Seas Beyond the Sunset

As one of the coolest independent games of 2007, Death Worm needs no introduction.

But it might need a warning label.  A deviant species of political thought dwells beneath the surface of this deceptively simple side-scrolling eat-’em-up.

The creator clearly has a lot to say about American imperialism and Islamic fascism in our post-9/11 world.  In making what purports to be a game about insatiable sandworms, he strikes a metaphorical blow against the self-serving lies of U.S. foreign policy and the war on terror.

For what could be more terrible than the ravening maw of a killer worm?  By casting the player in the role of a remorseless monster, Death Worm shows us the recent history of Afghanistan from the other side’s point of view.

1980s Soviet forces deploy child-safe land mines.

1990s A Muslim keeps the peace with his AK-47.

2000s An American tank brings shock, awe.

The cold, brutal truth of the game is this: though every faction carries weapons for protection, only the American troops launch their bombs and missiles with reckless disregard for the lives of civilians and wildlife.  How many more baby elephants must die before we admit the terrible cost of the war on terror?

Do your civic duty.  Play Death Worm, and learn the harsh realities of life in the Middle East.  And if your conscience will not let you wage war alone, you will appreciate this two-player mod for Death Worm.