So, in case you're wondering what's new in this version:
i) Campaign Mode -- four independant fictional campaigns with multiple missions that have branching conditions (except the first campaign which only has two missions). A branching condition means that when you win a particular mission the next mission you play will depend on various goals you achieved in the mission just played. For instance, if playing a mission with an AI ally -- if you win by beating your opponent, but your ally is defeated before you win, then you proceed to mission (a), however if you win and your ally survived, then you go to mission (b).
ii) New Abilities -- there are two new commands - BOMB and REPAIR. BOMB is used by aircraft to damage facilities such as cities and factories. If a facility is damaged its output is reduced. Facilities start with 100 health and each BOMB attack depletes the health. When a facility's health reaches zero it no can no longer function. There is also an ability called 'Intercept'. Units with this ability can attack an enemy unit that moves into their range. This is particularly useful with anti-air units, as they will now attack enemy air units that come within range automatically during the enemy's turn.
iii) New Unit type -- Engineer units have been added. These units are used to REPAIR damaged facilities. You can repair neutral or friendly facilities with an engineer unit instead of moving.
iv) Improved UI -- specifically for the US release we've added a couple of requested features. During multi-player Free Play games, when control passes to another actual player (as opposed to an AI player) the game will present a black screen with the army flag displayed allowing you to switch players without seeing more units than you should. You can now inspect a unit directly from a single button press, but to do so, you'll need to assign the function using the settings screen.
v) In-Game Operators -- now there is a voiced operator prompting you when various things happen during game play. This adds to the flavor of the game and you have the choice between a female, male and none. Note that we reduced the number of operators from 6 to 2...
vi) More Free Play maps -- the game supports more Free Play maps with the addition of all the Campaign Maps.
I think that's it -- If I remember something else I'll add it here.
Colin.
NGBC is pretty damn good.