Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3
Preview
Once more into the unknown territory of an alternate history
by Sergio Brinkhuis
previewed on PC
Wet feet
The Soviet Stingray isn’t the only amphibious vehicle in the game. Quite a few units will be able to make a quick transition from land to water. In Red Alert 2, small water skirmishes did occasionally occur but these pale in comparison to what Electronic Arts has in mind for Red Alert 3. Commanders that are worried about getting their feet wet will be sorely taxed this time around. Naval warfare will play a major role on many maps. As a general rule, amphibious vehicles will be a tad less powerful, making up for their increased flexibility. It is up to the player to decide to either invest in one large versatile army, several small but highly specialized task forces, or a combination of the two.
Most buildings that can be built on land will have water counterparts, enabling full blown bases to be built offshore. To this end, the MCV has been redesigned so that it can travel on water as well as on land. Even the Engineer is able to take to the high seas, blowing up a rubber dinghy to keep himself dry. When units move out of their primary element however, their statistics change, often lowering their attack and defense ratings.
Combat comrades
Games in the series are known for their excellent single player campaigns. Splendid storylines, sudden plot twists and dangerous looking babes spicing up the cut scenes have won the hearts of many a strategy fan. Its lasting popularity however, comes from its fast paced multiplayer action, still captivating gamers eight years after its previous installment. It is unlikely that Electronic Arts will tinker around with the multiplayer formula very much, but they are introducing a new co-op multiplayer mode that will surely be welcomed by many. Players can team up and go through the campaign mode fighting on the same side. If none of your friends are available, it is possible to recruit an AI-controlled character to your cause as your sidekick.
No matter what mode you play in, everything looks gorgeously lush. An improved version of the same engine that was used for Tiberium Wars will be powering Red Alert 3, and we have very little to complain about the graphics that it churned out. Unit animation is rich in detail when moving and even when dying. Gun turrets, wheel tracks, everything moves, rattles and rotates. Every unit casts its own life-like shadow onto the ground below and it is quite a sight to see large battleships break up into pieces and sink to the bottom of the ocean. Does the game look realistic? Certainly not, and that’s exactly how we want it. Realism is soooo 2007.
Balancing act
Bringing a new faction to the table opens up a world of new possibilities for both the player and the developers. Obviously it also poses some balancing issues, especially since many units in the army of the Empire of the Rising Sun are able to transform and perform a different role.
I am confident that Electronic Arts will be able to tackle this issue and deliver a convincing new faction, offering more divers gameplay than ever before. Fans of the series should mark October 15th in their calendars. On that day they can once again test their mettle against their favorite Red Alert adversaries.
