EA putting C&C on Steam has made it easily playable again, but should you bother?
America is vaguely realistic, in that it relies on expensive training and technology.
Some of their vehicles get a free weapon upgrade by driving over salvage left behind by destroyed vehicles.
Even though that means they’re demanding to play well.
There’s the guy who can make almost anything explode, the airstrikes guy, the nukes guy.
Fighting the stealth guy?
Bulk build AA and scatter your forces.
Its an approach that considers, but isnt devoted to, balance overflavour.
“Spectacular” really is the word too, even today.
The controls are inflexible, but not so archaic that you won’t get into their groove.
So does Itchy and Scratchy when you write it down.
But even in 2003, its less physical comedy was already uncomfortably racist.
Their infantry comes in twos and get a “horde bonus” for attacking in human waves.
It’s evoking gross and patronising forms of sinophobia even before the story starts.
Some of their attacks spray anthrax, while others are suicide bombers.
C&C was always high camp, and Generals is knowingly ridiculous.
But excusing it with “it mocks every side!”
ignores the power dynamics that render the mockery more harmful to one side.
But of course, I’d prefer a modern equivalent with a less tacky attitude.
And a same-faction co-op mode, while Im dreaming.
But I hope someone does.
Until then, Generals will remain a textbook problematic fave.
What a fave, and oh god, what a problem.
