Do you want to see good quality Christian video games on consoles?

Well, out of curiosity, are there some good examples of strong Christian focsed games on the PC that you can reference as an example of what /could/ work on other platforms?

I personally don't particularly care either way, and there is a market for it, but what would allow for a game to fit the catagory of being a good quality Christian game, in your opinion?

Also, of what sort of nature would this sort of game be? A game that's meant to be some sort of interpretation and retelling of stories...or something to act as an advocacy sort of platform for one religion or another (if we are to be open to the thought of games based on /any/ religion being made, for example).

Sorry Topic Creator.

I don't think there are any. Really the only one I have ever seen in my life is the Bible Game.

I also think because Video Games aren't.... well.. really meant for Religion you know?

ive seen the bible game too in stores but thats about it. i think its really weird talking about it becaue we all would be playing the bible game and then after that we would play leisure suit larry, gta , and doom , or manhunt. lol

seirously i think the only christian games are meant for small children.

No

Those games are never meant to reward people of faith who want a video game that covers the subject matter.

They're used for propaganda to get out certain views of whatever religion they choose by backers who fund the project.

they have the bible game... isnt that enough. its not like athiest are asking for games that are against god to come out.

Now, being the new guy on the gaming scene (don't hate me!) I have to say it seems a little odd when one mixes games and religion. Not to say that it is wrong. Advertising has been happening in games forever, but trying to make games that tell the player they are either good for being like the religion that has supported the game or that they are bad for not being like the religion seems like a bad idea.

People will belive anything they want to. By making games that expose players to new beliefs, there is a great opportunity, but there has to be moderation in how that ideas in conveyed.

Well, out of curiosity, are there some good examples of strong Christian focsed games on the PC that you can reference as an example of what /could/ work on other platforms?

I personally don't particularly care either way, and there is a market for it, but what would allow for a game to fit the catagory of being a good quality Christian game, in your opinion?

Also, of what sort of nature would this sort of game be? A game that's meant to be some sort of interpretation and retelling of stories...or something to act as an advocacy sort of platform for one religion or another (if we are to be open to the thought of games based on /any/ religion being made, for example).

Skylock00

I don't know of any personally, but I did read an article some years ago that said that most Christian video games are on the PC because the creators couldn't afford the fees for the consoles. The leader of the Family Friendly Gaming Union on my sig would know more about it.

I currently own The Bible Game for Playstation 2 and Gameboy Advance which are adventure/trivia games.

A Christian video game can be of any nature, whether it be in trivia form, action/adventure, or an rpg based on a Bible story or fiction that is Christian based.

Guess my answer depends onwhata"Christian" game wouldbeexactly? I mean, "The Bible Code" is aconsole game based on Christianity, but stillmay notbe considered "Christian" enoughto be "good" for mostChristians;-)

Well, out of curiosity, are there some good examples of strong Christian focsed games on the PC that you can reference as an example of what /could/ work on other platforms?

Skylock00

Exactly. I don't think there has ever been a good Bible game for any system. Besides I thought videogames were evil :p

I'm sorry, but i don't.

I want swearing, killing, slaughtering, violence.

I think the best way to make a good "Christian" game would be to set it in a real-world backdrop, such as virtually any war in the past 1600 years, or maybe someone fleeing persecution in the Roman Empire. Making it an RPG rather than an action game could work because it could have a certain focus on the character's development and who he/she is, but rather than "beat the player over the head with morality," just make it so that the character learns what it means to be a Christian given the events going on.

Consider games like FFX or Tales of Symphonia, where it is clear that religion and tradition are very important to nearly every character involved. In both of those games it's revealed that the time-honored traditions and religious activities are hoaxes, but in the game I'm thinking of, amidst everything going on, the character learns that there's more than just the ceremonies and traditions, but how to truly make the faith his/her own. Or the character could become a Christian at some point in the game. Again, not in the sense that the player gets beaten over the head with morals, but more like a character does in just about every RPG: for example, Knights of the Old Republic[spoiler] You find out that you'd been playing as Darth Revan all along, but then you have the choice whether or not to become the hope of the galaxy or become the Sith Lord once again. [/spoiler] Tales of Symphonia [spoiler] Everyone learns that Cruxis is a facade to maintain Mithos' control of the world, then Lloyd decides to fight to make a world without discrimination [/spoiler] Xenogears[spoiler] The "god" turns out to be nothing more than a self-aware intergalactic weapon, and that Fei's an reincarnation of the only survivor from its rampage long ago. In learning this truth and accepting who he is (and restoring his personality), he finds out that there is a "true god" (the Wave Existence) and forges on ahead to defeat the false god and break humanity from Deus' bonds. [/spoiler]

The point with all of that is that these are templates of how "religious experiences" or revelations have been a part of games with relatively detailed stories. A good "Christian game" would be one where the characters simply are Christians (or they become Christians), rather than the entire game being built around the idea of it being a "Christian game."

I'm sorry, but i don't.

I want swearing, killing, slaughtering, violence.

Shmiity

The Old Testament contains plenty of that, andmost of it issanctioned by--guess who--God. Most of Christianity that we see today is a mutation due to the increasing moral demands of advancing civilization.

I'm guessing that so-called "Christian" games would consist of one or both of the following:

1. Nicey-nice stuff that ignores all theblatantly evilcontent in the Bible(s).
2. Evil stuff that is put forth in a nicey-nice manner--and we're told it's good--because we're not supposed to judge God, no matter how sadistic he is presented in the Bible(s).

I don't want to see ANY games carrying messages exclusive to any real, modern religion. Usually the messages areevil and the good parts can be found without religion.

But hey, publisher be willing, any developer is free to make a game based on religion: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Helenism, Scientology--pick one of the billions (hyperbole) of religions and someone can make a game based on it. But to those who would complain if a violent religion-based game were made... examine your own before passing judgment.

Oh, and query: What would a "good-quality" Christian game be like?

So far, most Christian video games are on the PC. Do you want to see more of them released for the consoles?Jemdude

Quite frankly a lot of Christian games don't have the quality or focus to even become proper games.

Their low budget and (ironically) uninspired gameplay really aren't what gamers want. Even if they are Christian.

It's unfortuneate that there are so many simple minded individuals who'd rather just bash or poke-fun at religion than take part in an actual smart discussion on the topic.

I really, really hope we see some good Christian games sometime soon. I believe that like with books, movies and music, games have to be mature enough to offer stories of faith and good moral lessons before people will take this medium seriously. It has been done before but the industry has largely been scared to tackle religious themes. There are some examples like Xenogears (which I haven't played btw. I've heard about it though, and actually my brother just borrowed it from a friend but I dont have the time to dive into a huge RPG atm) and . . . the fact that they can be counted on one hand is pretty sad.

So far the book industry and music industry is full of lots of good products that Christians can latch onto, movies to a lesser extent and it hasn't happened for games yet. But I would love to see some myself.

Like it or not, faith and religion are a huge part of people's lives, it only makes sense to have video games that either tackle the idea or at least aren't afraid to touch upon it. Sadly I don't think there are too many Christian game developers out there who are willing to develop a Christian game or publishers who would invest in it.

But I hope that changes, considering that something-like 80% of Americans identify themselves as "Christians".

On that note, check out Demon Hunter's new video for Fading Away on MTV's Headbanger's Blog. The very fact that over 80 people commented that video shows that there is a huge market for Christian products, no matter the medium.

Do you know what would be cool "Jesus vs. Satan" and its a beat-em-up and you have to fight satan and a bunch of demons as jesus his special attack could be hands of the holy where you shoot wight beams from your hands! that would be so awsome!ps3wii22

Have you ever played this game,

http://www.adultswim.com/games/biblefight/index.html

Satan is the toughest character in the game, I probably could fight god & jesus together without any problem.

It's unfortuneate that there are so many simple minded individuals who'd rather just bash or poke-fun at religion than take part in an actual smart discussion on the topic.

I really, really hope we see some good Christian games sometime soon. I believe that like with books, movies and music, games have to be mature enough to offer stories of faith and good moral lessons before people will take this medium seriously. It has been done before but the industry has largely been scared to tackle religious themes. There are some examples like Xenogears (which I haven't played btw. I've heard about it though, and actually my brother just borrowed it from a friend but I dont have the time to dive into a huge RPG atm) and . . . the fact that they can be counted on one hand is pretty sad.

So far the book industry and music industry is full of lots of good products that Christians can latch onto, movies to a lesser extent and it hasn't happened for games yet. But I would love to see some myself.

Like it or not, faith and religion are a huge part of people's lives, it only makes sense to have video games that either tackle the idea or at least aren't afraid to touch upon it. Sadly I don't think there are too many Christian game developers out there who are willing to develop a Christian game or publishers who would invest in it.

But I hope that changes, considering that something-like 80% of Americans identify themselves as "Christians".

On that note, check out Demon Hunter's new video for Fading Away on MTV's Headbanger's Blog. The very fact that over 80 people commented that video shows that there is a huge market for Christian products, no matter the medium.

astro64th

What's wrong, don't christians have a sense of humor? I merely posted the above pic for a good laugh because it is actually quite funny. I am not poking fun at christians who want christian games. I just posted what I thought was a rather humorous, but innocent pic and stated that I have no interest in christian games....as I am not a christian.

Learn to laugh and do not be so sensitive, ok? It is was just a joke, lol. Besides, this is the general video game discussion forum...not the christian gamers forum. Humor is allowed last I checked.

I would play a good game that just happened to be about Christianity. I would not play a game that exists only preach. I'm guessing most people fall into that category.

Which brings up the main problem with most Christian games- as religious propoganda, they are great, but as games, not so much. Even if the gameplay was good, most of them would tell me I was going to hell anyway because I voted for Democrats or don't go to church on Sundays.

Not really. Most of them end up being self-righteous religious propaganda.ninjacat11

Same here.

Here is my issue with people making money off of Christian entertainment, and even though I'm not a Christian, I hope you'll consider what I'm saying, as I am not bashing Christianity. The one time in the bible that Jesus lost his temper was when people in the temple at Jerusalem were trying to make money off of God.rragnaar

Martin Luther protested something similar when the Catholic Church started selling indulgences.

You mean teaching about the Bible n ****?

I prefer actual Church to such things. But more of any game of quality is a good thing regardless.

There is already a huge market for Christian entertainment in other areas such as novels, contemporary Christian music, and Christian movies. Anyone familar with the Left Behind novels and movies knows this.

Left Behind:Eternal Forces is a Christian video game that is going to be released for the PC and is rated "T".

I would play a good game that just happened to be about Christianity. I would not play a game that exists only preach. I'm guessing most people fall into that category.

Which brings up the main problem with most Christian games- as religious propoganda, they are great, but as games, not so much. Even if the gameplay was good, most of them would tell me I was going to hell anyway because I voted for Democrats or don't go to church on Sundays.

AtomicTangerine

[QUOTE="AtomicTangerine"]

I would play a good game that just happened to be about Christianity. I would not play a game that exists only preach. I'm guessing most people fall into that category.

Which brings up the main problem with most Christian games- as religious propoganda, they are great, but as games, not so much. Even if the gameplay was good, most of them would tell me I was going to hell anyway because I voted for Democrats or don't go to church on Sundays.

MAILER_DAEMON

That's right. Instead of talking about Christianity in some sort of framed story, it's more like a pulpet rather than an overview.

Oh, I did chuckle, even though Jesus having guns is just sooo wrong. But no I actually wasn't talking about what you or rragnaar said, but what other posters said before, I didn't see your guy's post's when I wrote what I did. astro64th

Good deal then.;)

Anyway, even though this is not a christian game, lol, I am suprised that no one has brought up Assassin's Creed yet. One of the cities that are in the game is old Jerusalem. Ubisoft Montreal even obtained some old maps that had the original layout of the entire city of old Jerusalem. And the entire city in the game has been made historically accurate to how the old Jerusalem used to look.

Even some ofyour targets in the game are supposedly corrupt leaders of the chruch. The Knights Templar are even going to be in the game. Of course the game is going to be violent as can be, but I think even the most adamant christian has to admit that biblical times were quite brutal to say the least.

Anyway, probably not your cup of tea, but it is certainly one of my most anticipated games that is coming out this year. I look forward to roaming around a computer generated recreation of old Jerusalem and stalking corrupt church leaders while I plot how I shall assassinate them.:twisted:You have any interest in this game at all?

Assassin's Creed? Nah, the old Bible Adventures by Wisdom Tree totally pwns it! :D

For a funny review of Bible Adventures, check out this review by the Angry Videogame Nerd:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkNvQYiM6bw

wikipedia on Wisdom Tree:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom_Tree

There is already a huge market for Christian entertainment in other areas such as novels, contemporary Christian music, and Christian movies. Anyone familar with the Left Behind novels and movies knows this.

Left Behind:Eternal Forces is a Christian video game that is going to be released for the PC and is rated "T".

Jemdude

Assassin's Creed? Nah, the old Bible Adventures by Wisdom Tree totally pwns it! :D

For a funny review of Bible Adventures, check out this review by the Angry Videogame Nerd:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkNvQYiM6bw

wikipedia on Wisdom Tree:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom_Tree

TruthSeeker777

Again, the execution was poor (there's a reason why the games weren't licensed), but the idea wasn't bad at all.

You actually did a very good job on the whole "Holy Combat" box art IronCreed, or did you take it from somewhere else? But yeah pretty funny.

You have to be kidding me about Assassin's Creed right? That is, OF COURSE, I'm looking forward to it. In fact I've posted many an article about it at my web-site www.videogamesblogger.com the other day. Doesn't hurt that Jade Raymond is the hottest game designer in gaming history. ;)

I did think of Assassin's Creed and although the game is historical-based and does involve the Holy Land, you can't exactly say it has Christian themes in it. Of course, it very well could, I don't know I'd have to wait for it's release. But yeah the game looks insanely awesome, I can't freakin' wait. I was a big fan of The Sands of Time. Oh the story I did was on the soundtrack to the game that's being done by Jesper Kyd. I tacked the Montferrat Gameplay video and a FragDolls interview with Jade to the end though, just cause I can. ;) The article will be going up in a few hours from now.

Also, although Left Behind is an awesome way to show how a Christian story can be done, the Left Behind RTS game is not a good example as skylock00 said.

I repeat that I think the best way to do a Christian game is to simply have a great story that has Christian values or themes or people in it. An RPG, adventure, action/adventure would work well I think.

Assassin's Creed? Nah, the old Bible Adventures by Wisdom Tree totally pwns it! :D

For a funny review of Bible Adventures, check out this review by the Angry Videogame Nerd:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkNvQYiM6bw

wikipedia on Wisdom Tree:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom_Tree

TruthSeeker777

i laughed so hard on the angry videogame nerd one lol

That is true! :P I mean outside of the Lord being real part (which not everyone believes), but there are people of all kinds, and not all of them are going to like the same thing. Christians should have a variety of media to pick from just like everything else. I mean there are lots of feel-good movies and books, many with a good moral or Christian-base, why aren't there any feel-good games? Can you think of one?

And Nintendo (and many other companies) have proved that you can do all kinds of different games without the need for violence, and games that can appeal to any demographic and interest. People just need some creativity! As I've said, if developers really tried, I'm sure they could think of some cool Christian game ideas. Although i'd prefer they be done by Christians themselves, but there's lots of believers out there, and you can find them in even the most unlikely places.

yes! why not? everyone has things they like why can't christians?:D i'd love to see more christian games, movies,music,art, etc. afterall.. Jesus is real . Thats reality and for those who know Him and love seeing Him in even their playtime activities it'd be great to have a game with Him in it. i'm sure somebody could think of a good game with kool graphics. wiggles80

Wait. Killing people who don't agree with you already makes it a Christian game.

Kidding, just kidding.

But seriously...

Historically at least.