Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3

true Name: Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3 -  Ultimate Edition Genre: Real-Time-Strategy Platform: Windows PC, Xbox 360, PS3 (Reviewed on PS3) <a href="http://gamervision.com/contributed/1238777821xfFR6xxgX6.jpg"><img src="http://gamervision.com/contributed/1238777821xfFR6xxgX6.jpg" width="430" height="313"></a> It was said, after the delay of Red Alert 3 for the PlayStation 3, that Sony fans would be getting something special for their wait. Technically this isn't untrue, but the name "Ultimate Edition" is a bit misleading. An insert in the case has a list of enhancments in this edition, but most of the bullet points come in the form of two to three minutes videos. Other features, such as the inclusion of a few new skirmish maps, are a welcome addition, but don't really do much to enhance the game, much less make the PlayStation 3 version "Ultimate" in any sense of the word. What it does do, however, is provide a smoother experience than the other console offerings, and while it definitely struggles to catch up to the PC version it emerges as one of the better console RTS experiences. The campaign begins as Russian generals go back in time to assassinate Albert Einstein in hopes of stunting the U.S.A.’s technological prowess. When they return to the present, the world has changed dramatically – the USSR is cleaning up the remnants of the Allied Forces. The Empire of the Rising Sun, a faction that didn’t exist before the space-time-continuum hijinks, has built up an army and declared war on the Russians. The three different factions all have their own campaigns, and the story is brilliant in its cheesiness.EA broke the bank by hiring over a dozen B-list Hollywood talents to act in the game, including the luscious Jenny McCarthy as Tanya, Tim Curry as Premier Cherdenko, George Takei as Emperor Yoshiro, and plenty of more Easter Eggs that will have gamers giggling with joy. The cut scenes are always funny, under-produced, and undeniably Red Alert. All of the characters hit their marks, and EA even went as far as to include clips of the enemy generals throughout the campaign as they are encountered.  <a href="http://gamervision.com/contributed/1238777918ErqaWEvMLh.jpg"><img src="http://gamervision.com/contributed/1238777918ErqaWEvMLh.jpg" width="430" height="313"></a> The campaign missions are entertaining, albeit a little repetitive. Players are tasked with either destroying an enemy base or defending an area, both of which are generally entertaining given you enjoy the gameplay mechanics. Both online and off, players are joined by an allied general. If AI controlled, they will generally hold their own and follow any orders given. For the first time in the series’ history, however, there’s also the option to connect with a friend to play through these missions cooperatively. It's a bit of a hassle to connect with friends through the PSN, but if you're able to, the trouble is worth it. Red Alert 3’s gameplay isn’t far removed from its predecessors', allowing players to create massive armies across the land, sea, and sky. There is more of a focus on navy this time around; most buildings can be contracted offshore, and the “Amphibious” modifier can be applied to many ground units. Engineers, some tanks, and most commando units can swim, necessitating base layout and defense more and giving some units a leg up over others. It isn’t a rock-paper-scissors mechanic (navy beats ground, air beats navy, ground beats air), and the different units all have their own uses. Controls, which have been an issue for nearly every console RTS, are formatted fairly well for the PlayStation 3's controller. Unlike Halo Wars, which was built from the ground up for consoles, Red Alert 3 was a PC game, first and foremost, so the transition wasn't perfect. Even so, it's far from a disaster, and most people shouldn't have much of a problem getting familiarized with them, as long as they aren't used to playing RTS on PCs.  <a href="http://gamervision.com/contributed/1238776556pATXs3V4RL.jpg"><img src="http://gamervision.com/contributed/1238776556pATXs3V4RL.jpg" width="430" height="313"></a> The three factions have plenty of differences to keep players changing strategy depending on their opponent. Simple things like the speed at which buildings are created and the means of placing them differs between the three in large ways, and creates a dynamic not seen in most strategy games. The units themselves, although obviously cosmetically different, serve similar purposes. An Allied and Russian generic soldier will do different damage and have different amounts of health, but they are both used as grunts and cannon fodder. The addition of the Empire of the Rising Sun helps add needed variation to the series, which was close to becoming old hat, and serves as a clichéd and satirical representation of the Far East, just as the flag waving patriotic Alliance lampoons the Americans, and the oppressive Soviets are a parody of themselves. Graphically, the game is fantastic, with pseudo cel-shaded graphics and great water effects. It feels like the naval focus of the title was simply added to make characters spend more time watching the waves crash against the sides of boats, appreciating that sunken ships remain underwater, destroyed yet visible. In beautiful high-definition, the PlayStation 3 version takes advantage of the console's power in many ways, reducing some framerate issues that bogged down the Xbox 360 port. There are still some slowdowns from time to time, and when a console is able to produce games like Killzone 2 it would seem like it shouldn't be an issue, but it usually doesn't get in the way of the gameplay. <a href="http://gamervision.com/contributed/1238778097cytPRdYEre.jpg"><img src="http://gamervision.com/contributed/1238778097cytPRdYEre.jpg" width="430" height="313"></a> Multiplayer, which is where most players will spend a large portion of their time, is well balanced and engaging. There’s nothing here that is new to the series, save for the additions to the gameplay, and, just as always, the multiplayer is an excuse to continue playing the game for months to come. Whether it’s competing at a high level, attempting to find the fastest way to demolish an enemy, building up defenses and launching aerial attacks, or simply connecting with a friend and trying to take on a challenging opponent, the different multiplayer maps should keep fans happy. There isn’t a huge amount of variety, and some innovation in terms of level design wouldn’t have hurt, but there are still many a fun time to be had. Red Alert 3 never, even for a moment, takes itself seriously. The developers at EA had no problem giving the USSR the ability to train bears and a transport vehicle that shoots units into the sky, begging players to create an armada of parachuting grizzly warriors. It takes advantage of this foolishness by adding in asinine soldiers wielding shrink rays, robotic dragonflies, and attack dolphins, all the while reminding players that the game is meant to be fun. Though it has its silly side, and the side is definitely prevalent, the game is well balanced and has a good amount of depth that should keep fans of the series happy. It's no Sins of a Solar Empire, and hell, it might not be as good as Halo Wars, but you can’t go wrong with the 101st Ursine Airborne. <img src="/contributed/1195665389uiNQvqPuQd.jpg"> <img src="/contributed/1204908946PhJqwa60Wv.jpg" width="275" height="35"> <a href="http://www.gamerankings.com/"><img src="/contributed/12049090913D6uenyIJz.jpg" width="111" height="42"></a><a href="http://www.metacritic.com/games"><img src="/contributed/1204909164Gepk74pXtB.jpg" width="154" height="51"></a> Related Articles: <a href="/gamer/coop/news/article/c_amp_c3_takes_viral_shots_at_startrek_craft_wars/">C&C3 Takes Viral Shots at Startrek, Craft, Wars</a> <a href="/gamer/coop/news/article/red_alert_3_beta_key_with_kane_s_wrath/">Red Alert 3 Beta Key With Kane's Wrath</a> <a href="/gamer/coop/news/article/red_alert_3_announced_/">Red Alert 3 Announced!</a> review

2009-04-03T14:09:59-04:00

Name: Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3 -  Ultimate Edition Genre: Real-Time-Strategy Platform: Windows PC, Xbox 360, PS3 (Reviewed on PS3) <a href="http://gamervision.com/contributed/1238777821xfFR6xxgX6.jpg"><img src="http://gamervision.com/contributed/1238777821xfFR6xxgX6.jpg" width="430" height="313" /></a> It was said, after the delay of Red Alert 3 for the PlayStation 3, that Sony fans would be getting something special for their wait. Technically this isn't untrue, but the name "Ultimate Edition" is a bit misleading. An insert in the case has a list of enhancments in this edition, but most of the bullet points come in the form of two to three minutes videos. Other features, such as the inclusion of a few new skirmish maps, are a welcome addition, but don't really do much to enhance the game, much less make the PlayStation 3 version "Ultimate" in any sense of the word. What it does do, however, is provide a smoother experience than the other console offerings, and while it definitely struggles to catch up to the PC version it emerges as one of the better console RTS experiences. The campaign begins as Russian generals go back in time to assassinate Albert Einstein in hopes of stunting the U.S.A.’s technological prowess. When they return to the present, the world has changed dramatically – the USSR is cleaning up the remnants of the Allied Forces. The Empire of the Rising Sun, a faction that didn’t exist before the space-time-continuum hijinks, has built up an army and declared war on the Russians. The three different factions all have their own campaigns, and the story is brilliant in its cheesiness.EA broke the bank by hiring over a dozen B-list Hollywood talents to act in the game, including the luscious Jenny McCarthy as Tanya, Tim Curry as Premier Cherdenko, George Takei as Emperor Yoshiro, and plenty of more Easter Eggs that will have gamers giggling with joy. The cut scenes are always funny, under-produced, and undeniably Red Alert. All of the characters hit their marks, and EA even went as far as to include clips of the enemy generals throughout the campaign as they are encountered.

8681

1705

8119

2009-04-04T02:17:50-04:00

2009-04-03T14:09:59-04:00

11825

7.5

command_and_conquer_red_alert_3_ultimate_edition_ps3 published Ultimate Might be Stretching the Truth a Bit Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 - PlayStation 3

2009-04-04T02:17:50-04:00

328