Red Alert 3 is a sensational alternate universe where strategy meets comedy.
Westwood, previously a division of Electronic Arts was closed in 2003 by their parent company, then transformed in EA Los Angeles. While the name is gone, the same great ideas and ordeals are transplanted in Red Alert 3. From armor-clad war bears and Tesla power wielding troopers, to zany Gundam-like planes and giant samurai robots, Red Alert 3 doesn't take itself a least bit seriously. Fortunately, this is what has made the series such a blast before, and this third installment is no different.
Following Red Alert 2, the Soviet's are on the verge of defeat. In an act of desperation a pair of Russian leaders and a scientist travel back in time to kill Albert Einstein, the man who gave the Allies the upper hand. Interrupting the "Space Time Continuum" as the scientist put it, the death of Einstein changed the events of history completely. The Allies had now become on the brink of defeat. With this act, unforeseen events brought a new enemy in the mix, The Empire of the Rising Sun to strike at their enemies while they're weak and to claim world domination for Japan.
This fantastical over-the-top story is illustrated in live-action with the largest Hollywood actor list in any video game. Tim Curry as the Russian Premier, J.K. Simmons as the anti-communist American president, and George Takei as the Empire's emperor to name a few. These campy acting scenes complement the well written campaigns. Skimpy clothing, bad accents and some great humor gives Red Alert 3 a real atmosphere.
All three factions - Soviets, Allies, and Imperial are all fun to play. Though not dramatically in contrast, all armies are different enough to feel fresh. The Soviets retain their traditional heavy unit focal points; Apocalypse tanks and Kirov airships being some of the most powerful units in the game. The Allies maintain their air superiority with impressive bombers. The new Empire specializes on versatility, with many Manga inspired units and characters.
Resource gathering has been redone. Gone are the gem fields, replaced by ore mines. This method is certainly a step away from the franchise, as it's only suitable to have one ore miner per source. However, it's certainly a relief not needing to keep a constant eye on the gatherers. Another notable change is one similar to the ones present in Command & Conquer 3, special abilities. This skill tree unlocks unit upgrades, and defense crippling bombardments as players surge through matches.
Red Alert 3 offers several unique changes from its predecessors. Bases can now be built on waters, and a large number of units are amphibious likewise. This really changes how bases need to be defended. The greatest addition is perhaps the cooperative play. Surprisingly never done before, every campaign mission; albeit Soviet, Ally, or Empirical are completely cooperative. Along with the coop, the standard multiplayer is present; appropriately fast paced and visceral.
Red Alert 3 cannot be accused of not being colorful or bright enough, but there is one problem that is present in all Command & Conquer games, the inability to zoom in or out in any meaningful way. With a few scant problems aside, Red Alert 3 is one of the most polished and well balanced Real-time-strategies to be released. With the great new faction, innovative cooperative play, and intense action overall, Red Alert 3 is easily worth the anticipation and the wait.