Command & Conquer™ Generals Zero Hour

91%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,794 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • story
Command & Conquer™ Generals Zero Hour Game Cover
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"Command & Conquer Generals Zero Hour" is a strategy game that takes you to global conflict zones with new masterminds of modern war. The game features 15 new missions, next-generation 3D units like ECM Tank, BattleBus, and Spectre Gunship, and 9 enemy commanders with unique strategies and tactics. Upgrades and customizations add more depth to your gameplay experience.

  • PC
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

91%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,794 reviews
gameplay11 positive mentions
replayability3 negative mentions
  • Timeless classic that still holds up well after 20 years, providing hours of nostalgic fun.
  • Engaging gameplay with diverse factions and unique generals, allowing for various strategies and playstyles.
  • Strong community support with mods available, enhancing the game experience and fixing many issues.
  • Poor optimization for modern systems, requiring manual tweaks and third-party patches to run properly.
  • Lack of official multiplayer support, making it difficult to play with friends without using external tools.
  • Frequent crashes and technical issues, particularly when alt-tabbing or playing for extended periods.
  • gameplay53 mentions

    The gameplay of "Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour" is widely praised for its addictive and strategic depth, building upon the classic RTS formula with unique factions and mechanics that enhance the experience. While some reviewers note a lack of innovation compared to earlier titles, the game remains engaging and fun, especially with community mods that expand its content. Overall, it is considered a timeless classic that continues to captivate players with its fast-paced and polished gameplay.

    • “Its addictive gameplay, engaging storyline, and robust multiplayer features have withstood the test of time.”
    • “The gameplay itself is fast-paced yet strategically demanding.”
    • “Overall, Command & Conquer™ Generals Zero Hour is a timeless classic that continues to captivate strategy enthusiasts with its depth, variety, and thrilling gameplay.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, it feels like the same ol' C&C with minor tweaks.”
    • “Plus, they lean heavily on the same, tired mechanics—there's no innovation.”
    • “As for the gameplay, mind you that while solid, it's still a two decades old game with its bugs and crashes (at least, the first time you launch it), but after that, it plays flawlessly.”
  • graphics52 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally considered dated, reflecting its early 2000s origins, yet they still manage to convey an immersive battlefield experience. While some players appreciate the art style and unit distinction, many express a desire for modernization and remastering to improve performance and compatibility with modern displays. Overall, the visuals hold up reasonably well for their time, but significant improvements are needed to meet contemporary standards.

    • “For a game that originally released in the early 2000s, the graphics still hold up well today.”
    • “The crisp visuals, detailed environments, and impressive animations create an immersive battlefield experience.”
    • “Even though it is a bit dated on the graphics, it is still a fun, great game.”
    • “Even in the lowest graphics and resolution possible, the performance is very bad.”
    • “This needs a graphics/texture remaster a la Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary style.”
    • “It's an old game where the age of the graphics is obvious even to the blind.”
  • story51 mentions

    The story in the game is generally viewed as entertaining but not particularly deep, with a focus on humor and nostalgia that resonates with players. Each faction has its own campaign, featuring live-action cutscenes and a continuation of the overarching narrative, though some players feel the missions can be repetitive and the campaigns too short. Overall, while the story may not rival classics like Command & Conquer or Red Alert, it effectively complements the unique gameplay and adds to the fun experience.

    • “Nostalgia incarnate, love the voice acting and story, plus the gameplay is very unique at the time compared to the other Command and Conquer games.”
    • “You have three campaigns that put you once again in command of one of three factions with live action/CGI fully voice acted cutscenes that set you up for your next mission with an intriguing story.”
    • “The expansion adds new campaigns for each faction, deepening the story and stakes for each side.”
    • “The story doesn't hold a candle to the old C&C or Red Alert, but that really doesn't matter in this case, because the game is just plain fun.”
    • “I feel like in the campaign you never really play against the new subfactions this game brings (except one mission as GLA), which I think is a shame.”
    • “Best of luck getting the game to play through the story; I got 'serious error' every time I was about to advance through the story campaign... overheating, or hardware is not powerful enough?”
  • music26 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its iconic and immersive quality, often described as a standout feature that enhances gameplay and atmosphere. Players appreciate the combination of the stirring soundtrack, memorable unit voice lines, and sound effects, which together create a compelling audio experience that many consider essential to the game's identity. Overall, the soundtrack is celebrated as a timeless element that players hope remains unchanged in any future updates or remasters.

    • “The soundtrack is iconic along with the unit voice lines and dialogue.”
    • “The sound design is equally impressive, with powerful explosions, authentic military chatter, and a stirring soundtrack that enhances the intensity of every battle.”
    • “The single-player campaign offers thrilling missions, complemented by an outstanding soundtrack.”
    • “The soundtrack is something of a regular occurrence in my background music playlist.”
    • “The music—oh, the music!”
    • “Please, do some updates for this game, make it great again, maybe even a nice remaster with better graphics, without changing the actual mechanics or music.”
  • optimization19 mentions

    The game's optimization for modern hardware is widely criticized, with many users reporting significant performance issues, crashes, and a lack of support for higher resolutions. While some players still find enjoyment in the gameplay, the overall experience is hampered by outdated optimization, leading to recommendations for third-party patches to improve performance. Despite its nostalgic value, the game struggles to run effectively on contemporary systems.

    • “Would advise using gentool (gentool.net) to make sure it runs smoothly on modern systems, including HD+ widescreen options.”
    • “But even without optimization it’s still playable and a lot of fun; the gameplay is just incredible.”
    • “There will hardly ever be a better RTS; improve multiplayer and fix minor performance issues and the game will rock again.”
    • “I like it, but I'm currently trying to find ways to patch/mod it due to ridiculous performance issues.”
    • “Even in the lowest graphics and resolution possible, the performance is very bad.”
    • “This is so badly optimized, even for modern hardware.”
  • replayability12 mentions

    The game boasts high replayability due to its diverse factions, customizable units, and a variety of maps and game modes, ensuring each session feels unique. The addition of challenge modes and an active modding community further enhances its longevity and appeal, making it a timeless choice for RTS fans. Overall, players appreciate the game's ability to remain engaging and fun even years after its release.

    • “For me, the variety of available solo gameplay means that replay value is very high.”
    • “The customizable units further enhance the replayability, allowing players to tailor their armies to suit their play style.”
    • “The variety of maps and game modes further enhances the replayability, making each multiplayer session feel unique.”
    • “The game's diverse factions, each with unique units and playstyles, offer a high level of replayability.”
    • “Overall, Zero Hour is a must-play for RTS fans, offering timeless excellence and endless replayability.”
  • stability7 mentions

    The game's stability is inconsistent, with reports of lag and permanent freezes during extended play, particularly on certain buggy maps. While it performs well on recent operating systems and Proton, players have noted issues with glitches and hit-and-run tactics affecting gameplay.

    • “Runs great on Proton too.”
    • “It runs great on recent OS, and after all these years, it doesn't look as bad as I imagined it would look.”
    • “The game gets laggy when playing for a long time, then freezes permanently.”
    • “There are some buggy maps.”
    • “The glitches.”
  • atmosphere4 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is characterized by a fiercely competitive environment, enhanced by commendable sound design, iconic voice lines, and immersive music. Detailed unit designs, explosive special effects, and dynamic environments further enrich the overall experience, making it engaging and immersive for players.

    • “The sound design is equally commendable, with iconic voice lines and sound effects that add to the overall atmosphere of the game.”
    • “The detailed unit designs, explosive special effects, and dynamic environments contribute to the game's immersive atmosphere.”
    • “It's a great game with fantastic gameplay, resource balancing, music, and atmosphere; it has it all.”
    • “The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth and immersion I was hoping for.”
    • “Despite the game's potential, the atmosphere is dull and fails to engage the player.”
    • “The world feels lifeless, and the atmosphere does not draw you in as it should.”
  • humor4 mentions

    The humor in the game is highlighted by its funny unit lines, iconic quotes, and absurd physics, which create entertaining scenarios, such as launching enemies into the air with powerful weapons. Players appreciate the blend of modern realism and futuristic concepts, along with the comedic elements present in the characters and challenges, making for a fun and engaging experience, especially during multiplayer sessions.

    • “From the funny unit lines to the epic music, I have always enjoyed this game.”
    • “Also, I know the physics are awful, but nothing is more hilarious than dropping a MOAB or using the nuke cannon on a group of ground units and watching them get thrown in every direction, including up, just to fall back down almost a minute later.”
    • “The missions are straightforward, the generals in the challenges are hilariously iconic, and the LAN parties are out of this world fun.”
  • grinding4 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious, with some missions feeling repetitive and requiring significant time investment. While there are enjoyable new units, the overall experience can be marred by the need for extensive grinding to progress.

    • “It can be a bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Nice new units, but many tedious campaign missions.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
  • monetization4 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized as a blatant cash grab by EA, leveraging nostalgia without offering any updates or improvements since its original release in 2003. Players express disappointment over the lack of support and the presence of ads, contrasting it with the past when games were free from such monetization tactics.

    • “Honestly, it feels like EA just threw this out there for a quick cash grab.”
    • “But to put a game on Steam from 2003 with zero updates or support in 2024 is a lazy cash grab.”
    • “EA is purely cash grabbing on nostalgia, not actually improving anything.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    Players express a strong emotional attachment to the game, indicating that its arrival on Steam has reignited their passion for gaming, to the extent that they may not engage with other titles. This highlights the game's nostalgic value and its ability to evoke deep feelings of connection and satisfaction.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

187hMedian play time
314hAverage play time
40-709hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 5 analyzed playthroughs

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