by Laura Sydell, NPR, 12/24/06
"A video game based on the popular "Left Behind" series of Christian novels draw criticism. The game allows players to be tempted by the forces of evil, convert others to Christianity... or even kill them." Listen to the podcast here.
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6 comments:
Haven't listed to the 'cast, but does she mention the sexism? That's what struck me in the demo. --Terry (at) game-couch.com
This statement is posted from an employee of Left Behind Games on behalf of Troy Lyndon, our Chief Executive Officer.
There has been in incredible amount of MISINFORMATION published in the media and in online blogs here and elsewhere.
Pacifist Christians and other groups are taking the game material out of context to support their own causes. There is NO “killing in the name of God” and NO “convert or die”. There are NO “negative portrayals of Muslims” and there are NO “points for killing”.
Please play the game demo for yourself (to at least level 5 of 40) to get an accurate perspective, or listen to what CREDIBLE unbiased experts are saying after reviewing the game at www.leftbehindgames.com/pages/controversy.com
Then, we’d love to hear your feedback as an informed player.
The reality is that we’re receiving reports everyday of how this game is positively affecting lives by all who play it.
Thank you for taking the time to be a responsible blogger.
Hi SJR
Thanks for your comments.
We'd be happy to provide a review of the game, if a review copy can be provided. :)
Hi Beth... This is what I have...
Thank you for your comments.
There is a lot of misinformation being spread about LEFT BEHIND: Eternal Forces.
This has been written to respond to media reporters who, in most cases, haven’t played our game. They are not credible. Here’s what real experts are saying:
- The Anti-Defamation League: Although they speak out against the book’s theology, this is what they have to say about the PC game, “Conversion to Christianity in the game is not depicted as forcible in nature, and violence is not rewarded in the game.” http://www.adl.org/Interfaith/leftbehind.asp
- IGN says, "To keep the balance of power in your favor, you'll have to find non-violent ways to avoid getting killed. Your units will definitely fight back in a life or death situation but, for the most part, you want to either avoid your enemies or have a ready plan to convert to your side using musicians and disciples. This gets much harder as the game progresses.” http://pc.ign.com/articles/745/745956p1.html
- Wired Magazine says, “So the great surprise of LEFT BEHIND: Eternal Forces is that it actually kind of rocks...few titles are as ambitious and as polished as this title.” http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,72071-0.html
- ArsTechnica.com says, “Many groups have made inaccurate statements about this game that need to be corrected. For one thing, it is not particularly violent. While there are violent aspects of the game, the game makes it clear that shooting is the last resort. Second, it is not hateful to other religions. It does have an agenda, and I think you need to know that going in, but there's no bashing of other faiths.” and “…the game is fun, it'll keep parents happy with its light levels of violence, and it'll be sold at video game stores, religious book stores, and everywhere else people spend money on God. This game will certainly get the message out.” http://arstechnica.com/reviews/games/leftbehind.ars
Many of the technical issues these reviewers experienced were with a non-updated version of the game. A brand new free update just went live (for registered owners of the game) and can be retrieved by clicking the update button from the main menu in the game. In the future, we will be offering additional free updates.
Play the game and decide for yourself. You can download the demo on many sites. This site does not require you to create an account: http://www.vgpro.com/file/20183_EternalForcesDemoSetupfull.exe.html
Hello again Beth...Thank you for your comments, I encourage you to visit www.leftbehindgames.com/pages/controversy.com >>for a demo.
Be sure to download the "Current" version 1.04, by clicking the update button and downloading the file.
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