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The Top PC Games of E3 2002

Last year was the first E3 where PC gaming seemed to lose some ground in comparison with the burgeoning video game market. The impending launch of the Xbox and GameCube systems and the powerful presence of the PlayStation 2 made the various PC games on display at last year's E3 look a little tame. Arguably, this year was no different, with PC gaming garnering less attention overall than it did several years ago. However, there were a number of big exceptions on the PC side--games that really push the envelope in terms of their technology and in the innovation seen in their designs. To give due credit to what remains the single largest, most prolific gaming platform, we present the top 10 PC games of E3 2002:

10. Command & Conquer: Generals
Developed by: EA Pacific
Published by: Electronic Arts
Release Date: Q4 2002
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What's Ahead:
Clearly, the developers made a concerted effort to produce a really impressive demo of the game for E3 2002, and they succeeded. Still, this demo mostly consisted of pre-scripted actions and didn't really reflect final gameplay. As such, we still have a lot of questions about how Generals will work--and whether EA will truly get it out the door on time later this year. We'd rather see Generals done right than see it get done right now.
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They say that graphics aren't everything. But we can't help getting excited about Command & Conquer: Generals in large part because of how cool it looks. The next entry in the classic real-time strategy series will be the first to sport a fully 3D engine--and what an engine! Featuring highly realistic terrain, great-looking special effects, and detailed units, Command & Conquer: Generals is a real beauty from what we've seen. It's also looking like a lot of fun. The game's designers previously worked on the fun and fast-paced Command & Conquer Red Alert 2, so they know how to balance pure action with a good helping of real strategy. Judging by Red Alert 2, they also know how to make a fine, well-balanced multiplayer game. Generals promises all this and more. For instance, it will be the first Command & Conquer product to ship with a fully featured scenario editor, which should give the game's fan community (it already has one and it's not even out!) everything it needs to extend the life of the game indefinitely.

Command & Conquer: Generals isn't just a rehash of the tried-and-true C&C gameplay. It will be first Command & Conquer game to take a bit of a more serious approach--the units in the game are more realistic, and the game's setting is a lot more plausible than in previous C&C offerings. Generals is set in the near future, when the United States joins forces with China to defend against a powerful terrorist organization. Players will be able to control any of these in single-player campaign missions, skirmish battles, and multiplayer matches. Generals promises the same sort of fast-paced gameplay seen in Red Alert 2, and that's all the more reason why we can't wait to play it. EA has ambitiously set its sights on finishing the game this year.
 

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