Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath
Review
A lackluster add-on with a brilliant twist
by Sergio Brinkhuis
reviewed on PC
Your own campaign
I think we have established by now that you won’t be buying Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath for its fantastic campaign or its awesome new units. That doesn’t mean that the game should be left on the shelves. You see, Electronic Arts included a little surprise for true fans of the series. This surprise is called Global Conquest and it is the best thing since… since… Mother’s Milk!
In essence, Global Conquest is the version of Risk that you have always wanted to play. It serves as a completely customized campaign that may lack cut scenes but offers all the strategic frenzy you will ever need. Upon starting the game, the map is divided between the player and the AI factions. This division is done rather haphazardly and it is up to you to decide on which part of the world you want to focus. You build bases to strengthen your foothold and expand your influence over the area. Bases provide income, as do cities that are within its circle of influence. With the money you can buy base upgrades and armies, and this is where the fun starts.
Armies can be customized to suit your needs. What units you can buy depends on the level of your base. For example, Mammoth Tanks can only be bought at a level 3 base and as a result, aren’t available from the start of the game. The mega units can also be bought, but in order to do so you will need to build a special extension to your base. Super weapons such as Nukes and Ion Canons can be installed at your bases and used on the global map and when the base is under attack. When an army goes into battle, you can choose to resolve the battle automatically or play a skirmish game. When a base is attacked, nearby armies may come to its defense, making it very important to plan and time your attacks well. Armies may also include a Mobile Construction Vehicle which completely changes the dynamics of a clash between enemies.
Kane’s saving grace
The anti-climactic storyline may be a bit painful to watch for those that take the series to heart. It is a pity that Electronic Arts failed to realize that we actually care about what happens to GDI, Nod and even the new Scrin faction. The new units are nothing to write home about and the campaign fails to inspire. This would normally lead to the conclusion that Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath disappoints in so many areas that it would be folly to buy the game. Yet it makes up for its faults by offering the thrilling new Global Conquest mode which will keep fans of the series happily engaged until the new Red Alert arrives later this year.
7.0
fun score
No Pros and Cons at this time
