Dark Reign: The Future of War is a real-time strategy computer game for Microsoft Windows developed by Auran and published by Activision in 1997.
It takes place in the distant future, where a crippled scout ship encounters a probe sent by the deceased leader of the Togran civilisation, one which you, as the player, are a part of. The probe contains a time machine, and a set of instructions. The player has to go back in time to save his leader from his untimely death.
The three factions in the game, Imperium, Freedom Guard and Togran all stem from one planet, Earth. The Freedom Guard used to be violent prisoners caught and arrested by the Imperium to be placed on the Jovian moons, then became pioneers of the universe, ultimately becoming slaves to the Imperium until they discovered they were being genetically altered to die by the age of 25. A revolution began and inter-galactic war broke out between them and the Imperium. The Tograns on the other hand were a peaceful scientific community on Earth who fled to another world during the ensuing conflict. Togra, the leader of the Tograns, resided on a planet Freedom Guard forces inhabited though it was not the homeworld of the Tograns. At the beginning of the game, a cutscene plays of this planet being decimated by the Imperium.
The tasks consist of 12 events from the game's history, detailing the war between the Imperium and the Freedom Guard. The stages can be played from either faction's point of view. Before and after each battle, the historical aftermath is given, leading up to the massive conflict depicted in the game's introductory cinematic. In the 13th, and final mission, the player must go back in time and defeat both sides in battle to save Togra.
There is currently an expansion pack out (Rise of the Shadowhand), as well as a game sequel; Dark Reign 2. The sequel itself depicts events before those of the original game, hence should be treated as a prequel.
