The game does require a bit of power to run well, but the graphics are worth it. The effects are considerably more realistic-looking than in earlier efforts, with smoke, fire, the works. Every video sequence is presented in it, it's in the(surprisingly effective) intro, heck, it's even the background in the main menu. and clearly, the developers realized this: they put footage of it all over the game. The graphics are one of the best things about the game. titles released several years before this. compared to the excellent overview of StarCraft and the Age of Empires games. The new interface is essentially that of other RTS titles(don't get me wrong, the engine is all-new), and this, unfortunately, puts some focus on aspects of these games that others(with this other interface) did better which still haven't been attended to, basically all falling into the category of overview. however, there are shortcomings and bugs, if not very many of the latter. *finally*!) are implemented, game-play is changed around some. Features that were missed earlier(such as a "move *and* attack" command. Rather than following in the footsteps of every RTS game that preceded it within the series, this takes a gamble, wanders of the beaten path. However, that aside, this isn't a bad game. the building system, video sequences and a solid story. As many others have pointed out, this lacks what is accepted to be trademarks of Westwood's popular Command & Conquer franchise.