Instead, all upgrading now takes place on a tech tree. Specifically, the Tier levels from the first game have been entirely done away with. The mechanics of upgrading and building are more intuitive. When compared to the original game, the sequel has a milder learning curve. This is a game that definitely feels more natural to manage with a mouse and keyboard than a controller, but if you're willing to put in the time and learn the system this version is still quite playable. The Xbox 360 version does come with a few drawbacks, specifically a smaller scale and sometimes awkward control setup, but this is a much stronger game than the console version of the original.

And, thankfully, the console version of the sequel actually runs at an acceptable framerate, and looks pretty good in the process. It makes for a more digestible, though slightly less rewarding, real-time strategy experience.

To make things a little easier to digest in the sequel, Gas Powered Games made a number of adjustments to speed up the pace of play and simplify the upgrade process. The sheer number of options to consider when building your forces can be overwhelming at times.

The thrill of the game is building gigantic armies and moving them across land, sea, and air to annihilate the opposition in a brilliant fireworks display of explosive carnage. That's the way of battle in Gas Powered Games' Supreme Commander 2.

Supreme commander 2 pc xbox controller