Out of all the video games in the world, I will stand up and say hands down that Command and Conquer Generals is the best video game ever made. But not the original, I am talking specifically about the expansion pack released in 2004 Zero Hour. So from now on I will just refer the game as Command and Conquer Zero Hour okay?

Some general background into the game. It is a RTS (Real time strategy) game released in 2003 by EA Games (Los Angeles division). Reminder, this was when EA released great games and isn’t as sloppy as they are today.

First of all (and this will anger all the South Koreans out there), this was the FIRST real time strategy game to ever come out in 3D if I am not mistaken so it beats Starcraft (and it’s better anyway lol). This is genuinely real 3D graphics, not pixelated nonsense. So it has aged gracefully. The game also includes voice lines, all of which being very stereotypical to their respective teams, this really builds environment and character into the game. No censors, no blocks just pure gameplay.

For people who aren’t too familiar with RTS games, the main point of the game is that you have to build a base, defend yourself and defeat the enemy. You will be provided with a command centre where there would be a construction unit next to it (a dozer or a worker) and a resource stash nearby (named Supplies) where you can earn money to build stuff or make troops etc…

Usually you would also need power to power your buildings or superweapons which can be generated by factories. These would also power your base defences as well. This helps balance the game as you are limited by the amount of money and power you have to things you can do. Well… about that later…

Teams

Within the game you can select three different and distinct factions based on real life groups, let me go over generally on how they function.

USA

This is obviously based on America, they really have high tech stuff so they fight with technology. For example really powerful aircraft or lasers. The USA usually focuses on skill to defeat its enemies.

However their disadvantages come in the form of high cost and power usage for their troops and buildings, also their super weapon (Particle Cannon) is kinda lousy where it just shoots a beam and destroys in a line for like a few seconds.

China

Based on the People’s Republic of China, it focuses more on the numbers of units and using brute force to attack. It has some decent units such as tank hunters and armoured tanks.

However its forces are kinda slow, and really focus on big hordes to finish off its enemies as they place emphasis on quantity over quality. Their super weapon being a nuke is really efficient, however it does draw some power.

GLA

How do I even explain this. So remember that the game was made after 9/11. This team is a representation of the stereotypical Middle Eastern terrorist organisation. (For anyone saying this is stereotypically racist, this game is very popular in Iraq for some reason and people find it fun, so shut up.)

They have barely any technology, but everything is cheap and they use guerrilla tactics in order to win in the battlefield. Their troops such as infantry and tanks aren’t particularly the best.

That being said, no technology means you don’t need power. And they literally have a super weapon (SCUD Launcher) which doesn’t require any electricity yet does more damage than the American super weapon. Similar to China’s one to be honest.

This faction literally predicted Fortnite. Their workers literally hold Fortnite pickaxes and they literally have a vehicle named “Battle Bus”. You cannot make this shit up.

Did I also mention that these guys could literally teleport from anywhere in the map with tunnels?

Gamemodes

There’s different game modes within the game where you will be put into different scenarios, this actually keeps the game fresh to be played again and again where you won’t be bored like after beating GTA 5 then not knowing what to do after.

*Do remember that there is a multiplayer function, however I think it only works under LAN the old fashioned way (meaning you have to share the same WIFI connection to play). From my knowledge, this game does not sync with Steam Cloud.

For singleplayer there are four different game modes to choose from (in the Steam edition)

Campaign

The campaign is split in 3 for the 3 respective factions. (USA, China, GLA). Campaigns usually involve you finishing missions for the respective teams with lots of story telling and lore building. I won’t spoil it here, but essentially it is more story based and slow gains.

Challenge

This gamemode involves you starting from scratch and destroying a pre-existing built out base, the differences here between this game mode and the campaign is that you are playing as a general from a respective faction, and you are 1v1’ing another general from another faction.

Specific generals have special troops or unique buildings, such as Dr. Thrax from the GLA having toxin buildings as he specialises on Anthrax, while General Kwai from China focuses on skilled soldiers (mini-gunners) and troop strength.

Skirmish

This gamemode is just a free for all and sandbox where you can battle different teams at different difficulties. There are 26 different maps to choose from.

Custom Mission

This special game mode I have only seen on the Steam edition relies on the workshop where people create their own campaign scenarios for people to play and win. This allows modders to create their own storylines for the player to experience.

Modding

This game has a revived modding community after the Steam edition was released where it’s limited to custom maps and maybe some special unlockable generals for now. The modding community still exists, however its not as big as it was compared to 2003.