Command & Conquer: Alarmstufe Rot 3

So glad he joined the cast. Even to this day I watch the cinematics - such a fun fantasy narrative.

After a long hiatus, the Red Alert branch of the Command & Conquer series of games is back.

In keeping with the series's trademarks, the Allies and the Soviets are at it again, with well known units such as the attack dog and the Kirov bomber coming back to our screens.

However, this title takes a leaf (or a few) from other titles of the genre, such as Command & Conquer Generals ("General Points" and "General Abilities" mechanics, a third faction, Empire of the Rising Sun). Sea-faring units are back and greatly emphasized, as are the amphibian abilities of many units.

As seen from the multiplayer beta and various teaser trailers, the graphism is very much reminiscent of it's predecessor, Red Alert 2, but the graphics quality is cutting edge, taking full advantage of current High Defenition technology.

The storyline is yet largely undivulged, but promises to be as compelling as any in the series, and, naturally, narrated in several live-action sequences acted out by a star-studded cast.

A must have title for series buffs, genre enthusiasts and casual players alike.

I just thought to post a review in light of what's going on in the world right now. As tragically perceptive as this game was, it was just a supreme piece of film. The soundtrack and humour blended with drama were fantastic.

This is a really good sequel to the original Red Alert 2, highly enjoyable in every sense of the term even if it's not particularly difficult, at least if played at medium difficulty like I did. It perfectly recaptures the cheesiness of that one, meaning like in Red Alert 2 don't expect any meaningful plotline or grittyness of any kind (?) because you won't find them like you didn't find them in the original Westwood games. What you will find here in turn are improvements to the formula of those, in particular concerning the addition of water-based mechanics and a new awesome faction that even the developers must have seen as such themselves because it has the most interesting toys of all the three, particularly the awesome sukeban girl/psychic pilot of mechas (Tekkoku Mikazuki I'm looking at you)/commander Yuriko Omega. And, being myself an Otaku, I have no problems with it whatsoever. Oh, did I mention the high-quality videos sporting beautiful ladies in sexy attires? Those are a superipergigawelcome addition too. All in all, highly recommended, especially if you're an old Red Alert 2 fan and you've never tried it before because of the DRM stuff when it was originally released (in short, if you're like me).

P. S. This applies to the equally good expansion DLC, far more entertaining and well written - particularly the solo missions focused on Yuriko Omega - than stuff like SC Brood War and The Frozen Throne by a mile (change in the attire of the lovely Eva McKenna permitted).

To be perfectly honest, I miss the days of red alert one and two. The franchise really took a different turn with this final installment. The characters weren't as gritty as they were before and the thread of the storyline didn't seem to go anywhere.

In saying this, the soundtrack was pretty awesome. The game itself was pretty playable. The new Rising Sun faction just aren't as interesting to watch and this storyline takes away the authenticity of Red Alert. What ever happened to the mind controlling Soviet characters like the one played by Udo Kier in the second installment?! Anyhow. Not a bad play, not great either. 6/10..