When Six Days in Fallujah was announced many knew that Konami were stepping in some sensitive territory. Basing a game on a war that is still happening with the physical and emotional scars of those affected by the conflict still fresh is something no one will take lightly. It’s also no wonder that the game has received critical responses from families, vets and the press alike.

In the wake of far from favorable responses, Six Days in Fallujah has received some optimism from a few Iraq War veterans. “As a combat veteran and as a gamer, I have no problem whatsoever with the game. As long as it’s made as realistically as possibly, I believe that this could be a good thing for both combat veterans and for the war in general,” Sgt. Casey J. McGeorge said in an interview with G4, having spent 36 months in Iraq himself. Former Army Sgt. Kevin Smith mentions, “Hopefully it will bolster support for military veterans by giving civilians insight into what this war was actually like for them… I really hope that this title receives positive press and encourages more empathy towards veterans after gamers have ‘experienced’ what they have gone through. On a side note, I really hope this game includes co-op!”

With that being said, the expectation of realism being a prominent factor in Six Days in Fallujah has brought about the overall questioning of the level of enjoyment gamers may experience. “There are restrictions on what types of weapons you can use and when.” Former Army Sgt. Kevin Smith said, “I think some gamers might find it a little frustrating.”