Command & Conquer

Things I like about the game:

• The computer mouse being used as the N64 controller when playing a level.

• The chart that pops up pressing the Z button.

If you're a fan of real time strategy games, you'll love this classic game that really sets off this genre. The game revolves around this substance called tiberium, a mysterious resource that seems to be growing across the world - it's both a precious resource but very toxic to humans who get near it. It's almost like nuclear power, one could say. And in this context, you have the choice of playing as the noble Global Defence Initiative or the more enigmatic but also, technically "bad guy" faction, the brotherhood of Nod. They are led by their fearless cult-like leader, Kane, who provides some great entertainment through their campaign.

This has hands-down got to be one of the best cutscene-based game ever. One of the pioneers even! At least in the RTS space. I have fond memories of watching Joe Kucan as Kane terrorize the GDI. It's a great story and one that hopefully one day will get its own films!

Of course the quality of the video was limited by the times- only so much data could be stored on CDs back then. But do play this game or watch the cutscenes on YouTube, you won't be disappointed. The music is like techno-military-funk, it's very unique and well-done by Frank Klepacki. Hopefully EA Games will also revive the franchise for us. 8/10.

This video game pioneered the real time strategy genre and brings you into a fantasy sci fi world where the world is overrun by a substance called tiberium. This valuable but toxic substance is the essence of the game and makes for a very stimulating narrative. In the midst of this mysterious compound overtaking the world is the war between the terrorist group - the brotherhood of Nod led by the enigmatic Kane and the "good guys" - the Global Defence Initiative (GDI).

The game is propelled by an awesome soundtrack and engaging live action cutscenes. The acting is phenomenal and draws you into the story. A must-watch/play.

The debate rages on - what was the first ever RTS? Herzog Zwei? Stonkers? Dune 2? No-one's really sure - so much depends on the definition of "RTS" (and, for that matter, "first") that even Railroad Tycoon has seen entry into the fray. What is certain is that it was Dune 2 that put Westwood Studios on the map and planted the seeds of what the RTS would eventually become. Blizzard's original Warcraft ran some more with the idea, but it's Command And Conquer: Tiberian Dawn that truly set the world alight.

Dune 2 struggled with a quirky unit cap, caused simply by a shortage of processing power. C&C has no such limitations, and battles featuring scores of men and tanks over a multitude of landscapes looked stunning in addition to playing well. The linking FMVs are absorbingly written and acted - witness General Sheppard's growing frustration and rage throughout the pursuit of Kane, which is believable and compelling. These improvements marked the true beginning of the CD age of PC gaming - with this game showing what was possible, the floppy disc was dead and buried.

The story is as well-known and standardised as it is irrelevant - two organisations compete for resources and military supremacy. It's the little differences and quirks between the Global Defence Initiative (a spin off from the UN) and the Brotherhood of NOD (as old and biblical as character names like Kane and Seth are intended to imply) that grant the game the longevity, acclaim, sequels and spinoffs that it has maintained in the twelve years since.

A juggernaut that shows no signs of slowing down, and it kicked off in 1995. Now available again as part of the First Decade pack, this is a milestone of gaming that still plays well today.