Summary

Release Year: 1999
Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Red Storm Entertainment
Publishers: Red Storm Entertainment

Force 21 (1999): A Real-Time Strategy Gem on Game Boy Color

Released in 1999, Force 21 is a real-time strategy (RTS) game for the Game Boy Color. Developed by Bits Studios and published by THQ, it was one of the first RTS games to be released on a handheld console.

Set in the year 2015, Force 21 depicts a world ravaged by World War III. Nuclear warfare has become ineffective due to advances in technology, so the war is being fought with conventional forces. Players take control of either the American or Chinese military forces and must battle their way through 16 missions in order to complete the game.

Force 21 features eight different unit types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. These units include infantry, tanks, helicopters, and artillery. Players must carefully manage their resources and use their units effectively in order to succeed.

The game’s missions take place in a variety of locations around the world, from barren snowfields to yawning deserts to crowded cityscapes. Each mission has its own unique objectives, and players must adapt their strategies accordingly.

Force 21 was praised for its deep and engaging gameplay, as well as its impressive graphics for the time. It was a critical and commercial success, and it remains one of the most popular RTS games on Game Boy Color.

Gameplay

Force 21 is a real-time strategy game in which players control either the American or Chinese military forces. The game features eight different unit types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Players must carefully manage their resources and use their units effectively in order to succeed.

Force 21 features both single-player and multiplayer modes. In single-player mode, players can choose from a variety of missions to play. In multiplayer mode, players can compete against each other via link cable.

Units

Force 21 features eight different unit types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. These units include:

Infantry: Infantry are the weakest unit in the game, but they are also the cheapest and most versatile. They can be used to capture buildings, repair units, and attack enemy units.
Tanks: Tanks are powerful units that can deal a lot of damage. However, they are also slow and expensive. Tanks are best used to support infantry and attack enemy armor.
Helicopters: Helicopters are fast and maneuverable units that can be used to transport troops and attack enemy units. However, they are also vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire.
Artillery: Artillery units can attack enemy units from a distance. However, they are slow and immobile. Artillery is best used to support other units and attack enemy fortifications.
Anti-aircraft: Anti-aircraft units can attack enemy aircraft. They are essential for defending against enemy air attacks.
Missiles: Missile units can attack enemy units from a long distance. However, they are expensive and slow to reload. Missiles are best used to attack enemy fortifications and high-value targets.
Nukes: Nukes are the most powerful weapons in the game. They can instantly destroy any enemy unit or building. However, nukes are also very expensive and can only be used a few times per mission.

Resources

There are two main resources in Force 21: money and fuel. Money is used to purchase units and buildings. Fuel is used to power units and buildings. Players must carefully manage their resources in order to succeed.

Money can be collected by capturing buildings and defeating enemy units. Fuel can be collected by capturing oil derricks and refineries.

Buildings

There are a variety of buildings in Force 21, including barracks, factories, and power plants. Barracks are used to train units. Factories are used to produce vehicles. Power plants are used to generate electricity.

Players must carefully place their buildings in order to maximize their efficiency. Buildings can be upgraded to improve their performance.