military and espionage

I had big expectations for this game. The ads made it look like a revolution in graphics (It is over it's predecessor, but not over the competition), so when I started it up I immediately felt disappointed and started looking for everything wrong with it. I began playing one of the campaigns and beat it. It was okay, but I was still finding myself complaining about it a lot.

After being dissatisfied with the campaign I started playing skirmishes and then multiplayer (This is the real reason these games are made). I found that this was a balanced game with three unique teams to choose from. Every team has good units that can oppose any other team. There are a variety of ways to play the game. I find myself digging in at my base and saving money for the big weapons like the nuclear missle.

So after actively looking for everything wrong with this game I ended up addicted to it. Buy this game and team up with a friend against six brutal computer players. That is a challenge I haven't met' yet.

Like many reviewers, I've been a fan of C&C since the first title (loved all except Renegade). That being said, here's some major points of consideration for anyone who doesn't have this title yet and is considering buying it:

1) No FMV between missions

This seems minor, but I was really looking forward to them. Sure, they were always somewhat campy, but I just enjoyed the cut-scenes. They never enhanced game play, but they did enhance the enjoyment of playing.

2) 3D graphics

Westwood did a great job on this. Every review mentions it so we'll stop there. What most reviews also mention is the Herculean system you have to have to run this game at max detail w/o getting choppy!

3) Animated explosions

This was really surprising! The first time I saw a technical explode and launch the gunner into the air (whilst screaming) was it - I really appreciated the detail that was taken to craft these.

4) Animated explosions pt II

They get a little tiresome after the 100th time - every time with the same screaming sound... In fact, all the sounds get tiresome quickly. Does every unit have to say something everytime you click on (or direct) them? It's a little excessive. After a while you have to kill the effects and stick to the music.

4) Difficulty levels

I made the mistake of playing USA first on "Hard", and walked through every mission. So I did China on "Brutal" - same thing. Then with GLA... now it gets difficult. Trust me: this is not the case of me being a great player, it's that the GLA (whom both sides war against) is just not equipped to deal with the US/China units. I suppose it's accurate in a real-world sense, but it'd really be better if they could bloody your nose a couple of times before you figured the strategy out!

So, I've complained a lot and still gave 4 stars? You bet: Generals is visually awesome, explosions are top-notch, it's fun (at least the first time through), and it's a good way to burn a few hours of time. If you played the campaign and were less than satisfied, then LAN up w/ some friends and REALLY get the full impact! "Zero Hour" will add more units and fuel to the fire, and I look forward to buying it as well.

Hope this helps in your decision!

Ive forced myself to play about 10 hours of this game, and that was all I could stomach. I love RTS' and most CnC games but this one is icredibly boring, absolutely horrible graphics, and a complete letdown. This game isn't half as good Yuris Revenge. For the love of God EA, go back to 2D. Glowing brightly colored boxes slowly moving across a screen pretty much sums up the graphics of this game.