Conquering the world has never been so much fun.
Red Alert 3 builds on the story and style left by Red Alert 2. Its story and gameplay, much like its predecessor, is fun, entertaining. Units as strange as the sonic disruptor armed dolphins and bears, and as unique as mecha airplanes are at the heart of this sturdy RTS game.
As expected the RA3 storyline is as corny and funny as the whole red alert universe is supposed to be. This time, the time traveling soviets have removed Einstein (who was integral in the past RA games), from the timeline to save their failing empire. When they return they find that they have gained the upper hand on their war with the Allies, but that a new faction was formed. The Empire of The Rising Sun. Other than this, the loss of Einstein also meant the loss of our beloved superweapons like the weather machine and the nuclear bomb.
The gameplay is classic red alert RTS. Centered on building structures from a single command center and advancing through the tech tree to get to the best units and detroying the enemies. The units are balanced by the standard rock, paper, scissors configurations with each unit, even the strongest one, has a weakness that can be exploited, if one uses the appropriate counter unit. Also available are support powers and superweapons that can truly upset the balance of the any fight.
The campaigns are great and can pose a great challenge on higher difficulties. The funny and amusing video sequences are filled with celebrities whose cheesy acting can make a geeks day. One would be surprised at the number of celebrities you would see on them (I will not say who they are as to not spoil your fun).
The only thing I didn't like while playing this game is the AI co-commander on the campaign missions. I appreciate how fun it can be to play with a human co-commander. But the AI is stupid at times and I would have wanted to go at it alone rather than have to think about a useless teamate.
This game may not be a classic, but it sure is a great and welcome addition to franchise that is. Get it if you can.
