One of the major draws of the Command & Conquer franchise has been the single-player campaign with its cheesy live-action movies. The longetivity of the franchise, however, can be attributed to the game being a fast-paced brute-force RTS with a terrific multiplayer component. The latest expansion pack for Command & Conquer 3 looks to continue that tradition with all sorts of interesting new multiplayer maps. Jim Vessella, EA's Lead Producer on Kane's Wrath, has a few pointers that can help gamers dominate on some of the new tournament maps in the game.



Tournament Decision

Tournament Decision is one of our new showcase two-player maps in Kane's Wrath, and will be part of our ranked 1v1 ladder map rotation. The map was designed for balanced gameplay and fast action, encouraging players to expand quickly and attack often. Players start in opposite corners with a healthy green Tiberium field, with the other two corners containing expansion fields. The center of the map is home to an EMP Control Center tech structure, which can turn the tide of the battle for the player who captures it. The EMP structure is protected by two capturable Defensive Turrets, providing further incentive for players to rush the center of the map. Each player also starts with close proximity to a Tiberium Spike, while two additional Spikes are ripe for the taking in the southeast corner.


The key to success on this map is controlling one of the expansion fields. Expect a tough fight over these corners of the map, so be sure to utilize garrisoned structures. The battlefield is littered with choke points, allowing Nod players to deploy Reckoners full of infantry in key locations. To maximize your versatility, be sure to build up an airforce to traverse easily over the mountainous terrain. GDI Hammerheads are a perfect tool for this strategy.

Once you're ready to mount an assault, keep in mind there are three entrances to each base. Vary your attacks through these entrances to catch your enemy off-guard, and perhaps sneak an Engineer or Commando unit in through the backdoor. If you can hold a corner of the map and keep your enemy guessing, you'll see the Victorious logo in no time.

Oasis Onslaught

Oasis Onslaught is a four-player map in our new African environment, and will be part of our ranked 2v2 ladder map rotation. The map has open battlefields with plenty of Tiberium, providing for awesome large-scale team battles. Teams will want to begin by expanding into their protected expansion plateau. Because of the multiple Tiberium fields, Reaper-17 players can gain a huge economic advantage by planting Growth Stimulators on each Tiberium node. Four Tiberium Spikes and an EMP Control Center are in the middle city, making this a hotly contested area throughout the game.

The winning team will be the one that can protect and hold the Tiberium expansion fields. Be sure to place defenses at the entrances to your expansion plateau. Harassment is an effective strategy on this map due to so much open space for maneuvering. If you're playing as Traveler-59, rush to purchase Advanced Articulators and begin sending squads of Disintigrators, Cultists and Shock Troopers at the enemy. Keep in mind that the valuable Blue Tiberium field starts at zero and grows over time, so taking out your enemy expansion before they gain access to this resource can turn the tide in your favor. Utilize the open space of the map to break out Tier 3 and Epic Units, then watch the fireworks!