Command & Conquer: Generals

This C and C installment is quite possibly the worst so far in the series. Don't hold me fully to this statement because I have only begun the game on each campaign, but I have instantly noticed that the game can actually be quite boring, something no c and c game has ever been to me. It is still however a good addition for C+C fans. The first chinese level requires a simple path to an enemy base, the first gla mission is well done, and usa is just boring. Your opposition and supplies are too merciful; I laugh at the thought of there actually being an 'easy' difficulty setting on this game. Check this with the first level on any other campaign on other games in this series and they will all require decent commanding skills and the AI on the lowest difficulty setting,(easy) is still challenging, with the exception of the first NOD mission on the original, which had good AI, but a simple objective. Westwood have worked on every C+C for the past nine years, this one is the only one that has disappointed me, partly because I know they could have done so much better with this game. I recommend you preplay if you plan to buy it.

I saw the graphics for this game on some TV show, and being a huge fan of the Command and Conquer games, went to pick it up. First off, the visuals are stunning. Almost every detail is taken care of, from explosions to guys flying out of vehichles as they blow up. The weapons and units rock, and the super weapons... aw yeah. Who can't love nukes with such cool graphics, dropping crazy blue anthrax on a base and watching their troops melt and die, or dropping a fuel air boom with a blast radius that could wipe out L.A.?

The whole general promotion idea is pretty cool, picking up advancements as you get better in the game. The gameplay is easy, but not boring, so begginers and advanced players can both enjoy. The in mission cut scenes are INCREADIBLE, watching a dam collapse, or a laser cutting through ranks of tanks.

The only problem with this game is the lack of continual story that is normally present in C&C games. No cool general played by a movie star, no hot girl briefing you... I missed these aspects, but with all the great action, the game made up for it. If you even REMOTELY like these type of games, you have to pick this one up!

The greatest shortcoming of this series is perhaps the lack of an in-depth story and associated cinematics that were in the past, part and parcel of all Command and Conquer games. The interface is also annoying and very slow. The load times are pathetic even on faster computers. But the game itself is excellent and includes not two, but 3 sides. The levels are however, a tad repetitive and not very creative. There are plenty of units and associated gib effects to make up for that though. The America and China campaigns are too easy on normal skill and only during multiplayer is there a real challenge that will force you to think more strategically. I think this game could have been much better if Westwood had more time on their hands.

If we are going to judge this game on its game quality, yes, for its time it was a great game visually and in terms of gameplay. But being the forum we are on, I would say this wasn't the best from a storyline perspective. There's three sides- essentially Americans, Chinese imperialists and Middle Eastern terrorists battling for territory.

But beyond that description, there's not much of a plot. This goes against the general formula of Command and Conquer games, where there is a stronger narrative component. I did like the voice acting and the music score is so diverse and something I still listen to. You could easily pass on this one.

Weakest of all c n c games. Literally there was no story! Music and voice acting was good but that's about where it ends