much like an editorial response...

The question again and again asked is whether these are 'simplistic videogames' or indeed even 'videogames'. One does not find a story/narrative/plot nor immersion. While September 12 seems to be a reaction at the collateral damage happening as a result of the war on terror, Madrid is an expression of 'empathy for /solidarity with' the victims of 2004 Madrid bomb blasts . There is no sense of victory in either games. No adversaries, no heroes in sight. Frasca's games are unconventional if at all considered games. Frasca has at times categorically mentioned September 12 is a simulation, not a game.

Both the games certainly are critical simulations of situations, adding more meaning into them by reconstructing say the 'war' and/or 'bombings', however, it would be safe to presume that one cannot be expected to play the game more than ten times. It does not have repeat value for the same person playing it. However, it is a credible response against a position, an ideology...much like an editorial response...