******************* Why I bought the game, How Much? *******************
I bought the game as when I discovered that an expansion pack for the original generals was coming out my expectations for it were sky high as if the original generals was anything to go by, the expansion would make it the best game ever. I think it filled my expectations and almost definitely exceeded them once I had familiarised myself with the brilliant new system of operations.
The game cost me £12.99 in February of last year and has been the best 1£2.99 I have ever spent.
******************* The game, what do I know about it? *******************
I'll start by mentioning that in my opinion this is THE BEST MOG (multiplayer online game) AND RPG (Role playing game) I have EVER played.
To begin with the game has advanced in leaps and bounds since the original Command and conquer set in the futuristic Tiberium Delta.
The new version/expansion from Command and Conquer Generals the game is still centred on the choices of teams and then the main attraction fighting. The teams remain as USA, CHINA and GLA
The game is set about 2-3 years after generals where after the GLA (global liberation Army) or Terrorists were supposedly defeated THEY'RE BACK with vengeance. All Teams are bringing with them a whole Arsenal of new weaponry and buildings plus generals abilities
(upgrades you can by when you have gained enough points from killing enemies)
::USA BUILDINGS:: FIRE BASE: in which there is a large offensive cannon in which 4 other troops can also be garrisoned to prevent invasion by enemy forces
::UNITS;: Sentry Drone's: This is a vehicle, which can spot and stelthed or spying units in its range Microwave tank: this can disable any Electronics' including vehicles and buildings + MANY OTHERS
:::GENERALS UPGRADES::: also their upgrades include a SPECTRE GUNSHIP strike on a specified target and a LEAFLET DROP (bomb drop) on again a specified target.
***************************
:::::CHINA:::::
:::BUILDINGS::: Internet centre: In here you can place up to 10 hackers who can hack into the internet to steal money you they work more efficiently in the internet centre bringing in x2 cash.
:::UNITS::: Their new units include mainly NEUTRON MINES which can be placed around ALL buildings and dropped anywhere on they map. When vehicles drive over neutron mines the inhabitants are immediately killed leaving the vehicle free to capture by putting an infantry unit inside. Helix: an enormous combat helicopter with an amazingly powerful missile selection and gattling gun.
:::GENERALS ABILITIES:::
Carpet Bomb: With this you can shower the floor of the map area with bombs FRENZY: There are 3 different levels of this during each an electromagnetic storm pulverises the ground destroying everything in its way.
*********************************
:::::GLA:::::
They have advanced most Although they have gained NO MORE buildings they have gained many units and abilities
:::UNITS::: Combat cycle: This is the fastest land unit in the game and can be garrisoned by any infantry unit. Including a stelthed hero unit, which then causes the bike to become stelthed as well. Battle bus: An armoured bus to transport units directly to the front line. Soldier's can shoot out of the bus through windows. This is very useful for transporting troop's around urgently.
:::ABILITIES::: GLA have the BEST new ability
SNEAK ATTACK: The sneak attack lets you place a tunnel anywhere on the map and you can bring out of it unlimited unit's until it is destroyed. A sure fire way to catch your enemy off guard.
They are the upgrades to the game armies. However in my own opinion although the new upgrades and units are amazing and really make the game varied and entertaining. I find that the amount of units is too much and the amount of buildings is also too many. Therefore you are concentrating on lots of things at once and therefore liable to make mistakes.
*******************************
***************** Human Race Extinction Weaponry. *****************
Nuke (Nuclear Missile):: The Chinese special weapon, this can almost destroy an enemy base with a single blow. The Nuke takes a long time to build and then an extra 5 mins before it is ready to fire each time. It is also the most power hungry of building's in the game it requires an entire nuclear power plant to fuel it as it requires 10 power units.
Scud Storm:: The GLA has the scud storm at its disposal. Upon firing nine Scud Rockets are propelled into the air. These will hit the ground with a devastating impact and kill every unit instantly on impact.
Particle Cannon:: The USA special weapon, the particle cannon although futuristic is ACCTUALLY being developed by Governments across the globe. The cannon focuses a particle beam onto a mirror satellite orbiting the earth and this magnifies the power onto a specified target. However in my opinion this is the worst of the super weapons as its damage is VERY limited and takes a long time to build for not much damage.
***************** Game play *****************
The game play is similar to the original generals system of
1. Use your construction dozers and then build up your base and create an army to go and pulverise your enemy who is planning on doing the same. 2. However there is a ironic twist this time in the expansion as at the start up of the game you will get the choice of 'Choose your general.' For those without the game this is so you can choose a general to be. For example you can choose General Richard McCarthy, who is the air force general I believe. So if you pick him you have certain upgrades or extras in game. For example 'Combat Helicopters' which are better than normal helicopter's in 3 ways 1. They have a faster rate of fire. 2. They have better missiles. i.e. they do about 1.5 time's the damage of normal missiles 3. They have a larger health bar therefore it is much harder to shoot them out of the sky.
3. The next major advance in game play is the speed in which the game can run at online. Previously in Generals (original) the game play was marred by the lagging (stop-starting) of the game. However due to updates in computing Software and Internet connection of people. The game now runs very smoothly.
***************** Overview *****************
Therefore overall I would recommend this game, I think the game is very good and extremely playable. It took me a few days to pick the new stuff up and take it all on-board.
As I believe once you have become used to generals (original) then it is VERY hard to start playing zero hour, as the contrast is confusing. However if you are persistent and don't give up on the game once you start to play it properly then you will be amazed at the quality and playability of the game.
I would recommend buying it though as everyone is different and although I find it confusing others may take it on board easily, and know instantly how to play.
Thanks for reading
Sam
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Sounds like my sort of game. Smashing review. If the terrorists are back then I might have to buy it...lol... Pete
baalzamon 31.05.2006 14:39
Nice review. I played the original C&C many moons ago, but I never really got hooked by the series. I still have fond memories of Dune on the Amiga, though you're probably too young to remember that. It was the same basic idea as C&C and somehow, whilst I'm sure the more recent C&C releases are technically far better than Dune, in my mind, C&C just can't compete. John
dingoo 28.05.2006 23:37
played the game could have been a whole lot better review
Command And Conquer: Generals:Command&Conquer Generals puts your trigger finger on the ... more
pulse of modern warfare. Choose your powerful General to control massive armies of bleeding-edge military weaponry across a globe teetering on the brink of Armaged...
Postage & Packaging: £1.94 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Easily one of the best add-on packs to emerge on the PC in recent memory,Command&Conquer ... more
Generals: Zero Houradds not just new levels to the hit strategy game, but a whole new game mode too. So let's start with that. The idea is that you go head-to-head...
Postage & Packaging: £1.94 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Great graphics and unit design. The new challenge mode Disadvantages: Still suffers from slightly poor online connectivty and other issues.
Advantages: Great graphics and unit design. The new challenge mode Disadvantages: Still suffers from slightly poor online connectivty and other issues.
May 20th, 2006
(May 22nd, 2006)
very helpful by (85%):
helpful by (8%):
somewhat helpful by (8%):
