Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath

Game: Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath

Platform: PC

Studio: EA

Rating: 8/10

Corporate line:
As the expansion pack to Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars, this Real-time Strategy game returns to the Tiberium universe with Kane at the center of an epic new single player campaign which allows players to experience a new story that spans 20 years – from the rebirth of the Brotherhood of Nod after the Second Tiberium War through the dramatic events of the Third Tiberium War and beyond. The story is told through a new set of high-definition live action video sequences starring a celebrity cast. Joe Kucan, the original actor who portrayed the character Kane in Command & Conquer games over the last decade, reprises his role as the megalomaniacal leader of the Brotherhood of Nod. Kane’s Wrath also features a new strategic layer to gameplay that allows players to establish bases, build customized armies, and attack their enemies on a global scale – and then dive into the frenzied tactical combat where their skills as a commander makes the difference in battle. The game introduces six new sub-factions and a wealth of new units, structures, and powers to the armies of the Global Defense Initiative, the Brotherhood of Nod, and the enigmatic alien Scrin. The Xbox 360 version features a revolutionary new radial interface designed specifically for console gamers. Taking RTS controls to a whole new level, players utilize the command stick to build, deploy, and attack.

The review:
The beauty of this expansion is the fact that it’s like playing an entirely new game but without mixing it up too much. The same experience but with a new taste. There are also some new units to manage along with a massive amount of new maps to run through. The new subfactions aren’t a great subsitute for full out new factions however it’s still quite satisfying.

One problem is that the campaigns aren’t entirely satisfying or never do they feel cohesive. Global Conquest seemed like a good idea but it doesn’t play out so well. There is something unsatisfying about the whole experience. Thankfully it doesn’t ruin the overall game play.

Finally:
Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath is great mostly because of the sheer size. That’s good and bad. Good because you get a lot of game play but not so great when you realize that the factions aren’t expanded. Just throwing in sub-factions doesn’t do enough.