It's been seven long years since the last Command & Conquer Red
Alert game and now real-time strategy (RTS) fans can rejoice as COMMAND
& CONQUER RED ALERT 3 is now available for Windows PCs (with an Xbox 360 and
PlayStation 3 version to follow). As with its best-selling predecessors, this
anticipated sequel features an over-the-top story told via cheesy live-motion
video cut-scenes, and of course, frantic mouse-clicking game-play from an
overhead perspective (ideal for "commanding" and "conquering"). The deliciously
ridiculous premise behind Command & Conquer Red Alert 3 involves a
Russian leader, played by Tim Curry (of Rocky Horror Picture Show
fame), who goes back in time with colleagues to kill Albert Einstein in the
hopes the Soviets will become the world power instead of the U.S. Except
tampering with history causes an unexpected outcome: the Empire of the Rising
Sun becomes a major player, led by corny emperor George Takei (Star
Trek).
In the story-based campaign, players must choose to lead one of the three
sides – the Allies, Soviets and Empire – each with their own weapons, vehicles,
structures, units and technologies. Players can go at it solo by advancing
through increasingly tough missions, with offensive and defensive missions (and
more naval battles than in past games), or for the first time in the series
engage in co-operative play by connecting with a friend online or choosing an
A.I. co-commander to help tag-team your war efforts. Command & Conquer
Red Alert 3 also includes the standard non-story skirmish mode and
multiplayer matches for up to six players.