Command & Conquer: Generals
C&C Generals
Release Date: February 11, 2003
Strategy, science fiction, RTS, Game Pass, EA Play, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet, LAN
Steam
Another installment in a series of popular RTS games, which was initiated by Westwood Studios in 1995. Once Electronic Arts took over, EA Pacific was entrusted with the task of creating the game; creators of the original Command & Conquer were included in the team as well. C&C: Generals is not connected to any of the franchise's previous iterations in terms of the story.
Command & Conquer: Generals for PC is another real-time strategy game belonging to the classic Command & Conquer series. The game is set in a near future, when humanity is facing another global conflict. Combined forces of the USA and China are standing against a terrorist organization known as the Global Liberation Army. The creators included three campaigns here, a separate one for each of the powers involved: the US, China and GLA. Each of the campaigns consists of ten missions linked together by a complex plot.
Mechanics
The game offers over 60 combat units. As the commander-in-chief of the US army, the player conducts quick and focused attacks, using modern-day units, such as Aurora fighter planes, Crusader tanks, or the approved Comanche helicopters and B-52 bombers. When leading the communist Chinese forces that are very large in numbers, the player commands huge numbers of infantry, as well as units such as seismic tanks, Inferno cannons, Hackers (an equivalent for the engineers from the franchise's previous installments), or propaganda blimps, which reduce the enemy soldiers' morale. As the leader of Global Liberation Army, the player does not command regular military forces, as in the cases of the US and China. Instead, one leads here a gathering of fanatics, dissatisfied civilians, mercenaries, etc. Among the units at GLA's disposal, the player can find such as Angry mob (a team of 20 people armed with Molotovs and AK-47 rifles), Technicals (a jeep with a 50 caliber gun mounted on it), or Scud storm, which is a rocket launcher.
Technical aspects
Command & Conquer: Generals for PC utilizes a 3D graphics engine known as The Sage – it was created on another engine, which was used in production of Command & Conquer: Renegade. C&C: Generals offers both singleplayer and multiplayer experiences. Several modes were included and the players can meet in the game via the Internet or Local Area Network.
Last updated on February 4, 2017
Videos and Screens
The main pros of the game
- Nostalgia Factor: Many players have fond memories of the game from their childhood, making it a nostalgic experience.
- Tactical Gameplay: The game is praised for its engaging and fun strategy mechanics, allowing for diverse tactics and playstyles.
- Distinct Factions: Each faction (GLA, China, USA) has unique strengths and weaknesses, adding depth to the gameplay.
- Good Graphics for Its Time: Players have noted that the graphics, movement, and sound design are surprisingly good given the game's age.
- Strong Soundtrack: The music, particularly the GLA theme, enhances the gameplay experience.
- Classic RTS Experience: Many consider it one of the best RTS games, emphasizing its mechanical richness and gameplay.
The main cons of the game
- Technical Issues: Many users reported problems with launching the game, crashes, and FPS drops during gameplay and cutscenes.
- Lack of Modern Support: The game does not support newer screens/resolutions well, and issues arise with dual monitor setups.
- AI Limitations: While some found the AI challenging, others noted that it was lacking in certain aspects.
- Gameplay Bugs: Players experienced random crashes and the need to restart entire campaigns if a mission crashed.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Remastering Needs: Users expressed a desire for a remaster to address technical issues and modernize the game.
- Online Multiplayer Support: There are mentions of difficulties in accessing online multiplayer, with some suggesting the need for better server support.
- Quality of Life Improvements: Players indicated that basic features expected in modern games were missing, such as improved unit pathing and better handling of modern hardware.
Summary
- Overall, while Command & Conquer? Generals is celebrated for its nostalgic value and engaging gameplay, many players feel that it suffers from significant technical issues and lacks modern support features.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 1606 votes.
18
GAMES
in Command & Conquer Game Series
Game Series
Command & Conquer Series
Set in the reality of science fiction, the real-time strategy (RTS) series. The series was created by the Westwood Studios team, but now the brand is owned by Electronic Arts, developing it with its own development studios (including Victory Games and EA Phenomic).
18 video games
Command & Conquer: Generals Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: Electronic Arts Inc.
Publisher: Electronic Arts Inc.
Command & Conquer: Generals System Requirements
PC / Windows
Recommended: Pentium 4 1.8 GHz, 256MB RAM, 32MB graphic card (GeForce 3 or better), 1.8GB HDD
Game Expansions for Command & Conquer: Generals
Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour
Expansion
Strategy
September 22, 2003
An official expansion for the strategy game Command & Conquer: Generals developed by EA Los Angeles (previously known as EA Pacific). The expansion continues the story from the base game and features 3 new campaigns, each consisting of 5 missions for each side of the conflict. There are new varied tasks to complete, from naval combat to enemy base infiltration. The expansion introduces new buildings (e.g. the internet center), units (such as helicopters and battle motorcycles, and upgrades (Hellfire rockets and chemical suits). The graphics engine SaGE has been improved, which resulted in better weather effects and explosion animations. Apart from the single player mode and the multiplayer mode known from the base game, Zero Hour introduces the challenge mode, in which you fight against 9 armies controlled by 9 AI-controlled generals.