Hey there! I'm new to CC (got it with the Humble Bundle, tried it out once, was impressed, but it's kinda overwhelming if you don't know what to do), and I have no idea what to do (well, I played the tutorial, but that's it).

The game looks great, but how do I play? As in, what are good strategies, etc?

Take a look at this topic: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=20908

The vast library of mods is what really extends CC's life (for the people like me who don't make them). Look around the Mod Releases and Scene Releases forums, download some stuff, mess around with them. Instructions on how to install mods are stickied in those forums as well.

Strategies will vary a lot from person to person. I usually enjoy one-man army style battles, so I either play that type of mission or play skirmish defense and load up a single actor with heavy weapons to defend it. Like I said above, experimenting a lot is key until you find some favorite things to do.

Thanks, will have a look at that. I'll also have a look at modding, as that sounds pretty interesting.

Just play skirmish defense with mods and try to survive for as long as possible.
My record is 4 hours with a combined UniTec base, dispensers and some Dirt Tunnels.
Eventually my forces were overrun and the turrets 'naded to oblivion.
Have some screenies.
https://dl-web.dropbox.com/get/Photos/Cortex%20Command/ScreenDump002.bmp?w=d5e68212
https://dl-web.dropbox.com/get/Photos/Cortex%20Command/ScreenDump003.bmp?w=f44bbcba
(It was still B23.)