So for the past few days I've been playing the newly free Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun real-time strategy game. Initially released in 1999, its isometric graphics (2.5D) and low resolution certainly show how PC gaming has advanced visually in the last decade. I am struck that the game is well balanced. I learned quickly that you must employ most of your unit types each mission to avoid failure for each map. But I'm also struck by the fact that you almost certainly need to replay the mission multiple times and knowing what lies ahead is huge advantage. There is little to no dynamic changes when you replay a mission. Although the AI for the computer controlled units is fairly intelligent but not too intelligent to make for a frustrating experience.
The game download is simply a compressed set of files in RAR format, use WinRAR to uncompress it. You just extract the EA Games folder in the compressed file to your "Program Files" directory and run the "tibsun_regadd.reg" in the "Command & Conquer The First Decade" folder. I was able to get it running with Windows 7 just fine with a further adjustments. You need to adjust the game's shortcut properties to run in Windows XP mode under the short cut's compatibility tab. I assume Windows Vista users will have to do the same thing.
The free download also comes with the Expansion Pack: Firestorm. You can play as either the NOD or GDI, each having their own units and abilities. As well as having their own campaign and poorly acted and written video cut scenes with James Earl Jones (the voice of Star Wars' Darth Vader!)
Hey, it's free right? So check it out and and tell me what you think of it?
