Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath Review for PC

Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath box art

System: X360, PC	Review Rating Legend
Dev: EA Redwood	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: EA	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: March 25, 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-8 (online)	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Teen	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

The biggest new addition, however, is a completely new "Global Conquest" mode. This is something fresh for C&C fans, inspired by new-school RTS games like Dawn of War. This moves the view out to a world map and allows you to command your troops in a Risk-style, turn-based game of world domination. When you attack an enemy unit, victory can be decided either automatically or by a classic RTS battle. These battles are faster paced and more offensive than what C&C players are used to in multi-player, so even combat has a different feel.

Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath screenshot

Players can win by dominating completely, or by satisfying faction-specific alternate victory conditions. For instance, GDI can win by taking 33% of the globe's territory, and the Scrin can win by constructing nine Threshold Towers. This forces players to pay attention to their enemy progress as well as offensive advances. Global Conquest really is something completely different and, while its appeal is limited for solo play, it's a great way for multiplayer fans to exercise a different part of their brain and get away from the usual milking resources and pumping out units, moving closer to "tactical" RTS games.

Ultimately, Kane's Wrath takes some risks and offers a diverse expansion with something for everyone. A quality campaign of familiar missions will please purists, while new factions give multi-player enthusiasts plenty new to play with. Global Conquest steals the show with a compelling answer to accusations that the series has gone stale. Unfortunately, there might not be enough of any one thing to really satisfy casual fans and justify the asking price. Devoted purists will get their money's worth, but those just interested in a new set of missions might be let down when they burn through the campaign quickly. With Red Alert 3 just around the corner, those less loyal to the Brotherhood of Nod may just want to sit this one out.

By Travis Fahs
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.0

Graphics
Like Tiberian Sun, Kane's Wrath is gorgeous and packed with detail, while maintaining smooth performance.

4.0

Control
If you've played C&C (or any traditional RTS), you should feel right at home.

3.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
A melodramatic and epic score lend a cinematic feel, but won't stick in your head.

3.0

Play Value
There is an interesting assortment of new content here, but the slim single-player campaign is disappointing.

3.5

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Unprecedented Multi-decade Campaign - Kane returns as the centerpiece of an epic new single-player campaign. Experience a new story that spans 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. Facilitate the rise of the Brotherhood leading up to and beyond the events of Command and Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars

Global Conquest - Fight the Third Tiberium War your way. Take command in an all new global conquest mode. Position your forces on a strategic level, and then wage conflict in the fast, fluid, furious, tactical gameplay that Command and Conquer pioneered. Map out your strategies on the planetary level, and wage all-out war on the ground. This marks the debut of an RTS meta-game on a console.

Live-action videos are back! - Witness the rise of the Brotherhood first hand through intense live action video sequences starring Joe Kucan, the actor who originated the role of Kane in the Command and Conquer series in addition to a new celebrity cast of characters.

Introduction of new Epic-Units - Devastate the battlefield with the immense firepower of all-new Epic-units. Customize your Epic-Units mid-battle via garrisoning and upgrades. Position these units in the strategic, global conquest mode then lay siege to your enemy at the tactical, battle level.

Take Command of a Whole New Army- With the introduction of new units, structures, and abilities to each of the three factions, the Tiberium Wars will never be the same. Conquer your enemies with new units on both land and air.

Specialized Sub-factions- Play to your strengths with six unique sub-factions, each equipped with their own exclusive units, powers, and upgrades. Utilize the sub-faction of your choice to fully take advantage and compliment your play style.