Get comfy (it’s a good thing that this is an Xbox 360 instead of a PC game, because it’s a lot more comfortable waiting for your army to build up in reclined plushness), as there are several stages to completing each mission, with no indication of a determinate end, so even though your forces at one location may be winning, don’t leave your troops unattended elsewhere. The bad guys could launch an attack at any moment. While I was busy pushing back the Cybrans, the Aeon slipped through the quarantine, so it was off to the other front. Orders? Despite their peaceful intent, “attack and kill with extreme prejudice”. Your commander sits within an ACU (armored command unit), which is really just a fancy name for a mech. Keep it safe, and NEVER take it into battle. If it blows up – game over. The UEF put up a good fight, but the Aeons are sneaky little buggers. It also would’ve been easier if the boneheads that transported us here hadn’t dropped us off on the wrong side of the continent.

After a successful reattempt, the Aeons are beaten back. My next mission, fight my way across the continent and save the other UEF base before its power core blows up. Repairing the core isn’t the hard part. Getting there is. While a full on assault may be tempting, I highly recommend stealth as there is a huge force, lying in wait, between you and the other base. Use walls to funnel the enemy through your defensive line. Even if you have the required amount of troops to begin an attack – don’t. Wait until you have enough troops to completely over power the enemy and send them back screaming to their mommies with bloodied noses. “Mission Completed” – there are no sweeter words.

Next up were the Cybrans. I’d started to feel sorry for them while playing the UEF, and decided that they deserved a shot at survival. Cybran computers predicted that the UEF would lose in 42 days and the Aeon would then turn on and exterminate them. My mission: free all of the enslaved Cybrans within the UEF. The Cybrans require the same resources as the UEF, so it was time to make with the mass production and power generation. Mass can also be reclaimed from destroyed units and buildings, so if you find yourself near a location where a battle took place – get with the reclamation. Engineers can also be used to capture an enemy’s assets. Dozens of troops may appear adequate, but hundreds are much more effective. The Aeon commander goes down easily in just a few (hours of) strategic moves. Mission accomplished…but…wait…there’s more. No mission is truly ever complete.

Whether you’re looking to spend a few hours teaming up with friends and destroying the enemy, play a quick game vs. AI opponents that won’t mind if you simply quit after an hour or so, or want to dedicate your life to making the universe safe for your faction of humanity, Supreme Commander has something for you.