In observance of the Supreme Court's 7-2 decision to treat video games to the same First Amendment protection as art, music, and movies, here's a look at some of the biggest names in violent game franchises.
Introduced in 1992, the original ultra-violent franchise ushered gore, phonetically creative spelling, and the word “Fatality!” into the national spotlight, thereby making video games an ethical talking point for Rosary-clutching politicians from then on out.
On the surface, its groundbreaking depiction of digitized actors contrasted sharply with other hand-drawn animations of its time, thus setting the stage for the series’ unflinching shock value.
And while these “realistic” visuals certainly helped creators Ed Boon and John Tobias get the game the attention it demanded, it’s really the series’ cast of ninjas and misfits on top of an innovative fighting system (uppercuts, anyone?) that’s given the franchise its staying power—as attested to by nearly 20 years of shelf life and countless millions generated across 10 different consoles.
Man, does the God of War franchise have it all: Greek mythology, vengeance followed by vengeance followed by vengeance, adult situations (if you catch my drift—nudge, nudge, wink, wink), and weaponry called the Blades of Chaos: not one, but two blood-spattering swords held together by a chain and that spit flames while in use.
And just imagine the parent-child arguments that take place because of this game. There’s a historical angle—maybe there’s something to be learned about Greek mythology!—that comes at the expense of the main character, Kratos, leaving a path of blood in his wake.
Whatever the case, the formula seems to be working as the franchise has sold tens of millions of copies and spawned a novel, a comic book series and there’s a feature film reportedly in the works as well.
As we prepare for the Game of Thrones finale, we recognize Joffrey and nine other baddies who showed us that terrible, horrible things can come in small packages
