New maps for C&C 360

EA has released new downloadable content for the Xbox 360 version of Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars.

Five new maps are available now for 500 points: Tournament Desert Redux is a remake of the small Generals map described as "like having a knife fight in a closet", while Tiber River Valley featuring two strategic options - either the easier but wide open southern route to the enemy's base, or the intense northern pass littered with blue tiberium and an EMP control center.

Tiberium Gardens III, another remake of a classic C&C map, features lots of tiberium; Blacks Bigger Battle, an enormous four-player variation of an existing map - perfect for just about any strategic manoeuvre is in there too; and the asymmetrical four-player map Frontier Fracas, which is great for a defensive 2v2 stand-off, rounds things out.

Also available on Live Marketplace is a Factions picture pack for 80 points, a free interview based around the new map pack, and a free insider's tour around the new scenarios with helpful strategy hints and tips.

PC users shouldn't worry too much about not being given the same treatment, as most of these are available in the collector's edition of the desktop game. EA Los Angeles has also insisted it is always listening to its fans, and a common request is to replicate the 360 exclusive multiplayer modes on PC. So watch this space, presumably.

The developer also assures us this is just the start of its continued support of the real-time strategy title.

"This is only the beginning of our plan to extend Command & Conquer 3 through premium downloadable content," EALA told IGN. "And without going into too many details, I will tell you that there are plans for other add-ons that will have other focuses, where additional achievements will be a more natural fit."

Pop over to our Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars gamepage to find out more.