Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 is a real-time strategy game developed by EA Los Angeles and published by Electronic Arts. It is the third installment in the Red Alert series, which is a spin-off of the popular Command & Conquer franchise.
Released in 2008, Red Alert 3 takes place in an alternate timeline where the Soviet Union and Allied forces continue their struggle for global domination. The game features a blend of military strategy, base-building, and unit management.
Facts
- Star-Studded Cast: Red Alert 3 features a star-studded cast for its live-action cutscenes, including actors such as Tim Curry, George Takei, J.K. Simmons, Jenny McCarthy, and more. The game’s humorous cutscenes became one of its defining features.
- Co-op Campaign: Red Alert 3 introduced a cooperative campaign mode, allowing players to team up with a friend and play through the game’s missions together, controlling their forces simultaneously.
- Naval Emphasis: The game puts a strong emphasis on naval warfare, introducing a wide array of naval units, including battleships, submarines, aircraft carriers, and amphibious units. Players can build bases on water and engage in large-scale naval battles.
- Three Playable Factions: Red Alert 3 features three playable factions, each with its unique units and playstyle. The Allies emphasize combined arms tactics, the Soviets focus on brute force and heavy armor, while the Empire of the Rising Sun utilizes advanced technology and sneaky strategies.
- Time-Traveling Storyline: Red Alert 3 incorporates a time-traveling storyline, where the actions of the factions in the past alter the events of the future. This leads to alternate historical events and twists in the game’s narrative.
- Commanders with Special Abilities: Each faction has powerful hero units called Commanders, who possess unique abilities and can turn the tide of battle. These Commanders add an extra layer of strategy and impact on the gameplay.
- Multiplayer Modes: The game offers various multiplayer modes, including one-on-one skirmishes, team-based battles, and even a cooperative multiplayer mode where players can team up against AI opponents.
- Vibrant and Colorful Graphics: Red Alert 3 features a vibrant and colorful art style, enhancing the game’s light-hearted and humorous atmosphere.
- Multi-Platform Release: Red Alert 3 was released on multiple platforms, including Windows PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3, allowing players to enjoy the game on their preferred platform.
- Expansion Pack: The game received an expansion pack called “Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 – Uprising.” It added a new campaign, new units, and new gameplay modes, further expanding the Red Alert 3 experience.
Gameplay Tips
- Expand and Secure Resources: Quickly establish additional bases and secure key resource points on the map. Gather resources efficiently to maintain a strong economy and support your military efforts.
- Balance Unit Production: Maintain a balanced mix of units to effectively counter your opponent’s forces. Consider utilizing units that have strengths against specific unit types to exploit weaknesses in your enemy’s composition.
- Embrace Naval Warfare: Take advantage of the game’s emphasis on naval combat. Build a strong naval fleet to control the seas, protect your shores, and launch amphibious assaults on enemy positions.
- Use Tactical Structures: Deploy tactical structures, such as Tesla Coils for the Soviets or Spectrum Towers for the Allies, to provide additional defense and deter enemy attacks. Position them strategically to cover key areas of your base.
- Utilize Special Abilities: Each faction has unique special abilities and powers. Make sure to use them effectively during battles to gain an advantage. Abilities like the Chronosphere, Iron Curtain, and Emperor’s Wrath can turn the tide of a battle in your favor.
- Team Up with Allies: In team matches or cooperative campaigns, coordinate with your allies to combine forces and launch coordinated attacks. Share resources, provide support, and cover each other’s weaknesses to overpower your opponents.
- Upgrade Units and Structures: Research upgrades for your units and structures to enhance their effectiveness. Prioritize upgrades that align with your preferred strategies and unit composition.
- Scout and Gather Information: Regularly scout the map to gather information about your opponent’s base, unit movements, and expansions. This knowledge will help you plan your attacks, counter their strategies, and exploit their weaknesses.
- Use Map Terrain to Your Advantage: Take advantage of the terrain on the map. Use natural barriers, high ground, and chokepoints to defend your base and create tactical advantages during battles.
- Employ Hit-and-Run Tactics: Use hit-and-run tactics to weaken enemy forces without committing to a full engagement. Take advantage of your faction’s hit-and-run units, such as Allied Jet Tengu or Soviet Terror Drones, to harass and disrupt your opponent.
Quotes
- “I’m so lonely, I could just die. But then who would play with my toys?” – Emperor Yoshiro (Empire of the Rising Sun faction)
- “The Allies have technology, but we have the force of will!” – Premier Anatoly Cherdenko (Soviet faction)
- “Peace through power!” – Premier Anatoly Cherdenko (Soviet faction)
- “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Shogun Battleship!” – Tatsu (Empire of the Rising Sun faction)
- “Time, as we know, it can be on our side.” – Dr. Zelinsky (Allied faction)
- “It’s a free world, you know. We can do what we want.” – Tanya (Allied faction)
- “Technology is for the weak!” – Natasha (Soviet faction)
- “You can’t deny there’s a certain… je ne sais quoi about a guy and a horse.” – Giles (Allied faction)
- “Now, we rise!” – Kenji (Empire of the Rising Sun faction)
- “Commander, you are the hope for our future!” – Allied Officer (Allied faction)
Game Controls
Mouse Controls:
- Left-Click: Select units, buildings, or objects on the screen.
- Right-Click: Issue commands such as moving units, attacking enemies, or constructing buildings.
- Middle Mouse Button: Rotate the camera view.
- Mouse Wheel: Zoom in and out of the game’s camera.
Keyboard Controls:
- WASD or Arrow Keys: Scroll the camera or move the cursor around the map.
- Spacebar: Centers the camera on the selected unit or group of units.
- Enter: Opens or closes the chat window.
- Tab: Cycle through selected units.
- Delete: Deletes the selected unit or structure.
- H: Selects all construction yards or shipyards.
- B: Opens the build menu to construct new buildings.
- M: Selects all military units.
- G: Selects all gatherable units (e.g., harvesters, miners).
- C: Centers the camera on the selected unit.
- F1-F4: Selects pre-set unit groups (if set up).
Game Characters
Allies Faction:
- President Howard T. Ackerman: The fictional president of the United States and the leader of the Allied faction.
- Commander Warren Fuller: The player character and commander of the Allied forces.
- Agent Tanya Adams: A skilled commando and field operative known for her daring missions and powerful weaponry.
Soviet Faction:
- Premier Anatoly Cherdenko: The leader of the Soviet Union and the main antagonist in the game.
- General Nikolai Krukov: A high-ranking Soviet officer who supports Cherdenko’s plans.
- Natasha Volkova: A deadly sniper and special forces operative loyal to the Soviet cause.
Empire of the Rising Sun Faction:
- Emperor Yoshiro: The enigmatic and traditionalist leader of the Empire of the Rising Sun, seeking to restore Japan to its former glory.
- Prince Tatsu: The emperor’s son and a key strategist for the Empire.
- Yuriko Omega: A psychic warrior with extraordinary abilities, used as a powerful weapon by the Empire.
Where to play
- Official Origin Store: You can visit the official Origin website or access it through the Origin client software to find and purchase Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3.
- Steam: Red Alert 3 is available for purchase and download on the Steam platform. Visit the Red Alert 3 store page on Steam if it is available there.
Walkthrough
