Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars
A new global conflict draws an alien Tiberium-harvesting faction to Earth.
Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars is a 2007 science fiction real-time strategy game developed and published by Electronic Arts. It is the direct sequel to Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun, set seventeen years after its expansion pack Firestorm, and introduces a new extraterrestrial faction called the Scrin.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- EA Los Angeles
- Publisher
- Electronic Arts
- Producer
- Amer Ajami
- Designer
- Jason Bender
- Programmer
- Austin Ellis
- Artist
- Matt J. Britton; Adam McCarthy
- Writer
- Brent Friedman
- Composer
- Steve Jablonsky; Trevor Morris
Facts from the source article.
Plot
In an alternate timeline, an alien substance called Tiberium lands on Earth in the 1990s and begins terraforming the planet. It creates crystals containing precious metals but transforms plant life into alien flora that produces toxic gas. By the 2040s, the ecological state is critical, with uninhabitable areas and violent ion storms. Two factions emerge: the Global Defense Initiative (GDI), which seeks to eradicate Tiberium, and the Brotherhood of Nod, which believes the substance heralds human evolution based on the prophecies of its leader Kane.
By the mid-2040s, countries have ceased political presence, and the world is remapped into three zones: Red Zones (toxic, high Tiberium), Yellow Zones (contaminated, mostly Nod-controlled), and Blue Zones (minimal contamination, protected by GDI). In 2047, Kane returns from presumed death and leads Nod to attack Blue Zones after destroying GDI's orbital command station, the GDSS Philadelphia, triggering the Third Tiberium War. A liquid Tiberium explosion attracts the Scrin, an extraterrestrial faction that invades and conflicts with both sides.
The campaigns for GDI, Nod, and the Scrin are interwoven in the same timeline, with the GDI campaign ending differing from the others.
Development
A sequel to Tiberian Sun had been expected since 1999, and work was believed to have started at Westwood Studios in 2001. Electronic Arts shifted focus to a modern theme, resulting in Command & Conquer: Generals. Developers retained the Command & Conquer 3 idea, tentatively named 'Incursion', as an update of the original game. Some original Westwood members quit to form Petroglyph Games, while others moved to Los Angeles, putting development on hold.
In 2004, old concept art from Westwood was made public under the name 'Command & Conquer 3', showing a mech unit and full 3D RTS environment. In December 2004, executive producer Mark Skaggs announced the next game would be Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, not the Tiberian Sun sequel. Skaggs left EA shortly after, and the Red Alert 3 ideas were mothballed. Mike Verdu became the new lead.
On April 18, 2006, Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars was prematurely announced, followed by an official press release, and EA Los Angeles hosted fan summits for previews and feedback.
Reception
PC Gamer U.S. gave the game 90% and its Editor's Choice, calling it a return to glory. PC Gamer Sweden and UK gave 81% and 82%, calling it a welcome but limited return. GameSpot rated it 9.0/10 with Editor's Choice, calling it one of the finest RTS games in years. IGN rated it 8.5/10.
GamePro gave it 4.5/5 and Editor's Choice, naming it Game of the Month in June 2007. PC Format gave 81%, praising its presentation and action but criticizing lack of innovation. Pelit gave 89/100, MikroBitti gave 4/5, applauding appearance and sounds but criticizing lack of loyalty to early C&C mechanics. Edge gave 7/10, feeling the strategic formula was dated.
The game sold 128,000 units in its first week, and one million units by May 31, 2007. Its computer version received a Gold sales award from ELSPA for at least 200,000 copies in the UK. The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences awarded it Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What platforms is Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars available on?
Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars was released for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, Mac OS X and J2ME.
Who designed Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars?
Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars was designed by Jason Bender.
Who composed the music for Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars?
The music for Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars was composed by Steve Jablonsky and Trevor Morris.
What engine does Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars use?
Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars runs on SAGE.
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