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THE WOBBLY MARCH OF THE STRIDERS CONTINUES...

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 12 / 12
Date: May 08, 2008
Author: Amazon User

The original SupCom was another excellent example of a good game that got too over-hyped for its own good. When it eventually hit the stores, the impression it made did not live up to the expectations (feel free to browse my review on the original game as well).

Its main flows were unpractical graphics (great looking yet unplayable when zoomed-in - whereas, the zoomed-out warfare views were bland and generic), as well as strategically irrelevant ground characteristics. Luckily, SupCom-FORGED ALLIANCE is a standalone expansion that THQ obviously worked on improving.

As with the original, SupCom-FA demonstrates its strengths when a great number of units is deployed. After all, war is big and ruthless - and this is SUPREME COMMANDER - and not...PRETTY BIG Commander; on the other hand, there is no free lunch in this universe.

This expansion sports improved graphics (on both units, shadows and terrain) - but this also means higher system requirements that include the effective need for a Dual-core processor. Just like the original game, SupCom-FA requires a lot of resources to calculate the physics and ballistics in a way that other RTS games would not even touch with a pole. So, when the number of units increases make sure that your system *surpasses* even the RECOMMENDED requirements (provided below):
* 3.0 GHz Intel (or AMD equivalent)
* 1024 MB of RAM
* nVidia 7600 (256MB) (or equivalent)
* 6GB of HDD space.
Now, even meeting the above, you canNOT rule out stuttering and freezing. A Dual-core processor is, in my experience, essential - and this is a requirement NOT justified by the quality of on-screen graphics. Today, there are many games that do wonders with much lower requirements - and this is where SupCom-FA looses its 5th star. The reason for this is the demanding physics calculations taking place in the background. Since they add little to the overall result, I could do without them if this would mean being able to play the game on older systems.

This is a much better deal than buying only the expansion for almost the...same price - provided you do not already own the original game! Here is why.
With the Expansion, supposedly, one is buying all three factions of the original SupCom as well as the new Seraphim faction. However, at $30 that is a pretty steep deal as the new Seraphim faction is only available in Skirmishes and Multiplayer, and does NOT have a campaign of its own! And, to add insult to injury, the other three original factions are LOCKED and not available in a Multiplayer - unless one has the original SupCom!

This GOLD EDITION, however, so it contains BOTH games for a slightly higher price of the expansion and, thus, is a good deal. Waiting for the Summer sales wouldn't hurt though...

Great Game for those willing to learn

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: August 13, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Supreme Commander has forever changed the way RTS will be played, mostly due to its strategic zoom, but also due to its sheer depth of scale and strategy/tactic options (these pertain more to Forged Alliance than they do to the original SupCom). For those who are familiar with Total Annihilation, this game is a must have, as it surpasses what TA accomplished in just about every way imaginable. Be warned though, you have to be willing to learn with this game, as it forgoes the limited scope of games like C&C (all versions).

As other reviews have stated, pay attention to the system requirements for this game, and keep in mind that the minimum requirements will allow for little more than 1v1 online games at low resolution and graphics. However, many will find that the online 1v1 offered is some of the most intense and fast-paced multiplayer action available, and climbing the ranked ladder becomes addictive.

Among the numerous pluses regarding this game, two stand out in particular to me. First, the game is run based on projectile physics (thus the need for a beefy CPU). This means, in short, that battles due not use scripted firing or dice rolls to decide the outcome. Every unit in the game calculates things such as speed, arc, and distance when firing, which in turn means that proper micro-management can allow one to dodge incoming fire to some extent.

The second plus about the game to me is its modding community. For those familiar with TA, this needs no introduction. However, for those unaware, it was very easy to go online and download anything from a custom made map, to new units, to total rehauls of Total Annihilation online, thus significantly extending its shelf life and replayability. The same can be said for Forged Alliance.

All in all, this is a game for the truly devoted RTS fans, as it has a very steep learning curve. Imagine the strategic depth of the Civ series, combined with the fast pace multiplayer action of StarCraft, and throw in some outstanding graphics and map design. Well worth giving a shot, especially with the drop in price!!!

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