#3: Ace Combat: Assault Horizon
If you’re looking for hot-blooded patriotism, Japan is the best place to look. As the leading purveyor of completely unironic earnestness, is it really that surprising? That’s why Ace Combat: Assault Horizon deserves a spot on this list. As a totally awesome American Fighter pilot, you fight bad guys across the glove in a variety of arcade-y flight sim scenarios, culminating in an insane battle over Washington DC against a faction of traitorous Russians.
After saving the day and stopping a bombing run on the White House, our hero lands his plane triumphantly. While the music swells, you’re treated to the world’s greatest QTE – press [Y] to fist pump. It’s a joyous celebration of your accomplishments, and it’s a fitting end to one awesome game.
#4: Urban Chaos: Riot Response
Here’s something Rocksteady, the developers of the Batman: Arkham series probably wants you to forget. Urban Chaos: Riot Response is a weird, weird little FPS – you play as an unnecessarily well-armed cop, fighting a band of unreal rioters that would only make sense in a Batman game. They criminals are armed to the teeth (yes, there are miniguns) – and, yes, the creeps have their own nuclear bomb. It’s insanity, and I won’t even mention the unfortunate implications of police brutality and militarization on display.
So, why does this game get a spot on the list? First, it’s so completely over-the-top, there’s no way to take it seriously. Second, there’s a giant American flag waving right on the logo. I don’t think the world is ready for a sequel to Urban Chaos: Riot Response, but I hope you don’t forget Rocksteady’s red-headed step-child this Fourth of July.
