13 Apr 2008 12:26
Command and Conquer 3 - Kane's Wrath
In the name of Kane! The Command and Conquer series continues to thrive with Command and Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath. As the expansion pack to the critically-acclaimed and fan favorite, Command and Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars, this Real-time Strategy (RTS) game returns to the Tiberium Universe with Kane at the center of an epic new single player campaign spanning 20 years from the rebirth of the Brotherhood of Nod after the Second Tiberium War through the dramatic events of the Third Tiberium War and beyond.
1UP's Review
And when you're sick of losing to the computer, you can always go online and get whupped by a bunch of 14-year-olds instead. The only problem is, EA Online has more connection problems than O'Hare during an ice storm. Players will be invisible to each other over the network, they'll get kicked from EA Online for no reason, and, when they finally manage to get a game going, it often involves lag and instability. None of this stuff is new -- the original C&C3 dropped people like the Airborne Rangers -- so it's disturbing that EA hasn't managed to sort it out in the year since.
Still, if you do get a game going, you'll see why KW solidifies C&C3's reputation as the best fast-paced RTS out there. With this add-on, exploits like the infamous "tower rush" get tweaked, better unit balance nerfs tank spamming somewhat, and players can now mount an effective assault or defense at any technology tier. Bottom line: KW does just about everything you'd want an expansion to do. If only it came with a replica of Kane's helmet, it'd be perfect.
Read more of this review here.
Gamespot UK's Review
And in a sign that Electronic Arts kept throwing different things at Command & Conquer 3 to see what would stick, they've introduced Global Conquest, which is a Risk-inspired turn-based mode similar to the ones in Rise of Nations or Dawn of War. In it, you create strike forces that let you expand across the globe to crush your enemies while exerting influence on cities. It's an interesting diversion, but it's esoteric without having the depth to match. Not only is the gameplay diluted compared to other turn-based games, but the world map isn't separated into distinct areas, which diminishes the thrill of expansion. It feels as if you're trying to take over vast tracts of empty land, and without the geographic and visual divisions you'd expect, you never get that "just...one...more...turn..." compulsion.
There are more than 25 new maps to skirmish on, too, against either other players or the AI. All these additions--new units, a new mode, and so on--add more ways to play, but they don't add up to an essential expansion pack. It all makes for a broader package, but not necessarily a better one. Sure, the new subfactions give you more variety, but not every addition is significant, and in some cases, they're underwhelming (Steel Talon subfaction, this means you). Throw in a competent campaign, and you have a good expansion that should have been much, much better.
Read more of this review here.
Eurogamer's Review
There's a few flaws in the execution too - stuff like missing pop-ups in the army-creation screens, which makes remembering what some people do a little tricky when learning the game. Some of the sound effects are somewhat mysterious, too (is that burning sound a riot going off? It's hard to work out). But it's still a fun, brave and novel approach that manages to feel very much like part of the C&C universe. As an experiment, it deserves high praise - it's certainly convinced me I'd like to play a more developed strategic-level game in the era, even without the tactical-level battles.
So, while far from a perfect expansion pack, Kane's Wrath offers breadth. It does what's expected. It does stuff that's not expected. And it offers a lot for the GBP 20 it harvests. While most will be more interested to see where EA LA takes the ideas they've played with here next, there's much more for a C&C fan to get excited about than imagining Natasha Henstridge is talking to them. Although that is pretty exciting. For me, anyway. In fact, if she's out there, feel free to call, Natasha. I'm in. Waiting. Just waiting.
Read more of this review here.
