Ground Control
Metacritic
IGDB
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About Ground Control
Ground Control arrived on PC in June 2000 from Massive Entertainment and Sierra. It is a real time strategy game set in the 25th century after humanity nearly wiped itself out during the Sixteen-minutes War. Players control either Crayven Corporation forces under Major Sarah Parker or the Order of the New Dawn led by Deacon Jarred Stone. Both sides fight over the distant planet Krig 7-B while uncovering a dark secret hidden beneath its surface. The game blends corporate politics with military conflict on a galactic scale. It runs exclusively on Microsoft Windows and offers both single player campaigns and multiplayer matches.
Gameplay
You build bases and manage supply lines while commanding units in real time battles that span massive vertical distances. The map features multiple terrain layers so your units fight on the ground, in the air, or even in orbit above. You must constantly move between these levels to gain tactical advantages since units cannot simply jump from one height to another without proper transport. A typical session involves gathering resources, constructing factories for heavy armor and starships, then sending waves of troops to capture key points. The interface lets you queue orders for hundreds of units at once. Multiplayer matches often last longer than standard RTS games due to the complex logistics required to sustain forces across three dimensions.
What Players Think
Critics gave Ground Control a Metacritic score of 86 out of 100, reflecting strong early reception. PlayPile user data shows an average completion rate of 72 percent for the single player campaign. The community moods list "intense" as the top vibe during late game battles where supply lines get stretched thin. Average playtime per session sits at 45 minutes for skirmishes and roughly eight hours to finish both campaigns back to back. Users frequently mention the vertical combat system in reviews, noting it changes how they approach traditional strategy games. Achievement hunters report unlocking all available titles after about 12 hours of focused multiplayer grinding or rushing through the story mode with speedrun tactics.
PlayPile's Take
Ground Control remains a solid choice for fans who enjoy managing large armies and tactical depth without needing constant micro management. The price is standard for older PC strategy titles found in digital libraries today. You earn achievements by completing specific campaign objectives and winning multiplayer matches on higher difficulties. This title suits players who like vertical maps and supply chain challenges more than fast paced action shooters. It does not hold up perfectly against modern RTS standards but offers a unique structural experience that few other games attempt. Skip it if you want instant gratification or simple base building.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
IGDB Rating
85.5
RAWG Rating
4.0
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