Leftists in the Crosshairs: Alex Jones: NWO Wars (Steam) Review
When the political arena collides with the world of gaming, it's not just debates that get heated but also our controllers, and Alex Jones: NWO Wars has stormed the digital battlefield with all the subtlety of a truther at a government hearing.
The eponymous figure at the heart of this game is none other than Alex Jones, the infamous broadcaster and conspiracy theorist who has sparked just as much controversy as he has fervent agreement. From claims about chemicals in the water to heated political debates, Jones has been a polarizing figure in the media landscape for years.
Now, his voice and likeness are digitized in a game that seeks to lampoon and celebrate his bombastic persona all at once. Emulating the classic run-and-gun stylings of Metal Slug, this side-scrolling shooter is as unapologetically brash as its namesake, offering players a chance to take on the "evil globalists" in a fight to save humanity from a dystopian future.
Gameplay and Guffaws
The gameplay is a solid old-school affair with responsive controls and an arsenal that would make any 2D action hero nod with approval. The real firepower, though, comes from the game's humor. It's a barrage of tongue-in-cheek political jokes that will either have you laughing or rolling your eyes so hard you'll see your brain. The game doesn't shy away from its intention to poke fun at leftist ideologies, delivering one-liners with the subtlety of a sledgehammer at a nail salon.
However, the soundtrack deserves a standing ovation, marching in perfect lockstep with the on-screen action and rousing the inner patriot with tunes that could stir even the most apathetic gamer to a salute. And the price? $17.76 is not just a clever marketing gimmick; it's a wink and a nod to history buffs and those in on the joke.
The Short and Short of It
While the game delivers laughs and thrills, it's like an adrenaline shot—over before you know it. The brevity of the game is its Achilles' heel, leaving players wanting more for their buck—or rather, their seventeen bucks and seventy-six cents. Sure, it should perhaps be priced closer to an impulse buy at the checkout lane, but value is in the eye of the wallet holder.
Still, it offers an irreverent take on the classic Metal Slug side-scroller with a political twist that will entertain or enrage, but one that doesn't take itself too seriously; though it runs through its content quicker than a conspiracy theory spreading through an online forum.
Divided We Play
So regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum, Alex Jones: NWO Wars is an enjoyable romp through arcade nostalgia and political satire. Whether it's worth your time and money will depend mainly on your taste for its particular brand of humor and politics.
However, if you're looking for a quick fix of explosive action and unapologetic commentary, this might be your game—provided you don't mind the digital company you'll be keeping.
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Healthcare Professional, Gamer, and Writer all rolled up in one. He once opened up an old Atari 2600 to see if it had a heart ... and it did. Hence, the lifelong love affair with gaming.