Despite the obvious similarities with previous C&Cs, it’s vital to evolve your old tactics (even though the tank-rush is still devastating). Extended play should see seasoned Nod gamers master their faction's hit-and-run expertise, destroying overwhelming numbers of GDI weaponry aimed crudely at their base, while the innovative alien race offers totally new challenges.

Mastering the General's Powers tab is crucial for continued success. It's not enough to slap down minefields in desperation at approaching troops. Everything must be built and deployed with purpose. You could, for example, use mines to turn an enemy's advance, then tempt them into charging a decoy army before launching a deadly ambush.

Above: It looks fantastic in full flow, but the environment isn't nearly as destructible as we'd like

Our multiplayer action session certainly illustrated that Tiberium Wars is another satisfying dose of familiar - but excitingly fresh - C&C gameplay. But it still needs streamlining. We suggested to Mike Verdu, executive producer on the title, that a button that selects the most recently built structure is essential for easy, swift deployment, especially on Xbox 360 - he liked the idea, too. Perhaps we should run up an invoice?

The Xbox 360 port owes much to Battle for Middle Earth II, and will use controls inspired from, though not the same as, the neat setup in that game. A PS3 version isn't out of the question, but EA is "only working on 360 and PC at the moment".

Our problem with C&C3: Tiberium Wars is in its demanding interface, which promotes thoughtless combat by making clever attacks awkward and overly taxing. Juggling tasks is a traditional C&C ordeal, but while veterans will be instantly comfortable, newcomers may find that overcoming the creaky 12-year old control system will be the biggest challenge the game has to offer.