Wing Commander (computer game)

Wing Commander is a series of space combat simulation computer games from Origin Systems, Inc.. Created by Chris Roberts and first appearing in 1990, Wing Commander is most noted for its style of cinematic storytelling, which it pioneered in computer games.

Related Topics:
Computer game - Origin Systems, Inc. - Chris Roberts - 1990 - Cinematic

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Set in the 27th century, the games tell the story of humanity's war against the Kilrathi, an alien species of 7-8 foot tall feline bipeds. Humanity is organized in the Terran Confederation and the player is part of the Confederation's space forces. Launching from carrier ships, the player fulfills various missions in starfighters. The games were all notable for their storytelling through extensive cutscenes. Starting with Wing Commander III, all story scenes were done with live action filming, utilizing some major Hollywood actors, including John Rhys-Davies, Mark Hamill, and Malcolm McDowell.

Related Topics:
27th century - Kilrathi - Feline - Bipeds - Terran Confederation - Starfighters - Cutscenes - Hollywood - John Rhys-Davies - Mark Hamill - Malcolm McDowell

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In early games, the Terran Confederation is simply a generic "good guy federal republic" type government, but as the series progresses, more details are added. In Wing Commander IV, the Confederation is shown to be a future progression of the United States of America.

Related Topics:
Federal republic - United States of America

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Origin was acquired by Electronic Arts in 1992, and some point to this occurrence as the end of true greatness in the Wing Commander franchise.

Related Topics:
Electronic Arts - 1992

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Chris Roberts left the company and formed Digital Anvil in 1996.

Related Topics:
Digital Anvil - 1996

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In 1999, a movie based on the games was released. Directed by the game creator himself, Chris Roberts, the movie told a story set in the time period of the first Wing Commander game. As with many films based on games, it was both a critical and a financial failure.

Related Topics:
1999 - Movie - Chris Roberts

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In 2004, Origin ceased to be an independent game studio and its operations were folded into a new EA building in Redwood City, California.

Related Topics:
2004 - Redwood City, California

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