While the weapons are still wacky in some cases, the situations almost have a present-day feel considering the war on terror that insists on happening. They were replaced by in-game cutscenes and a 'real world' setting pitting the US and China up against a common terrorist foe called the GLA. Gone were the crazy mad scientist stories with cheesy actors and live action cutscenes.
Review Command & Conquer series moved along in a new direction with the release of Generals.