Saracen

The 3 faction structure is a thing Starcraft brought to the table and it's something that has just stuck. To be honest, a 2 faction game would still have a place in the market. The thing would be though, to make it more relevant to the gameplay, and have the factions extremely unique from each other. The best example of faction diversity I can think of would be Universe at War. OK, that had 3 factions, but one was rather crap and felt tacked on. But the 2 main factions, the Hierarchy and Novus, were complete polar opposites, but were still equally strong. Something like that could work effectively. For those unaware of the sides. The Hierarchy were a faction built around bases as Giant walkers. They were extremely hard hitting, but the faction's build times were very slow and their economy to build such powerful weapons came at an extremely heavy price. Therefore the faction required a heavy amount of harvesters and often could clean the map rather quickly. Novus on the other hand were very light hitting, agile, cheap but extremely weak in the armour department, and bases were difficult to defend. Their economy was quick, and they were more dependant on greater numbers, plus hit and run tactics to get the job done. Now in contrast, you could argue that it's a typical GDI Vs Nod sounding faction. But no, they were both heavily innovative diverse factions and the best since Starcraft itself. In order for an RTS to have 2 sides which don't feel like clones of each other with different armour and weapons values (like all 2 faction RTS games of the past), the above example is the extreme of which you'd have to go to. But they still operate around the rock, paper, scissors mechanic. And because of this, developers these days are not interested in pushing the envelope, they're more concerned with playing it safe. So the best way to make factions look hugely diverse is to make a triple threat of sorts. Then you can run the typical rock, paper, scissors mechanic right into the ground (which is harder to do with 2 factions). Since every faction will have a number or rocks, papers and scissors in one of 3 alternating weapons Tiers (which is the reason C&C 3 has such an upgrade structure)... thus, it's a simple, lazy, yet effective way to create an RTS in this manner than try for anything more complex, imaginative or even innovative. It's the power of 3.... which makes it an easy recyclable template to use over and over with very little effort when developing a balanced game. Of course though, once you get into 4 or more faction territory, then you've gotta create a Relic entertainment "Dawn of war" style game where 3 factions operate as the norm, and the rest are exactly the same as one of the other 3, but with different models and textures. This is the problem with the RTS... No one developer is capable of breaking out of the RPS mechanic, because (1) They don't know how to, and (2) Such innovation is a risk that in today's market, it's not a financially viable option should another untested mechanic be found in case the game flops. So it's best to use the tried and tested method which in today's market, makes the RTS a rather stale Genre.

Firstly, Paragraph's Mina, it makes it easier to read. Always concerned about technology Mina. People lived without computers, games etc in their homes in the past. No Mina, you need capitalism because the system is based on greed and the need to look out for yourself, your personal possessions and financial welfare. This sentence displays to me, your absolute dependence on the system, and without it, you become nothing, which is quite sad. Also, you mention competition and advancement. Competition is about making the most money, and again it boils down to greed, it is not for the benefit of anyone but the people at the top of the Hierarchy, the ruling class, those that make life harder for the average Joe. Plus competition doesn't equal advancement. War in any form, equals advancement. A government's desperation to stay ahead of another government is the key to advancement. Without world war 1, world war 2, and especially the cold war, I probably wouldn't be typing this now, in fact, the internet probably wouldn't exist, and if it did, right now it'd probably still be part of a military network in the states somewhere, and at best, we'd be using 14.4 dial up modems right now. I had to laugh hard at this. What you're saying effectively is that the survival of our species is based on a system of political leadership. Nature and evolution determines survival Mina... Sure throughout very early human history and in natural habitats of animals in the wild, there are leaderships, but they are all through the Alpha male. Basic laws of human and animal nature can be enough to lead any species. But really, humans having independent and intelligent thought is what has caused the general populace to believe that they cannot survive without bricks, mortar, metal and machine around them. If you were to chuck everyone into a jungle and told them to survive for a whole 6 months with only the clothes on their back. A good 90% of people would fail. Many wouldn't cope. However about 5% of the population never put in that position before will dig deep to find their true human instinct, and would probably survive. The other 5% of the population are those who know of the skills, to be one with nature, will snare, kill and hunt to be able to live comfortably. My point is dependance.... if Capitalism was to fail... the world economy to completely collapse, everything worthless, what system can go in place that can ensure the survival of 90% of those people who will fail in the concrete jungles? Without Anarchy, I can't think of any. Let's think of it metaphorically, Capitialism is Hugh Hefner, Anarchy is Crocodile Dundee. A cult, really... my god, should you get Anonymous on me next, have a whole load of people with V masks turn up on my doorstep. The fact is I'd let them in and give em all a beer, because unlike Scientology Mina, Anarchy and Activism isn't a cult. A portion of computer Hackers, people at 4chan and such are politically aligned to the left, and many of the people who protested against Scientology were Anarchists or Activists calling for the abolition of a system and the lack of freedom that very cult brings. Anarchy isn't a cult Mina. This quote just sums up your lack of understanding on the subject, basing your opinion on the interpretations of others who have taken part in this thread. People won't bust down your door and stay as long as they please. The manifesto says you can live privately if you wish, but it also says that you can move about as you please if you don't have somewhere to live. In an anarchy people will find buildings that are not used, and they can be converted to suitable places to live... Banks, police stations, derelict buildings, unused accomodation, these are the places which are actually ideal for people to move in and out as they please, and it will not affect those who live in their own places. The difference is, if you see a bigger empty house, and wish to live there, a family could move there without the need to go through any legal channels and stake their right to claim for that building if they so wish. The property thing wouldn't exist, it's based on a society where you choose to share if you so wish. Do something for me Mina visit this link on the Freecycle network... this is what the manifesto means by the taking of property and posessions. The actual Freecycle group initiative was started by American Anarchists who wanted "Strategies for Sustainable Living Beyond Capitalism", and ironically the Freecycle system works around the globe now. I use it all the time. In fact a lot of Average Joe publics do.... this is basic Anarchism at work, this is the example you're looking for, and as such, it is very heavily supported by thousands of town and city communities around the world. Oh and voting is a farce. Each government is the same no matter what crap they throw out there. Choice is not voting, Bush didn't win the last election, he has never been a legal president of the United States.... The so called freedom of choice in a democratic world is put there to make you believe you have a choice... But you watch... if Barack Obama makes president of the United States, that will be through public choice in the eyes of the media, but he will not put his so-called "change" into practice. He wants to disarm America, stop terrorism peacefully without war, and pull troops out of Iraq. But everyone with sense knows that won't happen. Even as a leader he will be forced to keep Bush's Legacy going and so will McCain if he wins... Truth is, regardless who the next president is, they will be the ones to lead the West into a War with Iran, that's if Bush doesn't start the job before he stands down. If choice existed, then it would be the choice of the public to decide the fate of the nation and whether to go to war with a nation, not the governments.

You're starting to sound like me, I don't advise it, I'm the only critic around here!! The video was very well made in my opinion. Graphically very fluid and well thought out, which made it enjoyable. Afterall you can get some trailers this length and by the time you're half way through, you'd just wish it'd hurry up and end (usually making you want back those few minutes of your life), but this one was spot on, and to be honest, it all seemed over too quickly. The only thing I would say that's growing a little tiring are the battles in the trailers. We saw a stack of them with C&C 3 and Kane's Wrath, and the tradition seems to be continuing here. There have to be points in a game where a huge battle or explosive moment can make you shout "Oh Snap!"... A little change of pace and away from the battles would be great. I'm not trying to put a downer on it, but it'd be nice to experience some battles when we play the game where we haven't seen explosion animation X, or unit animation Y. For the pure sake of the franchise, I'd like to see the game portrayed in more than just a mere 1 dimensional product where battles, and explosions are the only selling point. 2008 hasn't been a great year for the RTS (nice to not have a load of clones for once), so it would be nice to make the genre appear to have a bit more in depth than it usually does.

A good decent sized and informative trailer... Also, Hell March 3 sounds freaking awesome! Great job Frank!!

The problem (if you wish to interpret it as that) is that developers are rather into context sensitive music which is dynamic to the events on screen. It seems to be a rather cliché thing at the moment even with the severely limited RTS titles this year (probably the first year since 1995 which isn't classed as "the year of the RTS") so such things as jukeboxes go against the developer vision and design of a game. OK, you could regard that the jukebox is a C&C tradition that's been sorely missed since the Red Alert 2 days.. but is it really that necessary. As in some games communities. Anyone with good enough knowledge of file structure will probably be able to extract all the music (providing it's any good) and have it available for download within a few days of release. Plus if there's any modders out there, I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard for them to give the game a user based jukebox anyway...that is, if anyone is prepared to dedicate their time to it of course. One thing I hope for RA3's sake is that EA actually provide some better and simpler modding accessibility for the game. Quite a few modders since Generals have not been happy about the SAGE engine, and this was expressed highly in a CNCNZ roundtable which discussion extended far beyond the initial feature.... so hopefully there's something which the average joe can get stuck into on this game especially on the Worldbuilder front.

In fact all those things you deem luxuries Mina would still be available. The lack of media, computers internet etc. is an Anarcho-primitive point of view, and Anarcho-primitives wish to wipe out all technology. Any other type of anarchy however would still create these products or services on the provision that they are free for the people and are of a non-profit nature. However Car production would be shut down, and bicycle production increased. Importing of games developed in other countries would cease unless the other country it's coming from is also an Anarchy state, However it also means torrenting would be legal, freedom of information, freedom to share, we can take what we want, when we want without repercussions. The list can go on and on... The great thing is though, withoutcapitalism, it means we can work when we want to, and all the hard work we do will go directly back into the community instead of just benefitting a fat cat boss, and lining his pokets with money... but then again, there won't be any money. Capitalism creates crime, it creates greed, it creates war, with anarchy to kill all that, it will also kill the brainwashing from the state that makes you believe you need money to survive. Afterall, would you rather be an upstanding citizen who gets equal liberty, food and personal sense of pride, or would you rather have little rights, struggle hard to work for your money, which brings little food to the table, and feel morally drained cos the government screws you over by taxing you for everything but the air you breathe? I know what I prefer.

OK here's comes a shock. I like it too. Reason I say this is because there is a box art tradition going on with EA's C&C's now... Like Westwood had a tradition of a soldiers face, EA have established a tradition where C&C boxes display an incoming attack of sheer force. With the exception of Zero Hour perhaps, every C&C box art has shown this sort of style, (with Generals being the most prominent before now) and it's good to be honest. It's firmly establishing EA's signature on the franchise. Lining them all up gives a good indication indeed of the style.

I love this vid cos it's true... try it sometime... I have

Yes the government will fail (or be overturned by the people), yes there will be Chaos, Confusion and Disorder for a short period of time. But the worst time in the period of Anarchy is the transistion period. Some people will have trouble letting go of the capitalist system. However, Anarchists are team workers. While some may believe in a different level of anarchic change, every Anarchist has knowledge of the greater plan, the manifesto which will create order without control. So there is a system in place for change. The greater purpose is not to create chaos, but to end it. The fact is with a possible recession looming over the world markets, prices going up, wages and salaries staying the same. You're seeing the failure of Capitalism around the world. The rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer. All the world governments can do is panic, they are no better than the sterotypical view of Anarchy and you my friends need to realise that with a manifesto, with order, there will be control. This control is individual control of people's lifes, control within the communities of our villiages, towns and cities. A world run by the people for the people. There are certain laws, and there are rules to maintain order, but people agree by them and all play a part. And while this may sound somewhat contradictory, the difference is here that these will not tie people down, they'll only be there for the prevention of criminal intent... Not for the prevention of a person's freedom like capitalism creates. Anarchists have a plan, they have a vision, it helps to read the manifesto, to see what Anarchists really want. And not what the media and governments want you to believe what Anarchy wants.

Not forced into it, but no, Luk3us is right, it is a lack of choice so to speak. Anarchy isn't just about the ultimate goal of removing capitalism and the government from power. Every time you curse high taxes, fuel prices, some pathetic law, or feel strongly against something that the government puts in place. That's the Anarchist inside you getting rather ticked off. If you see in the news some people protesting against something, like the G8, they're anarchists.. or if you look at human rights campaigns, animal rights protests, protests about the war in Iraq, against the war on terrorism, that's all Anarchism in action. The fact is without Anarchy, this world would never change. Bob Geldoff used typical Anarchist Direct Action to set up the Live Aid concerts to feed the poor in Africa, cos he refused to believe that the world governments were actually helping them. In 1961 two students in Portugal had a drink and raised their glasses to freedom. State pig police arrested them and they got 7 years in prison for just expressing freedom. a British lawyer soon told the whole country about the events.. Anarchists rallied together and it became a world-wide movement known now as Amnesty International. Even black people who have used "Activism" (which is a blanket term used by the media to prevent the knowledge that Anarchism does work in our society) like Martin Luther King or Nelson Mandella have gone against the system and their governments to gain equality, to gain freedom and peace... and it has worked. Several nobel peace prizes have been given to people over the decades for Anarchist Direct Action... So the next time you hear that so called Activists are doing something, stop and think... they may actually be Anarchists trying to make the world a better place. Anarchy is more than just getting rid of the government and the Hierarchy of things... it's an everyday battle to improve our way of life, while those who we apparently elect to rule over us, destroy it.

A new sig/av combo I'm gonna have the Anarchy "A" as a tattoo soon

For the most part, I've seemed relatively positive about Red Alert 3. But upon consideration of some factors, I'm looking at the game in a different light. Now let me disclaim this before I start, the EA censorship bandwagon can keep at arms length, because I'm stating an opinion here and in a democracy we're all entitled to free speech. So if this goes invisible or is requested for deletion, I'll be sure to rebut strongly, so here goes... 1) The SAGE Engine My opinion on this is that the engine is old and tired. I look at a Red Alert 3 trailer, and what do I see instantly? C&C 3 in new clothing with the pace slowed a little. I felt this way about C&C 3 too actually... that it was Generals in new clothing, and hell, I like to think I was right on that. Quite simply put, the SAGE engine is showing its limitations no matter how you look at it. Each development cycle we're told that it has been stripped and re-coded by some radical percentage and put back together!? So why on earth do I feel like I'm playing the same game over and over, but with more graphical eye candy? To be honest EA, if the SAGE engine is so damn good then why are we not seeing more enhancements with each new game beyond the eye candy... put some innovation on the table already! 2) The Story Now I'm almost 100% confident that this game is going to fall flat on its face within the first few missions. In regards to storyline on the EA front, there wasn't one for Generals, C&C 3 was terribly thought out, and well Kane's Wrath came up with an ending that makes even the WWE wrestling look like it's written by Ridley Scott. Allow me to be brutally honest here and say that I don't think there's a single writer for EA with a vivid and elaborate mind capable of generating a story that will live in memory. Let's just look to Grand Theft Auto 4 or even Metal Gear Solid 4 to see that here are two well established franchises, and these are two really well made games. They both got almost perfect 10's and 100% scores across the board. Why? One of the strongest reasons is because their single player experience was brought first and the minds that developed it took the time to ensure there was an epic story behind each of them. 3) Level Design Behold the might of the so-called symmetrical map. EA RTS culture has taught us that map designing isn't a strong point for the franchise. I expect it more or less to continue here, because we all know that asymmetrical maps require some effort and a lot of testing. Even though there's a Beta, we're not gonna be focussing on the maps themselves are we... just the bugs. I mean do you think GTA4 & MGS4 got perfect scores for level design because they were randomly thought out without due care and attention? I think not... RA3 will not stand the test of time unless nothing but effort is put into the arenas that we're being placed in... and that includes the time taken to complete each arena too... length to any game is key as well when it comes to level design. 4) Over Zealous Marketing This is a tricky area.. don't do enough, and it won't get noticed... Do what EA's doing, and well, we've played the game before it's even on the shelf. Let's dig GTA and MGS again shall we... but established Franchises should not need heavy handed inside-out marketing to be well known. A notice of existance, followed by a campaign of decent teasers and trailers should be enough to secure interest from anyone, and carry the game on until its release. You just need to look at any existing strong franchises to see how it works... the name should carry the weight. Instead, what EA are doing are telling us every unit, every factor put into that unit, what it's role is, where it goes, and even to the point where we might have to be told whether it has it's own heating and air-conditioning system. Too much info kills a game, and we don't really need to hear it for a franchise like Command & Conquer. 5) The Development Cycle You can call me a "Games are Art" hippy if you like. But one thing that influences a game to be great (and not just Gamespot being paid under the table to say it is) is the time it takes to cycle the development of a game from basic concepts, to going gold. A solid two years is the average cycle for most games, and in EA's defence, C&C follows such a trait. However the games that are considered great are those that break the standard cycle and put a little extra time and money into things. An extra 4-6 months can make all the difference in terms of bugs and polish, but a game that takes an extra year perhaps with no initial release date immediately after announcement *cough* are the ones that seem to fare a lot better in this industry. The fact that Red Alert 3 has been announced so soon after C&C 3's expansion, Kane's Wrath seems a little too concerning to me. That and the fact that a release date is already solidly made sends out an actual "Red Alert" even more so. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and the same should be true for games. Such a quick appearance gives me the impression of a potential Sims like franchise milking or even worse in some respects biting off more than the developers can chew... Red Alert 3 could have done with another year on the table, being announced somewhere later this fall then perhaps being released in the October next year. At least then the game might feel fresher, have a stronger perspective and be given more time to be wanted by the general public. Maybe if that happened then a better image of EA might come forward, and hell, I might not even be writing this... After all, anticipation is a stronger emotion to wield in this industry than just keeping this community happy because they've apparently been waiting long enough already.

HA! That made me laugh, quite a lot actually. I think the image in debylni's profile says why! Anyway welcome to CNCNZ debylni

It's probably been a rather slow and somewhat disappointing month for Battlecasts. As such the main event probably wasn't up to much either on the community front. So it was perhaps wise (as well as an extended thank you) to put in a couple of well known community members who were at the summit, in the event instead.

I don't hump Petroglyph's leg, so why on earth would I hump Westwood's? The RTS has become a stale and boring genre with nothing really going for it. My reasons above purely state that in such a stale Genre, such things need to be looked at, as opposed to going down "same street"... If I've written EA sucks anywhere apart from this very sentence.. please enlighten me? As much respect I have for you Sonic. I could speak along similar lines about your general attitude since you've got back from the summit. But nevertheless, this thread isn't a negative rant. It's a feedback of sorts, but that just sums up the quick assumptions you always decide to make on my part when I write something like this, and that act in itself Sonic is beginning to wear thin as well. Such games are not something I'm riding on hype wagon. GTA4 is genuinely the best of the series as is MGS4. The latter being the best story driven game I have ever played... I can't say there's been another game which made my jaw drop to the floor in terms of how damn well written it was. The reviews of these games have had no baring on what I think about them. In fact those scores are ultimately justified as far as I'm concerned. So ask me in 3 months time if I think the same thing... cos I guarantee, I will. Getting back to the subject anyway The only thing that is really going to differenciate the good from the bad RTS is better concepts, designs and a strong storyline to boot. I've said it before I got told to shut my mouth and pretend to act like I'm going love this game, Red Alert 3 will be considered sub-par by myself until I see it otherwise. So unless I'm ranting and raving about every news item to come out of EA, I don't need any loss of credibility to phase me. But let's face it, the world would be a pretty boring place without its sceptics and critics. Let's also be honest too, you have to respect the fact that I'm not on the "I hate EA" bandwagon, cos unlike them, at least I explain my reasons in an elaborate manner.

I have never seen the fascination in the Hell March track, and I've never particularly liked it.... This was a well performed piece, but I'm more tailored to the music in the original C&C... that was my starting block and Act on Instinct is still my number 1 for a C&C music track. Although I believe Frank's Universe at War Track Divine Intervention, beats any C&C track hands down.

This is pure rhetoric.... and my guess this interview was found at the bottom of a pile somewhere, done months and months ago. So StrategyInformer probably just chucked it out there... It's made them look stupid in my opinion from quite a few perspectives.

Red Knight Sucks - I think I speak for everyone who went to the BfME2 summit by saying BLUE KNIGHT!! Good to see you back safe and sound though.

Video Games Live has released an article saying that Frank Klepacki will be doing a musical premier soon. The premier is set to take place in Las Vegas, which is the birth place of C&C. Here's a piece of the article. Along with Frank Klepacki, you can see many other individuals who will be there, such as Louis Castle, Adam Isgreen, and many others from the original C&C developer team. You can view the rest of the article and even purchase tickets here.

SHOCK!! I'm playing a game!! Metal Gear Solid 4 (PS3) came out yesterday everywhere apart from Japan perhaps because they'er special like... and well I played that for a few hours last night.. Top stuff. That is all

It can be done with Call of Duty 4... I have a friend who runs a very successful PS3 CoD4 clan, and they all use keyboards and mice.... such support is already hardcoded into the PS3's operating system, so it's not a major issue to take advantage of.

The so-called problem with the is 2 fold. Firstly the PS3 runs on a Sony developed Linux operating system, and even though the Sony dev pack is aparently quite good, it still remains notoriously difficult to code for an OS that is not 2nd nature to most developers. Secondly the Cell processor executes code differently from normal CPUs and works differently to single, dual, triple or quad core processors present in PCs and 360s. IBM have created a piece of Alien technology in effect, and well that explains that one. The combination of both is therefore a nightmare in every sense. The independant games retailer in my town goes to gaming conferences and has links in the industry. He claims that Microsoft often pay serious amounts of money to developers and the media to discredit the PS3 and delay multi-format titles on the PS3 and if enough is paid, deal Sony a blow and have the game shelved. In the case of Rockstar and GTA4, there was actually an issue with the 360 version which caused the delay from October to late April... however money under the table meant that Microsoft managed to force the blame on Sony's console instead. But then again, he's probably saying that because Sony and Nintendo pays good amounts of cash to have their 3rd gen and handheld consoles in his shop. Whereas he finds Microsoft unwilling to provide support to his business. Not surprisingly he doesn't hold great ties to EA either... but that's because they want to kill the 2nd hand games market like Konami tried a few years ago.

Well of course it would... But what about the Balloon model?

You'd all be asleep by the stalemate. The last online match myself and Sonic played was Universe at War. We chose sides we never played with before, and went head to head. After 2 hours we called it a draw... But no.... I wouldn't do Kane's Wrath online. I've played the campaign and that's it. My skill level in that game is such that I often struggle to be a single medium AI in Skirmish. To be honest though I think any match with me in would be along the lines of what Raj did in the last BCPT. OK, not even I play that bad, but it's not far off! Probably proves how much I'm prepared to give a C&C game these days

The lack of comments so far here seem to reflect the nature of the Battlecast Program itself. I've just watched it and well, It was "Meh" to say the least. I wish I could be more specific, but really unless David and Raj Co-host and the writing of the show is there to reflect that, it's just extremely unfunny and boring. While I also appreciate that Gina can be extremely hot to put it lightly, her interview bored me to death. Personally I don't care about who the actors are, the important thing is that they can actually act and do it well.... which not surprisingly was the thing that C&C 3 was a huge let didn't do well at all. I can't say much more than that, other than perhaps Apoc is really starting to annoy me somewhat. The way he does his corner does not seem a true reflection of self, and it's starting to give me the impression that his Ego is way too over-inflated. I know he isn't like that, but that's how he's coming across. And put simply it's grinding my nerves!