The Command and Conquer
series has had a few duds in the past, but they have usually been
good overall. Generals breaks the usual C&C mold by creating three
distinct groups as well as a more real-world feel with a tad of
future added in. This is also the series' first jump into the realm
of 3D. Many fans (because of these two features) may have some
doubts about the game because of the change of perspective,
literally and content wise. I too was one of those fans who had his
doubts, but still… it’s an RTS game in a world slammed with "sim"
games. So I was desperate, and with a reasonably good track record
with the Red Alert series, it still might come out good.
Visuals Good for a RTS
Graphically, the RTS
genre has never been on the top of the game. It is hard, mainly
because of the number of units that are usually represented on the
screen at once would kill all but the biggest of machines if each
individual unit is too detailed. C&C:Generals is the best of the
bunch in terms of RTS games that I have seen. With my now
middle-road 1.8 GHz machine and Ti-4200 card, they can be pulled off
to their max without a hitch. The only comparable game that I have
personally witnessed (I heard Hegemonia was even better, but have
yet to get it) with visual quality of this level is Warcraft 3,
which is cartoony and clownish in comparison. With the exception of
a couple of the ground pounder units, the units themselves are
impressively well rendered and animated. Tanks move and turn their
turrets on the go flawlessly. The GLA buggies bounce over the
terrain and the helicopters spin up their rotors realistically to
the point where you can see only a blur as to where they are. The
environments, while not all that varied, are well done with decent
texture work (though not on par with that of WC3) and has a lot of
ambience like tree movement and civilian movement.
Water effects are
impressive, especially in the missions where you are instructed to
blow up some dams, and see the white, frothy goodness come forth.
Explosions are also well done, and so are the smoke effects as well
as little things like tanks kicking up dust and leaving tread marks.
There are a few ground
units that look strange, mainly the GLA rebels, who have these
ridiculously huge AK's with them.
Sounds Decent
The sound department is a
mixed bag here. On one end, the effects are very well done.
Explosions, planes, helicopters, gunfire, it is all really well
done. Death screams are also very good. On the other hand, the
voices are terrible, and in many cases, so cliché that they are
comical. The GSN units are so heavy in the "in defense of freedom"
line that it would make even the most red-blooded American
embarrassed to listen to it. The Chinese have these really bad
accents, most notable from the mission introduction screens. The GLA
voices overact the whole "evil terrorist" thing that they are
comical, "DEATH TO THE IMPERIAL DOGS!" So funny.
Smooth Gameplay
Gameplay is very smooth
and any RTS fan can get into it without any trouble. The game is
pretty much like most other C&C games, but there is a more realistic
feel to it. No longer do you have to run about gathering Tiberium or
some other silly resource, but you obtain "resources" from a dump,
have them airlifted in on regular intervals, or even pick them up
from destroyed enemies. Another really cool addition are special
moves. The GSN has a number of special air raid type attacks, the
Chinese can fire off artillery shots, and the GLA can set up unit
ambushes. They are earned through General points, which are gained
by killing enemy units and capturing buildings. They have to charge
up and can sway the battle if needed.
I also like how each
faction is wildly different. GLA units are generally weak, but can
build up huge numbers and units like the angry mob and suicide
bomber can make short work of anything in the game. GSN units are
strong, have the ability to repair themselves, and rely on
experienced units and air power. The Chinese like mass tactics and
have the biggest darned tank in the game.
Online gameplay is
remarkably balanced to the flow of single play. It is rather hard to
get together an invincible force in a few minutes, like WC3, which
allows the game to get longer and more interesting. Nothing would be
more boring than a game where you couldn't even upgrade to a fuel
canister bomb or a Warthog air strike.
Weak as Hell Single
Player Mode
The single player mode is
easy and short. There are a few campaign missions for each faction,
but they are hastily thrown together and there isn't much of a story
between them. The skirmish mode isn't too bad, but the poor AI on
lower levels makes it a bit too easy.
Multiplayer Even I
Like
I have mostly been an
advocate of a strong single player mode first, then multiplayer
mode. Along with Battlefield 1942, this is a game I can easily break
that rule with. The online mode is easy to get into and a blast to
play. Give it a try, it is very good.
Bottom Line
C&C: Generals isn't a
game of the year, but it is still a really fun title. Single player
mode is a bit weak, but the strong online play easily makes up for
it. The graphics and animations are the best I have yet to see in a
RTS, and the in-game effects are powerful. Just get ready to laugh
like a maniac at what the units say during the game. Overall, C&C
fans should not be disappointed, and any other RTS type fan (like a
RTS fan who has never touched C&C even exits), this is a good bet
for a purchase.
