General Chaos is a middle nineties video game release from Game Refuge Incorporated. It was published by Electronic Arts and was originally created for the Sega Genesis, but was later converted to other formats, including becoming PC compatible. It is a strategy and action combination with some satire woven into the militaristic themes.
The user first has to choose what type of fight he is looking for. He can choose between a long, campaign mode that features a huge series of battles. These battles occur on a large, dynamic map where the user can formulate strategies and battle plans.
The gamer can also choose a quick battle mode, which is a single, hard-fought battle between two factions. Regardless of the method of play, the user will face one other enemy force in the skirmishes. The battles are all between General Havoc and General Chaos. The user has to choose one of four teams available to the generals, all of which have a slightly different configuration of soldiers. Some have five soldiers with choices of different weapons to wield, while as another may have only two commandos, using a different control system entirely. The game also supports multiplayer mode. At this time, up to four human players can play simultaneously. Fortunately for beginning users, General Chaos also features “Boot Camp,” which is an excellent tutorial
and will teach the user about battles and strategic tactics before entering some of the more in depth areas of play.
The play begins, more or less, as a strategy. The user manipulates his troops around the map. In an isometric view, the gamer can watch cartoonish military figures slugging it out on the fields. Battles ensue when two opposing forces have been positioned adjacent to one another. During battles, soldiers can basically kick, punch and defend. When the soldier loses all of his health points, he falls to the ground. The user must then find a way to help the soldier, usually by moving another soldier into the proximity of the injured man and calling for the medics. There is a limit to the number of times a medic can be deployed, and eventually the soldier will fall. Play continues in this manner until one faction or another has no more soldiers and is forced to concede defeat.
In short, General Chaos is a true beer and pretzels strategy game. It is very lightweight and simple to master. Still, it provides a fun challenge and presents a nice strategic test of wits.
