Left Behind: Eternal Forces

Left Behind: Eternal Forces is a real-time strategy computer game based upon the bestselling Left Behind novels. It was created by Left Behind Games and released on November 14, 2006. The game has been the focus of much controversy, criticism and rumormongering, most of which has been based upon erroneous information about the game that Left Behind Games has vehemently denied and corrected.

Following the same plot elements as the Left Behind novels, Eternal Forces follows the exploits of members of the post-Rapture Tribulation Force as they struggle against the schemings of the Antichrist. The game is based in New York City, which was painstakingly reproduced in 3D to be as accurate and detailed as possible. The player controls various characters throughout the game, ranging from average citizens and members of the Antichrist's forces converted to Christianity to unique characters specially created for the game to characters from the novels.

Plot and goals

Eternal Forces takes place shortly after the Rapture. The player controls members of the Tribulation Force as they attempt to set up a base in New York City from which they can spread the Gospel. At first, their efforts are opposed only by local gangs, but soon Antichrist Nicolae Carpathia's forces start to take notice.

The goal of the game, as stated in the game manual, is to "[s]ave as many people from the clutches of the antichrist as possible. Your purpose is absolutely NOT to wipe out the enemy forces!" Additionally, the description for the soldier units for the Tribulation Force states that their "#1 goal is still to save as many people from the antichrist as possible" and that the player's "duty and moral obligation is to use soldiers as little as humanly possible."

Game appearance

The main game screen is viewed from an in-game vantage point above the streets. This vantage point can be adjusted from low and close to the streets to very high above them. The main screen is accompanied by a small interactive map to help the player navigate the play area. This map can be clicked on to move the in-game view to a different area and can also zoom in and out.

Gameplay

Interface

The game is controlled via the mouse and/or keyboard hotkeys.

Single player mode

In single player mode, the player controls the members of the Tribulation Force and leads them through 40 missions with varied goals.

Multiplayer mode

In multiplayer mode, a player can invite up to 7 players to compete via the internet or local area network (LAN). The players choose to control either the Tribulation Force or the Antichrist's forces with up to 4 players controlling each side.

Production

Visuals

Left Behind Games sent photographers to New York City for six weeks to photograph the streets and buildings of hundreds of city blocks. These were reproduced in detail in the game down to fire escapes and rooftops.

Music

The score for Eternal Forces was created by Chance Thomas, an award-winning composer who has previously created the scores for games like The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Ring, X-Men: The Official Game, and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance.

Voice talent

Chris Fabry, best known as the announcer for late Baptist pastor Dr. Adrian Rogers' "Love Worth Finding" radio program and co-author of the Left Behind: the Kids novels, was cast as the gameplay narrator. Also, many of the game's creators lent their voices to characters in the game.

Controversy and criticism

Even before the game or its demo were released, many people and groups were already criticizing the game on its alleged content.

External links

Left Behind: Eternal Forces official website
Left Behind Games official website