command and conquer: generals
A real-time strategy video game developed by EA Pacific and released in February 2003.
It is set in the near future, relative to the game's release date, using technology that is either existent, in development, or theorized. The game features a conflict between the Global Liberation Army (GLA), an organization resembling a terrorist group, and the superpowers of the People’s Republic of China (China) and the United States of America (USA).
The game operates in a similar manner to other titles in the Command & Conquer series, where players construct bases, train units, acquire resources on one of the game's maps to fund their operations, and then defeat their opponents by eliminating their bases and armies. It is the first Command & Conquer RTS game to use 3D graphics in-game. The game takes place in an entirely separate continuity that is completely unrelated to the Red Alert universe or the Tiberium universe.
An expansion pack titled Command & Conquer: Generals – Zero Hour was released in September 2003, adding several new abilities and units to each side, and a new mode of play called Generals' Challenge, along with a lot more changes, new features and bug/glitch fixes.
The series has received controversy from media watchdogs due to its national stereotyping and the ability to play as a terrorist-like organization, particularly during the height of the War on Terror. Longtime Command & Conquer fans also objected to the association of their franchise with a game that resembled other real-time strategy games more than traditional Command & Conquer gameplay.
Despite this, the game received positive reviews from fans and critics for its solid and action-packed gameplay, as well as receiving praise for the humorous and memorable voicelines for many of its units. It has since gained a cult following, with fans of the series continuing to develop mods that change the gameplay significantly.