It's been over three years since the last official Command & Conquer game, dealing with the conflict between the Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and evil Brotherhood of Nod forces. This winter, Electronic Arts hopes to deliver a quality sequel with Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars. By the looks of it, not only will C&C make a comeback, but resets the standard for real-time strategy gaming.
Set in the year 2047, Tiberium Wars begins with a nuclear strike that destroys the GDI's orbital space station Philadelphia and launches the third conflict fought over a toxic, alien substance that has rendered much of the earth uninhabitable. Uncontrolled Tiberium growth has rendered about 30% of the planet into a toxic wasteland. A sparse 20% remains relatively untouched, but most people live in the remaining 50% is toxic but livable. Political and social unrest finally allowed the cult leader Kane to realize his vision. Nod has become a global superpower, with public support that surpasses the GDI. Although the two sides stick to what they do best: Nod's quick hit-and-run tactics and the GDI's heavy firepower and brute strength, Nod has the upper hand this time.
With this third installment, the developers returned to the C&C series' greatest aspects including full, live-action video (this time offered in high-definition). Joseph D. Kucan reprises his role as the maniacal and hairless Kane; while TV hotties Tricia Helfer and Grace Park (both from the SciFi Channel's Battlestar Galactica series) make their gaming debuts. Going back to basics also means including an upgraded version of the pre-Generals side bar interface that allows players to manage their production queues from anywhere on the map.
Graphics improvements will include pieces that fragment off vehicles and buildings as they take damage along with a variety of lighting effects. Visible smoke, fire and tracer rounds carve battle scars across the battlefields. Those disappointed with the remodeled units in Tiberium Sun will be relieved to know that classic vehicles like the Mammoth Tank and the ever-useful Orca attack chopper return. And new units, including some of which combine to form bigger super-weapons offer new strategies for seasoned players.
Thankfully, improvements won't stop with aesthetics. The artificial intelligence adapts to different playing styles. Players will even be able to choose what type of AI to fight against, such as "rushing" or "turtling."
Built into the game, Voice-Over-IP communications makes alliances much easier, but also turns multiplayer games into sporting events. Yet to be revealed features like the interactive spectator modes and player commentaries promise to reinvent the multiplayer experience. Finally, a third unknown faction arrives to liven up the series.As if the world didn't have enough to worry about!
Scheduled to release March 26th, Tiberium Wars seeks to reclaim the real-time strategy crown and reset the bar for future generations of games.
Reader Comments (0)