Genre: Real-Time Strategy
Developer: Red Storm Entertainment
Publisher: Red Storm Entertainment
Year: 1999
Platform: Microsoft Windows
Force 21 is a real-time strategy game developed and published by Red Storm Entertainment in 1999. Set in the year 2015, the game presents a fictional conflict where U.S. forces, known as “Force 21,” engage in combat against People’s Republic of China (PRC) forces in Kazakhstan. The game offers players the choice to command either side in this modern warfare scenario.
The gameplay focuses on tactical combat without base-building elements. Players control a set number of units from a selection of over 40 different types, with each mission allowing up to 16 units. The game features 30 single-player missions and 10 multiplayer maps supporting up to four players. Additionally, a map editor is included, enabling players to create custom scenarios.
Force 21 employs 3D graphics to depict its battlefield environments, aiming to provide a realistic representation of modern military engagements. The game emphasizes strategic planning and unit management, requiring players to make decisions based on terrain, unit capabilities, and mission objectives.
Reception of the game was mixed. While some players appreciated the game’s strategic depth and the inclusion of a map editor, others criticized its dated graphics and limited unit control. Despite these critiques, Force 21 remains a notable title for its attempt to blend modern military strategy with real-time gameplay.
