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Games People Play

I have a lot of odd stuff I've been holding lately. Since I'm home today I guess we'll post some of it. For instance this game sounds like it will be making some news soon. I don't play them myself but I hear the video game publishers are struggling along with every other industry in this economy, Midway being no exception.

The publisher is about to release an updated version of N.A.R.C. with new rules that look likely to stir up some controversy.

The original "N.A.R.C." cast you as a futuristic cop, shooting (and occasionally arresting) the bad guys. When dealers dropped dime bags or wads of cash, you'd navigate your character over the contraband and earn points. It wouldn't ping the radar today, but was edgy stuff for the time.

The basic premise of the game hasn't changed. You're still a cop and you're still looking to take out the dealers and suppliers. And, odds are you'll pick up the cash and drugs scattered about once again. The hook is: In the new "N.A.R.C.", your character can; and is, in fact, encouraged to; ingest those drugs.

Looking to slow time around you; a la "The Matrix" or "Max Payne"? Take a toke. Marijuana puts you into "weed time." Not sure who the bad guys are? Drop some LSD and enemies will appear to have giant devil heads. Moving too slow? A little speed will take care of that, letting you zip around and fight at an incredibly fast pace.

Sounds like a job for the morality police, however Midway spokesperson Reilly Brennan states, "We're not trying to glamorize drugs in any way and we're not trying to promote the use of them." In his defense, I might note that using the drugs too many times will lose you the game.

While Midway is clearly hoping a little public outrage will stimulate sales, the question is will it also spur Congress into further regulating the industry. The industry considers itself off the political radar screen during this presidential election year. Considering the current drive to increase indecency penalties in the media however, one would think the possibility of Congressional action exists.