Command & Conquer is one of the original real time strategy games. It was one of the very first titles to use that style of gameplay, and has built quite a following out of sequels and add-on packs. Tiberian Sun is an all-new game, and takes place far into the future of the original C&C storyline. Two campaigns exist in the game, depending upon which side you will fight. In the GDI campaign, the game begins with the sudden reappearance of the long-thought-dead Kane, who mysteriously appears over the GDI's communication devices. Commander McNeil (the player's character) is quickly dispatched to secure the hostile area and put a stop to the newly-revived Brotherhood of Nod. In the Nod campaign, in-fighting between Nod forces causes a rift, and as Slavik, you will try to unite them and bring the brotherhood back to a powerful standing.
The biggest change in Tiberian Sun over all of its predecessors is the graphics. The game world is truly amazing, including all sorts of special effects and carefully created environments. Levels feature a bit of 3D playability, as bridges and overpasses may be crossed and used to your advantage. While not actually rendered in 3D, the environment and units look very good. Sound effects and music are very well done. Units sound off appropriately and the music sets the mood very well for the action that is taking place on the screen.
As I mentioned before, two campaigns are available within the game. These are tied together using full motion video to help tell the story and set up a mission. The campaigns are totally separate, neither one having anything to do with the other, unlike StarCraft's three campaigns that flow together. In this game, you choose one side or another. Acting is provided by James Earl Jones and Terminator star Michael Biehn among others. Where many games feature poor acting in sequences like this, these talented people help keep it to a professional level. Still, the FMV scenes don't quite feel right. Perhaps it is because many games have gotten away from FMV and used in-game graphics to depict the back story - making the plot feel more like part of the game. In addition to the campaigns, options for skirmishes and multiplayer games are also available.
Gameplay is VERY typical real time strategy. People that have played previous C&C games (or almost any other RTS game) will feel instantly at home here. While this sounds like a good thing, it is actually the game's biggest problem. Tiberian Sun is TOO average in this way. While new options and enhancements are available, like waypoints and other necessities, the rest of the action has been done before either in previous C&C games or other RTS game in general. Whereas StarCraft did much the same thing, the drastically differing units and engaging three-part storyline polished that title wonderfully. Here the story is GOOD, just not anything overly outstanding. In this game, the graphical technology stands out the most, while the action and story move it along merely adequately.
I'm not saying that this is a bad game by any means. In fact it is quite good. It just doesn't have enough of that special edge that a StarCraft or Total Annihilation has that makes it stand out from the crowd for my taste. This is a very entertaining title that real time strategy fans should enjoy, especially C&C fans.
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Advantages: Excellent, addictive gameplay, exciting storylines, entertaining videos and cut scenes, brilliant array of units!!! Disadvantages: Too one sided NOD have a huge advantage over GDI, and you cannot save the video cut scenes which is frustrating!
Advantages: Great New Units, New Missions, and Balances the Sides Disadvantages: Still Lacking realistic AI Skirmish "Quick Rushes", ie- You never see an AI do a Dis' rush with a CarryAll!
Jan 28th, 2001
very helpful by (100%):
