Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The EA Strategy Collection brings together five distinct titles, each with its own approach to strategic gameplay. From the fast-paced, modern warfare of Command & Conquer: Generals and its expansion Zero Hour to the epic fantasy battles of The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth, this anthology offers a broad spectrum of experiences. Generals emphasizes faction-specific units and tactical positioning, while Zero Hour introduces overhauled generals, superweapons and challenge modes that deepen the core mechanics.

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Black & White 2 and its expansion Battle of the Gods depart from conventional real-time strategy by placing players in the role of a deity. You sculpt the land, perform miracles, and decide the moral alignment of your population—good or evil. The creature AI, miracle system and city-building elements provide a refreshing break from pure military simulation, making each decision feel weighty and dynamic.

The variety in mission design keeps the collection engaging over dozens of hours. Skirmish maps, single-player campaigns, challenge scenarios and multiplayer support cater both to solo strategists and competitive players. While some titles may feel dated in terms of unit pathfinding and AI consistency, the overall depth and replayability remain strong, especially for fans of classic RTS mechanics.

Graphics

Considering their original release dates, the games in this collection hold up surprisingly well. Command & Conquer: Generals and Zero Hour feature clean, recognizable unit models and clear terrain details, though foliage and textures lack the high-res polish of modern engines. Animations are functional if somewhat stiff by today’s standards, but the impact of superweapons and special abilities still carries visual weight.

The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth showcases varied environments—from the rolling hills of the Shire to the fiery plains of Mordor. Troop formations, siege engine effects and spellcasting animations bring Tolkien’s world to life, even if shadow and lighting effects have not aged gracefully. Voiceovers by the movie cast add cinematic flair, compensating for any graphical shortcomings.

Black & White 2’s stylized aesthetic intentionally leans toward the cartoonish, with vibrant colors and oversized creature designs. The environmental deformation when using miracles—raising mountains or flooding valleys—remains visually striking. Overall, while none of these titles will challenge today’s AAA graphics, their distinctive art directions and clear visual feedback make them easy to read and enjoy.

Story

Each game in the EA Strategy Collection presents its own narrative arc. In Command & Conquer: Generals, you choose between the USA, China or the GLA (Global Liberation Army), each with unique campaign missions that highlight geopolitical tensions and tactical objectives. Zero Hour expands the lore by pitting super-general adversaries against one another, delivering more personality through character-driven cutscenes and challenge maps.

The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth retells the War of the Ring from multiple perspectives. Playing as good or evil factions, you participate in key battles such as Helm’s Deep and the Siege of Minas Tirith. The story progression closely follows the Peter Jackson films, complete with voiceovers from original cast members, providing a faithful, if linear, RTS adaptation of the source material.

Black & White 2 and its “Battle of the Gods” expansion feature a more emergent storyline. As a fledgling deity, your moral choices—whether to nurture your followers or instill fear—shape the world’s narrative. While there is no traditional campaign, the sandbox structure creates unique story beats driven by player decisions, making each playthrough feel personal and unpredictable.

Overall Experience

For players seeking a nostalgic trip through mid-2000s strategy gaming, the EA Strategy Collection offers excellent value. With five substantial titles and their expansions, you get dozens of hours of single-player campaigns, skirmish modes and multiplayer opportunities. The diversity in theme—from modern combat to high fantasy to god games—ensures that boredom is never far away.

Some limitations are inevitable: dated UIs, occasional pathfinding quirks and the need for community patches to ensure smooth compatibility on modern systems. However, fan-made mods and digital distribution fixes have largely resolved these issues, making installation and multiplayer matchmaking more accessible than ever.

Ultimately, the EA Strategy Collection caters to both longtime fans and newcomers interested in the roots of real-time strategy and simulation. Its blend of tactical variety, memorable settings and enduring gameplay mechanics make it a worthwhile addition to any strategy enthusiast’s library, particularly for those who appreciate gaming history and the evolution of the genre.

Retro Replay Score

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