Political terms re-defined by videogames

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Use the Radical Republican’s Filibuster to beat the Deficit Hawk

What it actually means: “Slang for those who place great emphasis on keeping the federal budget under control”. Oldy McCain is one!

What it would be in a videogame: Definitely a low-rent superhero.

Pray we don’t survive long enough for some kind of PC-only edutainment software championing this ideal with an actual Deficit Hawk superhero.

What it actually means: “Using military power and economic means to influence the behavior or interests of other political bodies.”

What it would be in a videogame: Hm, isn’t this from Mega Man 3?

Oh, right, you get Hard Knuckle for beating Hard Man. Close enough.

What it actually means: “Industry in which the most efficient producer is a monopoly.”

What it would be in a videogame: Anotherhorrible electronic version of Monopoly, probably starring Mr. Moneybags in the woods.

What it actually means: “An elected officeholder continuing in office during the period between failure to win an election and the inauguration of the successor.”

What it would be in a videogame: Probably the ducks that asshole dog carries around in Duck Hunt.

George H.W. Bush sampled a bit of the lameness when he lost to Clinton in the 1991 election. Oh shit – did we accidentally convey a historical fact? FARTBONERLOL

What it actually means: “A role in party-based politics whose primary purpose is to ensure control of the formal decision-making process in the parliamentary legislature.” In other words, they make sure their people show up to vote.

What it would be in a videogame: A multicultural weapon that promotes understanding and tolerance of all races, creeds, cultures and ages... in Castlevania.

If you’re looking for a Devo joke down here, stop.

Aug 29, 2008


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Brett Elston
Brett Elston

A fomer Executive Editor at GamesRadar, Brett also contributed content to many other Future gaming publications including Nintendo Power, PC Gamer and Official Xbox Magazine. Brett has worked at Capcom in several senior roles, is an experienced podcaster, and now works as a Senior Manager of Content Communications at PlayStation SIE.