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Iraq - The Computer Game

Posted by simoniker on from the simulations-to-help-reconciliation? dept.

Thanks to an anonymous reader for pointing out the Slate article called Iraq: The Computer Game, and subtitled "What 'virtual world' games can teach the real world about reconstructing Iraq." Written in a similar vein to an MSNBC article we covered a few weeks back, it looks in a bit more detail at how simulations "may offer useful lessons for rebuilding broken nations in the real world", mentioning the recent news that virtual world company There Inc. has been commissioned to create anti-terrorist training simulations, as well as Richard 'Lord British' Garriott's suggestion that "..games do clarify the essential rules for stabilizing a chaotic society."

7 of 21 comments (clear)

  1. I only want it . . . by base3 · · Score: 3, Funny

    . . . if it has a mushroom cloud button like "Lemmings".

    --
    One CPU cycle wasted on digital restrictions management is ONE TOO MANY.
  2. SimIraq by Xenkar · · Score: 1, Funny

    Rebuild Baghdad! Construct vast palaces and bunker networks! Make money from selling oil to France! Destroy the infidels with sand storms! All this and more in SimIraq 2003! Reserve your copy today!

  3. WoMD by NanoGator · · Score: 4, Funny

    There's an easter egg if you find the Weapons of Mass Destruction.

    --
    "Derp de derp."
    1. Re:WoMD by jspoon · · Score: 2, Funny

      Of course, finding the WoMD probably involves cheat codes of some kind.

  4. Sim Iraq? by skinfitz · · Score: 2, Funny

    Couldn't someone have just bought El Busho a copies of C&C Generals and SimCity? (in that order).

  5. From the Prima Official Strategy Guide... by S.+Baldrick · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...Use the shoe or the shovel to attack Allied troops at the Baghdad airport and they will commit suicide for triple points.

  6. Dune 3: The battle for Iraq(is) by August_zero · · Score: 3, Funny

    The whole game could play just like the classic "Rampart" except with a twist:

    You play as the United "Coalition of One" States. First, in phase one, you send bricks and weapons to build the country and support the dictator. In phase 2, you bomb the piss out of them, then in phase 3 you rebuild with blocks, and score bonus points when you surround an oil well, installing puppet governments et cetera. After 60 seconds of building, the political climate changes and then you bomb them again!

    There could be online play where you argue with other countries about who gets to do the bobmbing, and with expansion packs you can add other exciting locals like Cuba! Which would play the same except your trying to capture bananas and cigars or something.

    --
    On Wall Street they say "buy low, sell high" On the pad we say, "buy high, sell high" Isn't that somehow better?