Full motion Video and RTS is back, it's bigger but is it better?
C&C 3 is basically the classic original revamped with modern graphics. You are basically a commander and you job to co-ordinate infantry units, tanks and aircraft to perform certain tasks like destroy an enemy base. C&C 3 does not have sea units (maybe expansion?). Compared to modern RTS the C&C 3 tech tree and advancements are very simple, which may be a good thing because the action is very intense and fast. You may lose a whole group of units in 30 secs or less if you are not paying attention.
Gameplay: True to the original, and very fast and intense. New units and weapons gives so freshness to the game, but apart from that nothing new. I was a bit disappointed by the fact a majority of normal difficulty missions can be completed by spamming tanks with only a small amount of strategy. I remember in the original C&C, you need a lot of strategy in placing individual units to most effect. Maybe because C&C 3 is faster paced, making this more difficult. In harder difficulties, due to the fast pace, it seems a lot of luck is also needed.
Graphics: The graphics are nice and quite beautiful, however, there are some areas where the graphics are not up to par. With all the nice 3D terrains, etc, I cannot help to notice everything looks like toys. (I have a 7900GT with graphics settings et to ultra high, just no shadows etc, and the mammoth tanks still looks like a plastic toy).
Audio: The audio is nice and generally enough for this type of game. However a lot of the miscellaneous lines, are repeated , and a bit more variety. The original C&C had a original soundtrack which played in the background which was upbeat and gives tempo to the game. It seems C&C does not have this which was a disappointment ("Mechanical Man" anyone).
Multiplayer: The Red Alert series (off shoot of C&C) was one of the first multiplayer RTS and it was this which made it great. The new C&C 3 seems to have all the original maps plus, a few new ones, which are not particularly inspiring, but after a few matches, it seems it will be the best feature of the game. The added "battlecast" where you can watch other matches seems like another great idea.
Tilt: I will be first to admit that I thing Grace Park and Tricia Helfer are sexy, and respect Michael Ironside, and Billy Dee Williams, so needless to say I will add plus for the live video. I guess to balance it out, maybe because of the hype, I expected more from the single player modules, which were quite simple in normal level.
Is this game recommended. Yes, definitely yes. If you never played RTS this is a good start off, it is fast pace and actioned packed. For a RTS fan, just get it for the nostalgia if nothing else.