Key Highlights
- The upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops game features Saddam Hussein as the main villain
- The game includes real-life figures like Bill Clinton, George H. W. Bush, and Margaret Thatcher
- Full game details will be revealed next month by Activision-Blizzard
The popular video game series Call of Duty: Black Ops is set to release a new installment later this year, featuring the controversial former Iraqi President, Saddam Hussein, as an antagonist. In an intriguing twist, the game will take place during the Gulf War of the early 1990s. Also Read | Best ‘Call of Duty’ Games To Download And Play: Check Out The List
Historical Figures in the Spotlight
The reveal trailer, released on Tuesday, showcases a dramatic live-action, black-and-white preview. In the trailer, historical figures such as former US Presidents Bill Clinton and George H. W. Bush, and former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, appear alongside Hussein. These characters are portrayed by real-life actors, adding a layer of authenticity and intrigue to the game’s narrative.
The trailer is shrouded in darkness, with the characters delivering ominous monologues. Hussein, in particular, captures the audience’s attention with his line: “Nothing is what it seems. But if it’s truth you seek, look in the dark.” This cryptic statement hints at the complex and mysterious storyline players can expect.
Blending Fiction and Reality
The Call of Duty: Black Ops series is known for its unique approach to storytelling, blending fictional elements with real historical and political figures. Previous games in the series have featured fictionalized versions of US Presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and John F. Kennedy. This blend of reality and fiction has become a hallmark of the franchise, drawing players into immersive and thought-provoking scenarios.
A Return to the Past
Like its predecessor, Black Ops 6 will be set in the past. While the previous game focused on the Cold War era of the early to mid-1980s, this new installment shifts to the geopolitical turmoil of the Gulf War. This conflict, which took place between 1990 and 1991, began when Saddam Hussein’s regime invaded Kuwait. A coalition of 42 countries, led by the US, eventually forced Iraqi troops out of Kuwait while carrying out a devastating bombardment of Iraq.
Unveiling Next Month
Activision-Blizzard, the US-based video game company behind the Call of Duty series, plans to unveil the full details of the latest installment next month. The anticipation is high, as fans eagerly await more information on how the game will depict this pivotal moment in history.
Also Read | Five Games To Play After God of War Ragnarok: Keep The Adventure Going
Historical Context
Saddam Hussein served as the Iraqi president from 1979 until 2003. His regime was marked by numerous conflicts and severe human rights violations. After the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, Hussein was captured, tried for crimes against humanity, and sentenced to death by hanging in 2006. His depiction in video games is not new; he was previously featured in the Soldier of Fortune series, released between 2000 and 2002.
