Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight
Encyclopedia
Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight is a real-time tactics
video game and the latest installment of the popular Command & Conquer
franchise, released March 16, 2010. It constitutes the final chapter in the Kane saga
. Command & Conquer 4 is the first game in the series to implement a form of DRM
that requires constant Internet access; this type of restrictive DRM is fairly new and targets the used games market as well as ensuring that households must buy a copy per person. The game was released for digital download via online gaming distribution service, Steam on March 19, 2010 and did not require constant access to the Internet to run. Command & Conquer 4 also utilizes EA's own servers for online play, rather than GameSpy
Servers which EA has relied on for previous Command & Conquer games. A closed beta of the game was officially released by EA to contest winners on November 21, 2009.
elements.
There are two playable factions: the Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and the Brotherhood of Nod. The storyline begins with the world being consumed by the rampant growth of Tiberium, which is threatening to render the earth uninhabitable. Each faction is split into three upgradeable classes: offense, defense and support, each with their own specialized focus. The classes consist mostly of their own unique units, with the only shared unit among classes being the engineer. The offense class is focused on tank-based, front-line combat, relying less on any kind of fortified emplacements or bases. The defense class is focused on infantry-based combat as well as utilization of rudimentary base defenses, and are also the only class to have access to superweapons. It is the only class that allows the player to construct buildings in order to develop their base (analogous with the previous games). The support class is focused on air-combat and specialized vehicles to traverse the environment, and is also equipped with special support powers that are used to assist teammates. As it relies on air support, the support MCVs of both factions are able to lift off in the air. Command & Conquer 4 contains two non-playable factions from previous games in the Tiberium Universe: The Scrin (C&C3) and the Forgotten (Tiberian Sun), the latter of which returning as a minor part of the story as well as a neutral class on the map. Command & Conquer 4 includes a total of about 90 units, including many new units and updated versions of previous Command & Conquer units.
In Command and Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight, each faction features its own campaign with the story told and played out from their perspective, each resulting in an ultimate conclusion to the Kane saga. In addition to the two brief single player campaigns, Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight features a cooperative campaign mode, which will allow multi-class play and integrated player progression. The difficulty in co-op campaign mode varies depending on the player's level, and objectives will be shared. Campaigns for both factions take place simultaneously.
has evolved and is spreading at such a rate that the whole planet is expected to become uninhabitable by 2068. Humanity is on the brink of extinction.
At this time of crisis, the leader of the Brotherhood of Nod, Kane
, heads straight for the headquarters of the Global Defense Initiative, in hopes of using the Tacitus and GDI's resources to construct a worldwide Tiberium Control Network, which would allow the spread of Tiberium to be controlled, as well as turn it into an inexpensive power source. Even though the idea of alliance was met with hostility by many (which sparked a brief Incursion War conflict), the two factions have nevertheless united. The campaign itself starts 15 years after the formation of the alliance between the two factions, as the Tiberium Control Network is nearing completion, and the spread of Tiberium is finally stopped, bringing the light of optimism to the world's remaining population. However, extremists from both factions cause unrest, which sparks the Fourth Tiberium War.
The player takes the role of Commander Parker, a GDI military officer who receives an optical implant after his battle wounds cause him to lose his eyesight. The player is presented with the possibility to aid either Colonel Louise James' GDI extremists or Kane's Nod Loyalist forces during the Fourth Tiberium War. Both campaigns' events are considered canon
, even though some details of characters' interactions are different.
The game's missions chronicle Kane's attempt to activate the Threshold 19, a tower constructed by Scrin aliens during the Third Tiberium War, which functions like an interstellar portal. Kane (who is explained through canon to be Cain from the story of Cain and Abel, who was punished to walk the earth forever after killing his brother), explains how he has been around for thousands of years. He is very anxious to leave Earth so he can finally rest, and plans to bring about an "ascension" by using the tower. He claims to have used the Tacitus to help create both the Tiberium Control Network and the optical implants; these are, in fact, the keys to the activation of the tower. While the GDI and Nod are officially allied, two groups of separatists desperately try to spark a war to stop (or punish) Kane. The Nod separatists are led by the madman Gideon, while the GDI side is commanded by Colonel Louise James.
After the final battle for the Threshold 19, Kane is about to leave Earth using the Scrin tower. He convinces Commander Parker (the player) to activate it for him, as the other four implant recipients had been hunted down and killed by Gideon. However, before activating it with the optical implant, the player is mortally wounded by Colonel James, but succeeds in activating the portal nonetheless. Kane promptly thanks the player before entering it in both campaigns. After Kane traverses the portal, the commander succumbs to his wounds and dies. With Kane fulfilling his "ascension" and disappearing from Earth, the Tiberium growth recedes following the complete activation of Tiberium Control Network. In the ending cut-scene, news channels announce that all Nod followers have strangely disappeared as well after entering the Scrin tower, which leads to the conclusion that Kane's promises of ascension for all of the Brotherhood of Nod were, at least partially, real.
exclusively for the Windows
, Linux
, Mac OS
and PS3 platform. It had been widely rumored to be in development after a series of surveys was sent out by Electronic Arts to fans asking about what they would like in Tiberian Twilight.
Raj Joshi announced in a BattleCast Primetime special report that the game has been in development for several months and he is one of the producers of the game with Samuel Bass being the Campaign Producer. Official Command and Conquer Community Manager, Aaron "APOC" Kaufman, later clarified that the game had been well into development for over a year.
Tiberian Twilight was first announced by EA UK's PR
team via Twitter
on July 8, 2009. The official announcement came the day after together with a Q&A on GameSpot
which provided key details about the game. Electronic Arts held a contest in which they wanted fans to submit their propositions for a subtitle for the game. The winning subtitle was revealed at CommandCom, a private event held at GamesCom on August 21, 2009.
Tiberian Twilight was actually originally intended to be an online game for the Asian pro-gaming market. The game was later forced to become the conclusion of the Command & Conquer: Tiberian series
in an effort to boost sales.
This is the only RTS Command & Conquer game not to have an expansion pack. However, an exclusive prequel mission called "Night Moves" was available for those who pre-ordered the game, and later as a free bonus for all users.
and the game's official site. The comic chronicles the Incursion War, a set of brief conflicts which were started by those who did not like the idea of GDI and Nod alliance, most notably Gideon, a prominent Nod leader. The main character is Christian Pierce, a GDI commando whose task is to stop the forces which oppose the factions' alliance.
criticized the game requiring several hours of single player gameplay before being able to unlock other units or arsenal - important to winning games in multiplayer. Adam Biessener of GameInformer highlights that the game is made especially for multiplayer, otherwise don't play it – as quoted "Play This With A Friend, Or Not At All" – as do the reviews by GameSpot
and by Alec Meer of Eurogamer
. On the other hand, the single player campaign and the live action videos led to criticism from many reviewers. The digital rights management
software included with the game, which requires the player to be online at all times and which will lead to a loss of progress if the connection is lost, has also been a source of criticism.
Real-time tactics
Real-time tactics or RTT is a subgenre of tactical wargames played in real-time simulating the considerations and circumstances of operational warfare and military tactics...
video game and the latest installment of the popular Command & Conquer
Command & Conquer
Command & Conquer, abbreviated to C&C and also known as Tiberian Dawn, is a 1995 real-time strategy computer game developed by Westwood Studios for MS-DOS and published by Virgin Interactive. It was the first of twelve games to date to be released under the Command & Conquer label, including a...
franchise, released March 16, 2010. It constitutes the final chapter in the Kane saga
Command & Conquer: Tiberian series
The Command & Conquer: Tiberian series is a sub-series of real-time strategy video games belonging to the extensive Command & Conquer franchise by Westwood Studios and Electronic Arts...
. Command & Conquer 4 is the first game in the series to implement a form of DRM
Digital rights management
Digital rights management is a class of access control technologies that are used by hardware manufacturers, publishers, copyright holders and individuals with the intent to limit the use of digital content and devices after sale. DRM is any technology that inhibits uses of digital content that...
that requires constant Internet access; this type of restrictive DRM is fairly new and targets the used games market as well as ensuring that households must buy a copy per person. The game was released for digital download via online gaming distribution service, Steam on March 19, 2010 and did not require constant access to the Internet to run. Command & Conquer 4 also utilizes EA's own servers for online play, rather than GameSpy
GameSpy
GameSpy Industries, Inc., known simply as GameSpy, is a division of IGN Entertainment, which operates a network of game websites and provides online video game-related services and software. GameSpy dates back to the 1996 release of an internet Quake server search program named QSpy. The current...
Servers which EA has relied on for previous Command & Conquer games. A closed beta of the game was officially released by EA to contest winners on November 21, 2009.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Command & Conquer 4 no longer follows the same resource-gathering dynamic as previous games in the series. In the main game mode, the player must capture control nodes scattered across a map, and retain more nodes than the enemy player, gaining enough points over time to win the match. Command & Conquer 4 utilizes class-based gameplay as well as some RPGRole-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
elements.
There are two playable factions: the Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and the Brotherhood of Nod. The storyline begins with the world being consumed by the rampant growth of Tiberium, which is threatening to render the earth uninhabitable. Each faction is split into three upgradeable classes: offense, defense and support, each with their own specialized focus. The classes consist mostly of their own unique units, with the only shared unit among classes being the engineer. The offense class is focused on tank-based, front-line combat, relying less on any kind of fortified emplacements or bases. The defense class is focused on infantry-based combat as well as utilization of rudimentary base defenses, and are also the only class to have access to superweapons. It is the only class that allows the player to construct buildings in order to develop their base (analogous with the previous games). The support class is focused on air-combat and specialized vehicles to traverse the environment, and is also equipped with special support powers that are used to assist teammates. As it relies on air support, the support MCVs of both factions are able to lift off in the air. Command & Conquer 4 contains two non-playable factions from previous games in the Tiberium Universe: The Scrin (C&C3) and the Forgotten (Tiberian Sun), the latter of which returning as a minor part of the story as well as a neutral class on the map. Command & Conquer 4 includes a total of about 90 units, including many new units and updated versions of previous Command & Conquer units.
In Command and Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight, each faction features its own campaign with the story told and played out from their perspective, each resulting in an ultimate conclusion to the Kane saga. In addition to the two brief single player campaigns, Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight features a cooperative campaign mode, which will allow multi-class play and integrated player progression. The difficulty in co-op campaign mode varies depending on the player's level, and objectives will be shared. Campaigns for both factions take place simultaneously.
Plot
The prologue takes place in the year 2062, 15 years after the events of Tiberium Wars (which led to the invasion and defeat of the Scrin), and 10 years after the final events of Kane's Wrath (where the prophet regained possession of the Tacitus). During this time period, TiberiumTiberium
Tiberium or Ichor is a fictional substance that is central to the plot of much of the Command & Conquer series of real-time strategy video games...
has evolved and is spreading at such a rate that the whole planet is expected to become uninhabitable by 2068. Humanity is on the brink of extinction.
At this time of crisis, the leader of the Brotherhood of Nod, Kane
Kane (Command & Conquer)
Kane is a fictional character in the alternate history universe of Westwood Studios' and Electronic Arts' Command & Conquer real-time strategy video games in which he is a seemingly immortal mastermind behind the ancient and secretive Brotherhood of Nod society...
, heads straight for the headquarters of the Global Defense Initiative, in hopes of using the Tacitus and GDI's resources to construct a worldwide Tiberium Control Network, which would allow the spread of Tiberium to be controlled, as well as turn it into an inexpensive power source. Even though the idea of alliance was met with hostility by many (which sparked a brief Incursion War conflict), the two factions have nevertheless united. The campaign itself starts 15 years after the formation of the alliance between the two factions, as the Tiberium Control Network is nearing completion, and the spread of Tiberium is finally stopped, bringing the light of optimism to the world's remaining population. However, extremists from both factions cause unrest, which sparks the Fourth Tiberium War.
The player takes the role of Commander Parker, a GDI military officer who receives an optical implant after his battle wounds cause him to lose his eyesight. The player is presented with the possibility to aid either Colonel Louise James' GDI extremists or Kane's Nod Loyalist forces during the Fourth Tiberium War. Both campaigns' events are considered canon
Canon (fiction)
In the context of a work of fiction, the term canon denotes the material accepted as "official" in a fictional universe's fan base. It is often contrasted with, or used as the basis for, works of fan fiction, which are not considered canonical...
, even though some details of characters' interactions are different.
The game's missions chronicle Kane's attempt to activate the Threshold 19, a tower constructed by Scrin aliens during the Third Tiberium War, which functions like an interstellar portal. Kane (who is explained through canon to be Cain from the story of Cain and Abel, who was punished to walk the earth forever after killing his brother), explains how he has been around for thousands of years. He is very anxious to leave Earth so he can finally rest, and plans to bring about an "ascension" by using the tower. He claims to have used the Tacitus to help create both the Tiberium Control Network and the optical implants; these are, in fact, the keys to the activation of the tower. While the GDI and Nod are officially allied, two groups of separatists desperately try to spark a war to stop (or punish) Kane. The Nod separatists are led by the madman Gideon, while the GDI side is commanded by Colonel Louise James.
After the final battle for the Threshold 19, Kane is about to leave Earth using the Scrin tower. He convinces Commander Parker (the player) to activate it for him, as the other four implant recipients had been hunted down and killed by Gideon. However, before activating it with the optical implant, the player is mortally wounded by Colonel James, but succeeds in activating the portal nonetheless. Kane promptly thanks the player before entering it in both campaigns. After Kane traverses the portal, the commander succumbs to his wounds and dies. With Kane fulfilling his "ascension" and disappearing from Earth, the Tiberium growth recedes following the complete activation of Tiberium Control Network. In the ending cut-scene, news channels announce that all Nod followers have strangely disappeared as well after entering the Scrin tower, which leads to the conclusion that Kane's promises of ascension for all of the Brotherhood of Nod were, at least partially, real.
Development
Tiberian Twilight is the sequel to Tiberium Wars and had been developed at EA Los AngelesEA Los Angeles
EA Los Angeles is a video game developer founded originally in 1995 as DreamWorks Interactive LLC, a subsidiary of DreamWorks SKG....
exclusively for the Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
, Linux
Linux
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
, Mac OS
Mac OS
Mac OS is a series of graphical user interface-based operating systems developed by Apple Inc. for their Macintosh line of computer systems. The Macintosh user experience is credited with popularizing the graphical user interface...
and PS3 platform. It had been widely rumored to be in development after a series of surveys was sent out by Electronic Arts to fans asking about what they would like in Tiberian Twilight.
Raj Joshi announced in a BattleCast Primetime special report that the game has been in development for several months and he is one of the producers of the game with Samuel Bass being the Campaign Producer. Official Command and Conquer Community Manager, Aaron "APOC" Kaufman, later clarified that the game had been well into development for over a year.
Tiberian Twilight was first announced by EA UK's PR
Public relations
Public relations is the actions of a corporation, store, government, individual, etc., in promoting goodwill between itself and the public, the community, employees, customers, etc....
team via Twitter
Twitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
on July 8, 2009. The official announcement came the day after together with a Q&A on GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
which provided key details about the game. Electronic Arts held a contest in which they wanted fans to submit their propositions for a subtitle for the game. The winning subtitle was revealed at CommandCom, a private event held at GamesCom on August 21, 2009.
Tiberian Twilight was actually originally intended to be an online game for the Asian pro-gaming market. The game was later forced to become the conclusion of the Command & Conquer: Tiberian series
Command & Conquer: Tiberian series
The Command & Conquer: Tiberian series is a sub-series of real-time strategy video games belonging to the extensive Command & Conquer franchise by Westwood Studios and Electronic Arts...
in an effort to boost sales.
This is the only RTS Command & Conquer game not to have an expansion pack. However, an exclusive prequel mission called "Night Moves" was available for those who pre-ordered the game, and later as a free bonus for all users.
Motion comic
A promotional four-part motion comic was released on YouTubeYouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
and the game's official site. The comic chronicles the Incursion War, a set of brief conflicts which were started by those who did not like the idea of GDI and Nod alliance, most notably Gideon, a prominent Nod leader. The main character is Christian Pierce, a GDI commando whose task is to stop the forces which oppose the factions' alliance.
Reception
Tiberian Twilight was released to mixed reviews and received lower scores than its predecessors. Tom Chick of 1UP.com1UP.com
1UP.com is a video game website owned by IGN Entertainment, a division of News Corporation. Previously, the site was owned by Ziff Davis before being sold to UGO Entertainment in 2009....
criticized the game requiring several hours of single player gameplay before being able to unlock other units or arsenal - important to winning games in multiplayer. Adam Biessener of GameInformer highlights that the game is made especially for multiplayer, otherwise don't play it – as quoted "Play This With A Friend, Or Not At All" – as do the reviews by GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
and by Alec Meer of Eurogamer
Eurogamer
Eurogamer is a Brighton-based website focused on video games news, reviews, previews and interviews. It is operated by Eurogamer Network Ltd., which was formed in 1999 by brothers Rupert and Nick Loman. Eurogamer has grown to become one of the most important European-based websites focused on...
. On the other hand, the single player campaign and the live action videos led to criticism from many reviewers. The digital rights management
Digital rights management
Digital rights management is a class of access control technologies that are used by hardware manufacturers, publishers, copyright holders and individuals with the intent to limit the use of digital content and devices after sale. DRM is any technology that inhibits uses of digital content that...
software included with the game, which requires the player to be online at all times and which will lead to a loss of progress if the connection is lost, has also been a source of criticism.
- GameSpyGameSpyGameSpy Industries, Inc., known simply as GameSpy, is a division of IGN Entertainment, which operates a network of game websites and provides online video game-related services and software. GameSpy dates back to the 1996 release of an internet Quake server search program named QSpy. The current...
gave the game the lowest score yet, 2.5 out of 5. - GameProGameProGamePro Media was a United States gaming media company publishing online and print content on the video game industry, video game hardware, and video game software developed for a video game console , a computer, and/or a mobile device . GamePro Media properties include GamePro magazine and...
gave it a 4 stars out of 5 stating that the mobile bases concept works well, online multi-player is consistently stable, persistent progression is available, but criticized the need for constant Internet connection and the "leveling" mechanic that can lead to some unbalanced multiplayer matches. - IGNIGNIGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
gave it a 7.4/10, labeling that it is great to see developers and publishers taking risks with franchises in danger of growing too stale, but stating that EA Los Angeles rewrote the entire gameplay formula instead of improving it, making for an experience that barely resembles previous Command & Conquer games. - GamesRadarGamesRadarGamesRadar is a multi-format video game website featuring regular news, previews, reviews, videos, and guides. It is owned and operated simultaneously in the UK and US by worldwide publisher Future Publishing...
gave it a 7 out of 10: stating that on the whole, C&C4 is a graphical step back and as a single-player experience, it "is a bust". - GamespotGameSpotGameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
gave it a 7 out of 10: Saying the single player was not worth it but the multiplayer matches make the game a fun experience. - X-playX-PlayX-Play is a TV program about video games, known for its reviews and comedy skits...
gave it a 4 out of 5: writing for "The Pros": "New gameplay dynamics level the playing field for newbs and veterans", "Extensive multiplayer (competitive & co-op) adds plenty of replay", "Stellar graphics and musical score". For "The Cons" they wrote "Gameplay tweaks will annoy series purists", and "Respawning in an RTS just feels wrong".
See also
- Command & Conquer: Tiberian Incursion
External links
- Press release
- Command & Conquer 4 Q&A by GameSpot
- Command and Conquer Wiki