Meet Colonel Sanders, the Machiavellian chicken mogul from Fallout 3, who’ll stop at nothing to reshape the post-apocalyptic wasteland in his image.
Video games aren’t typically known for their realistic portrayals of politics, but sometimes, developers hit the nail on the head. From presidents in power armor to thinly veiled stand-ins for real-world suits, some of gaming’s most iconic politicians are as unhinged as they are captivating. This 4th of July, we’re celebrating America’s 250th birthday by ranking the best – and worst – video game politicians of all time.
The Unhinged and the Unpredictable
At the top of our list is President Andrew Ryan from BioShock. This self-proclaimed ‘objectivist’ will do whatever it takes to turn the underwater city of Rapture into a dystopian utopia, even if it means sacrificing human life en masse.
What this means: Games like BioShock use satire to comment on the dangers of unchecked capitalism and the devastating consequences of ideological extremism. Andrew Ryan’s descent into madness serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power.
The Politicians We Love to Hate
Next up is Joseph Stalin from Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines, whose ruthlessness and paranoia are almost laughable in their excess. Then there’s Kim Jong-il from Metal Gear Solid 4, who’s as cartoonishly evil as he is laughably inept.
What this means: These over-the-top portrayals of real-world dictators serve as a reminder that, in the world of video games, even the most heinous villains can be lampooned and ridiculed. It’s a form of catharsis for players, allowing us to confront and ridicule the darker aspects of human nature.
The Politicians We Love to Love (and Love to Hate)
Finally, there’s President Garl Uon from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, whose ham-fisted attempts at being the ‘good guy’ only make him more entertaining. And let’s not forget Commander Shepard from Mass Effect, whose ambiguous morality and constant moral dilemmas make him one of the most relatable – and frustrating – politicians in gaming.
What this means: Games like Mass Effect show that politics isn’t always about black and white, but about gray areas and difficult choices. Commander Shepard’s struggles to make the right call serve as a reminder that even the most well-intentioned politicians can make mistakes and face unintended consequences.
