Here’s a look at one of the few FMV games which wasn’t shit, Wing Commander III Heart of the Tiger.
Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger stands as a legendary game that captivated gamers and critics alike, earning its place as a hallmark of interactive storytelling. Released in the mid-1990s, the game’s greatness lies in its pioneering use of cinematic elements and immersive narrative, featuring full-motion video cutscenes with top-notch production values that featured well-known actors like Mark Hamill and Malcolm McDowell. The game ingeniously blended compelling space combat simulations with character-driven drama, allowing players to make choices that directly influenced the plot’s direction and outcomes. Its branching storyline and multiple endings added significant replay value, ensuring players were drawn back time and again to explore the vast possibilities. The combination of stellar gameplay, high-quality visuals, and an emotionally engaging storyline made Wing Commander III an unforgettable gaming experience that continues to be celebrated and remembered fondly by the gaming community.
Side Adventure – Returning to the Wing Commander series now. While I appreciated Wing Commander III Heart of the Tiger a lot, I had heard Wing Commander IV The Price of Freedom was even better. Spoiler alert: it is.
Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom was an exceptional game that left a lasting impact on the gaming community for several reasons. Released in 1996, this space combat simulation game, developed by Origin Systems, boasted impressive graphics and a captivating storyline. It featured an engaging narrative, where players assumed the role of Colonel Christopher Blair, portrayed by Mark Hamill, and found themselves immersed in a gripping intergalactic conflict. The game’s outstanding production values, including live-action cutscenes with Hollywood-grade acting, further elevated the immersive experience. Moreover, the intuitive flight controls and strategic gameplay elements provided a satisfying challenge for both seasoned players and newcomers alike. The emotional depth of the characters, combined with the branching storyline, allowed players to make meaningful choices that affected the game’s outcome, enhancing its replayability. All these elements came together to create an unforgettable gaming experience, solidifying Wing Commander IV as a landmark title in the space simulation genre.
This is a promotional video that I put together to help Andrea Contato and his “Through the Moongate Part II” project. It’s a book that chronicles something close to my heart, the history of Richard “Lord British” Garriott, Origin Systems, Inc., and the Ultima series. This is the second of a two-book set, the first of which covered Richard’s early work and the birth of Origin Systems, through Ultima 6. This book continues the story from there, starting with Ultima 7 and moving through his later creations.
Rebel Galaxy is a space Western-styled space trading and combat simulation single-player video game developed and published by two-person studio Double Damage Games.
Rebel Galaxy Outlaw reviewed by Dan Stapleton on PC. Available “soon” on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.
For many gamers, the Wing Commander series was our Star Wars for the 1990s…Its mix of space combat sim, sweeping intergalactic stories and Hollywood imagination was a treat for fans like me. It took a while to build up this game collection, but it’s a part of my collection that I’m very proud of. So many great memories playing these games! Here is a look at my complete Wing Commander collection:
GAMES SHOWN:
Wing Commander (1990)
Super Wing Commander
Wing Commander II: Vengeance of Kilrathi
Wing Commander Academy
Wing Commander Armada
Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger
Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom
Wing Commander: Prophecy
Wing Commander: Privateer
The Kilrathi Saga
Privateer 2: The Darkening
Wing Commander Arena
