This is a very intersting thread. I like, most others have no problem playing the German side, especially in a sub, or flight sim. For what ever reason, I would prefer to play an Allied soldier in a ground action game but would not have a moral problem playing on the German side. Now that said, I was sitting here thinking how I would feel playing a Japanese sub commander, pilot or infantry...and I do feel a bit differently. I do not think I would be as comfortable playing from the Japanese side, and I am not exactly sure why that is.
I think it may be that I see the Japanese in WWII as brutal even at the individual level. I have questioned myself as to whether this is some undercurrent of racism that I was not aware of....but I don't think so. I harbor no ill will towards the Japanese and would gladly play a Japanese American infantry man (the 100th and 442nd were under appreciated units and would love to see them featured in a WWII game!). I just do not see the general German military man in this light, though I am aware that even in the German Navy there were plenty of individuals and captains even outside the SS that totally bought into Hilters extreme views (Forgot where I was reading this...and forgot which captain but I as reading a speech he had given his men and he was quite outspoken on his feelings towards the Jewish menace) I think the majority did not.
It may also have a lot to do with the fact that my relatives that served in Europe came back alive and those that served in the Pacific died (two great uncles...one died on a Hell Ship torped by a US sub and one on the Bataan death march).
Still not quite sure...
In honest truth the one thing I have the most problems with is playing a female character...I just cannot do it...not sure what that means
