February 07, 2003 - Every now and again, I remember why I like real-time strategy games so much. Now that the advancing horde of unholy clones has all but been demolished, there's a much more refined, strategically sound, and quality bunch of titles in this genre coming out. Quality, not quantity, I say. And a great example of this is the beautifully designed Command & Conquer Generals that has certainly put me back in the strategy saddle. Before we get to the meat of the review, be sure to check out our exclusive video review of the game as well.

Generals takes a big step back from the Command & Conquer series of old, focusing not on the machinations of one evil man with a super evil plan, but instead on more "realistic" global issues of today while maintaining the creativity and fun of unit and weapon design the series has always had. The game focuses on the growing threat of the Global Liberation Army (GLA). Both China and the US are having problems with the group that sees both of the superpowers as a threat to their freedom. The imperialist scum must all die. Through the three campaigns and multiplayer battles, you'll have the chance to fight to save the world from the terrorist threat or bring a whole lot of pain to the world via a rather large toxic payload.

Westwood and EA decided to move away from the silly cutscenes of old and instead stick with a more mature style. All scenes use the in game engine to good effect although they use a Matrix style camera for too many of the explosions. There are no main characters to fart around with this time around, instead focusing on the war and the fact that while there are heroes, it's no one man or woman that conquers the enemy. It's a good move for the series and while some people might miss past attempts at character driven fiction, Generals manages to stay true to the series with its gameplay and faction styles.

In order to keep the game from being a resource management exercise, all sides dip into the same pool by gathering supplies located in dumps around each map. US uses Chinook transport choppers, China uses supply trucks, and the GLA uses forced labor. Each faction also has extra ways of bringing in cash so the money never stops completely flowing meaning games will always continue to be interesting even after the supplies have run dry. Airdrops, theft and salvage all bring in good amounts of cash. While the US has the potential to make the most money with several air drop sites, China can steal it with their hero and make money with computer hackers and the GLA has the chance to scavenge money from the carcasses of their enemies. While you do fight over resources, worrying about your tactical decisions is much more important. Because the resources are centered in certain areas, it's much easier to concentrate on what's happening to your troops and bases.


The sides are all balanced excellently, with each having their advantages and disadvantages. The Chinese are the bruisers of the bunch, relying on power and quick delivery of bullets. Their biggest weapons are among the most powerful, but are also the slowest on the map. They have a very balanced ground attack that can take care of all threats incoming. They do have an air force, but it isn't nearly as strong as the Americans'. Most of their weapons are built around fire and burning the crap out of things. From their crazy dragon tanks that can lay down huge walls of flame for defense and the Inferno Cannon siege weapon that can be upgraded to fire napalm shells to the crazy Nuke Cannon that delivers small nuclear shells over long distances. The only problem with these weapons is that they are all splash damage related, meaning you're going to have to watch where you use them. Look before you leap, you might end up wasting a bunch of your own troops in the crossfire.

This is also the case with the scrappy GLA. They're based around toxic weapons that will damage anything. From their anti-infantry toxic tractors, to the mobile scud launchers, this is a deadly arsenal that can just as easily turn their own troops into mush. The GLA has a lot going for them though. Since they aren't as technologically advanced as the other two sides, they go for a scavenging style of play. Not only can vehicles like Technicals and Marauder do well on their own, they can also equip themselves with weapons from fallen vehicles. You'll often see Technicals suddenly firing tank shells or a Marauder suddenly with two tank barrels instead of the one it began with. This makes their use pretty interesting.