Command & Conquer (1995)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Command & Conquer (1995): The Real-Time Strategy Game That Defined a Genre

Released in 1995, Command & Conquer was one of the first real-time strategy (RTS) games, and it quickly became a classic. The game was developed by Westwood Studios and published by Virgin Interactive Entertainment. It was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Command & Conquer is set in a near-future Earth where two factions, the Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and the Brotherhood of Nod, are vying for control of the planet. The GDI is a multinational force dedicated to protecting the world from Nod, a terrorist organization led by the charismatic Kane.

The game features two campaigns, one for each faction. The GDI campaign follows a group of soldiers as they fight to stop Nod from taking over the world. The Nod campaign follows Kane as he attempts to seize control of the planet’s resources and establish a new world order.

Command & Conquer is known for its innovative gameplay, which allowed players to control units in real time. The game also featured a number of other features that were new to the RTS genre, such as the ability to build bases, gather resources, and research new technologies.

The game’s graphics were also impressive for the time. The units and buildings were all rendered in 3D, and the game featured a number of detailed environments. The game’s music and sound effects were also top-notch, and they helped to create a truly immersive experience.

Command & Conquer was a critical and commercial success. It won numerous awards, including Game of the Year awards from several publications. The game also spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs, and it remains one of the most popular RTS games ever made.

Gameplay

Command & Conquer is a real-time strategy game in which the player controls a group of units and buildings. The player’s goal is to defeat the enemy by destroying their base or capturing all of their units.

The game features two main resources: Tiberium and credits. Tiberium is a valuable mineral that can be used to produce units and buildings. Credits are used to purchase units and upgrades.

The player can build a variety of units, including infantry, tanks, and aircraft. Each unit has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the player must use them strategically to defeat the enemy.

The player can also build a variety of buildings, including barracks, factories, and refineries. Buildings allow the player to produce units, research new technologies, and store resources.

Command & Conquer is a fast-paced and challenging game. The player must constantly be aware of their surroundings and make quick decisions in order to succeed.

Setting

Command & Conquer is set in a near-future Earth where two factions, the Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and the Brotherhood of Nod, are vying for control of the planet.

The GDI is a multinational force dedicated to protecting the world from Nod, a terrorist organization led by the charismatic Kane. Nod is seeking to seize control of the planet’s resources and establish a new world order.

The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes and in-game dialogue. The cutscenes are well-acted and help to create a sense of immersion. The in-game dialogue is also well-written and helps to develop the characters and the story.

Characters

Command & Conquer features a cast of memorable characters, including:

  • Kane: The leader of the Brotherhood of Nod, Kane is a charismatic and ruthless leader. He is determined to seize control of the planet and establish a new world order.
  • Dr. James Solomon: The commander of the GDI forces, Dr. Solomon is a brilliant scientist and a dedicated leader. He is determined to stop Nod from taking over the world.
  • Captain Nick “Havoc” Parker: A GDI pilot, Parker is a skilled and brave soldier. He is one of the few people who can stand up to Kane.
  • General Mark Jamison: The commander of the Nod forces, Jamison is a ruthless and ambitious leader. He is determined to help Kane seize control of the planet.

Legacy

Command & Conquer was a critical and commercial success. It won numerous awards, including Game of the Year awards from several publications. The game also spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs, and it remains one of the most popular RTS games ever made.

Command & Conquer is credited with helping to define the RTS genre. The game’s innovative gameplay and impressive graphics set a new standard for RTS games. The game also helped to popularize the use of real-time cutscenes in video games.

Command & Conquer is a classic RTS game that still holds up today. The game’s innovative gameplay, impressive graphics, and memorable characters make it a must-play for any fan of the genre.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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