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In the Forums... |
Posted: December 6, 2000 Written by: Dan "Tweak Monkey" Kennedy #3: Command & Conquer / Red Alert (series)  What is it? - I could've just written this article as "the most addicting C&C games of all time" or something, because there are so many add-ons and sequels to this game it's not even funny. But anyway, the ones that I can relate closest to are the original Command & Conquer and the original Red Alert. I mean, sheesh, where to start? C&C is by far one of the best war games of all time. The concept is so simple... you create a little base and as you make it bigger and more advanced, you can create better units and weaponry. While you build up your base, your opponents are doing the same. Eventually there is a clash -- the bases either grow into each other or the units discover the enemy. Then it's war -- just like you had always pictured it. The tanks are running over infantry men who don't hide or run away, the grenadiers are being eaten by giant vicious dogs, and citizens with guns (Texans?) move around so quick that it gives you a headache. Okay, that's just some of the weird things about the game. Other than those weird things that seem to annoy the hell out of you (or entertain you, in some cases), C&C and Red Alert are just awesome. This game is probably so addicting because the strategy it involves. You have to really think carefully when you build your base and deploy your troops. If you build too many buildings without enough power stations, your base runs out of power and everything slows down. You have to account for airplanes and helicopters by building AA guns, and you have to build a navy or something to keep the battleships and *gasp* cruisers from obliterating your precious battle station.  "Look at the cute little doggies... AHAERHAGH!" (that's the sound of a grenadier being eaten by a 700 lb. German Shepard) The Verdict - Any Command & Conquer / Red Alert game is sure to kill serious amounts of time... maybe even too much time in some cases. Either way, it's a great series and will most likely always be in the top 10 addicting games list. Download the C&C, Red Alert, and Tiberian Sun demos here. #2 Counter-Strike  What is it? - Counter-Strike is a mod for Half-Life that takes terrorists and counter-terrorists and pits them against each other, with different tasks for each team. Teamplay is key, and objectives are usually more important than simply killing the other team. CS has to be the most popular mod of all time. It started as a little mod for Half-Life and has grown to incredible levels since, and recently it was put on store shelves as a stand-alone game. I still remember playing an unofficial beta that someone leaked to me. There were only two guns if I remember correctly, and the only hostages were the scientists from Half-Life. I think the only map at the time was Mansion. I lost a whole summer to Counter-Strike, playing the nights away with the Gamers.com/FiringSquad guys on the Gamers.com server. I'd definitely say Counter-Strike is addicting and time consuming. It's probably because of the realism. How many other games have all real weapons, realistic looking models (for the most part), and similar physics? Every model is a human that bleeds and dies when shot or stabbed. I suppose the game isn't for the weak stomached, but it's all in good fun. Also, having the best players on your team doesn't necessarily mean you'll win. After all, the terrorists could prevent you from saving the hostages, or they could still set a bomb which when exploded causes the CTs (counter-terrorists) to lose. Often times there are instances where you have to 'take one for the team' -- die to protect the bomb which will cause your team to win, or hang out with a hostage and a grenade so if the enemies come to take the hostage away, you can toss the grenade and (hopefully) kill everyone.  Who said CTs can't win at Assault? [T3D] clan rockin' the Gamers.com server. The Verdict - I am proud to admit that I quit Counter-Strike cold turkey. It was very difficult... I hope the Gamers.com/FS guys that we used to play with have managed to quit as well. It's an awesome game and I'm sure it'll stay with us for quite some time. If you have the self discipline to quit when it gets too time consuming, go buy a copy for $30 or so at your local retailer, or download it if you already own Half-Life. Counter-Strike's home page. |
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