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Publisher:  Genre: Strategy & War Expansion For:
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Mac OS X: 10.2.8 Mac OS Classic: Not Supported
CPU: G4 @ 1000 MHz RAM: 256 MB Hard Disk: 1600 MB DVD-ROM Graphics: 32 MB VRAM |
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Zero Hour also adds 25 new multiplayer maps which boast new weather efforts, such as thunder, rain and lightning. While these new maps add variety, multiplayer gamplay is fundamentally unchanged.
Lastly, Zero Hour introduces an entirely different single-player mode called Generals Challenge. In the Generals Challenge, players do battle against one of nine A.I. Generals, each with their own strategies and specialties. For instance, Chinese General Tao is a nuclear specialist, while USA General Townes specializes in laser weaponry. General Townes' base is surrounded by a host of laser cannons, making assaults quite a chore. Of course, it only takes one successful nuke drop to make a fine powder out of those fancy laser cannons. The various Generals will also verbally taunt and otherwise make fun of opposing players. Depending on their opponent's specialty, players have to adjust their strategy accordingly. I really enjoy Generals Challenge, it’s definitely reason enough to buy this expansion pack
Graphics: Polygonal WMDs
Anyone who currently enjoys Command & Conquer Generals should absolutely be able to play Zero Hour. Zero Hour ran splendidly on my Dual 2 GHz G5 and ATI Radeon X800, but lesser machines should be safe. Sure, Zero Hour doesn’t require an X800, but remember, an X800 never hurts. Basically, anybody who can comfortably run Command & Conquer Generals should have no trouble with Zero Hour. The new weather and weapon effects really add new visual flare to an already pretty game. This indeed is one expansion that packs quite a kick.
Sound: Perfected Cacophony
From an aural perspective, Command & Conquer Generals Zero Hour is simply flawless. The entire game sounds like a war movie. Each gun issues its own distinct sound; stinger missiles hiss, tanks deliver thunderous booms and AK-47s sound like deadly popcorn. Even Zero Hour’s musical score is enjoyable; I particularly love the GLA’s Mid-Eastern sitar theme. It makes me feel all militant and fuzzy inside.
Conclusion: We Need Guns, Lots Of Guns
In a shell casing (rather than nutshell, get it?), anyone who loved the original Generals will absolutely adore Zero Hour. Zero Hour takes an already fast paced and frenetic 3D RTS to the next level, adding more guns, weapons and single-player challenges. So, buy it… now.
Now, I leave with a semi-difficult TWO PART bit of trivia. On the Simpsons, according to the Commandant at Bart & Lisa’s military academy, where will wars of the future be fought, who will do most of the actual fighting and what will our duty be during said wars? I’ve also alluded to a certain Beatles song somewhere in this review. So, the first person to answer correctly AND identify both the song and allusion will win their very own copy of Command & Conquer Generals Zero Hour. (Note: We have a winner! The correct answer was:
"The wars of the future will not be fought on the battlefield or at
sea. They will be fought in space, or possibly on top of a very tall
mountain. In either case, most of the actual fighting will be done by
small robots. And as you go forth today remember always your duty is
clear: To build and maintain those robots. Thank you."
and
"I Once Had a War, Or Should I Say It Once Had Me?", which allude to Norwegian Wood.)
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