Conclusion

How will the multi-player game change?

We've added a number of new elements to the multiplayer aspect of Tiberian Sun including a random map generator, new in-game surprises like atmospheric effects that change the direction of the battle, some new "dials" offering a greater degree of customization besides starting number of units, credits, etc. as well as automatic ladder rankings and Battle Clan ™ support. And there are no additional or hourly fees for Internet players on Westwood Online since we continue to run it as a free service worldwide.

Craters pock mark the landscape

Titans move in...

What changes (if any) are you looking to make to Westwood Online (formerly Westwood Chat)?

As far as Westwood Online goes, everything will be tightly integrated and the interface and connections will be streamlined. One application (the Tiberian Sun executable) will do it all. We have added all sorts of multiplay features like auto ranking ladders and support for Battle Clans.

Tell us about the new units.

Players will find a few familiar units like tanks and infantry and they will also find many completely new units that create opportunities for new battlefield tactics. These include Jump Jet Infantry who can jump over cliffs and small chasms, subterranean units that travel under the ground, the Firestorm Defense which acts as a sort of force field, the Stealth Generator that cloaks your base, hover tanks that can go over water and land, and the Disrupter that fires a beam of sonic energy, to name a few.

...and get smoked

Moving in closer

What's the coolest thing about Tiberian Sun?

No one thing is the coolest. It's the total package that makes Tiberian Sun cool. Everything works together to provide an experience that's satisfying on many levels. In general I love the strategic dynamic between all the units and I really love the kinetic battlefield which is a result of voxels, lighting, great sounds, high energy weapons and so much more. I love so many aspects I can't name one and it is too early to tell if I will favor one side over the other. The whole Nod dynamic is very, very cool and GDI is also a bit…meaner than ever before!

How will the 'experience' system work?

It's a point-based system that takes into account what unit killed what unit or structure. For instance, a tank killing an infantry unit doesn't get much reward, but an infantry unit killing a tank gets a lot of points. As units and troops gather experience they will gain strength, speed, and, in some cases they get new abilities.

A lot of power plants here

Meeting

Any dogs?

Tiberian Sun has a few creatures that are new to the biosphere and one or two are a bit more challenging than the old hounds from Red Alert.

Will Tanya be making a re-appearance?

No, not Tanya in particular, but in her spirit we have a very strong female character that's just (if not more) kick-butt than Tanya.

After all your success, does it put a lot of pressure on you to live up to expectations?

Expectations are probably high but that's okay since I think we will deliver a compelling game and a lasting experience with a lot of replay and value. For those who hope we will put every single idea/unit/feature they have ever seen in RTS, they might be initially disappointed, but once they get into the game they will see the wisdom of it and hopefully be gratified by our selectivity. Hey, what fun would life be if you could have everything you ever wanted all at once?