DLC (Downloadable Content) packs are a very convenient way for developers to enhance the gameplay experience of their already-launched titles, and to keep players interested in their games. The packs usually contain new weapons, maps or characters, which give players a more unique experience than that provided by the standard features of the game.

They usually receive the highest degree of attention, but in the case of the new tongue-in-cheek shooter delivered by Electronic Arts, Mercenaries 2: World in Flames, the developers have really unleashed their creative forces, generating some very unique characters for the game. These two heroes, which players can take to a 2010 war-torn Venezuela, are none other than the United States presidential candidate, Barrack Obama, and the vice president candidate, Sarah Palin.

The two characters have been recently presented by gaming TV show X-Play as being engaged in some pretty serious battles in the game. On the one hand, Obama is wearing his distinct marine blue suit, and is throwing a grenade towards a tank, whereas, on the other, Palin is either holding a bazooka, or is taking over a helicopter.

Contacted by X-Play, Tom Stratton, an executive at the Pandemic Studios and developer of the game, emphasized the fact that the game approached real-life problems of the world from a more comical perspective, and that the use of the two candidates was perfect, considering the timing.

“Mercenaries 2 is a game seemingly ripped straight out of today's headlines and fueled with the same type of over-the-top action, found in the best summer blockbuster films. It only makes sense should we inject a spin of the current affairs into the game. The timing, too, is optimum for the delivery of the game.”

No official release date has yet been announced – however, people are pretty much expected to want to play the parts of these two characters in Mercenaries 2. Moreover, no information related to the possible appearance of the Republican presidential candidate John McCain in this game has been made public.