This game is rated ESRB: Mature 17+ for Mild Language and Realistic Violence.
Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom is a space combat simulator developed by Origin Systems and released in 1996 for DOS, PC, and Mac. Players pilot fighters through mission-based dogfights driven by an elaborate narrative, with gameplay built around fluid, accessible space combat mechanics. The game is notable for its extensive integration of full-motion video sequences, produced with professional film actors and directors, which gives the storytelling a cinematic quality rarely achieved in games of the era. The narrative itself is considered a particular strength — substantive and grounded enough to feel plausible rather than perfunctory. Character development is given genuine attention, and the orchestrated soundtrack reinforces the dramatic tone throughout. The combination of polished combat, high-production cutscenes, and a compelling plot established Wing Commander IV as one of the most accomplished entries in the space simulation genre of the 1990s.
The year is 2673, four years after the Treaty of Torgo and the end of the Kilrathi War. As hostilities died out, more trivial concerns like rebuilding what was lost or dealing with space piracy, became the biggest concerns of the Terran Confederation. Even Christopher "Maverick" Blair, the famous Confed pilot responsible for ending the war, settled down and became a farmer. In these times of peace, humans grew fat and complacent. All good things must end, though. Soon enough, heinous incidents erupted on the outskirts of the Confederation, and humanity was forced to the brink of civil war. Confed HQ needed the best and decided to recall Colonel Blair to active duty. This is where you come in.
