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Graphicsaroni

Generals has some truly amazing graphics. Although Age of Mythology could brag that its 3D was so smooth and the animations so great that it looked 2D, Generals is the game that took full advantage of having a 3D engine. In fact, the game has some truly spectacular scripted events in the singleplayer campaign, such as the blowing up of a dam and the rushing flood of water afterwards!

Boom ehehe

He gets only the first shot

Pitched battle

Unit and weapon shadows, particles, extremely impressive explosion and smoke effects – these are standard fare. From the vapor trails of a rocket buggy’s expended ordinance to a massive, screen-encompassing nuclear explosion, Generals’ special effects are nothing short of spectacular. Even the units themselves traverse the terrain in a believable fashion, as the turrets swivel into position and unleash their fury.

Of course, all this comes at a price. The 2GHz review system with 512MB of RAM and a GF4 4200 stuttered here and there at full detail. We’re not quite sure why, since others experiences with a comparable box have been more positive. However, multiplayer is noticeable slower even at the lowest settings. Netcode restrictions may be part of the reason – and Generals has some very odd multiplayer restrictions. Namely, a Quick Match cannot be started unless the client is in 800x600 resolution, even though resolution changes don’t reveal more of the map as they have in the 2D C&C games of yore.

Sound-tastic!

The sound effects in Generals complement the graphics perfectly. At first there is some disappointment with the timid small-arms and even cannon fire, but when the nuke cannon or super weapons go off – it all comes into perspective. Like those quiet moments in a symphony which lead up to an orchestral explosion, Generals’ timid effects are there for a reason.

Nuke away

The big guns go to work

Look at that radiation

Music is definitely matched well with the game, if a little generic and boring. It’s simply a series of military orchestra tracks with American, Chinese or Arabic themes. They’re good enough to appear in any Tom Clancy movie, but they also don’t inspire any great response – certainly unworthy of a C&C game.