Summary
- Release Year: 2003
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
- Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: EA Los Angeles
- Publishers: Aspyr Media, Electronic Arts
Command & Conquer: Generals – Zero Hour (2003)
Command & Conquer: Generals – Zero Hour is the first expansion pack to the popular real-time strategy game Command & Conquer: Generals. It was developed by EA Los Angeles and released for Microsoft Windows in 2003. Zero Hour introduces a number of new features to the game, including new units, structures, and upgrades; enhanced controls; Battle Honors; and a variety of new online features.
Gameplay
Zero Hour’s gameplay is similar to that of the original Command & Conquer: Generals. Players control one of three factions – the United States, China, or the Global Liberation Army – and must build a base, produce units, and attack their enemies. However, Zero Hour introduces a number of new features that make the gameplay more varied and challenging.
One of the most significant new features in Zero Hour is the addition of new units. Each faction gets a number of new units, including new infantry, tanks, aircraft, and special forces. These new units give players more options for how they want to play the game. For example, the United States can now build the Predator drone, which is a powerful air-to-ground unit, while China can build the Nuke Cannon, which is a devastating long-range artillery unit.
Zero Hour also introduces a number of new structures. These structures give players new options for how they want to build their bases and defend themselves against their enemies. For example, the United States can now build the Patriot Missile System, which can shoot down enemy aircraft, while China can build the Great Wall, which is a massive wall that can be used to protect a base from attack.
In addition to new units and structures, Zero Hour also introduces a number of new upgrades. These upgrades can be researched at the Tech Center and give players new abilities and bonuses. For example, the United States can research the Advanced Composites upgrade, which gives its units increased armor, while China can research the Nuclear Missile upgrade, which gives its Nuke Cannons a longer range.
Zero Hour also features enhanced controls. These controls make it easier for players to control their units and bases. For example, players can now use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out of the battlefield, and they can use the Tab key to cycle through their units.
Another new feature in Zero Hour is Battle Honors. Battle Honors are awarded to players for completing certain tasks, such as destroying enemy units or capturing enemy territory. Battle Honors can be used to purchase new units, structures, and upgrades.
Finally, Zero Hour introduces a variety of new online features. These features allow players to compete against each other online in a variety of different game modes. For example, players can play in Deathmatch mode, where the goal is to kill as many enemy units as possible, or in Conquest mode, where the goal is to capture and hold territory.
Reception
Command & Conquer: Generals – Zero Hour was a critical and commercial success. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised its new features and improvements over the original game. Zero Hour was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Command & Conquer: Generals – Zero Hour is considered to be one of the best real-time strategy games ever made. It is still played by a large community of fans today. Zero Hour has also been cited as an influence on other real-time strategy games, such as StarCraft II and Company of Heroes.
Conclusion
Command & Conquer: Generals – Zero Hour is a classic real-time strategy game that is still enjoyed by many players today. It offers a variety of new features and improvements over the original game, and it is a must-play for any fan of the real-time strategy genre.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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