Command & Conquer: Generals

About Command & Conquer: Generals

Command & Conquer: Generals is a real-time strategy game set in a near-future conflict between the US, China, and the Global Liberation Army. Released in 2003 by EA Pacific, it pits players against massive armies, with each faction offering unique units and playstyles. The campaign spans 27 missions across three generals, starting with China fending off GLA terrorists, then switching to GLA guerrilla tactics, and ending with US counterattacks. Mac and PC players can build bases, manage resources, and micromanage units in a globe-spanning war. It’s a high-intensity RTS that leans into modern military tech and asymmetric warfare.

Gameplay

Generals revolves around base-building, resource management, and fast-paced combat. Players gather oil, metal, and research to construct units ranging from tanks to stealth jets. Each general has distinct abilities, China’s artillery barrages, GLA’s guerrilla sabotage, and the US’s air superiority. Missions often force quick transitions from defense to offense, with objectives like defending a dam or destroying a satellite uplink. Multiplayer lets you clash with others over control points or in deathmatches. The interface is dense but responsive, requiring quick clicks to balance economy, tech, and frontline pushes. Victory hinges on adapting to each general’s strengths while exploiting enemy weaknesses.

What Players Think

With an IGDB score of 80.4/100 from 240 ratings, Generals holds up for its genre. Community moods skew enthusiastic (68% positive) but note its dated UI. Average playtime clocks in at 38 hours, with 74% of players completing the campaign. Fans praise the “chaotic fun of juggling three factions” but criticize the steep learning curve. Achievements include 18 milestones, with the hardest being “Victory in Dushanbe” (1.2% completion). Critics highlight the lack of post-2003 updates as a drawback. “It’s not the best RTS ever,” says one user, “but the three distinct generals make it replayable.”

PlayPile's Take

Generals is a solid but polarizing RTS. Its three generals offer varied strategies, and the campaign’s geopolitical twists keep things fresh. However, the interface feels clunky by modern standards, and the lack of modern multiplayer polish may deter newcomers. At its peak price of $39.99, it offered decent value for 2003, today, it’s free on some retro platforms. Best for fans of old-school RTS who don’t mind a dated experience. Skip if you prefer streamlined, modern management systems.

Storyline

Generals takes place in the near future where the United States and China co-operate to fight against the Global Liberation Army (GLA), a terrorist organization based in Central Asia. In chronological order, the campaign is played through the Chinese, GLA and then the United States perspectives respectively. China: A military parade in Beijing is attacked by GLA forces, culminating in the detonation of a stolen Chinese nuclear warhead and the beginning of the GLA's incursion inside China's borders. The Chinese mobilize to stall and contain the GLA, but in the process lose the Three Gorges Dam and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. Now on the offensive, the Chinese attack GLA strongholds, arriving at the terror cell's main headquarters in Dushanbe. Utilizing nuclear weapons, the Chinese put an end to the GLA's offensive. GLA: Despite losses to China, the GLA maintains its presence across Central Asia and the Middle East. In efforts to revive itself, the GLA raid UN convoys and incite riots in Astana. However, the United States enters the war and a GLA renegade sides with the Chinese with the intention to destroy the organization. The GLA retaliate by attacking the Baikonur Cosmodrome, and uses the platform to launch devastating toxin attacks at highly populated cities. USA: The United States sends its forces to the Middle East, Hindu Kush and then Kazakhstan to finally put an end to the GLA. Despite losses incurred from GLA attacks and ambushes, the USA are able to push the GLA back to their final stronghold in Akmola Region. With Chinese support, the USA destroys the last GLA stronghold, ending the GLA's reign of tyranny.