Command & Conquer: Generals

generals

Game Tracker

Developer EA Pacific
Publisher Electronic Arts
Platforms Windows, Mac OS
Release Date (Win) 11.02.2003 (US/CA/UK) | 13.02.2003 (FR/NL) | 14.02.2003 (DE) | 15.02.2003 (IT) | 21.02.2003 (HR)
Release Date (Mac) 04.2004 (US) | 21.05.2004 (DE/AT/CH)
Current Version 1.08
Multiplayer LAN | direct IP | C&C:Online
DRM SafeDisc v2 + custom trigger + serial key (retail) | EA App DRM (EA App) | Steam API (Steam)
Buy EA App | Steam (part of The Ultimate Collection)

What is Generals?

Command & Conquer: Generals is the first 3D RTS in the Command & Conquer franchise, using an engine called SAGE (Strategy Action Game Engine), a modification of the W3D engine that was developed in-house at Westwood Studios. The game was developed by EA Pacific (a rebranded Westwood Pacific), the same team that made Red Alert 2 and its expansion pack, Yuri’s Revenge.

The game that takes place in the not so distant future; it’s based on brand new storyline that pits three sides (the USA, China, and a terrorist group known as the Global Liberation Army) against each other. The game is split up into 21 missions, 7 for each of the three sides. The game gives you the opportunity to play as any of the three sides right from the start, though the storyline order is China, then the GLA, and finally the United States.

Each side plays very differently. The USA is a well-rounded faction and has a superior air force, China has firepower on the ground and horde bonuses for weaker units, while the GLA specializes in stealth and hit-and-run attacks.

For the first time in a Command & Conquer game, each factory has its own build queue, and credits are deducted fully when an item is purchased instead of being continuously drained, so orders can only be made if the player has enough money to fully build something. Generals also marks the C&C debut of upgrades for units and buildings, as well as support powers and upgrades that can be unlocked through General’s Promotions, with points for these promotions gained through combat.

Also new are the horizontal command bar that replaced the classic sidebar, and the new base building mechanic, which is attached to units (Construction Dozers for the USA and China, and Workers for the GLA) rather than Construction Yards, with construction taking place gradually on the spot rather than having buildings pop up complete and functional.

Currently the only “black sheep” in the franchise in that it has no connection to either the Tiberium or the Red Alert universe. Despite a bare-bones singleplayer campaign, the game’s core design and simple setting endeared Generals to the fans enough to be one of the most popular titles of the franchise to this day.

Video Trailer

Names in different languages

  • Traditional Chinese: 終極動員令:將軍
  • German (censored release): Command & Conquer: Generäle

Ratings

ESRB: Teen | Violence, Game Experience May Change During Online Play
ELSPA: 15+
PEGI: 12 | Violence
USK: 18 (original, before ban) | 16 (censored)
OFLC (AU): M15+ | Medium Level Animated Violence
VET/SFB: 15
DJCTQ: 14 | Conflitos
aDeSe: +18

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