Command & Conquer: Sole Survivor (1997)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 8 minutes read

Summary

Command & Conquer: Sole Survivor (1997)

Command & Conquer: Sole Survivor is an early, online multiplayer-only action-strategy game developed by Westwood Studios, and based on the original Command and Conquer. It was released in 1997, and was one of the first games to offer online multiplayer gameplay.

Sole Survivor is a departure from the traditional Command and Conquer formula, as it does not feature any single-player campaign. Instead, the game focuses on online multiplayer matches, in which players compete against each other to destroy each other’s bases and armies.

The game features two factions, the Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and the Brotherhood of Nod, each with their own unique units and abilities. Players can choose to play as either faction, and must then build up their base, train an army, and attack their opponent’s base.

Sole Survivor is a fast-paced and action-packed game, and requires players to have quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The game also features a number of innovative features, such as the ability to build units and structures anywhere on the map, and the ability to control individual units.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Sole Survivor is similar to that of the original Command and Conquer, but with a few key differences. The most notable difference is that Sole Survivor is an online multiplayer-only game, with no single-player campaign.

In Sole Survivor, players compete against each other in matches of up to 8 players. Each player starts with a small base and a small army, and must then build up their base, train an army, and attack their opponent’s base.

The game features two factions, the Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and the Brotherhood of Nod, each with their own unique units and abilities. Players can choose to play as either faction, and must then build up their base, train an army, and attack their opponent’s base.

Sole Survivor is a fast-paced and action-packed game, and requires players to have quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The game also features a number of innovative features, such as the ability to build units and structures anywhere on the map, and the ability to control individual units.

Units and Structures

Sole Survivor features a wide variety of units and structures, each with their own unique abilities and roles. Players must carefully choose which units and structures to build, and how to use them in order to defeat their opponents.

Some of the most important units in Sole Survivor include:

  • Infantry: Infantry are the backbone of any army, and are used to capture buildings, defend bases, and attack enemy units.
  • Tanks: Tanks are powerful armored units that are used to destroy enemy buildings and units.
  • Aircraft: Aircraft are fast and maneuverable units that can be used to attack enemy bases and units from the air.
  • Artillery: Artillery units are long-range units that can be used to bombard enemy bases and units from a distance.

In addition to units, players can also build a variety of structures, such as:

  • Barracks: Barracks are used to train infantry units.
  • Factories: Factories are used to train tanks and aircraft.
  • Power plants: Power plants provide power to buildings and units.
  • Refineries: Refineries are used to extract resources from the map.

Players must carefully place their buildings and units in order to create a strong and defensible base. They must also be able to adapt their strategy to the changing conditions of the battlefield.

Resources

In Sole Survivor, players must collect resources in order to build units and structures. There are two types of resources in the game: tiberium and credits.

Tiberium is a valuable mineral that is found on the map. Players can collect tiberium by building refineries on top of tiberium fields. Credits are earned by destroying enemy units and buildings.

Players must carefully manage their resources in order to build a strong and powerful army. They must also be able to adapt their strategy to the changing conditions of the battlefield.

Tactics

There are a number of different tactics that players can use to win in Sole Survivor. Some of the most common tactics include:

  • Rushing: Rushing is a strategy in which players build a large army quickly and attack their opponent’s base early in the game. This strategy can be effective if the player can catch their opponent off guard, but it can also be risky if the player’s army is not strong enough.
  • turtling: Turtling is a strategy in which players build a strong defense around their base and focus on defending against their opponent’s attacks. This strategy can be effective if the player can hold out long enough to build up a powerful army, but it can also be risky if the player’s opponent is able to break through their defenses.
  • Harassment: Harassment is a strategy in which players constantly attack their opponent’s base and units. This strategy can be effective if the player can keep their opponent off balance and prevent them from building up a strong army.

The best strategy for winning in Sole Survivor will vary depending on the map, the opposing player, and the player’s own skills and preferences. Players must be able to adapt their strategy to the changing conditions of the battlefield in order to be successful.

Reception

Command & Conquer: Sole Survivor received mixed reviews upon release. Some critics praised the game’s fast-paced gameplay and innovative features, while others criticized the game’s lack of single-player content and its technical issues.

Despite the mixed reviews, Sole Survivor was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game is still popular today, and is considered to be one of the best multiplayer-only RTS games ever made.

Legacy

Command & Conquer: Sole Survivor is an important game in the history of RTS games. It was one of the first games to offer online multiplayer gameplay, and it helped to popularize the genre. The game also introduced a number of innovative features, such as the ability to build units and structures anywhere on the map, and the ability to control individual units.

Sole Survivor has had a lasting impact on the RTS genre, and its influence can be seen in many games today. The game is still popular today, and is considered to be one of the best multiplayer-only RTS games ever made.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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