Operation Epic Furious: Strait to Hell is a satirical take on Trump and an unexpectedly earnest homage to classic RPGs.
A set of video game cabinets featuring pixel images of Donald Trump and other officials appeared at the DC War Memorial. From afar, Operation Epic Furious: Strait to Hell, which you can play online, seems like a mocking gesture by DC-based art group The Secret Handshake. Upon closer inspection, it’s clear the game serves as biting commentary while paying tribute to classic RPGs.
In the game, you play as president Trump, conducting war on Iran to regain control of the Strait of Hormuz. Starting in the White House, you navigate rooms filled with allies like Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, FBI Director Kash Patel, and RFK Jr. The gameplay mirrors early Zelda titles with exploration and treasure hunts, except here, the goal is finding Kid Rock’s helicopter to bomb Iran back to its origins.
Despite its comedic undertones, Operation Epic Furious is crafted to resemble a genuine game, supported by an impressive soundtrack and robust battle system reminiscent of Final Fantasy and Pokémon. As I played, it became evident Trump’s political power, depicted as a health bar, remained invincible, echoing real-world political dynamics.
The game lampoons Trump and his allies but doesn’t downplay the consequential damage caused by the administration. Comedic elements like Trump acquiring the Full Pardon skill are juxtaposed with destructive drone strikes on the map.
Katherine, a nonprofit worker from Massachusetts, was drawn by the game’s dark humor, discovering it through social media photos of National Guard troops playing it. She appreciates how it underscores First Amendment rights and the freedom to critique politics without fear.
The Secret Handshake’s previous project, a Trump-Epstein statue, briefly exhibited by the Capitol, led Alex, an IT specialist from Baltimore, to try Operation Epic Furious. He values how it highlights the nation’s historical impact on other countries and its repercussions.
As night fell, more people gathered at the War Memorial to experience the game before its removal, seeking a shared experience. For me, it was about losing myself in a game that blatantly portrays the president’s role in America’s current age of madness. While Operation Epic Furious: Strait to Hell, now relocated to Busboys and Poets, might not spark a revolution, it offers a way to laugh amidst the chaos.