<< I dont think AoM, WIII and CC Generals will be in such a direct competition. Oh sure, they're all RTSs, but they're very different. CC is tanks and planes while WIII is heroes and magic... >>
To an extent, I'll agree. Some gamers want a realistic (well, as realistic as Mammoth Tanks go...) sim while a little fantasy here and there suits better, or those historic RTSes like AoE, Empire Earth, etc. Personally, I like the C&C franchise for the same reason I loved Dune2: there's just something about watching your tons and tons of heavily armed, tracked vehicles take down a base while making a pleasing "squish" sound when infantry is involved. 😀