that inhabit the Mojave Wasteland. Similar to Las Vegas, the game features its own Strip, laden with references to American consumerism. As with all Fallout titles, Cold War paranoia is a recurring theme throughout.
The 1980s Miami aesthetic is a unique blend of American influence with Cuban and Caribbean cultures. Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number immerses players in a setting reminiscent of Miami Vice, filled with references that evoke the era.
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number mirrors America’s tendency to glorify gun violence. Moreover, the game blurs the distinction between good and bad characters, reflecting America’s intricate dynamics involving gang violence, police brutality, and vigilantism.
One of the iconic video games of the 1970s, Oregon Trail provided a glimpse into life on the American frontier. The game has become deeply ingrained in American culture, with many people experiencing it during theirschool years on classroom computers.
Oregon Trail has been remade numerous times, each iteration capturing the essence of trying to keep your family alive while journeying through the American West. Players must navigate tough decisions, manage resources, and steer clear of common diseases and hazards that confront Americans seeking a better life for themselves.
Rockstar crafted a dynamic open world in Red Dead Redemption 2 that continues to captivate players with its depth and ongoing discoveries. The game immerses players in the role of a cowboy during the twilight of the frontier era.
Red Dead Redemption 2 boasts a sprawling narrative and numerous subplots, many of which provide commentary on American individualism, masculinity, labor exploitation, and class disparities. Red Dead Redemption 2 also serves as a thorough period piece, faithfully recreating the Wild West with incredible attention to detail.
