Left Behind - The Game

[Evil Avatar]

Left Behind Games sends along a Press Release announcing a real-time strategy game (http://www.leftbehindgames.com) based on the popular Christian Left Behind novels.

Fans of the Left Behind Series books will soon be able to join the Tribulation Forces and participate actively in the battle of good versus evil with the launch of the real -time-strategy (RTS) title, Left Behind: Eternal Forces, the first PC game based on the blockbuster apocalyptic series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins.

Scheduled for release between Christmas 2005 and Easter 2006, Left Behind: Eternal Forces will put players in command of the apocalyptic battles raging in the streets of New York City between the angelic Tribulation Forces and the demonic Global Community Peacekeepers during the End of Days. Gamers will participate in events from the Left Behind book series in single player mode and battle to capture territory from other players in the multi-player online game mode.

The Left Behind game series will allow play in the same End of Days fictional world as the bestselling Left Behind® novels, which use the prophecies of the Book of Revelation as a framework. The first title, Left Behind: Eternal Forces, is set in the future when the faithful have been gathered up and ascended to Heaven during the Rapture. In the chaos that follows, the Antichrist has taken the reigns of power at the United Nations and is gathering the countries of the world under his banner. But a small resistance, the Tribulation Forces, have formed to oppose Satan's legions.

The challenge of converting secular/neutral units to fight on the side of light or darkness is sure to present gamers with a deeper level of game play than in other real-time-strategy titles. The company says the scenery will also be the most realistic representation of New York City ever seen in a game. Left Behind Games photographed nearly 500 blocks of the city to create maps and 3D environments in the first title.Well, I'll be damned.

[TrackZero]

The book of revelation said that Satan was specifically going to take over the United Nations? Now that's what I call a specific prophecy!

[Evil Avatar]

The book of revelation said that Satan was specifically going to take over the United Nations? Now that's what I call a specific prophecy!

I'm a little fuzzy on the whole good / bad thing.

[Deadend]

Good is whatever side has more people on it, bad is the side with fewer people.

[B_Money]

The book of revelation said that Satan was specifically going to take over the United Nations? Now that's what I call a specific prophecy!

the John Birch society was right!

[camberiu]

Great, a game designed specifically for the christian fundamentalists out there who think that taking their children to the hospital when sick is to go against God's will.

[B_Money]

I just hope it's better than Billy Graham's Bible Blaster.

[Chagrinful]

W00t! I wonder if you get nailed when your on the cross, like that christ guy did, har har har, oh those crazy xians. What a great game!!! I can't wait to make teh popez! And then get him to do that silly hand signal and kill all the evil pagans! And maybe the child molesting preist will be a unit!!! I can't waits!!!! *poops*(from excitment)

[Blue]

Holy crap. I would buy this on sheer novelty value alone. An RTS? Seriously? Bah. There are days I'm confused by my own faith.

And, I don't think the Anti-Christ (Satan, what have you) takes over the U.N. I don't remember that part at all.

[B_Money]

Great, a game designed specifically for the christian fundamentalists out there who think that taking their children to the hospital when sick is to go against God's will.

You're thinking of Christian Scientists.
This game is aimed more at Southern Baptists.

[TrackZero]

Holy crap. I would buy this on sheer novelty value alone. An RTS? Seriously? Bah. There are days I'm confused by my own faith.

And, I don't think the Anti-Christ (Satan, what have you) takes over the U.N. I don't remember that part at all.

Maybe the game developer is just taking "artistic license" with the prophecy? ;)

[Blue]

Maybe the game developer is just taking "artistic license" with the prophecy? ;)

Haha, that would be absolutely brilliant. Maybe they can add some sort of Stay Puff Marshmellow person in there to act as a plague or something.

[B_Money]

Haha, that would be absolutely brilliant. Maybe they can add some sort of Stay Puff Marshmellow person in there to act as a plague or something.

What kind of stupid movie would use the stay puff marshmallow man? That's not scary at all.

[snubber]

When someone asks if you're a god, you say "yes"!!

[Evil Avatar]

And, I don't think the Anti-Christ (Satan, what have you) takes over the U.N. I don't remember that part at all.

You obviously never saw the Omen movies. ;)

[Blue]

You obviously never saw the Omen movies. ;)

Heh - touche.....saw the first. Still want to name my kid Damien though.

[Klade]

I don't know why but this is my favorite line from that press release:

Scheduled for release between Christmas 2005 and Easter 2006

[AspectVoid]

I read a good number of the books a year or so ago. They were pretty good for the most part, I thought. Mind you, technically I'm methodest, but I haven't been in a church except for attending weddings in about 15 years now. I read the books as I read most fantasy novels. Neat make believe stuff, but nothing to take all that seriously.

The setting, though, would make for a good side stroy RPG, I think. Let the player make his/her own character, and then do things like running supplies for rebels against the devil, fighting against evil horsemen things, exploring nuked cities, etc.

I don't really think that an RTS would be all that good, unless the whole point is to have the goodguys get their asses kicked repeatedly in battle, as that's what happens in the books.

[Stryfe01]

i have no words for you all....

i'm not excited about this at all, but jeez...is this group a bunch of hate mongers or game lovers ? it may not be for you, but it's for someone. there actually was an article i believe in newsweek earlier in the year. the christian vg, movie and music scene is huge and just as loyal as a rabid nintendite.

[B_Money]

i have no words for you all....

i'm not excited about this at all, but jeez...is this group a bunch of hate mongers or game lovers ? it may not be for you, but it's for someone. there actually was an article i believe in newsweek earlier in the year. the christian vg, movie and music scene is huge and just as loyal as a rabid nintendite.

You must be new.

[bradlay]

Can you pistol whip Kirk Cameron?

[B_Money]

Can you pistol whip Kirk Cameron?

Of course you can, I highly recommend it.

Oh, you mean as part of the game.
Oh, you said Pistol.

[nein89]

...there actually was an article i believe in newsweek earlier in the year. the christian vg, movie and music scene is huge and just as loyal as a rabid nintendite.

Which is great from a business perspective, but my investments are elsewhere so I don't really care how large the market is. As soon as the christian game/movie/music scene turns out something better than mediocre, I'll stop making fun of them; for now it is free to be reported and free to be ridiculed. I don't think that's going to happen with an RTS designed by anyone whose name doesn't start with Chris and end with Taylor, so the mockery continues.

[LilAbner]

Great, a game designed specifically for the christian fundamentalists out there who think that taking their children to the hospital when sick is to go against God's will.

.............................Huh?

[Paltry]

.................................................. .....Huh?

[Kagger]

The Left Behind game series will allow play in the same End of Days fictional world as the bestselling Left Behind® novels, which use the prophecies of the Book of Revelation as a framework.

Actually....that is one of the newest interpretation

The Book or Revelations is really about the Catholic Mass

The theory of the rapture came about around the 1900's.....however....the other one has long been accepted by the Catholic Faith (I think since it was written actually). If you are intested...a good book is "The Lamb's Supper." Explains it really good


the rapture makes for a good story though doesn't it?

Personally...not intersted in the game though. I still need to do the Starcraft Campaign...

edit: Changed the date of when Catholics accepted it.

[gojira]

The setting, though, would make for a good side stroy RPG, I think.

Probably. (http://www.sjgames.com/in-nomine/)



Oh, and I'll see your Huh and raise you an "uh huh."

[Kagger]

Satan has caputured the UN.

Are you a bad enough dude to stop him?

[HeisinDC]

This is interesting as it mixes my christian past with my gaming present into a questionable future.

If a game comes that pits the forces of heaven and hell (good vs evil), it will be the ultimate battle that many games have tried to emulate.

From WoW to LotR, it is all about good vs evil, and this game would place that into a perfect real world perspective, with each side choosing his or her own. If this Christian game company allows player to choose to be a satanic force, this game could take off. This could be the modern Christian evangelical platform that Evil Avatar reported on months ago about WoW; that one guild who only used WoW to evangelize to other gamers.

Good for those who feel a conviction to work for their beiefs and not EA Games. I'll see everyone on Easter 2006, ha.

[Blue]

I'm curious though what the sides would be. I mean, wouldn't the "good" side have a distinct advantage here? Say the bad guys have soldiers and stuff (as the books don't really have demons as things running around, as far as I remember), aren't the good guys dealing with humans and like angels and whatnot? Really, some angel running around with a flamming sword is going to do a serious amount of damage. And if they're using the books as inspiration, the outcome of each battle is - techincally - already know.

I can't see how this would remotely work as a RTS. I read the books, and you'd be much better off trying to handle this as, some have said, an RPG. That or even some kind of action game or, heck, something more akin to Monkey Island. Mind you Kirk as a newborn Christian isn't going to be running around with an insane amount of guns or sticky bombs taking out every bad guy he runs into, but even that makes more sense than an RTS. The only thing I can see that this could remotely work is if they loosely base it off of the novels and go full tilt having angels, demons, and just crazy super powers blowing business up on screen. But if the Four Horsemen come along, Death is gonna wipe everyone else out, or at the very least kill a third of the people on screen.

I'd at least pay to play as a crazed apocalyptic Kirk.

[TrackZero]

Can you pistol whip Kirk Cameron?

Probably not on release, but just wait for the mods to show up.

[BigJonno]

Three things struck me when reading this thread.

1. This is really interesting and it if it turns out to be any good I'll seriously consider picking it up.

2. This will probably wind up the Christian hardcore anti-videogame brigade as much as Doom.

3. That a lot of gamers are bigots and considering that gamers are a misunderstood and persecuted group, that makes them hypocritical bigots.

[AspectVoid]

I'm curious though what the sides would be. I mean, wouldn't the "good" side have a distinct advantage here? Say the bad guys have soldiers and stuff (as the books don't really have demons as things running around, as far as I remember), aren't the good guys dealing with humans and like angels and whatnot?

There are demons in the later books. Horse demons show up and kill anyone without some christian mark on their forehead, and insect demons show up to torture people without that mark.

Actually, thinking about it, a stealth action game would work well too. With how badly outnumbered the heroes of the story are, a game where you'd do things like infiltrate an enemy facility to get their plans or sneak into a prision to rescue someone would work fairly well.

[Akeldama]

The fact that these books continue to be popular, especially among Christians is both baffling and rather scary. The theology is at odds with teh faith for a start, but the ring-wing politcs, uneducated worldview and bigotry mark it out as a real piece of trash. It's this kind of crap that can make one ashamed of one's faith.

The co-author of the Left Behind books, Tim LaHaye is an odd figure too. He studied at Bob Jones university - which was very late in accepting African American students and until recently taught against interracial marriage. LeHay has also received hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Moonies, the kind of group his books are supposedly set against.

[Malovech]

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

[TacRod]

I hadn't heard of the Left Behind universe before, it sounds pretty interesting. I might try some of the novels. As for the game, if it's good, I'll probably play it, if it sucks, I won't. At least it's not another WW2 European theatre game.

BTW, why is it so "scary" that these books are popular? Not flame-baiting, I really want to know.

[net7runner]

For BigJonno and everyone else who's feeling "wronged" by the EA community's skepticism as to the quality of this game:
-Have you...uh...been here long? EA comments trash everything. Just because they start trashing a Christian game doesn't suddenly make it wrong.
-How many good Christian games are there? Any? No? I think some skepticism is in order.

Personally, I just find the concept of "good people" and "bad people," where the good people get to fly up into heaven and laugh at how screwed the bad people are once Christ shows up a little childish.

To get on subject, however...it will be interesting to see how balance is going to work out. Other people have also talked about multiplayer...can you play as the satan worshippers? If you can't, then you have to fight other Jesus people, which doesn't sound quite right...and what about teams? In War3 orc and human can be on the same team....fighting other orcs and humans. Here that would just get confusing....

[Malovech]

What will be interesting is to whether or not there is multiplayer and you can play the "evil" side...we could have our own holy wars!

[PacerDawn]

Many of the responses here are absolutely laughable.

First, we want new and innovative, but not if it's different than our favorite games.

Second, I find it extremly eye opening that some people here have no problem with games about evil Christian beliefs, such as the devil or demons (and in fact are very critical when they are left out of things such as the Doom movie). However, these people immediately spew hatred when a game comes out about the good side of Christian beliefs.

Things that make you go "Hmmmm..."

[bradlay]

I also wish Jesus would just magically make you people disappear. Until then, stop telling poor people not to use condoms, kthx.

[Malovech]

A game where I go around allowing people to slap me on the other cheek or kneeling on a pew while feeling guilty about myself- yeah that sounds like real fun...

[Zurik]

Somehow I don't think they'll let you play either side if its a RTS. Mulitplayer with the armies of the Devil!

[Malovech]

Maybe they will if you agree to lose all the time if you play the devil.

[BigJonno]

For BigJonno and everyone else who's feeling "wronged" by the EA community's skepticism as to the quality of this game:
-Have you...uh...been here long? EA comments trash everything. Just because they start trashing a Christian game doesn't suddenly make it wrong.
-How many good Christian games are there? Any? No? I think some skepticism is in order.


I have no problem with bashing Christian games. I have yet to see one that wasn't a pile of crap. I like the idea of this game as it's taking elements of the source material that are interesting in their own right and making an entertaining product out of them. I firmly believe that the vast majority of Christian media sucks, simply because the kind of people who want to make it and the kind of people who could make it well don't intersect all too often.

What I have a problem with is people bashing Christianity and, even worse, Christians, based on their opinion of a few extreme denominations. I find the behaviour of a lot of major Christian churches absolutely abominable. It's a personal insult when my faith, one of tolerance and understanding, is perverted and used to justify acts of discrimination and persecution.

On top of this I have to see my beliefs insulted by people (all of whom I bet would claim to be intelligent and open-minded) who are about as qualified to do so as the average extremist Christian fundamentalist is to critique GTA. Speaking of GTA, I don't remember seeing a torrent of racist comments here every time San Andreas is mentioned. I don't think it would remain here unedited either.

[Blue]

There are demons in the later books. Horse demons show up and kill anyone without some christian mark on their forehead, and insect demons show up to torture people without that mark.

Actually, thinking about it, a stealth action game would work well too. With how badly outnumbered the heroes of the story are, a game where you'd do things like infiltrate an enemy facility to get their plans or sneak into a prision to rescue someone would work fairly well.

So wait, did they eventually introduce like Apollyon and the different "bowls of judgement" and whatnot (like the loctus with the armor, face of man, etc)? I read the first two books and enjoyed the story but couldn't handle the writing and so I stopped after that even though I meant to go back and finish them. Cause, if Apollyon was a playable unit, that would just be fantastic.

A Splinter Cell Left Behind type series? Hadn't actually thought of that but you're right, that would work pretty well within the structure they set up. I'm really curious to see what they do with this. Not in a "I want to buy it" sort of way, but I'm wondering how far they might have to stray from the material in order to make it an RTS.

[bradlay]

I love it when the largest religion in the world pretends to be persecuted refugees.

[Malovech]

Hah! Good point bradlay!

[AspectVoid]

So wait, did they eventually introduce like Apollyon and the different "bowls of judgement" and whatnot (like the loctus with the armor, face of man, etc)? I read the first two books and enjoyed the story but couldn't handle the writing and so I stopped after that even though I meant to go back and finish them. Cause, if Apollyon was a playable unit, that would just be fantastic.

A Splinter Cell Left Behind type series? Hadn't actually thought of that but you're right, that would work pretty well within the structure they set up. I'm really curious to see what they do with this. Not in a "I want to buy it" sort of way, but I'm wondering how far they might have to stray from the material in order to make it an RTS.


Is that what they're called? Recall its been a year+ since I read the books, and frankly, I'm not big on religion. But yeah, those locus things turn up and torture people without the forehead mark thingy, and the demons horse things show up and kill people without the forehead mark thingy, so yeah, the demon things do show up eventually.

As for the game, and any other games they might make, if the games are good, I'll buy them. End of story. I hate it when people judge games before they're actually out.

[retsudo]

So... the christians are the bad guys, right? Like in real life?

What a suprise. Religious people complaining when any slight, real or imagined, is brought anywhere near their precious insane bullshit beliefs.

[B_Money]

Why is the Devil's big plan start with taking over the UN?
Wouldn't a much better strategy be to become President, start a bunch of wars and other policies that divide the world, and make sure all political discussions are polarized and each side views the other as the "enemy."

[AspectVoid]

Why is the Devil's big plan start with taking over the UN?
Wouldn't a much better strategy be to become President, start a bunch of wars and other policies that divide the world, and make sure all political discussions are polarized and each side views the other as the "enemy."

Basically, after he takes over the UN, he uses all of his Devil Powers(TM) to make the leaders of all the countries in the world give him their armies. Why start a war when you can warp peoples minds into turning all of their weapons over to you? And THEN start the war.

[B_Money]

Basically, after he takes over the UN, he uses all of his Devil Powers(TM) to make the leaders of all the countries in the world give him their armies. Why start a war when you can warp peoples minds into turning all of their weapons over to you? And THEN start the war.

See, that's the problem, nobody pays any attention to the UN.

[Blue]

So... the christians are the bad guys, right? Like in real life?

What a suprise. Religious people complaining when any slight, real or imagined, is brought anywhere near their precious insane bullshit beliefs.

Uh....no, the Christians are not the bad guys, that would fall on the Anti-Christ and his "people" (does the Anti-Christ have people? anyhow....)

And, again, as you know what you're talking about - clearly - I would imagine this sticks pretty close to the books despite being an RTS. I just don't get how that would work. There's no complaint going on from the Christian camp (did you see how many copies of these books sold?), I think that's just you fishing for something to troll about.

[mister_slim]

I wonder how well balanced the gameplay will be? Shouldn't demons and whatnot be massively more powerful than humans? (hey, maybe they'll just take Starcraft and strip out the Protoss?) Maybe everyone will end up wanting to play as evil.

[Stryfe01]

I love it when the largest religion in the world pretends to be persecuted refugees.

One they were persecuted. Now ? No, but there are groups who want religion expressed in any public place removed. Which is stupid to me. I don't care what you worship in public or behing doors, as long as you dont try to force it on anyone else. If there's a Christian celebration in the park. Obviously don't go to the park. I'm pretty sure they paid the necessary fee to be able to use it at that time. Same thing for Muslims and Pagans.

People really need to stop being so damn uptight and enjoy life. So what they are making a RTS, if it's not a game for you, shut up and move on. You have to love the internet and how it's anonymity has made everyone so bold, brave and experts on all things....

[bradlay]

love the internet and how it's anonymity has made everyone so bold, brave and experts on all things....

My name is Bradley Lewis. I live in Durango, CO and x-tians rule the fucking world but still bitch when other people find their mysticism laughable.

Oh, and learn to respect other peoples opinions...waahhh... You made me cry, I hope jesus forgives you...

[GraceWorks]

Nice to meet you Bradley, my name is Tim. I live in Oregon but have driven through Colorado many times, quite a beautiful state.

We are fortunate in the US that we aren't persecuted physically for our faith, but Christians in other countries aren't so lucky, like in China.

Everyone, feel free to try to some of these Christian Games:
http://ChristianGamesNow.com/dloads.html

The good news is there are more and more titles coming out every year.

God bless,
Tim

[TrackZero]

Nice to meet you Bradley, my name is Tim. I live in Oregon but have driven through Colorado many times, quite a beautiful state.

We are fortunate in the US that we aren't persecuted physically for our faith, but Christians in other countries aren't so lucky, like in China.

Everyone, feel free to try to some of these Christian Games:
http://ChristianGamesNow.com/dloads.html

The good news is there are more and more titles coming out every year.

God bless,
Tim

Holy crap. Talk about a thread coming back from the dead. (pun intended)

[camberiu]

Holy crap. Talk about a thread coming back from the dead. (pun intended)

No kidding. I have always wondered what kind of games the Ned Flander's kids played. Now we know.....

[rainbowblack]

i loved the books, and avoided the movie...ill avoid this even more...unless its acually good

[legendsofbatman]

The book of revelation said that Satan was specifically going to take over the United Nations? Now that's what I call a specific prophecy!
Actually, that is more interpretative than reality. There is nothing in Revelation or the rest of the Bible for that matter, that legitimately suggests the UN has anything to do with any prophecy. It may; it may not. Speculation.

[legendsofbatman]

Great, a game designed specifically for the christian fundamentalists out there who think that taking their children to the hospital when sick is to go against God's will.
Wrong group. Yet, still, I myself am curious as to whether this can be pulled off or not.

[legendsofbatman]

Maybe the game developer is just taking "artistic license" with the prophecy? ;)
No, unfortunately, there are those within Christendom, who do believe the UN is pivitol to the tribulation. I myself think it is incorrect interpretation. But, we shall see-- eventually.

[legendsofbatman]

Which is great from a business perspective, but my investments are elsewhere so I don't really care how large the market is. As soon as the christian game/movie/music scene turns out something better than mediocre, I'll stop making fun of them; for now it is free to be reported and free to be ridiculed. I don't think that's going to happen with an RTS designed by anyone whose name doesn't start with Chris and end with Taylor, so the mockery continues.
Im not sure why it is Im not offended by this. As a Christian, I think Im supposed to be. As a realist, however, I have the same --well, similar-- opinion as you. The best Christian musicians, tend to be the one's who are completely secular, or, have barely hints of Christianity: U2, for example. Or, one's who have left the Christian label, who have completely bettered themselves: Sixpence None The Richer, is a perfect example of a band who, under a Christian label, sounded well, pathetic, if not worse. But, under a secular label, has greatly improved.

While I do not agree with the theology of the Left Behind series, I am very curious to see whether someone within Christendom can leave behind the whines and boycotting, and actually produce a decent game. I too am skeptical; altho, I think if they "outsourced" it to gamers, maybe it might work. (Still cant see Tim LaHaye or any prominent Christian being a gamer. So, I doubt it will have any real substance to it; but, nevertheless, I am very curious to see if it can be pulled off. Because some of us Christians like playing GTA, and other cool games. :D

[Zeal]

Hi, this is Jack Bauer of 24...

...And I urge you all to play this game.

[legendsofbatman]

I'm curious though what the sides would be. I mean, wouldn't the "good" side have a distinct advantage here? Say the bad guys have soldiers and stuff (as the books don't really have demons as things running around, as far as I remember), aren't the good guys dealing with humans and like angels and whatnot? Really, some angel running around with a flamming sword is going to do a serious amount of damage. And if they're using the books as inspiration, the outcome of each battle is - techincally - already know.

I can't see how this would remotely work as a RTS. I read the books, and you'd be much better off trying to handle this as, some have said, an RPG. That or even some kind of action game or, heck, something more akin to Monkey Island. Mind you Kirk as a newborn Christian isn't going to be running around with an insane amount of guns or sticky bombs taking out every bad guy he runs into, but even that makes more sense than an RTS. The only thing I can see that this could remotely work is if they loosely base it off of the novels and go full tilt having angels, demons, and just crazy super powers blowing business up on screen. But if the Four Horsemen come along, Death is gonna wipe everyone else out, or at the very least kill a third of the people on screen.

I'd at least pay to play as a crazed apocalyptic Kirk.
Well, now, the flaming swords didnt help the Jedi, did it? 2 Sith happened to manage to wipe out all but 2 Jedi.
And, even in this scenario, the good would be all but eliminated, until Armageddon: A New Hope (to continue with the Star Wars analogy) where the good finally conquers evil once and for all. (You see a stream of sequels coming for this?).
And, btw, I agree, they need to make this at least a T rated game, if not M to pull it off; im(ns)ho. But, I for one would like to see how this one plays out. It COULD be good; but, do the creators have the know-how and the guts to pull it off?

[legendsofbatman]

The fact that these books continue to be popular, especially among Christians is both baffling and rather scary. The theology is at odds with teh faith for a start, but the ring-wing politcs, uneducated worldview and bigotry mark it out as a real piece of trash. It's this kind of crap that can make one ashamed of one's faith.

The co-author of the Left Behind books, Tim LaHaye is an odd figure too. He studied at Bob Jones university - which was very late in accepting African American students and until recently taught against interracial marriage. LeHay has also received hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Moonies, the kind of group his books are supposedly set against.
ROFLOL. I tend to agree with your comment, "The theology is at odds with teh faith". Since I don't agree with that theology, I definately agree.

While I am not an expert on LaHaye, and while I do disagree with him on this point of theology, I cannot see him as having anything to do with the Moonies. I wouldnt doubt he studied at BJU; one place I would prefer staying clear of, my own self. Unfortunately, many fundamentalists have had associations with Bob Jones, and other so far off the wall Christianity, it is shameful. But, i do credit them with at least giving this an attempt.

[legendsofbatman]

For BigJonno and everyone else who's feeling "wronged" by the EA community's skepticism as to the quality of this game:
-Have you...uh...been here long? EA comments trash everything. Just because they start trashing a Christian game doesn't suddenly make it wrong.
-How many good Christian games are there? Any? No? I think some skepticism is in order.

Personally, I just find the concept of "good people" and "bad people," where the good people get to fly up into heaven and laugh at how screwed the bad people are once Christ shows up a little childish.

To get on subject, however...it will be interesting to see how balance is going to work out. Other people have also talked about multiplayer...can you play as the satan worshippers? If you can't, then you have to fight other Jesus people, which doesn't sound quite right...and what about teams? In War3 orc and human can be on the same team....fighting other orcs and humans. Here that would just get confusing....

As a Christian, I feel it is rather hypocritical to whine when someone criticizes a Christian game. How long have some Christians (albeit nutjobs) criticized every game out there? YES! Even Pac-Man received glaring looks; the violence of eating the dots (NO! i am NOT joking!) Man, if they hated PacMan, no wonder they hate GTA. LOL.

Im not upset at the criticism of the game per se; I myself am extremely skeptical. I mean, we arent talking about gamers developing this game. At least, I dont think so. If they hired outsiders, then, maybe this would have half a chance at being a great game. But, I seriously doubt that they will take the measures necessary to make this a great game, while holding true to the Gospel message, and the fundamentalist view against violence. Finding a balance would be good. No, where I am more bothered by the criticism, is, that the game has not yet been released. So, we are only speculating on how pathetic it will be. This is unfair. Even given the track record of many Christian items. But, as I posted earlier, there are some successful cross-overs into the secular world: U2; Sixpense None The Richer; and, for those of you who are fantasy lovers, there's the Chronicles of Narnia, and Lord of The Rings both highly successful Christians series. So, it's not impossible.

[Zeal]

Um...

Why the hell is every post of yours in bold font.

You also just did a triple post, which is quite odd.

[legendsofbatman]

I have no problem with bashing Christian games. I have yet to see one that wasn't a pile of crap. I like the idea of this game as it's taking elements of the source material that are interesting in their own right and making an entertaining product out of them. I firmly believe that the vast majority of Christian media sucks, simply because the kind of people who want to make it and the kind of people who could make it well don't intersect all too often.

What I have a problem with is people bashing Christianity and, even worse, Christians, based on their opinion of a few extreme denominations. I find the behaviour of a lot of major Christian churches absolutely abominable. It's a personal insult when my faith, one of tolerance and understanding, is perverted and used to justify acts of discrimination and persecution.

On top of this I have to see my beliefs insulted by people (all of whom I bet would claim to be intelligent and open-minded) who are about as qualified to do so as the average extremist Christian fundamentalist is to critique GTA. Speaking of GTA, I don't remember seeing a torrent of racist comments here every time San Andreas is mentioned. I don't think it would remain here unedited either.
I also find it disgusting to see people who claim to love Jesus, bash people who have no clue how awesome Jesus is, either. We are expected to receive criticism from those who are not Christians. "The world hated me; they will surely hate you" is plain to see. What is baffling to me, is why we are shocked by this: especially when many of our own, have brought this on ourselves.
We expect the world to take us seriously, when we show hatred, rather than love? Even Jesus, who did show love, was not accepted. Now, add to that, we Christians do have a tendancy to have a horrific track record. Fortunately,
when we let others do the work, some things come out pretty good. We do have a few successes. So, maybe we are headed in the right direction. :cool:

[legendsofbatman]

So... the christians are the bad guys, right? Like in real life?

What a suprise. Religious people complaining when any slight, real or imagined, is brought anywhere near their precious insane bullshit beliefs.
I'm sorry you feel that way, and that is the only experience you have had from Christians (or, should I say, religious people). Hopefully, you will see real Christianity at work.

What you describe, is seemingly representative of Christianity. But, that is, as you said, BS. Christianity is based on a relationship with Christ-- and loving god and loving people. Sadly, some people STILL cant get it through their thick skulls, religiousity is meaningless.

[legendsofbatman]

My name is Bradley Lewis. I live in Durango, CO and x-tians rule the fucking world but still bitch when other people find their mysticism laughable.

Oh, and learn to respect other peoples opinions...waahhh... You made me cry, I hope jesus forgives you...
Hi Bradley
Im sorry you have not found Christians who can accept your opinions. While I cannot possibly understand why one could not believe in God, since God allows people to not believe in him, and still loves them, how is it I, a mere person, cannot do the same?
Since I do not have the understanding God does, I should think I should be capable of accepting people who believe differently than myself. How else can I answer someone's questions, if I am unable to accept their questions, without taking offense.
Trust me. What you describe-- despite the perception, is NOT Christ's way of handling things. But, because people are people; we do react as fools.
I hope you find some Christians who can prove your perception of us is not entirely accurate. And, I am sorry for those of us who have given you reason to think that is what we are all about.

[legendsofbatman]

Hi, this is Jack Bauer of 24...

...And I urge you all to play this game.
Have you played it yet? 24, that is. I love the show (altho, I do admit, it is getting tiring, a mole in CTU, Jack is rejected by CTU, Jack gets acceptance by CTU). Im wanting to get 24-- eventually.

[legendsofbatman]

Um...

Why the hell is every post of yours in bold font.

You also just did a triple post, which is quite odd.
I did a triple post? That i am unsure what happened.
I use bold in all places, because for some, it is easier to read. Unfortunately, some forums, as is the case here, it does not type out bold as I type (some do).

[Wasson_]

Evil will always triumph...because good is dumb.

[Sl1pstream]

I hope there's fire. I would run the Kirk Cameron unit into the fire, each and every time.

Why the hell is every post of yours in bold font.
He's a Christian. Christians, even though they're the majority of the world, feel like a minority, offended by every little detail because, somehow, they're still being supressed.

And wtf is with the weird shit?

That i am unsure what happened.

Also:

While I cannot possibly understand why one could not believe in God, since God allows people to not believe in him, and still loves them, how is it I, a mere person, cannot do the same?

If I don't believe in your existance, will you go away?

[retsudo]

Jesus showed hate in the stories too, calling people of other races 'dogs' and refusing to help them, etc.

Not that the stories are true, but that is what they say. Read your own book? thought not.