As time goes on, it seems game developers must work harder and harder to make their games stand point – but this translates into an upside for us gamers, as this ultimately results in more creative and interesting titles. One outstanding example being seen at E3 this year is Left Behind: Eternal Forces. What makes this game stand out above the rest is the fact that it’s focused specifically on a Christian-oriented style of gameplay. Yes, you heard right – the game is basically a “religious” real-time strategy game, but don’t roll your eyes just yet; it seems there’s a lot more to this title than just the word of God.

Based on the somewhat under-rated “Left Behind” novel series, Eternal Forces takes place in modern-day New York. During an anomalous outbreak of sudden disappearances, it has effectively been determined that God himself is returning to claim his children. In the wake of these disappearances however, forces flying under the banner of the anti-Christ have taken control of the United Nations and are trying to stamp out those who follow His teachings. Only a last bastion of resistance, dubbed the “Tribulation Force” stands a chance of overthrowing Satan’s legions and returning the world to normal.

Admittedly at first glance, some may find it easy to overlook the game for its religious focus. However, it should be strongly noted that the focus of the developers is to create a fun game first, with the religious pretext being secondary so that it does not get in the way. The result is a game that makes for a compelling real-time strategy experience from a basic standpoint, but also offers some fascinating educational insight into Christianity. As was shown however, there are quite a number of differences that really separate this from just being a generic RTS title. To begin with, the primary point of interest is on the ‘people’ in the game – individual manpower is required for constructing buildings, recruiting new members to your cause, and taking decisive military action. By recruiting the neutral NPCs spread throughout a given map into his alignment, players can make their forces stronger and put up better resistance. The really cool part that I was shown is how each character actually has his or her individual backstory provided in the form of a biography – and this bio will actually update dynamically when the unit converts to the player’s faith, or even if he’s converted to the enemy side. Even ‘evil’ units can be converted given the right tools and enough effort, and there is even a universal spirituality gauge which will determine your forces’ overall morale level – do too many things they don’t like, and they may end up deserting you (which can spell disaster for certain vehicles such as tanks, which actually require three soldiers to operate).

Graphically the game is also looking fantastic, with a fully roaming 3D camera, a detailed animation system, and a realistic New York environment actually constructed from photos taken in the area. The game will also support multiplayer and will have options for players to duke it out playing as either the forces of evil, or the Tribulation Force, leading to some expanded gameplay. Sadly the singleplayer campaign will only be focused on the Tribulation Force, but the developers explain the reason for this as to enable them to focus on a more complete and ‘good-hearted’ singleplayer campaign, rather than something potentially controversial and outside of the spirit of the game. I was also told that many of the Christian overtures will effectively be optional (such as the brief religious monologues shown between missions) – so again, the focus seems be more on a general objective education of Christianity, while still keeping for a fun gaming experience suitable for all parties and working to avoid any Bible-thumping. I find myself very intrigued by this design philosophy, and find that Left Behind: Eternal Forces will definitely be a very interesting game to check out on its release later this year. Check out Left Behind Games for more details. - Dave VanDyke.