7 Games Set in Washington D.C. That Will Make You Rethink America

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Summary

  • Video games set in Washington D.C. offer a glimpse into potential futures and conspiracies surrounding America.
  • Games like The Conduit and Fallout 3 showcase the iconic D.C. landmarks in various post-apocalyptic scenarios.
  • Titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 show intense battles in the capital, while Saints Row 4 lets players govern as the President.

The heart of the United States of America, Washington D.C., has borne witness to numerous significant events throughout the country’s timeline. These moments range from Civil Wars and two World Wars, a worldwide pandemic, and an attempted overthrow, yet it persists as a symbol of democracy.

Various video games have chosen Washington D.C. as a setting due to its rich history and distinctive architecture. These games not only depict contemporary Washington but also offer glimpses of a future that some fear may become reality, serving as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of American institutions. Certain titles even explore the more secretive interpretations of the Capitol, the authenticity of which remains uncertain.

7. Independence Day

“Welcome To Earth.”

In the 1996 movie featuring Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum, the act of demolishing iconic landmarks became a form of artistic expression. This film presents a fictional account where an extraterrestrial invasion leaves the White House in ruins, Washington, D.C. being the location.

In this game designed for PlayStation, fighter pilots can defend the nation’s capital in a movie-based adventure. One stage involves flying over Washington D.C., aiming at turrets beneath a floating mothership. Despite the rough graphics, the Washington D.C. landmarks are clearly depicted. It could make an exciting Fourth of July celebration alternative.

6. Saints Row 4

Hail To The Chief

In the sequel to the outrageously humorous Saints Row 3, you step into the shoes of a player-designed President of the United States. An alien invasion sees you trapped within a digital metropolis, where your mission is to unleash maximum mayhem to escape this virtual prison.

In the opening act of this exhilarating game, Saints Row 4, I find myself striding confidently through the hallowed corridors of the White House, the Presidential aura surrounding me. The game presents an intriguing scenario: the power to eradicate cancer or end world hunger, and even the opportunity for a political jab, all at my fingertips. However, the tranquility is short-lived as the enemies launch a relentless siege on the White House. In true Commander in Chief fashion, I respond by wielding an array of weapons and deploying a colossal turret to repel the invasion!

5. The Conduit

A Conspiracy In The Heart Of The Nation’s Capital

The Nintendo Wii was an intriguing gaming console for first-person shooters, as its pointer controls facilitated motion-controlled aiming. A number of shooter games were released for this platform, one of them being “The Conduit,” developed by High Voltage Software. This game was notable for its ambitious nature and was built using a unique game engine specifically designed to optimize the Wii’s relatively weak hardware capabilities.

In “The Conduit,” the story revolves around an extraterrestrial invasion of Washington D.C., with our main character, Michael Ford, initially on a mission to apprehend a suspected terrorist for an organization called the Trust. However, he soon finds himself ensnared in a much larger and more complex web of intrigue. Intense battles against invading aliens unfold in iconic D.C. settings such as the National Mall and the White House.

4. The X-Files: Resist Or Serve

Visiting The FBI’s Most Unwanted

In the ’90s, The X-Files served as an entrance to unraveling enigmatic government conspiracies for numerous viewers. The series chronicles FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, who delve into mysteries revolving around extraterrestrial beings, monstrous entities, and the occasional spirits. Remarkably, it appears strikingly prophetic in today’s context, considering the ongoing Senate Hearings on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and disclosures from government informants.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been immersed in my own thrilling journey through “The X-Files: Resist or Serve” for PlayStation 2. This game takes me on a three-episode arc that unfolds amidst the dramatic backdrop of Season 7. In Episode 2: Resonance, I find myself at the FBI building in the bustling city of Washington, D.C. Here, I can pay a visit to my boss Skinner’s office, eavesdrop on conversations along the hallway, and even step foot into the office of the FBI’s Most Wanted, adorned with Mulder’s famous “I Want To Believe” poster.

3. Duke Nukem 3D

Duke Is A Real American Hero

Duke Nukem is undeniably the epitome of manliness, a figure who has left his mark on Earth like no other. In the 3D Realms’ groundbreaking first-person shooter series, this larger-than-life character battles alien swine and rescues stunning damsels in distress, all while cracking cheesy jokes. Remarkably, Duke continues to be relevant, making a guest appearance in the cult hit Bulletstorm.

In the expansion pack of “Duke Nukem 3D” titled “Duke It Out In DC“, Duke finds himself in Washington D.C. This setting adds a unique twist to his usual alien-blasting adventures, making him feel particularly proud and patriotic, especially when he’s battling aliens in the White House. The environment also offers some amusing instances, such as fighting in the Lincoln Memorial bathroom or spotting a reference to “The X-Files” in the FBI building.

2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

The Battle of Washington, D.C.

Initially, the “Call of Duty” game series was centered around first-person shooter games based on World War II. However, with the fourth primary installment, the focus changed to more contemporary and future settings, such as “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2”, which is well-known for various reasons.

In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remastered, soldiers engage in a fictional conflict resembling World War III, with Russian troops having infiltrated the eastern seaboard of the United States. A level showcases Washington D.C., which is ablaze, as troops battle against the city’s famous landmarks, such as the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument, serving as the backdrop for their struggle.

1. Fallout 3

D.C. After The Apocalypse

The popular “Fallout” series has become a common term, encompassing video games, merchandise, and lately, a successful TV series streaming on Amazon Prime. Initially, the franchise began with two role-playing games set in an isometric view, then evolved into a strategy game.

Following the acquisition of the rights, Bethesda developed Fallout 3, a game that incorporated the post-apocalyptic role-playing characteristics of its predecessors into an open-world, first-person format. The backdrop for Fallout 3 is Washington D.C., in the wake of nuclear devastation. The game offers a wealth of sights and activities, such as exploring the remnants of iconic D.C. structures.

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2025-02-05 17:58