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Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger (1994)

Duration: 11:46

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Opening cinematics from the space combat game, Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger, released by ORIGIN Systems in 1994 for MS-DOS computers. The third chapter in the "Kilrathi Saga," the game featured extensive live-action full-motion video to add an 'interactive movie' style of presentation to the game.

The game was also the first in the series to use A-list actors, including Mark Hamill as the game's protagonist, with John Rhys-Davies, Thomas Wilson, and Malcom McDowell in supporting roles. Wing Commander III also abandoned the ships and models from the first two games, opting for an all-new line of ships and fighters. The game also featured branching conversations that allowed the player to choose what responses their character would give, which would alter the story and carry consequences later on including affecting the morale of the entire crew.

Wing Commander III was another major hit for ORIGIN Systems. The PC version sold in-excess of 700,000 copies. PC Gamer magazine nominated the game for "Best Action Game" but it lost to TIE Fighter (the second game in the X-Wing series, created by LucasArts to compete with Wing Commander). Computer Gaming World has ranked Wing Commander III as the one of the 100 best PC games of all time. The success of the Wing Commander series has led to multiple sequels and spinoffs, including the upcoming Star Citizen/Squadron 42 by Cloud Imperium Games.

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