LEFT BEHIND: Eternal Forces, the highly-anticipated PC RTS game based on the blockbuster fiction series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, puts players in command of an apocalyptic battle between the Tribulation Forces and the Global Community Peacekeepers during the End of Days raging in the streets of New York City. Gamers will participate in events from the Left Behind book series and experience newly written material.

According to Troy Lyndon, CEO for Left Behind Games, the company has devoted more than 3 years to the development of LEFT BEHIND: Eternal Forces.

"We are looking forward to releasing one of the highest-quality PC games of this genre and anticipate a positive reaction from both gamers and those eternally minded," said Lyndon.

Game Chronicles talks with Troy Lyndon, CEO of Left Behind Games about this exciting new RTS title.

GCM:	Thank you for your time! Please get us started by introducing yourself and telling us about the team behind Left Behind: Eternal Forces.
Troy Lyndon:	Our team is committed to creating great games, and our team has many years of experience here in the USA and overseas where the bulk of our development occurs. Our team is devoted to making certain the games we release are of the highest quality, able to compete with the most recent technological advances in games.

GCM:

Can you give our readers a brief synopsis of the story in Eternal Forces and where it all fits in with what many of us have already read in the series of books?

Troy Lyndon:

In one cataclysmic moment, millions of people disappear, throwing the world into instant chaos. The Rapture has arrived and those who have been saved are swept into Heaven. Those that are left behind will have to endure the seven-year period called the Tribulation leading up the coming apocalyptic battle between good and evil. Our real-time strategy game takes place shortly after the disappearances as the Anti-Christ use the UN to establish one world government and religion. The gamer will seek to overcome the Global Community Peacekeepers, and enlighten many unbelievers to turn from the dark side (so to speak).

GCM:	Did Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins have any part in the creation or approval of this story or game design?
Troy Lyndon:	They were consulted during several meetings in person and by phone early on in the process. Furthermore, Christopher Fabry, the author of the Kids Series of LEFT BEHIND books, continues to write for our game with the encouragement of Jerry Jenkins, who is very supportive.

GCM:	Will any of the main characters from the books make an appearance, either as playable or non-playable characters/units?
Troy Lyndon:	Although they will not appear as playable or non-playable characters/units on the battlefield, characters from the first books appear frequently to help the gamer with guidance to help them achieve their objectives to win the game.

GCM:

Basing a game on one of the best-selling collection of books in literary history comes with a lot of pressure. How are you approaching game design to appeal to both the built-in Christian audience and non-Christian gamers?

Troy Lyndon:

The quality of our game is of highest priority for us. Christian and non-Christian gamers want great games, period. If it is great and fun to play, gamers of all kinds will want to play it. In this way, we can reach the masses with game content that is considerably better in nature than much of the horribly violent games on the market. Quite simply, we will provide a quality, fun gaming experience that also happens to perpetuate positive values.

GCM:	This is the first title to come from Left Behind Games. Why an RTS game rather than an adventure or some other genre?
Troy Lyndon:	The RTS genre represents the largest number of PC gamers, so this is part of our strategy to reach the masses.

GCM:

When I first learned about this title I was envisioning a setup something like Commandos where you had a small strike force of specialty units, all with unique skills that worked together to accomplish objective-based missions. What is your vision for this game?

Troy Lyndon:

You have numerous types of units and buildings you can acquire, from Disciples and Missionaries to Elite Soldier Forces. The storyline is such that many that disappeared, left valuable information behind about numerous topics. Accordingly, in each mission, the gamer must reach a particular position on the game map. Once they reach each location, they will be treated to a high-quality presentation of information. In this way, we hope to make the game considerably more thought provoking than the standard RTS game. The content will give the player background about Christianity, History, Science and other important ideas that are not commonly known throughout the world…but can be verified by believers and unbelievers with ease. As such, we hope to also stimulate great coffee table discussions. We’ve found that gamers are drawn to RTS games because they are more intellectually stimulating in nature than the typical shooter crowd.

GCM:

RTS games typically have all sorts of different units, often based in fantasy settings. Basing a game in modern-day NYC would appear to limit what you have to work with. What kind of units can we expect to play (on either side)?

Troy Lyndon:

We’re talking about the world of Left Behind where the spiritual forces commanded by light and darkness can be just as crucial in a battle as a force of infantry or tanks. Actually, in Game World mode, players can play on either side. While Tribulation Forces can command Prayer Warriors and Missionaries, Global Community Peacekeepers can command Thugs and other types of bad guys. Although our first games will focus on New York, our long-term plan is to create maps for other cities worldwide.

GCM:	Given the global military supremacy of the GC Peacekeepers, it seems that the Tribulation Force would be heavily outgunned and outnumbered. How do you plan to balance each side of the war to keep things competitive?
Troy Lyndon:	Since the timeframe of the game is shortly after the disappearances (as depicted in the first book), the balance of power is pretty even.

GCM:	Other than Armageddon, there really weren’t any large battles in the Left Behind series. Just how large (how many units) do you plan on making the battles in Eternal Forces?
Troy Lyndon:	The highest number of solider units anticipated in a battle is less than 100. Accordingly, these would not be considered large battles in the overall plan. But the territory taken, could be significant.

GCM:	In the books, the Tribulation Force relied on infiltration, covert intel, and stealth tactics. Will any of this come into play in Eternal Forces?
Troy Lyndon:	In LEFT BEHIND: Eternal Forces, a gamer will win by working their way through the scenarios, and winning each of the battles…as is common in most other RTS games.

GCM:	The research and photography used to recreate New York City was extensive. Will the game be solely based in NYC or will we get to visit other famous locations from the books like Chicago and Jerusalem?
Troy Lyndon:	Future games will include new locations like Chicago, Jerusalem and others.

GCM:	“Converting” the enemy to fight on your side might just be the first original premise in an RTS game in several years. Can you give some details on how this actually works in the game?
Troy Lyndon:	You select any kind of ‘recruiter’ unit type (Disciple, Missionary and others), then select “RECRUIT” and click on a neutral unit. Or course your opponent will be trying to do the same. And there are lots or unallied units running around. It opens up all kinds of interesting play dynamics you don’t normally see in an RTS.

GCM:	Will Kirk Cameron or any of the other stars from the movies be involved with this game, perhaps lending their voices to characters, etc.?
Troy Lyndon:	Not at the time of this interview, but we do hope to coordinate efforts better with future movie releases. Right now, we are seeking to achieve our initial success of launching the franchise into video games by reaching the masses with a game that will also appeal to Christian gamers.

GCM:

Thank you again for your time! Do you have any last impressions or thoughts for our readers?

Troy Lyndon:

It is our belief that all gamers will find this game both appealing and intellectually stimulating in new ways. Accordingly, we expect it to be the first RTS game in history to incorporate real-time strategy battles and intellectual challenges with good moral themes. Should your readers be interested in finding out more, they can visit our website at www.leftbehindgames.com and download our free LEFT BEHIND Trivia Game.

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