Command and Conquer: Generals
International Distributor: Westwood Studio and Electronic Arts
Local Distributor: EA Taiwan
Platform: Chinese and English for PC
Release: Currently available (English version); February 2003 (Chinese version)
The real-time strategy (RTS) Command & Conquer series, with the incorporation of combined 2D and 3D graphic effects, has released its latest edition -- Generals. The Cold War model has been let go, and now the adversaries are the US and China, with the added element of terrorist threat.
The date is 2020 and a terrorist organization call the Global Liberation Army is active in China. There struggle against the Chinese government leads to the use of biological weapons and ultimately an international conflagration. As the game is set in "the near future," the range of weapons available can be expanded by the player. In addition, current advanced weaponry is also available and players can make free with Daisy Cutter anti-personnel bombs, nuclear strikes and "Scud storms."
Generals is following the current trend in real-time strategy in providing "heroes" as the persona for the player. In this case there are nine characters that can be chosen, which with their own weapons and vehicle will decide which military unit the player is accompanied by. And, according to Jack Lin (
As it is regarded as the most highly anticipated game of the winter season, EA has rushed through the release of the English-language version of Generals this month. Unfortunately, although EA has already completed the localization process, the Chinese version will not be available until mid-February.
Combat Flight Simulator 3:
Battle for Europe and
RalliSport Challenge
Local Distributor: Microsoft Taiwan
Platforms: English for PC
Release: Currently available
For those unwilling to face the crowds and the congested highways of the Chinese New Year Holiday period, there is nothing better than sitting back with these two games from Microsoft, which give you the freedom to travel roads of unprecedented excitement. Battle for Europe is an expansion set of the already established Microsoft flight-simulator series, and despite a relatively high level of difficulty, it has been long awaited by fans.
RalliSport offers 29 different makes of race car which have been licensed to the game, and over 48 race tracks, ranging from off-road to short tracks. You can even race over glaciers, 007-style.
RalliSpor includes many famous vehicles, including the frightening 1980s B-class underground racer. It is also possible to limitlessly enhance vehicles such as the 850hp Tacoma pickup. With the extra money you might have coming in for the New Year, you could also have the opportunity of accessorizing both of these games with new hardware components from Microsoft. For even more enjoyment of Battle for Europe and RalliSport, why not pick up a wireless optical desktop (including a cordless keyboard and mouse), a SideWinder ForceFeedback steering wheel or Microsoft SideWinder ForceFeedback 2 joystick, to give you even more control?
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