The video game industry has evolved substantially over the past decade. What was once an industry dominated by Japanese developers has become one where Americans spearhead a lion’s share of success in just about every genre. Frankly, we’re proud of it, and rightfully so.
Naturally, there are quite a few games that celebrate the United States and all it stands for, things like freedom, vigor, and an unrelenting drive to blow things up. Since blowing things up is not only incredibly dangerous, but illegal, video games are the best outlet for American instinct.
There are 10 games that are well worth your time this holiday weekend, and we’ve described not only what they are but why you should play them in the gallery below.
10 Patriotic Video Games to Play This 4th of July
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America's Army
You can't get much more patriotic than a game made by the American military. America's Army was conceived by the United States Army, initially as a recruitment tool. It has grown since its debut in 2002 to become not only that, but a simulator for training and educating real soldiers.
In America's Army you can't even play as the bad guys. No matter which team you're on, the game shows you as a member of the U.S. Army combating evil. Using American-made exposives and weapons, you get to head into the fray and show the opposition what happens when they mess with freedom. Serves them right.
Platform(s): PC
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Assassin's Creed 3
Assassin's Creed 3 makes it very clear from the beginning that it's all about the American Revolution, and American resentment of Red Coats. Did Britain really think they could tax us? Get out of here!
The Assassin's Creed series has always been great at representing huge historical frameworks in a virtual space, and 2012's iteration was no different. Assassin's Creed 3's narrative is completely centered around one of the most important periods in American history. You'd be surprised how much you can learn about your own country from a video game. If you'd like to take a more realistic approach to American culture, this might be your best bet.
Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC
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Broforce
Nothing says I love the Fourth of July more than massive explosions, and Broforce has endless explosions. Therefore, it's as American as they come.
In Broforce you get to play as any one of a number of badasses which are mostly comprised of Americans including Chuck Norris, John McClane, and Rambo. You and your bros are tasked with rescuing other bros from captivity, and must blow everything that stands in your way in the process. Once you do that, you can plant your huge American flag into the soil and take off in a helicopter as the terrain behind you explodes into smithereens.
'MURICA!
Platform(s): PC (PS4 and PS Vita versions are coming soon)
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Call of Duty: Ghosts
As much as the American image is described as brute and proudly confident, there's a tactical side of it that is often understated. Call of Duty: Ghosts has the explosions and guns, but it also represents the intellectual side of America that knows that sometimes you need be a bit more strategic with your explosions.
The single-player campaign in Call of Duty: Ghosts has plenty of American flair to make you proud. You'll stand against an anti-Democracy superpower that thinks it can stand toe-to-toe against America's insurmountable military strength. Little do they know we command the world from sea, land, air, and space.
Platform(s): PS3, Wii U, Xbox 360, PS4, Xbox One
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Duke Nukem Forever
Okay, so Duke Nukem Forever isn't exactly the greatest game on this list, but it more than qualifies as a quality pick for Independence Day celebration. I mean, come on, Duke smokes a cigar while going around man-handling aliens. Yes, he might appear to be addicted to steroids, but who cares? He can arm wrestle a Polar Bear into tears.
Calm any under circumstance, everyone knows that if you mess with Duke you'll never get away with it. The same can be said of America.
Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360, PC
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Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V is the only game on this list to celebrate freedom this week with free Independence Day DLC. You can ride around on a star spangled motorcycle, or crush Japanese cars in a massive monster struck while waving an American flag. You can then celebrate the momentous occasion with some fireworks while wearing red, white, and blue. God bless America.
Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360 (PC, PS4 and Xbox One versions are coming soon)
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Madden NFL 25
Sorry Baseball and Basketball, American Football is the most popular sport in the country. Deal with it.
In America, we like violence, especially when it involves 22 players obliterating each other. Sure, it was even more American back when they didn't wear pads, but that wasn't so good for their health.
Madden NFL 25 is a great way to live the joy of spearing foes to jar the ball loose even when NFL is in off-season. What else are you going to do, watch replays? Hahahaha.
Platform(s): PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
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Red Dead Redemption
Ah, the great frontier. Sadly, there aren't very many good video games set in the 19th century, a time when freedom in America was at its height. Thankfully, there is one that exists which puts the rest to shame: Red Dead Redemption.
There is so much about Red Dead Redemption that makes it a fantastic game to play this July 4th. You can ride your horse in uncharted territory, shoot a few bandits, play a round of poker, and hunt prey all before heading back to the farm for dinner. It's just another day for John Marston.
Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360
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Saints Row IV
Saints Row IV is pretty wacky, but that doesn't prevent it from being a solid choice for the 4th of July.
Freedom is everything in Saints Row IV. While you spend most of your time doing typical things as a President of the United States, such as killing rival gang members, you also chase that beloved cash in a variety of ways. You see, there's nothing that is more satisfying than acquiring more money, no matter how wealthy you are. Saints Row IV makes the process of gaining fame and fortune about as fun as it can be with wild abilities and... YOU GUESSED IT, explosions.
Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360, PC
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Wolfenstein: The New Order
Did you know that Hitler conceived of the Amerika Bomber, a strategic plane built for the purpose of the Nazi's launching a long-distance strike on American soil? True story. Now that you're as mad at Nazis as ever before, let me present to you a game where you can unleash your rage.
Wolfenstein has always been about tackling the Third Reich, but The New Order does it better than any before it. At the beginning of the game, Hitler's Nazis take over planet Earth. With yourself and only a few other Americans, it's your job to pull the rug from underneath the Nazi leadership. Being an underdog isn't necessarily in American nature, but we sure love the premise. As the legendary B.J. Blazkowicz, you get to show those racist scum what an American is like when backed against a wall.
Platform(s): PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC
