Six Days in Fallujah

There have been a lot of controversial games over the years. When most people think about controversial games they think of Grand Theft Auto and other games that show sexual and violent content. With shooter type games, violence is surely going to be there. However, it's not the typical controversy that has got people up in arms about Konami's new game "Six Days in Fallujah". They are taking an accurate, historical approach to telling the story of the Battle of Fallujah, which happened only a few years ago. Some might say it's a little too soon for something like this. As open minded as I am about controvercial games, I can somewhat sympothise with the people who oppose this.

The developers are getting the support of some of the soldiers and civilians that were in the Battle of Fallujah, but according to a recent interview with Joystiq, they also interviewed insurgents that were at the battle also. This is likely to be the most controvercial aspect of the game. I don't know how they got interviews with insurgents that were there and I guess that's a story in and of itself. I have yet to really see the game, but the impression I get is this isn't meant to be an action packed fun game, but rather a historical simulation. From the sound of the interview, you might go on a mission, not find anyone to kill, and just find a puppy to adopt. What kind of game is this exactly? Is it even a game?

My main concern is with war vets and their families. While I would hope that they wouldn't pick this up out of fears it might bring about some kind of emotional reaction they aren't prepared for, I suppose it could happen. It's one thing to see a movie, or documentary about war, but a video game is very close to re-living the situation. I'm not saying it shouldn't be made though. People should understand what these people went through over there and if this video game can help put people in the shoes of Marines who fought there, maybe it can influence people and change some minds about the War in Iraq. I hope this will be a well done game that pays homage to those that were at Fallujah and inspires thought on the subject; not just some quick way to make a buck.