Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3

History redefined, again

By Lance Tan Ong

With all the war games that pop up every year, it is great to have a title that offers an unconventional take on World War II, courtesy of its parallel universe filled with “what if’s.” This paradox has paved the way for imagination to run wild and offer us unforgettable units and characters over the years. And thank the stars—the pattern continues to show with the title’s newest installment, Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3.

As the plot suggests, campaign mode will put you in the perspective of your choice of affiliation: either the Allies, the Soviets, or the new faction known as the Empire. This time around, you can opt to tackle a mission by yourself, or team up with a friend or with the computer to undertake missions together and make life a lot easier for you. This is a wholesome new approach to the usual RTS story mode that should be a standard to follow in future installments. Other than the campaign mode, there is multiplayer mode to keep you satisfied.

The Empire is generally Japan on steroids which is a refreshing break from Yuri’s troops in the Red Alert 2 expansion Red Alert 3 offering a wide variety of units that are somehow inspired by animé enthusiasts.

You cannot help but be awed by the game’s production value and get goosebumps when you fully engage yourself in the story. Everything you will see is vintage and stunning Red Alert, with the bizarre upside-down world of warfare. Also, it is imperative that we praise those who are part of this game, and this means even the personalities involved. As to production, the music definitely suits the theme, as always.

Strategy fans should take notice of Red Alert 3. It plays out the way RTS games should, but even better. The improvement seen in the latest installment of Red Alert shows that EA has definitely taken a long look at the past in order to make a great Red Alert game. So who knows what will happen in the future? Let’s see Starcraft 2 top this game when the time comes. But until then, knock yourself out with some paradox action.

Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Electronic Arts LA
Website: http://www.ea.com/redalert
ESRB: T (Teen)
Price: PhP 2,300.00

Graphics: 5/5
Sounds: 4.5/5
Fun Factor: 5/5
Replayability: 4/5