Laden VS USA
| Industry | Electronic games manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Guangzhou , China |
| Products | Handheld electronic games |
Laden VS USA (Chinese: 本·拉登世紀大挑戰：Laden VS USA; pinyin: Běn Lādēng shìjì dàtiǎozhàn) is an LCD handheld electronic game attributed to the Chinese firm Panyu Gaming Electronic Co. Ltd., although its true production origin is uncertain due to extensive counterfeit activity in China. The game was issued in two variants and references the September 11 attacks, displaying images of the disaster on its packaging, which is labeled "Made in China" and designed for "Ages 5 and Up."
This title has faced criticism and controversy, resulting in bans from retail outlets in Warrington, England, as well as Brooklyn, New York.
Gameplay
In this game, players maneuver a submarine along the screen’s lower edge, firing at fighter jets positioned above. It features 20 progressively challenging levels that advance automatically. Upon completing a stage, a simplified rendition of "Deck the Halls" plays. The backdrop consists of a photograph from the events of 9/11. Despite its thematic elements, the instruction manual appears to be copied from a boxing game description, and the gameplay itself bears no direct relation to the September 11 context.
The embedded game is an unauthorized copy of Submarine Battle (CG-330), a Casio handheld title from 1983 that has been widely imitated on similar devices. Due to its generic mechanics and ambiguous messaging, it remains unclear whether the game conveys a pro-American or anti-American stance; it was marketed in both U.S. and Pakistani regions.
History
The device is purportedly produced by Panyu Gaming Electronic Co. Ltd., headquartered in Guangzhou, China. The company employed technology that was nearly twenty years old during development. Given the prevalence of counterfeit products in China, Panyu Gaming Electronic’s genuine involvement is questionable. This video game stands out as the first known title to incorporate the September 11 attacks as its central theme. It was launched in two versions: GM-026A-3 and GM-028A-3, with the initial model offering yellow or white buttons. Packaging features images depicting 9/11 wreckage alongside photographs of George W. Bush and Osama bin Laden, marked "Made in China" and recommended for "Ages 5 and Up." Notably, it did not receive an official rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) at release.
Laden VS USA illustrates the growing political and cultural influence of video games, drawing comparisons to other contentious titles such as Grand Theft Auto and Ghost Recon. Additionally, it serves as an example of war-related propaganda within gaming, representing a non-American commercial reaction to contemporary conflicts similar to Final Battle Afghanistan X-Tank. Though uncommon, copies occasionally surface on eBay.
Reception
While Laden VS USA found some popularity among children in Pakistan, it provoked international controversy. It was removed from sale at a discount store in Warrington, Cheshire, England following objections by religious figures who claimed the imagery could numb children’s sensitivity to the 9/11 tragedy. In Brooklyn, New York City, local opposition arose over its availability at Oakdale Dairy. YouTube toy reviewer Mike Mozart from JeepersMedia described it as "the worst concept for a game in history," expressing astonishment that it was produced and sold within the United States.