Top 4 Appearances By USA Presidents In Video Games

Highlights

NBA Jam: On Fire Edition has an unlockable Barack Obama with a Democratic team versus the Republicans.
Bill Clinton & Hillary Clinton duke it out in Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2 as secret characters.
Call of Duty: Black Ops includes a special Zombies map with JFK, Nixon, Castro to take down zombies.

As a history buff and avid gamer, I’ve come across some truly unique characters in video games based on real-life individuals. Among them, none have left me as surprised and entertained as Abraham Lincoln in the quirky 3DS title, “Code Name: S.T.E.A.M.”

Many games enable players to manage nations, but most of these feature fictitious leaders instead of real-life ones. Choosing fictional characters over historical figures may have various explanations. However, one possible reason is that incorporating authentic presidents as playable entities could result in unwanted controversy.

Some games have chosen to introduce characters who have formerly held the esteemed position of President of the United States in their narratives. These games often carry a lighter and humorous tone instead of delivering serious political simulations. Here are some notable game titles showcasing Presidents:

4 Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, & Joe Biden

NBA Jam: On Fire Edition

Top 4 Appearances By USA Presidents In Video Games

Since its introduction in arcades in 1993, NBA Jam has gained popularity for its incredible slam dunks, flaming hoops, and unexpected celebrity appearances. From the Beastie Boys to Al Gore, many notable figures have tried their hand at basketball in this iconic series. Among these hidden characters, none were more fitting to deliver powerful dunks than Barack Obama, who was unveiled as an unlockable character in the 2010 version of NBA Jam.

As a huge fan of the basketball legend and former president, Barack Obama’s passion for the game is undeniably legendary. It comes as no surprise that he’d make an appearance in NBA Jam: On Fire Edition. I, myself, am thrilled to see him join the roster, representing the Democrats team alongside future president Joe Biden and the Clintons. With Obama being the only POTUS to install a basketball court at the White House, you can bet he’s not an easy opponent to beat!

After being unlocked, Obama and his Democratic allies can be matched up against the Republican squad, consisting of George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Sarah Palin, and John McCain. In NBA Jam, players have the freedom to set up contests between these politicians and even the L.A. Lakers or among themselves.

3 Bill Clinton

Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2

In the 1990s, Bill Clinton’s presidency drew significant interest and scrutiny. Despite much being known about the Clinton family during this time, there remained an intriguing question that eluded the public: What was Bill like in debates or disputes? And how about Hillary?

It’s fortunate that in the second installment of the Ready 2 Rumble series, developer Midway added Bill and Hillary as playable characters, ending the long-standing controversy. Joining an impressive lineup featuring Afro Thunder, “Big” Willy Johnson, and even Michael Jackson himself, Bill and Hillary donned boxing gloves to engage in intense matches.

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but be captivated by the Clinton duo’s engaging verbal sparring matches. Bill, affectionately known as “Mr. President,” and Hillary, titled “The First Lady,” would trade barbs, just as boxers exchange blows with jabs, hooks, and powerful haymakers. Bill donned iconic red, white, and blue trunks reminiscent of Apollo Creed’s, while Hillary stood her ground in a sharp business suit. Their debates were far from one-sided, both demonstrating impressive rhetoric and wit.

2 JFK & Richard Nixon

Call of Duty: Black Ops

Since the introduction of popular Zombies in “Call of Duty: World at War,” this mode has evolved into a distinctive branch with its own continuous narrative, recurring characters, and lore. Fans have grown attached to iconic Zombies figures like Tank Dempsey and Takeo Masaki. Surprisingly, new leading characters emerged in “Call of Duty: Black Ops,” including John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. These ex-presidents joined forces with Fidel Castro and Robert McNamara to battle hordes of the undead.

As a huge fan of “Black Ops,” I can’t help but be thrilled by the creative twist Treyarch brought to the table with their Zombie map “Five.” In this imaginative take, historical figures like JFK, Castro, and McNamara, including President Kennedy himself, make an appearance. It’s fascinating how developer Treyarch recognized the humorous potential of POTUS-led zombie slaying, resulting in these iconic characters crossing paths with the trigger-happy protagonist Alex Mason.

1 Abraham Lincoln

Code Name: S.T.E.A.M.

President Lincoln boasted an impressive list of achievements nearly as extended as an arm, leaving an indelible mark on US history. As per the 3DS game Code Name: S.T.E.A.M., an alternate scenario presents Lincoln piloting a steam-powered mechanical warrior in a global conflict against the ancient adversary Shugguth and the magical realm of Oz, where the world’s fate hung in the balance.

In contrast to most Nintendo games with sparse storylines, Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. enthusiastically delves into its outlandish narrative. The protagonist, Abe, who is brilliantly voiced by Wil Wheaton, captains the Lady Liberty airship. Remarkably, this vessel doubles as the command center for an elite alien-fighting squad called S.T.E.A.M (Strike Team Eliminating the Alien Menace). A team consisting of Abraham Lincoln, Tom Sawyer, Tiger Lily from Peter Pan, and characters from The Wizard of Oz including the Lion, Scarecrow, and Dorothy band together to combat the extraterrestrial threat. Ultimately, Lincoln employs the colossal steam-powered mech named A.B.E (Anthropomorphized Battle Engine) to vanquish the enemy.

Abraham Lincoln appears as a robot in “BioShock Infinite” or as part of the reality generator in “Civilization,” which were left out to prevent repetition of Lincoln-themed entries. Additionally, his unique portrayal in this underrated 3DS game is challenging to surpass.

2024-07-16 14:25