Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance

Developer : Gas Powered Games
Released:
Platforms :
Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance Poster

" Timeless strategy RTS with epic battles and deep tactics but frequent crashes on modern PCs "

Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance Review

Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance is widely regarded as a masterpiece within the real-time strategy (RTS) genre, praised for its deep macro and micro gameplay balance and immense scale. Players appreciate the game's detailed simulation of projectiles and strategic depth, where intel and unit counters play crucial roles. The factions offer subtle differences, adding to replayability and strategic variety. Despite its age, the game maintains an active online community through fan-run servers like Forged Alliance Forever, which also provide regular balancing updates and mods.

However, some players note technical issues such as crashes on modern Windows versions and limited campaign content, which may detract from the experience. The game’s complexity can be overwhelming, especially when managing large-scale battles, leading to frustrating moments. Nonetheless, its enduring appeal and active community keep it relevant, making it a timeless RTS classic that many consider the pinnacle of the genre.

Highlights

Players laud Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance for its polished gameplay mechanics, balancing macro and micro elements effectively. The game's large-scale battles and realistic projectile simulation enhance strategic depth. Its factions provide unique unit options, enriching gameplay variety. The graphics, while dated, still support massive maps and units well. The storyline through campaigns offers a solid introduction to the game’s mechanics. The active fan community and mod support extend the game's longevity and replayability, keeping the multiplayer scene vibrant and engaging.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include frequent crashes on modern Windows systems, which can disrupt gameplay. The campaign mode is considered short, with only six missions repeated across factions, limiting single-player content. Some players find the game's complexity overwhelming, especially managing large-scale battles, which can lead to frustration. Additionally, the lack of official online support requires reliance on fan-run servers. Sound issues on modern PCs have also been reported, affecting immersion. The game’s price point is occasionally questioned given its age and content volume.

Pros

  • Exceptional balance between macro and micro gameplay elements enhances strategic depth.
  • Large-scale battles with realistic projectile simulation add immersive tactical complexity.
  • Unique factions with subtle unit differences provide varied gameplay experiences.
  • Active fan community supports multiplayer with regular updates and custom mods.
  • Massive maps and unit counts create epic RTS battles unmatched by many games.
  • Campaign introduces game mechanics effectively for new players.
  • Timeless RTS classic praised for gameplay polish and strategic pacing.

Cons

  • Frequent crashes on Windows 11 and modern systems disrupt gameplay flow.
  • Limited campaign content with only six missions repeated across factions.
  • No official online support; relies on fan-run servers for multiplayer.
  • Sound issues on modern PCs reduce immersion and enjoyment.
  • High complexity can overwhelm players managing large-scale battles.
  • Price sometimes considered high given age and campaign length.
  • Lack of upgrade cancellation feature frustrates some players.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price

The last days of man are at hand.. Two years after the Infinite War the once great warring nations now lie in ruins, and humanity’s hope for a brighter future is nothing but a bitter memory. A new, seemingly unstoppable enemy, supported by the zealots of The Order, now seeks to eradicate mankind: UEF, Aeon Loyalist, and Cybran alike.

Release Date Sep 28th 2011
Publisher Square Enix
Developer Gas Powered Games
Required Age 0+
Platforms
Addictive
Strategic
Massive
Crashes
Limited Campaign

User Reviews

Overwhelmingly Positive (5,714)
97% Positive 3% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
81