JIM
OVERLY
Cyber Exchange
Once again, Westwood Studios capitalizes on one of the most
successful real-time strategies (RTS) to date. With the latest
chapter in the Command & Conquer universe: Tiberian Sun-Firestorm,
the expansion pack to Tiberian Sun, Westwood adds to its great
gaming line-up another solid game.
But
don't expect any great leaps forward in the RTS game design.
Don't get me wrong, there are a few new units, well thought-out
too, and some good map design, but for the most part this
is just more of the same: more of the same good game Tiberian
Sun was. Just don't expect a lot of new innovations to the
RTS game.
As
for the game: No matter whom you prefer, the sinister Brotherhood
of NOD, bent on world domination through conquest, or GDI,
righteous defenders, trying to prevent nothing less than
the human genocide, the expansion provides plenty of action
on both sides. Nine new missions on each side pack in plenty
of what made this game so entertaining, pure RTS gaming
goodness.
Firestorm
brings more than just 18 new missions to enjoy; it also
picks up the story where Tiberian Sun left off. GDI is still
trying to figure out the mysteries surrounding Tiberium
and prevent the world's destruction. NOD, with the loss(?)
of its leader Kane, is trying to regroup and continue its
plan of world domination. Sound familiar: well to keep it
interesting, Westwood through in a twist. It seems that
NOD's artificial intelligence CABAL has its own agenda.
Eventually both GDI and NOD forces end up battling this
new threat. There is plenty of action and some variety as
to mission types. There is even a nasty surprise during
the last battle mission on both sides, so be ready for it.
The cut scenes, although no big-name actors, tell a good
story and are integrated well into the actual game play.
Westwood did a good job expanding the story line and kept
it open to yet another title. What's a game with out yet
another a sequel.
Westwood
has had a lot of practice in the RTS world of Command &
Conquer and it shows here. Firestorm is a solid expansion
that will satisfy current fans of C&C and entertain any
fan of RTS games with gaming goodness.
Gaming
Goodness: Thumbs up
Jim Overly
Cyber Exchange
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