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SummaryRRP: $89.95 Publisher/distributor: EA & Westwood Studios Classification: Real Time Strategy Rating: MA 15+ Format: PC CD-ROM Graphics: 4� stars Gameplay: 5 stars It is six years since Dune 2 revolutionised the game industry and introduced a new genre called real-time strategy. It was followed by the hugely successful Command & Conquer and then an even more successful offshoot, Red Alert. While Red Alert was true to the genre, it was not a continuation of the Command & Conquer story. Gamers have waited several years for the true sequel, and now it is here. Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun was released recently amid tight security. Reviewers who wanted to see the game earlier had to visit the Electronic Arts offices, where somebody watched them to ensure they did not slip out with a copy. The almost paranoid security was caused by the fact that German and Korean software pirates had already got hold of early copies of the game, and there were even copies available for download from the Internet. With good reason, developer Westwood and distributer Electronic Arts confidently expect this to be one of the biggest sellers of the year. While the game does not offer any huge technological leap and has avoided becoming a 3D action strategy game as some of its competitors hare doing, it does provide a tried and true formula based on strategy, action and the ability to build things. The story continues the battle between the bad guys - the Brotherhood of Nod - and the good guys - GDL. It resurrects Kane, the evil leader of Nod, who was supposed to have been killed at the end of the last episode, and takes the battle to the US and the Middle East. With a series of new units, buildings and characters, and the added presence of innocent civilians, Tiberian Sun becomes a much bigger game than the original. New underground units that can appear without warning keep you on your toes, whether you decide to fight for the GDI or the Brotherhood. The game's graphics have improved and there are more urban settings, with opportunities for street fighting. The missions vary from base creation to full-scale battles or surreptitious infiltration of heavily guarded regions. The full-motion video clips between each mission are spectacular, and they are apparently the reason the game was given an MA15+ rating. This is a top-down strategy game that is undeniably a war game yet has little, if any, graphic violence. Similar titles such as Dark Reigh and Total Annihilation: Kingdoms received G8 ratings. Tiberian Sun will have players playing for hous on end. It's just as addictive as its predecessor and lends itslef brilliantly to multiplayer and Internet gaming. |